Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 24/03/1905 (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
1 letter, 4 sheets, 16 pages
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
Born in Falkirk in 1873, George Forrest became one of Scotland's most prolific plant collectors, conducting seven expeditions in Yunnan province, S.W. China between 1904 and his death there in 1932.
Repository
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Letter donated by Forrest family via Eric Forrest
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Description of valley from Hsia Kuan [Xiaguan] to Shang Kuan [Shangguan] and city of Tali [Dali]. Hsia Kuan is a customs station and the most important business centre in Western Yunnan, with population of over 12,000, all of whom are engaged in trade; important centre of opium production, with some trade in Szechuanese, Cantonese and foreign goods; Litton advocates establishment of a Chinese agency at Hsia Kuan by some foreign firm. Tali plain narrow and fertile, densely populated mainly by Minchia people, very mixed with Chinese; description of their dress and customs, temple of the Goddess of Mercy and legend of the monster Yao Kwei. Principal officials and administration of city of Tali, its main buildings, walls towers and streets, insanitary conditions and prevalence of disease; population c.5,000; much of city in ruins following ‘the rebellion’ [Mohammedan [Muslim] rebellion]; rough sketch of earthen city wall with brick facing. Details of goods for sale include gold, some from Tibet but mainly obtained from the Yangtse.
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Script of material
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Allied materials area
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Notes area
Note
It should be noted that the catalogue descriptions, summaries and letters may contain sensitive subjects and Forrest’s language, spellings and attitudes which may be deemed offensive now.
Note
The story of the Goddess of Mercy from this letter has been summarised in the RBGE blog/Botanics Story (right click, open link in new tab) https://stories.rbge.org.uk/archives/23138
Alternative identifier(s)
Access points
Subject access points
Place access points
Name access points
- Forrest, Clementina (Subject)
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Description control area
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Archivist's note
The Forrest correspondence collection summary has been provided by library volunteer Pauline Maclean.