Page:Ling-Nam; or, Interior views of southern China, including explorations in the hitherto untraversed island of Hainan (IA cu31924023225307).pdf/190

 186 Ling-Nam.

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"earrings and necklets. They have great physical strength, and carry immense burdens. These remarks describe those I have seen in Sam-kong, and other market towns. Further particulars from other sources will be given below; meanwhile we proceed up the river.

From Sam-kong to Lien-shan, the read, which is one of the very best. to be found in the province, follows the course of the river, and leads the traveller through one of the grandest of mountain passes, a veritable bit of the Alps transferred to Chinese territory. The mountains rise in stately grandeur on either side, majestic and awe- inspirmg. They are mostly covered with verdure, and present a great variety of floral treasures, among which new species and even new genera may be found. After about twelve miles’ travel through this magnificent gorge Lien-shan is reached, beyond which the scenery is less romantic, as the road continues in the direction of Kwong-si, which may be reached in two days’ further travel. lLien-shan is a military station, established for the special purpose of holding the Iu people in restraint. The territory of these people is forbidden ground to the foreigner. In our passport a special clause is added, dis- tinctly stating that we must not venture into their country, and the authorities of Lien-chow and Lien-shan take special care to see that these restrictions are carried out, Such difficulties only increase the desire to see and know more of them.

Their little territory has quite a fascinating interest, especially to those who delight in ethnology. It is difficult to obtain reliable accounts of their history or descent. The meagre notices we get from Chinese