80 QUEI-CHOW-FU 
ever conveyed there. On the left bank aroad has been 
blasted on the face of the precipice for about four miles, 
and is still in progress. Coolies may be seen suspended 
on the perpendicular face on plank scaffolds, drilling 
holes for the explosives. This is dangerous work, and 
I heard that many lives are lost. 
The water is generally very deep and smooth, the 
current being strong. There are several rapids, but 
none of a dangerous character. At the head of the 
gorge the river takes a bend to the southward, and the 
banks break out very suddenly. There is a large sand- 
bank here that is uncovered when the river is low, 
and on which brine springs are found. This brine is 
evaporated in iron vessels, and a considerable quantity 
of salt is produced. Just above is Quei-chow-fu, 
which was reached at 6 p.m. and is 665 li from 
Ichang. It is a Le-kin station; and as now I had 
left the province of Hu-peh and was in Sze-chuen, the 
Custom House officials came on board and made a 
copy of my passport as the boat passed the town. I 
landed a few men to get provisions for the crew, and 
gave them orders to rejoin the boat further up the 
river. I had no intention of stopping off the 
place, as the men might get on shore, and then it 
is very uncertain when they would come off. The 
boat was made fast for the night just above the town. 
