Page:Ling-Nam; or, Interior views of southern China, including explorations in the hitherto untraversed island of Hainan (IA cu31924023225307).pdf/167

 The Gorges of the Lien-Chow River. 163

rocky and often inaccessible sides covered with verdure. Their variety is astonishing; no two are alike, but. all are striking. In the valley of this stream, near the village of U-shui, is a cave of the same name, which is remarkable for its depth, and the lake of crystalline water at the entrance. The over-land courier route from Cauton, by way of Shek-kok and Tsing-iin, passes down this stream, the journey from Canton to this point being accomplished in four days, and the remainder of the journey to Lien-chow in two.

On the opposite side of the river, beyond the stretch of level fields, several peaks rise abruptly to a great. height, between two of which is a ravine with a rocky path leading to an opening between the cliffs, the gate- way into the region beyond. Reaching this level space at a height of several hundred feet, the view to the south is most fascinating. The whole Tsat-kung valley lies before us, with its crowded peaks, showing their wondrous variety of shape and colour. Turning to the north, there lies at our feet a small circular valley, a gem of its kind; a lake of verdure set like a jewel in the rocky bosom of the hills. Following the path up still higher, we come to a series of fortified valleys, rough and pic- turesque, and inaccessible enough for protection against any number of assailants. For some distance now the hills do not approach so near the river. We pass by numerous villages surrounded by fruitful fields and immense waterwheels, each furnished with a eirele of bamboo cups, by which the water is turned into a trough, and thence conducted into the fields beyond. The rapids become more frequent, and are designated by