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THE HOANG-HO BASIN. 181
Below these ranges the middle course of the river is abruptly terminated by a
sharp bend towards the east at the confluence of the Wei. In some respects the
Hoaug-ho, notwithstanding its greater volume, might even be regarded
as the
tributary of the Wei, which maintains its original direction throughout its entire
course, as does the Saone after its junction with the Rhone in France. The Wei
is in any case its largest affluent, and even more important as a navigable highway.
Fig. 81. CLIFFS OF YELLOW EARTH ON THE HOANG-HO.
Thousands of flat-bottomed craft ascend its stream to within half-way of the Lan-
chcw bend, where the Hoang-ho is deflected, towards Mongolia.
Both rivers wash down large quantities of sedimentary matter, estimated in
1792 by Staunton at one-fiftieth of whole volume for the united stream. This is
three or four times in excess of the average even of such rivers as the Ganges and
Pei'-ho, which carry down an unusual amount of alluvia. These deposits are one
of the great sources of danger lo the riverain populations. Natural embankments
are thereby gradually i'ormed along the course of the stream, whose bed is raised,