Page:Ling-Nam; or, Interior views of southern China, including explorations in the hitherto untraversed island of Hainan (IA cu31924023225307).pdf/131

 Along the North River. i297

entrance, but descending toward the west until, on the opposite side, it is but fifteen feet high. It is about one hundred yards in extent, with a brook of clear water flowing through it, A dam at the eastern end forms a pool, in which are fish darting back and forth, one of which, of unusual size, is pointed out as a “fairy fish,” which no one is able to catch by hook, net, or basket. The road into the country beyond passes through this tunnel. The walls are covered with inscriptions, and to the right of the wide entrance is a little temple with a eave behind it. On the banks adjoining grow many flowers of a bright yellow hue, but unsavoury odour, which proved to he anew species here discovered for the first time, and described as Gomphostenuna insuave. Following the course of the little stream that flows out from the tunnel, we pass extensive limestone quarries, skirt the base of several fine cliffs that rise up from the river’s side, and come into the open country again below the city of Yingtak. This city is finely situated with high hills behind it, on which are many temples, while in front are broad plains, with limestone hills rising from them. On one of these below the city is a peculiar conical tower, specially constructed to bring good luck. Ying-tak has many interesting historical associations, For many years it was the seat of Govern- ment for this section of the province, and also the head- quarters of the Buddhists in past centuries. The Golden Dragon monastery is still in existence. The grave of Low-chung, a famous character, cousin or brother of the usurper Low-im, who set up the unrecognised dynasty of Nan-han in the confusion that ensued upon the fall of the