VILLAGE OF YIMMAHAH. 187 



situated, the only approach to which is by an 

 almost perpendicular ladder of rocks. By lash- 

 ing the hammock to the pole, they managed to 

 carry or rather to hand me up, but not with- 

 out damage, as I was severely bruised about the 

 shoulders and hips. On arriving in the town 

 I was much exhausted, and for the first time 

 since my sickness, a period of nearly five months, 

 took some brandy. I had abstained from both 

 wine and spirits, or other stimulants of any kind, 

 from a mistaken notion that they were injurious : 

 I am convinced that on that night a strong dose 

 of brandy and opium saved my life. 



In the morning I despatched a messenger to 

 Fundah, distant about thirty miles, to inform 

 the king of my arrival, and desiring hi. ^ to send 

 an escort and carriers for my goods. 



Yimmahah is situated on a hill which na- 

 turally is almost impregnable. It is separated 

 from the main land by deep ravines, and presents 

 a perpendicular face to the river, accessible only 

 by the natural ladder of rocks to which I have 

 alluded. In addition to its natural defences, it 

 is protected by a wall and ditch ; and on the 

 eastern side a causeway is built or thrown up 

 over the ravine, with a temporary bridge of wood 



