MisceAlanies. 195 



These bridges are constructed of stone piers with slabs of stone laid 

 from pier to pier, some extending over a space of 25 feet and up- 

 wards, and others being from 15 to 20 feet span. As the length of 

 this bridge cannot be less than three quarters of a mile, the whole is 

 very striking as a work of great labor, if not exhibiting either much 

 skill or beauty. We were informed by some boat people that we 

 should not find water to carry us beyond the bridge, but observing 

 some tall masts on the other side, we resolved on making the exper- 

 iment, and pushing on as far as we could. It was almost dark when 

 we passed under the bridge, and we had not proceeded far when we 

 were again aground. This, however, we attributed to our unac- 

 quaintance with the channel, and as the tide floated us off, we con- 

 tinued advancing, notwithstanding the warning of a friendly voice 

 from the bridge, that entreated us to return to the town, promising 

 us comfortable quarters, and a guide, &ic. Being rather distrustful 

 of the motives of this advice, however, we proceeded for some time 

 longer, but at length found it impossible to proceed farther, the ebb 

 having at the same time commenced. We therefore spread an 

 awning, and prepared to make ourselves as comfortable as possible 

 for the night. The day had been the warmest we had experienced 

 for a month past, but the night was very cold, and our boat, as may 

 be imagined, far from commodious for so many people. At day- 

 light, we found that there was not six inches of water in any part of 

 the channel, and from the boat we stepped at once upon dry sand. 

 The survey from the bank showed plainly that it would be impossi- 

 ble to proceed any further by water. We accordingly prepared to 

 march on foot, taking with us three lascars, who might relieve each 

 other in carrying our cloak-bag of blankets and great coats, as well 

 as some cold meat. We ordered the people to prepare a meal as 

 fast as possible, intending to make a long stretch at first starting, and 

 Mr. Nicholson was directed to remain in charge of the boat with five 

 lascars, to move her down under the bridge on the return of the 

 flood, and there to await our return for four or five days. Crowds 

 of people now began to gather around the boat, moved by mere cu- 

 riosity. Mr. GutzlafF induced some of them to get ducks and fowls 

 for the use of the boat's crew, and strange to say, prevailed on one 

 man to become our guide, and on two others to undertake to carry 

 our baggage, as soon as we should be a little farther ofi from the 

 town, and out of the way of observation." 



