IN THE LAND OF THE BORA. 01 



towering above. That on the left or town bank 

 is driveable for some seven or eight miles, and is 

 to be continued to connect with the central road 

 system and so on to the Herzegovina. The pass is 

 some half-mile long, and the river valley opens out, 

 green and smiling, beyond it. Needless to say, 

 we explored them both. At this time both, but 

 especially the nearer one to camp, were full all day 

 long of muleteers bringing down their pack-animals 

 loaded with skins full of new wine. These men 

 carry quaint little whips, suggestive of the Ameri- 

 can Indian's quirt, but with the short wooden 

 handle ornamented with brasswork. The thong 

 is attached to two or three links of chain, and the 

 whole thing, when not in use, is thrust into the 

 belt. 



The road on the north bank is never more than 

 a mule-track, and leaves the river directly the pass 

 is traversed. The other, however, is a fine road, 

 and evidently of quite recent construction — in its 

 present condition, at any rate. Unfortunately, it 

 leads nowhere, for, after following the river some 

 seven or eight miles, it suddenly degenerates into 

 a mere mule-track. This leads to Duare, of which 

 more anon. As I have just said, it is to be 

 continued some day. Just at present, what seems 

 to be more wanted is a bridge to carry the Spalatro 

 road into Almissa. There is a diligence twice a 

 day, but its journey ends at the river-side, and the 



