FERRY ACROSS THE HOANG-HO. 179 



arrived at the ferry of Lang-hwaisa, where we in- 

 tended 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 I2J-.) was agreed upon. The camels 

 w^ere first unloaded, and all the baggage placed in 

 the boat, the horses were then led on, and lastly the 

 camels, but these brutes orave us orreat trouble from 



о о 



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 

 crossinof. 



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 every- 

 thing was very soon unloaded, and луе entered 

 Ordos. 



