130 A NATURALIST IN WESTERN CHINA 



through country sparsely peopled with Sifans, and connects with 

 the Mao Chou — Sungpan highway a few miles below Sungpan 

 Ting. The road we followed crosses the left affluent of the 

 Fou River by means of an iron suspension bridge 24 yards long, 

 erected immediately above the union of the two streams. A 

 few li beyond this place the road plunges into a wild gorge. 

 The scenery is wonderful. Limestone cliffs clad with vege- 

 tation rear themselves 1000 to 2000 feet above the torrent 

 which hereabouts rushes headlong over huge rocks. Wherever 

 possible, maize is cultivated on the slopes and rice in the bottom- 

 lands. We crossed to the right bank by a covered wooden 

 bridge just below a place where landslips have produced a 

 series of cataracts. About 3 li below Hsao-ho-ying the gorge 

 suddenly opens out, leaving room for a small circular valley, in 

 the middle of which the walled village above named is situated. 

 Viewed from this point where there is an old gateway, the 

 village presents a charming picture of peace and plenty 

 locked in by precipitous mountains. On entering the village, 

 however, one is quickly disillusioned. Abject poverty is only 

 too apparent. The one main street is broad, flanked by more 

 or less ruined houses, with much of the land within the walls 

 given over to maize plats. The people are in keeping with 

 their dilapidated smToundings. 



Hsao-ho-ying, alt. 5300 feet, signifies " Camp on the Small 

 River." It is an ancient garrison village. Eighty years ago 

 some 700 soldiers were quartered here. This number was 

 speedily reduced as the surrounding country was conquered. 

 To-day the garrison is put down at 40 men, but it is doubtful if 

 even this number remains. Three yamens belonging to mihtary 

 officials of low rank are the only respectable buildings in the 

 place. 



At Shui-ching-pu we were assured we could exchange 

 silver at Hsao-ho-ying. This proved a fable and landed us 

 in an awkward dilemma. However, " Mo-li-to " {Fata viam 

 invenient), as the locals have it ! 



The flora of the day's journey was not particularly rich, 

 though we passed many plants of interest. Around Hsao- 

 ho-ying, the Walnut {Juglans regia), Varnish {Rhus veYuiciflua) , 

 Poplar, Apple, Pear, Plum, Peach, and Tu-chung {Eucommia 



