Page:Ling-Nam; or, Interior views of southern China, including explorations in the hitherto untraversed island of Hainan (IA cu31924023225307).pdf/199

 cli the Headwaters. [95

are found in many of the hills. The river in many places is lined with trees, quite different from those familiar to the eye along the more southern streams. Broad stretches of white-bloomed feathery grass bend before the wind in billows of silver, presenting a most enchanting picture. Tall mountains on either side, fields of golden grain, villages with white-washed houses appear, each adding some peculiar charm to the scene. In several places the river flows under the ledge of over-hanging cliffs, whose white rocky walls tower for hundreds of feet above us, with many crannies for the birds.

One of the first objects to attract the attention a few miles from the mouth of the stream is a large temple erected in front of a deep cavern, called the Cave of the Dragon. The formation of the walls and roof of this cave are very striking, grotesque forms in dull-grey colours, and white glistening shapes of great variety. Many chambers lead off in various directions, but an accumulation of water prevented any extended explora- tion. Approaching the end of this first section, we come to the plain of Shek-kok, which opens a fine anaapent to the west, the market town being near the river. The. entrance to this plain is marked by a lofty peak in the shape of a half-dome rising behind the town, conspicuous among its fellows for many miles around. At its|base are smaller hills, low bluffs with craggy sides, and filled with caves. Several of these open toward the road that leads up from the river, their dark mouths showing the way to unexplored interiors. Shek-kok is a very small market town, with only one street, and no business except on market days. Thirty or forty of the Iu people may be