FROM TONKIN TO INDIA 



the fresh bearers, each with his wallet stocked with houann-niai, 

 a rock jjlant remedial in dysentery, of which we forthwith pur- 

 chased a supply. Altogether the column numbered nearly three- 

 score men. The river at this point was about 50 yards broad, 

 with traces of a rise of 40 feet in flood. The transference of 

 ourselves and chattels was accomplished without hitch ; we even 

 stopped to take a photograph in mid-air. 



Ill', 1 liiilU""*^ iiiiiil 1 1 1 



Bamboo Bndijc o\er Torrent, \allc) of the kiou-ki.ing. 



On the 15th (October) we kept down the right bank of the 

 Kiou-kiang, and the vegetation had changed. We were now 

 among large creepers bearing tempting red berries unfit to eat, 

 shrubs with a rosy blossom not unlike the hortensia, only scented, 

 fig-trees, plantains, elegant palms, and, in damp spots, clumps 



of fern 6 feet high. The river was low, and ran in a bed of 



274 



