WAN-HSIEN .83 



This is not the Indian species, as it sends down no 

 adventitious roots from its branches, but is a hand- 

 some tree with fohage resembling laurel, and is very- 

 useful from the shade it affords. 



All this part of Sze-chuen is very interesting, and is 

 highly cultivated, with a fair population, principally en- 

 gaged in farming. Anchored for the night just below 

 Wan-hsien, a town on the left bank. On the opposite 

 side are two conspicuous pagodas. The river here 

 takes a big bend to the S.S.W., and according to my 

 •estimate is about a mile wide. The town is half-way 

 between Icliang and Chung-king, and is a most pictur- 

 esque place. 



At Wan-hsien an English missionary came on board, 

 and kindly offered to send any letters I might wish to 

 ■dispatch down by the native post. 



April 9. — Under way at daylight with a favour- 

 able but light wind, which soon died away. After 

 having made sixty li the boat was secured to the shore 

 opposite a small hamlet, no difficult places having been 

 passed during the day. 



April 10. — A start was made at daylight as usual, 

 the day being fine, but no wind and a strong current 

 made hard work for the trackers. It was very hot 

 towards the middle of the day, and on landing I found 

 some interesting species of plants, which I had not 



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