every case, with the single exception of the frontispiece, reproductions of photographs taken by myself, and the map which accompanies volume i. has been specially prepared by Mr Edward Stanford under my own personal direction and supervision.
It would not be possible to make individual mention of all those to whom I am indebted for assistance and information. I should like, however, to place on record my gratitude to the large number of Japanese manufacturers who so courteously conducted me over their mills and workshops, as well as to many Japanese gentlemen—official and non-official—in the capital and elsewhere, for their kindly interest and hospitality. I was especially fortunate in being given the opportunity of discussing questions of public interest with Prince Ito and Count Okuma in Japan, and with his Excellency Yuan Shikai in China. To Sir Claud Macdonald, H.B.M. Ambassador at Tokyo, my thanks are especially due for the ready help which he accorded me in carrying out my investigations in Japan; and I am likewise indebted to Sir John Jordan, H.B.M. Minister at Peking, for an equal readiness to
