Page:Ling-Nam; or, Interior views of southern China, including explorations in the hitherto untraversed island of Hainan (IA cu31924023225307).pdf/105

 Teng-oo and the Marble Caves. 101

level plain, are of igneous formation, and were doubtless thrown up in this form by some volcanic action. They differ in composition from the rocks in the surrounding country. They are filled with jagged crevices and many large caves. Temples are built in various positions, some at the base, and others on rocky ledges far up the sides of the cliffs, rude stairways in the rock, and iron chains for support, being the only means of ascent. In one place the cave extends under the whole base of the cliff, forming a natural tunnel. It js filled with images of gods and heroes, and natural rock formations of great variety. In the loftiest chamber of the cave an image of the Goddess of Mercy has been chiselled out of the natural rock, and stands as though it had grown on the spot. Many of the credulous people believe the image to be a spontaneous outgrowth of the rock, no human hand having touched it, and stand in great awe of it in consequence. Beautiful birds, unseen before, of a dark, glossy-blue colour, find homes in the number- less crevices in the rocks. Marble utensils, and objects of manifold forms, are produced from the rocks here found.

The geological formation of this region is one of extreme interest. Besides these marble rocks, there are in the neighbourhood soap-stone quarries, from which materials of various colours—green, yellow, variegated— are produced. This stone is made into cups, plates, rings, images, and omaments of various kinds. In the adjoining district of Tung-on are large marble quarzies, from which fine slabs of superior grain are cut. Several monuments in the city of Canton are made of marble