Page:Ling-Nam; or, Interior views of southern China, including explorations in the hitherto untraversed island of Hainan (IA cu31924023225307).pdf/142

 138 Ling-Nam.

caught in nets and destroyed. In September of 1841, jast at dark, there appeared in the sky something fiery red, with a head in the shape of a large sieve, and a tail seventy feet long. It passed from north to south, and disappeared with a succession of several severe explosions resembling heavy thunder. It was probably a meteor. In 1859 and 1862 comets were seen in the north-west. Several earthquakes are recorded, and some frightful hailstorms; one in 1873, in which the stones, described as being as large as rice bowls, broke roofs and damaged crops to an alarming extent. In 1673 small-pox carried off thousands of people, and in 1821 a plague of virulent form desolated several counties.

As we ascend the North River above Shiu-kwan naviga- tion is much impeded by rapids. About midway between this city and Lok-cheung we come to the Yeung-kai stream, which flows out from a valley of unusual attraction. Leaving the open country the traveller is soon in the midst of a magnificent gorge, where the high walls almost shut out the sun. The lofty mountains, clothed in many places with rich vegetation, the solitary stream, murmur- ing as it flows down, the cool shadows and great variety of plants which the fertile loam’and moist, atmosphere pro- duce, form most impressive surroundings. Boats cannot ascend the stream, and the footpath along its course is often precarious. No accommodation for the night can be found, so that beyond a day’s excursion nothing has yet been done to explore this valley. It promises rich returns to the lover of nature, and will not only reward him with inspiring mountain scenes, but in the beauties of its floral treasures will delight his heart, and if he be a practica]