TRADE ON THE ROAD 131 
the walls rebuilt or cleared out, as might be necessary ; 
and it is curious to note that though they are probably 
washed away or damaged every other year or so, they 
are invariably reconstructed or repaired, the idea of 
moving to higher and safer ground not apparently 
entering into the owners’ heads. The Tung River to- 
day was a thick roaring torrent, full of huge boulders 
and whirlpools. The general direction of the road was 
now nearly due north. It was very rocky, winding 
among the spurs of the mountains, and varying from 
150 to 1,500 feet above the level of the river, which 
made it hard work for ourselves and the coolies. 
There was a great deal of traffic, however, as I 
noticed tobacco, salt, and tea being taken to Ta-tsien-lu 
from the lower parts of Sze-chuen, and hides, musk, 
deer-horns, and medicines going south, all carried by 
coolies. 
Descending into a valley, a tributary of the Tung 
was crossed by means of a good stone bridge, with the 
usual coolie rest-house at the end; and ascending, we 
passed round a high headland, where I noticed large | 
quantities of fossil shells. A few miles further on and 
Wa-ssu is seen. Prickly pears grow here, this being 
the first time I saw them. The fruit is used for food. 
Very fine peaches, apricots, and apples are largely 
grown, and sent to the market at Ta-tsien-lu. Wa-ssu 
K2 
