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View near Daramundi, in the mountains of Sirinagur.

No. XVII. VIEW NEAR DURAMUNDI, IN THE MOUNTAINS OF SERINAGUR.

Duramundi is a village further advanced into the mountains, about ten miles from Jugcanor, and two or three short of Dusa. Here the mountainous masses are considerably enlarged, and the scenery consequently improves in grandeur. An example, slightly indicated, occurs in this view, of the practice of cultivating the sides of the hills, in successive ledges, so common in China. The figures that are introduced represent the Highland merchants on their way from the plains where they have been bartering the produce of their hills for salt, copper vessels, linen, and other wares, which they convey not in packs, like our pedestrian traders, but in baskets closely fitted and secured to their backs; relieving themselves occasionally from the incumbent weight by the application of a short staff, carried by each traveller for that purpose, to the bottom of the basket, while he takes his standing rest. In this manner these indefatigable creatures, that seem no larger than ants, compared with the stupendous heights they have to traverse, pursue their laborious journey, with a constancy peculiar to the hardy tenants of the hills.