Abstract
A CORRESPONDENT sends us the following:—Mr. Carl Bock has just returned to England, after a long and difficult journey from Bangkok to the northern frontiers of Siam and Laos. Leaving Bangkok on November 9 last, in a steamer placed at his disposal by the King of Siam, Mr. Bock ascended the Menam as far as Raheng, whence he proceeded overland to Lak'on, which was reached on December 27. Here he was delayed for twelve days by a dispute with the local chiefs, who imposed on him a fine of fifteen rupees for an alleged assault on a Phya or notable; but on January 7 he succeeded in getting away, and reached Chengmai on the 11tb. Here he remained, making geological observations till February 2. He found the country fertile, and well cultivated in parts, but the people, as a rule, lazy and superstitious. Leaving here with a caravan of 6 elephants and 20 coolies, he pushed through a hilly, rugged country, to a new settlement at Muang Fang, the site of an ancient city, at one time the capital of Western Laos. Here the few inhabitants were busy clearing the forest and jungle, and Mr. Bock had excellent opportunities of adding to his collection of the fauna of the country. Tigers were abundant and bold, and their raids on the newly-introduced cattle were attributed to the presence of the traveller. Near here he visited the famous cave of Tam-tap-tau, the entrance to which is some 70 or 80 feet up the side of a limestone hill of about 300 feet high, and which is most difficult of access. In the middle of the cavern is a gigantic figure of Buddha, in a reclining posture, thickly gilded, and surrounded with a curious assortment of water jars, cloths, and idols of bronze, wood, and stone, brought there by devotees. Behind this, again, is another figure of Buddha, erect, and in the act of giving a blessing. From Muang Fang Mr. Bock went to Tatong, a small Ngiou village on the River Mekok, which is here only 150 feet across. This stream he followed down to its point of junction with the Mekong, which is twice as wide here as the Menam at Bangkok. Ascending the Mekong, Mr. Bock went to Chen Tsen and Chengmai', where again he had difficulties with the natives, who destroyed nearly all his collection of animals, &c. Hence he returned down the valley of the Mekong, and ultimately reached Bangkok on June 14.
Article PDF
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Exploration in Siam . Nature 26, 550–551 (1882). https://doi.org/10.1038/026550b0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/026550b0