Miscellanies. 195 
These bridges are constructed of stone piers with slabs of stone laid 
from pier to pier, some extending over a space of 25 feet and up- 
wards, and others being from 15 to 20 feet span. As the length of 
this bridge cannot be less than three quarters of a mile, the whole is 
very striking as a work of great labor, if not exhibiting either much 
skill or beauty. We were informed by some boat people that we 
should not find water to carry us beyond the bridge, but observing 
some tall masts on the other side, we resolved on making the exper- 
iment, and pushing on as far as we could. It was almost dark when 
we passed under the bridge, and we had not proceeded far when we 
were again aground. ‘This, however, we attributed to our unac- 
quaintance with the channel, and as the tide floated us off, we con- 
tinued advancing, notwithstanding the warning of a friendly voice 
from the bridge, that entreated us to return to the town, promising 
us comfortable quarters, and a guide, &c. Being rather distrustful 
of the motives of this advice, however, we proceeded for some time 
longer, but at length found it impossible to proceed farther, the ebb 
biting at the same time commenced. We therefore spread an 
awning, and prepared to make ourselves as comfortable as possible 
for the night. The day had been the warmest we had experienced 
for a month past, but the night was very cold, and our boat, as may 
be imagined, far from commodious for so many people. At day- 
light, we found that there was not six inches of water in any part of 
the channel, and from the boat we stepped at once upon dry sand. 
The survey from the bank showed plainly that it would be impossi- 
ble to proceed any further by water. We accordingly prepared to 
march on foot, taking with us three lascars, who might relieve each 
other in carrying our cloak-bag of blankets and great coats, as well 
as some cold meat. We ordered the people to prepare a meal as 
fast as possible, intending to make a long stretch at first starting, and 
Mr. Nicholson was directed to remain in charge of the boat with five 
lascars, to move her down under the bridge on the return of the 
flood, and there to await our return for four or five days. Crowds 
of people now began to gather around the boat, moved by mere cu- 
riosity. Mr. Gutzlaff induced some of them to get ducks and fowls 
for the use of the boat’s crew, and strange to say, prevailed on one 
man to become our guide, and on two others to undertake to carry 
our baggage, as soon as we should be a little farther off from the 
town, and out of the way of observation.” 
