1835.] Memorandum of an Excursion to the Tea Hills. 97 



however, we proceeded for some time longer, but at length found it 

 impossible to proceed farther, the ebb having at the same time com- 

 menced. We therefore spread an awning, and prepared to make our- 

 selves 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 boats, as may be imagined, far from 

 commodious for so many people. At day-light we found that thei*e 

 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 us plainly that it would be impossible to proceed any farther 

 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 wait our return for 

 four or five days. Crowds of people now began to crowd round the 

 boat, moved by mere curiosity. 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 far- 

 ther off from the town and out of the way of observation. 



After a little, an old gentleman made his appearance on a chair who 

 proved to be the head man of the town : he inquired whence we came 

 and whither we were going, which we freely told him. With these 

 answers he seemed perfectly satisfied, probably from finding them 

 correspond with what he had been already told by some of the people 

 with whom we had communicated on the subject in seeking informa- 

 tion and assistance. He measured our boat with his arms, but offered 

 us no obstruction nor even remonstrance. We observed him, however, 

 after he had interrogated us, sending off two or three messengers in 

 different directions, which made us the more anxious to be off*. It 

 was however past 9 o'clock before Mr. Ryder had completed his 

 arrangements for the boat's crew, and the sun was already powerful. 

 We were soon joined by our guide and the coolies, and our cavalcade 

 winding along the foot paths, which are the only roads to be met 

 with, made an imposing appearance. Mr. Gutzlaff and the guide 

 led the way, followed by a lascar with a boarding pike ; next came the 

 baggage, attended by a lascar similarly armed. I followed with pistols, 

 and attended by a lascar armed with a cutlass, and Mr. Ryder carrying 

 ft fowling piece and pistols brought up the rear. Skirting the town of 

 o 



