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THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE 



A THRILLING HORSEBACK RIDE) ACROSS THE MEKONG RIVER 



With his mount securely trussed to the rope bridge, the owner supplies his own motive 

 power, hand over hand, as he pulls himself and beast across the chasm with the river far 

 below. 



Photographs by Dr. A. E,. Shelton 



CORACEES, OR SKIN BOATS, USED EOR CROSSING TIBETAN STREAMS 



Such a craft has a framework of wattles over which is stretched green yak hides. The 

 seams are sealed with pitch, which makes the boat practically watertight. Unless a person is 

 careful, he is liable to stick his heel through the bottom, in which case it becomes necessary 

 for him to keep it there until the boat has reached the other shore. A coracle is propelled by 

 a native, who puts the broad paddle far out into the water and pulls it toward him. 



