In the absence of an official census, we can only select the most reliable evidence to be had on the subject.

J. Dudgeon, Esq., M.D., C.M., of the Peking Mission Hospital, estimates that of the male population in China generally, probably 30 to 40 per cent. smoke opium; of the general city population, 40 to 60 per cent.

The former of these statements is perhaps rather excessive, seeing that the same authority gives the number of agriculturists and field labourers as averaging only 4 to 6 per cent.

Of the city population we have from various quarters more minute estimates to guide us.

Taking three important cities from various parts of the country, we find that the number of opium-smokers does in each case exceed the estimate given by Dr. Dudgeon.

I.—Suchow, the capital of the province of Kiang Su. The Rev. C. H. Du Bose, a resident missionary, writes:—“As a minimum estimate, seven-tenths of the adult males smoke opium. To this fact all of the natives you ask will attest.”

2.—Ningpo, a city of 400,000 inhabitants in the province of Chekiang.

“It contains 2,700 opium-shops, or a shop for every 148 inhabitants, or every thirty men.”

(v. Mander’s “Our Opium Trade with China,” p. 8.)

3.—Tai Yuen, the capital of the province of Shansi. A resident missionary writes:—

“It is estimated that six or seven out of every ten men you meet are addicted to the habit of opium-smoking, and a larger proportion of women than I have seen in any other city. There are about 400 retail opium-shops, and seventy or eighty wholesale dealers.”

It is probable that these cities exceed the average number of opium-smokers throughout the city population in China; indeed, had not the number been extraordinary, the estimate would probably not have been made, but if the number be reduced by one-half, we have still 30 per cent. of the city population throughout China—in other words, some tens of millions—who are the slaves of the opium-pipe.