660 BOTANICAL INFORMATION. 
unfortunate that I am here so late, as, beyond this general fact, I 
can do little in studying the vegetation, everything being quite 
withered up. The few shrubs I am able to recognise are the 
same which I have been accustomed to ever since I have been 
in the dry climate, a Rose and Hippophae are the most abundant. 
A Barberry is frequent and new to me, and I recognise withered 
stems of several Gentians, of an /ris (common since Rutturin, ex- 
cept at extreme heights), Prunella vulgaris, &c., Parnassia and a 
few other plants. Veronica Anagallis and Beccabunga are found 
. here as well as nearly all over the world. 
* With regard to the water at great elevations, I cannot now make 
observations on the presence of air, but shall not forget to examine 
if Ireturn. Fishes, however, are plentiful at Haulé, 14,700 feet, of 
great size, and little fellows of the dimensions of minnows I saw 
considerably above 15,000 feet. I exclude the Pugha fish, which 
is very large and flourishing at 15,500 feet and upwards, but 
where the heat of the water from the hot springs produces an un- 
natural state of things. At higher elevations, probably, the cold 
of the water, which is generally from snow beds, is a sufficient 
cause for the absence of fish. With regard to the other query, I 
may observe I have specimens of Lichens from high elevations, 
though I fear not enough for analytical purposes. I shall recol- 
lect that point too, if I ascend high again. 
“ Had the vegetation been more plentiful, I should have been 
obliged to devote much more time to my journey down the 
Shayük, as I found the work of surveying, especially at first, very 
troublesome. I took a great deal of pains with it, regarding it 
as of great importance; but counting one’s paces for five or SIX 
hours, day after day, becomes very monotonous work at last. - I 
had, however, little to distract my attention as I went along, so that 
I did not feel the ennui so much as I should otherwise have done. 
. With regard to the future, there are only two courses open to me ; 
either to go into Kashmir, or to follow the course of the Indus down- 
wards. The latter is what I wish to do, but I am not sure how far it 
will be advisable; nor can the point be settled till I hear from 
head quarters. If I go to Kashmir, I shall be in the way Ë — 
