Page:Mongolia, the Tangut country, and the solitudes of northern Tibet vol 1 (1876).djvu/251

 arrived at the ferry of Lang-hwaisa, where we intended crossing the river.

Flat-bottomed barges, 28 feet long by 14 broad, serve to transport man and beast to the opposite bank. Their sides are three feet high, so that in the absence of a landing-stage all animals, including camels, have to climb over as best they may.

We had first to settle with the ferrymen about payment, and after a long dispute the price of 4,000 cash (about 12s.) was agreed upon. The camels were first unloaded, and all the baggage placed in the boat, the horses were then led on, and lastly the camels, but these brutes gave us great trouble from their timidity and natural aversion to water. Ten Chinese pushed from behind, while others pulled tackle attached to the fore-legs of the animals, and working through pulleys. At last, despite their resistance, they were forced on board, made to lie down, and tied to prevent their moving during the crossing.

After two hours' hard work our caravan was packed into the barge, and we were towed about a mile up the river with ropes, and then allowed to drift down with the current, as the rowers plied their oars towards the opposite bank. Here everything was very soon unloaded, and we entered Ordos.