VALLEY OF ROCKS. 
185 
others a pyramidal form. Worn by the action of the elements, their 
surface had become vesicular, and their angles, from the same cause, 
often represented the most grotesque profile. They presented 
forms, indeed, so at variance with any which I had ever before seen, 
that I could not help suspecting that their composition would be 
found equally peculiar. But they proved, on examination, to be a 
very fine granular, approaching to compact limestone. Of their 
internal colour, for they were covered externally with lichens, I can 
make no positive mention, as I have not recovered any of the speci- 
mens to which I have referred for this character in my journal ; but 
judging from others collected in their neighbourhood, and probably of 
the same formation, I have little doubt that it is reddish gray. 
The distinct blocks of which they were composed seemed to be the 
remains of a horizontal stratification. 
The lower plate of the geological views in China is given rather 
with a view to assist the description, than as approaching to an 
accurate representation of these rocks : it would have been hopeless 
to have attempted an imitation of their varied shapes. These rocks 
are quarried for limestone. Kilns for burning it were interspersed 
amongst them ; and seen smoking in all directions, increased the sin- 
gularity of the scene. 
Following the course of a small stream which rose in the Mei-ling 
mountain and flowed through the valley, we arrived at the small vil- 
lage of Choong-chun about half way on our journey from Nan-kan-foo. 
At this place we found refreshment prepared for us at a comfortable 
house. I here found myself too fatigued with the first strong exercise 
that I had taken since my illness, to continue my journey on horseback. 
A mandarin who accompanied us saw my situation, and immediately 
procured me a chair. The horse was put in charge of a soldier, who 
was directed to follow me, that I might re-mount in any part of the 
road for the sake of examining the country. This man proved a true 
Chinese. He mounted the horse, and having gradually fallen back 
out of reach of our observation, rode off, and no more appeared. 
B B 
