FROM TOXKIN TO INDIA 



The next day, the iith (November), we pursued a rough track 

 up the left bank of the Nam Tsam, again at risk of neck and 

 hmb, and towards eveninof arrived at a kiroe fish-dam. Tree 

 trunks and bamboos were lashed together two and two between 

 the rocks in mid -stream, and from this barrier depended 

 a valance of trellis embedded in pebble heaps in the water. 

 From the centre of the weir a channel staked by bamboos 

 extended down stream, and at its extremity the apparatus 

 for catching the fish was set at night. We profited by the 

 bridge thus offered to cross the river, but it took us half an 

 hour to effect a passage sitting astride the narrow causeway 

 and working ourselves along by our hands. The owners of the 

 dam, whom we found under a leafy hut on the other side, exhibited 

 new traits ; their features small, almost effeminate, eyes pro- 

 minent, forehead convex, mouth projecting, and complexion olive- 

 coloured. They wore a white turban which half hid their hair- 

 knot. Although they called themselves Kioutses, they showed 

 more affinity to the new races we were nearing in the iNIoam 

 district. The material of their vesture, no less than their red 

 and blue leather wallets and copper pipes, undoubtedly came 

 from there. Their huts, too, were of a novel shape, like cradles 

 set on end. 



These fishermen gave us a good reception and some directions. 

 They reckoned the number of days upon their hands ; four by an 

 open hand with thumb shut to palm, five by joining the finger tips. 

 We all excited their astonishment ; but Sao puzzled them most, 

 because his mode of coiffure resembled their own. 



Signs were not lacking now of an approach to a hotter climate. 



A tiger paid us a nocturnal visit ; at another time our march was 



harassed by most malevolent wasps ; and one morning we were 



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