of' the Valley of the Set lej River. 47 



vast masses of granite with frightful velocity and noise. The 

 cascades formed by the rocks in its bed, throw up the spray 

 to an amazing height, washing the crags which are loaded with 

 a rank vegetation. In the dell of this torrent lies the secluded 

 district of Wangpd, containing seven small villages. 



The Wangar is formed by two streams. One called 

 Surch, rises amongst the snow ; the other, which retains the 

 common name, proceeds from the foot of Tciri pass. 



Pinu is about four marches from Wangpo ; and it was by 

 the Tari pass Messrs Gerard intended to return, could they 

 have prevailed on the Lqfa to concede to their wishes. The 

 pass is not reckoned so high as Manerung, and probably does 

 not exceed 17,000 feet* 



After crossing the Wangar by a wooden bridge, the road 

 continues along the edge of the Setlej for half a mile to Wang- 

 to, where there is a bridge of ropes across the river. Its 

 breadth within the banks (which are of granite) is here 92 

 feet. It is the narrowest point : the average breadth in this 

 part is from 250 to 300 feet. The bed of the river is 5200 

 feet above the sea. 



Messrs Gerard stopped in a large natural cave till three 

 o'clock, and having seen their baggage across, proceeded to 

 JVangdneo, by a very steep and rugged ascent, and then along 

 a well cultivated hill face. 



The journey was troublesome and fatiguing. It rained, 

 slightly at first, but latterly poured down in torrents. 



Nanganeo is a tolerably sized village, 6900 feet high (above 

 the sea.) A few grapes are cultivated in this district, but 

 owing to the periodical rains, do not thrive. Pear-trees, 

 bearing large and abundant fruit, are frequent near the vil- 

 lages. The fruit is dried upon the tops of houses, and forms 

 part of the winter stock. 



Proceeding towards Taranda, the travellers passed through 

 a beautiful wood of stately pines, many of them from 20 to 

 27 feet in girth ; the pines are called Kelu by the natives. 

 This timber is almost everlasting. It resists the attack of 

 insects, and is therefore used in the construction of temples, 

 houses, and granaries. It seldom occurs below 6000 feet, nor 

 above 12,000 feet from the level of the sea. 



