Page:Ling-Nam; or, Interior views of southern China, including explorations in the hitherto untraversed island of Hainan (IA cu31924023225307).pdf/156

 152 Ling-Nan.

were performing their genuflections, offering incense, and sounding the bell and drum, evidently with the design of putting their patron deities on the alert to counteract, any evil schemes we might have on foot. There are several smaller caves in the adjacent hills, and report places a large one in this vicinity, but its exact location is a matter of doubt. There are remains of ancient mining operations made in search of precious metals in these hills, and the people declare them to be stored with rich treasures, which fear of disturbing the geomantic equilibrium prevents them from making any effort to secure,

After traversing this plain by boat or on foot, we come to the “Seven Li” Pass, which lies directly north and south, Its name indicates its length, and the deep, placid water flows through it with scarcely a tipple on its surface, until its stream divides a short distance below, at the head of a small island, and falls noisily over the pebbly descent of some rapids. The walls of this pass are composed of mound-like hills, without trees or shrubs, brown and barren in the autumn and winter, but beauti- fully green in spring and summer, when they look like great emerald cushions, soft. and inviting.

Emerging from thie pass, we enter another broad plain which centres around the large town of Hom-kwong, whose towers appear in sight soon after we pass the little market village of U-tsui. As the boat comes opposite the town, we find further progress barred by a bridge of boats, chained together and stretching across the stream. The bridge is in aid of the Custom House, and prevents the passage of boats up or down until an examination has