The Naturalist in India 307 



high grounds they encounter), then proceeding on towards the Him- 

 malayahs, drop the rest of their burden on the SewaUk hills and on 

 the southern face and tops of the main range. By the time the 

 currents of air reach the inner ranges, the whole of their moisture 

 has been deposited, and, as Maury expressively phrases it, " they 

 pass over into the thirsty land beyond with scarcely enough rain 

 in them even to form a cloud." This is the explanation of the 

 difference in humidity between the mountains of Cashmere and 

 the rainless and cloudless regions of Ladak and Chinese Tartary, 

 and their consequent barrenness and desolation. Some places 

 Mr Adams describes as treeless and herbless, except a few clumps 

 of birches. Others are dreary plains covered with scanty herbage 

 and patches of furze (often the only fuel to be had, except Yak 

 dung) and again rocky and stony regions absolutely destitute 

 of all vegetation whatsoever. Among the animals mentioned 

 besides the Yak, and its hybrid with the cow, the zo or dzo, are 

 the ounce, two foxes, the Kiang (Ovis amnon), the Thibetan 

 antelope, deer, hares, rats (Lagomys), and of course the red 

 and white marmots. Of his introduction to the haunts of the 

 red marmot Mr Adams relates the following incidents : — 



" The sun was declining as we commenced the ascent, and by the time we 

 arrived at the summit of the pass had dipped behind the lofty peaks of Haramuk. 

 We had gained an elevation of 10,500 feet above the level of the sea, and were 

 now in the region of snow. All ^\'as desolation ; and a cold cutting wind blew 

 in gusts down the narrow mountain gorges which were filled with ice. In 

 vain we attempted to peer through the gloom of the rapidly advancing night 

 for our baggage and servants ; but darkness came on and found us still expec- 

 tant on the mountain top. We had descended the northern face of the ridge, 

 to a clump of stunted birch in search of a level spot on which to pitch the tents, 

 when all at once, in the dismal solitude around, screams burst out of the ground, 

 louder and louder became the cries ; the rocks sent back the sounds. We 

 stood in astonishment, wondering what animal could be producing such 

 unearthly noises, and various were our surmises, until one of our servants arrived 

 and informed us we were in the centre of a colony of red marmots (Arctomys 

 Tibetanus). The 'drin,' as the red marmot is named by the natives of these 

 regions, is confined to certain situations at high altitudes, and prefers fertile and 

 secluded valleys, where vegetation returns rapidly and is luxuriant. There this 

 active creature spends the summer months, surrounded by a plentiful supply of 

 food, until again forced to its burrow by the cold and snow of winter. Their 

 excavations are formed on gentle slopes or under stones and rocks, where they 

 delight to sit erect and scream. Often the burrows are scattered over the 

 valley, where loud wailing cries may be heard for miles along the mountain 

 sides."— (P- 258.) 



Mr Adams visited the Lake Chimouraree (called Chuinoninil by 



