114 JOURNEY THROUGH LAOS FROM BANGKOK TO CUBON. 
Thursday, 13th.—After crossing a ravine, we gained the 
plateau beyond. We were about to push on to the top, when a 
Cambodian caravan, consisting of thirty carts, on its way from 
Sourin to Battambang, came in sight on the only road. We 
passed the night on the road. 
Friday, 14th—After the morning’s stage, we halted on the 
banks of a pool. Another Cambodian caravan, composed of 
twenty carts, passed close to us. This one came from Sourin 
and was bound for Nakhon Siemrab in Cambodia, on the 
banks of the Touli-sap (great lake) to buy fish. 
We reached the plateau of Korat, all the chief difficulties 
being passed. About one o’clock we were able to camp for 
the night under the sheds prepared for the white elephant. 
In the evening another train of Cambodians passed, coming 
from Korat and going to buy fish at Siemrab. 
Saturday, 1oth.—After great difficulty in renewing our 
stores of provisions, we started and passed through the village 
of Ban Kham. ‘The road passes through an open undulating 
country. ‘The forest has been cleared over a great stretch of 
ground, and there is an extensive view. ‘Towards the Kast, 
a hill was visible, which is probably a portion of the range 
which we had just left. The soil was now less dry, and we 
came across numerous springs, some of which were ferruginous. 
It was still broad daylight when we entered Ulok. We pitched 
our tent close to that place. 
Sunday, 16th.—A day of rest. Splendid pasture. 
Monday, 17th—We eft the village of Ulok at dawn. 
Beautiful vegetation was on all sides of us. If the country 
were not so often harried by bands of ruffians, numerous vil- 
Jages might exist here comfortably. On our left, we passed 
one of many abandoned villages. Robbers had carried off 
everything, and had then set fire to it. We reached Ban-nai- 
mut and then Ban-khu, making the latter our halting-place. 
Tucsduy, 18th. We passed through the village of Bak-tran, 
halting at night at Ban-dai. 
Wednesday, 19th—We skirted the village of Ban-kathum. 
The head-man, hearing of our approach, came to meet us in 
