458 МК. С. C. LACAITA ON PLANTS 
bungalow branches off to the right from the main Kalimpong-Pedong 
road, 
April 25th. From Rhikisum to Khampung Hill (c. 7800) on the road to Labah, 
and back; upper forest with many Aroids. 
April 26th. From Rhikisum by Pedong (4760) to Ari (4800), crossing the glen 
of the Rishi Chu, where more time would have enriched my collection, but 
at that point the frontier of Native Sikkim is crossed, and the arrival of 
dignitaries with bands and a most picturesque Lepcha guard to welcome H.E. 
and escort him on his further journey rather distracted my attention from the 
plants, 
April 27th. From Ari via Rhenok (3000) to Pakhyong (4600^), crossing the Rora 
Thang. 
April 28th. From Pakhyong to Gangtok, crossing the Ronko Chu and the Вого 
Chu. In a fern-gully below Pakhyong I had my first encounter with leeches. 
We had not been five minutes among the ferns when there was a cry of 
“Jonk” (leeches). I took over 40 off my right leg alone; they had almost 
instantaneously found their way under my socks, in spite of boots and 
leggings. Several were already inside my hat. Thereafter I was more 
circumspect when in the leech region. 
April 29th. Spent at Gangtok. 
April 30th. From Gangtok across the Rahni stream to Song (с. 6000’), stopping 
on the way to visit the Ramtek Gompa, and passing Murtam. We had hardly 
reached Song about 3 P.M. when a thunderstorm broke, which seemed to be 
more violent round Gangtok on the opposite side of the valley. Next day we 
heard that five men standing together in the bazar at Gangtok had been 
struck dead. 
May Ist. From Song back across the Tista to Temi, Here I was joined by my 
son for the rest of the tour, and next morning he and I separated from the 
Governor's party. 
May 2nd. From Temi through Demthang forest to Keuzing (c. 5800’), whence 
there is a glorious view up the upper valley of the Great Ranjit, with 
Pemiongchi and another monastery crowning two steep hills 1n the foreground 
and the great snows beyond. 
May 314. From Keuzing across the Great Ranjit to Pemiongchi (6900'). 
May 4th. Along the ridge from Pemiongchi to Sangachelling (7040), and thence 
slanting down to Dentam (4500) in the valley of the Kulhait Chu. 
May 5th. From Dentam a continual ascent by the Mongthang plateau and the 
glen of the Kulhait Chu to Chiabanjan (10,320) on the Nepal frontier ridge, 
and thence southwards along the ridge, crossing the highest point of Singalela 
(12,130) to the bungalow on the summit of Phalut (11,820). Here our fine 
weather luck deserted us. The next three days were spent in continual mist 
from which we only got free at Tonglo. 
May 6th. Stayed at Phalut, vainly hoping for a view. 
May 7th. On along the ridge from Phalut by Subarkum to Sandakphu (11,800). 
May 8th. Sandakphu to Tonglo (10,074), passing Kalapokri. In the afternoon. 
