Having thus discussed the Mercantile and Missionary sections of the foreign communities in China, it only remains to say a word or two respecting the other classes of foreign residents alluded to, namely, the vagrants and the Consular and Custom House authorities.

The vagrant or destitute foreigners consist chiefly of deserters from ships, and mechanics who have failed in the attempt to establish themselves, or who, having established themselves in a small way, live a sort of hand-to-mouth existence upon the wants of the seafaring men resorting to the port. This class happily is not numerous, but it is worthy of notice as being a fruitful occasion of misunderstanding with the Chinese authorities, owing to their reckless and aggressive bearing towards the natives. The foreign authorities have to keep them under strict surveillance and check, and at times to proceed to the extremity of deporting them from the country, for which purpose, in the case of the British, special powers are given by local ordinances. At Shanghae a refuge has been instituted by voluntary contribution and with Consular co-operation, and it is calculated to do much good in ridding society of this dangerous class.