Page:Ling-Nam; or, Interior views of southern China, including explorations in the hitherto untraversed island of Hainan (IA cu31924023225307).pdf/126

 122 Ling-Nam.

mighty convulsion, the river flows in a deep, narrow course, Approaching the place from the south, the “Seven Star” hills are first passed, then the rising cliffs on either side, and soon we are between the Jofty walls of a magnificent mountain gorge. Fleets of small’ fishing- boats lie off the little town of Pak-min, and not in- frequently craft, of another kind, in which bands of robbers dart. out in the darkness and pounce upon boats in the narrow gorge where no help is near. -The narrow defile is six miles long, and is in the form of a semi-circle. The hills at either end are mostly bare, but in the middle section, on both sides of the river, they are well covered with trees.

On the north side a series of Buddhist’ monasteries rise one above another in the midst of a splendid thickly- -wooded ravine. One cannot but admire the taste of the Buddhist reeluses who select the most charming spots for their retreats,

Where Nature's skilful hand Has woven leafy screens, Their shrines and cloisters stand.”
 * Midst fairest mountain scenes,

The groves of Fi-loy-tsz are a never-ceasing delight, and are well known throughout the province. The picturesque glen, down which the cascade leaps, the pool at its foot, where the children delight to play, the cool, sweet water praised by every visitor, the deep groves and shady paths leading to the upper heights, the cool retreats, with mossy seats, and quiet nooks where tired nerves may rest undisturbed, the wealth of flowering plants that cover the hills with their mantle of brilliant