414 



VALLEY OF THE NINE STONES. Chap. XXI. 



by rugged monntains, and having no connexion 

 with the great world outside. 



Although the tops of the mountains here were 

 generally barren and uncultivated, yet I observed 

 crops of Indian corn growing to a very consider- 

 able elevation, and it was now ripe. Down in the 

 valleys the land was very rich, and nearly all 

 under cultivation. The natives of these districts 

 prefer living in the valleys, which are sheltered by 

 the surrounding mountains from cold and cutting 

 winds. Many temporary huts were met with at 

 high elevations, but these were merely used in the 

 summer-time and while the crops of Indian corn 

 were ripe. No one appeared to think of living in 

 such places during the winter. 



The natives with whom we came in contact 

 during our journey seemed a hardy, industrious 

 race, and hospitable and kind in their habits. We 

 were often asked to enter their cottages, when we 

 were presented with tea, roasted Indian corn, or 

 anything they might chance to have for them- 

 selves. 



About four o'clock in the afternoon we reached 

 the " Yalley of the Nine Stones," to which we were 

 bound. Here we found a pretty little town situated 

 on the banks of a small stream which takes a wind- 

 ing course through the mountains to the eastward, 

 and eventually falls into one of the branches of the 

 Ningpo river. Our guide pointed with great satis- 

 faction to numerous fine trees of the new yew or 

 CephalotaxuSj which were growing on tlie sides of 



