ASAM AND THE NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES. 397 



Near this rivulet, we found a slight rise in the ground which terminated 

 on the river's hank in a perpendicular conglomerate. We were quite 

 astonished at the skill and labor shown in the construction of the cane 

 and suspension bridge thrown over at this point ; it was such, as would do 

 no discredit to the department for similar works in Calcutta. Groups of 

 trees, at either end, are so conveniently situated for making fast the canes, 

 that the idea occurs of their having been planted for the purpose — the canes 

 are passed over pegs in the supporting posts, and separately stretched 

 and fastened to the different trees. There are two good main suspenders, 

 and on these hang elliptical coils of cane at intervals of a few yards, 

 supporting at the bottoms of them the footway, which is not more than 

 twelve or fourteen inches wide : the elliptics are further connected by canes, 

 running along the sides, protecting the passenger from the fear of falling ; 

 but, though considerable stability is thus given to the whole structure by 

 connecting its several parts, there is still a very unpleasant swinging and 

 waving during the passage. The span between the points of suspension 

 is full one hundred and twenty feet. 



The road from the bridge to Memhu village ascends a low hill, and is 

 stony. In one place, where the natural form of the rock with some artificial 

 defences narrow the path, we found a door-way recently built of green 

 boughs, intended, as we understood, to keep out those evil spirits who 

 might chance to travel in our company. 



On both banks of the Shiku are cliffs of conglomerate, the faces 

 fresh from recent slips, caused, perhaps, by the undermining of the river 

 in the rains (as the quantity of rubbish at the base is trifling.) The 

 peaks of this conglomerate ridge are remarkable for their sharpness. 

 Approaching the village, we first passed a great number of granaries, 

 built apart for security against fire. The village may consist of one hun- 

 dred houses, built near each other in the midst of a stony slope of easy 



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