Page:Notes of a journey across the Isthmus of Krà.pdf/19

 to have a preference for, drawing blood almost immediately. They are a great nuisance when the hands are occupied with books and instruments. The latter spring about in all directions, and finding their way through any small hole in your clothes begin to feed at once. Six or eight of these indulging at one time form a treat not easy to be forgotten. Taa San is the best resting place in the jungle part of this track. It is a ventilated, shady spot, with a clear stream (the Tong Kaa) sparkling close by. Tigers are plentiful about here. On one occasion Mr. Bourgery somewhat incautiously wandered up the bed of the stream, bent on geological discovery, late in the afternoon, and could not find his way back again; night set in rapidly, as it always does in these dense jungles, and the loud roar of a tiger was heard close to him. After covering himself over with anything he found handiest, he remained quietly until day light relieved him from his terrible anxiety.

February 20th. After taking leave of our companions, I, along with Commandant Bellion, Mr. Schlüsseh and interpreter (Nai Soot) started at 6.52 a.m. for Chumpon and Bangkok. From the time of leaving I took careful aneroid readings every quarter of an hour, and compass bearings of each bend in the track; they numbered sixty-six to the Sala at the entrance of the jungle. This part of the track was uneven and tortuous in a high degree, and with the exception of three small openings on the way, was nothing but a compact assembly of various sized trees, through which, judging by their moss covered stems, and the musty atmosphere, I should think the wind never passed. We cleared this hilly jungle district, and reached the Sala at its entrance in the open at 12.43, this made five hours and twenty minutes without counting stoppages. The Tong Kaa was crossed several times on the journey to this point. After leaving the Sala we made rather an indirect course along open country, passing through patches of jungle, gardens, and paddy fields, until at length we arrived on the right bank of the Chumpon river, opposite the house of the Palat, or second Governor, at 3.35 p.m., making in all eight hours and twelve minutes on actual march. Here we left our elephants, and