PREFACE

It is fitting that these chapters on “Chinese life” should take the form of a memorial volume to Mr. Grainger, for he was a man of methodical life and studious habits. ?During his first term of service when his mental powers were seemingly at their best,he laboured steadily on his“WESTERN MANDARIN”（西蜀方言）.These studies prepared his mind for a companion volume. Which he hoped to designate “WESTERN CUSTOMS” （西蜀風(fēng)俗）.For various reasons this volume never matured, but the chapters embodied in this book, and herewith given to the public, are the outcome of this early inspiration ; and though, like the years of his life, they are incomplete, they represent the assiduous research of many years, and much painstaking labour to have them compiled and presented in their present form. The chapter on foodstuffs alone is well worth the price of the whole volume,and will no doubt prove of great value to all who have to purvey for large establishments or attend to the more delicate cuisine duties of the home.

While we are happy to present these pages to the public, it is with the regret that it is only a scanty portion of the knowledge he possessed, and it will be regretted by many?that his peculiar knowledge of Chinese botanical subjects was not put into writing and reproduced for the benefit of the younger generations of missionaries.

It is therefore with great pleasure that we recommend this little book to the careful study of all interested in Chinese life and things.

China Inland Mission,

Chengtu,

Oct. 24th, 1921.?

JAMES HUTSON.