Page:Ling-Nam; or, Interior views of southern China, including explorations in the hitherto untraversed island of Hainan (IA cu31924023225307).pdf/169

 The Gorges of the Lien-Chow River. 165

distance onward the bed of the river is filled with large boulders that are rather dangerous to navigation. One of these presents itself as we enter the pass, and from a half-fanciful resemblance is called the “ Dragon Head” rock. On the left a group of lofty peaks lift their heads into the clouds, among which is one of striking appear- auce, that has attracted the eye fora long distance. It isa double mountain, rising grand and symmetrical, its two divisions well defined, and partly separated by a shallow ravine; about one hundred feet from the top it parts asunder, ending in two dome-shaped peaks, which suggest the name of “Double Dome.” Its stately grandeur is often veiled by clouds that hang in fleecy eurtains down its sombre sides, affording only momentary glimpses to the admiring beholder. Above the pass for several miles the hills on both sides are high, rocky, and precipitous, and the land fit for cultivation very limited. Groves of wild camellias appear on the lower hills.

After passing the “ Blackbird” and the “ Dog Tooth” rapids, we come in full view of the opening of the great eave, of which we have had occasional glimpses for several miles. This cave is one of the great wonders of the river, surpassing in the splendour and beauty of its architecture anything of the kind yet found in the province. The distance to it from the river is about half a mile, the latter part being a steep climb of several hundred feet up the side of the mountain. The mouth of the cave is partly obscured by reeds and bushes, and as we stand before it, the first impression is that of a black and dungeon-like cavern, from which blasts of moist, cold