1873.] Memorandum for guidance of the YarJeand Mission. 127 



have since been attempted, so that the magnetic condition of the country 

 north of the Himalaj^as may be looked upon as utterly unknown. 



John A. Bourn who made a Magnetic Survey of part of Southern India 

 in 1854 remarked in the year 1860, that the magnetic lines in India are so 

 abnormal, and so discordant with the usual theory, that a thorough examina- 

 tion of the whole area about the Himalayas was strongly to be recommend- 

 ed. As the subject is one of extreme importance and as the opportunity 

 now presented of making such observations is one which may not occur for 

 some time, the Council would urge upon the attention of the Government, 

 the desirability of taking advantage of it as far as may be practicable and 

 would suggest that Col. Walker, the Superintendent of the G. T. Survey, 

 should be consulted on the subject, and be asked, if he has not already done 

 so, to make arrangements for the supply of such of the necessary instruments 

 as may be available in India, and can be taken with the expedition. . 



If possible the intensity should be determined at a few places, but if 

 the 'time at the disposal of the observer should not be sufficient for the 

 determination of this, observations of the declination and dip at even a few 

 points would be valuable. 



Geography. — The appointment of an officer of the G. T. Survey, under 

 the direction of Col. Walker, R. E., is a guarantee that the interests of 

 geographical science will be furthered to the utmost possible extent, and 

 considering that Col. Walker is most probably in possession of all available 

 information regarding the geography of these regions, it seems unnecessary 

 to the Council to enter into details on this subject beyond pointing out the 

 desirability of making, if possible, an exploration in advance, North and East 

 from Yarkand, towards Karashar. 



Ethnology. — An endeavour should be made to ascertain whether any 

 traces of a pre-historic race of man exist. Caves and sub-recent gravel 

 deposits ought to be searched for any human or animal remains they may 

 contain. Attention should be paid to the physical characteristics of the 

 different races inhabiting the regions visited by the Mission, and any 

 information as to their origin, migrations, language and dialects, the 

 distinctive appellations of the tribes and their subdivisions would be valuable. 

 In all cases when possible, measurements, and photographs showing the 

 general appearance and costume, as well as the distinctive facial characteristics 

 and shape of the heads of males and females of the different races and tribes, 

 should be taken and carefully recorded. 



History and Antiquities. — It is unknown what historical records and 

 ancient remains exist in Turkistan, but every opportunity should be taken 

 of securing oral and written information, with copies of any inscriptions 

 bearing on the history and anticmities of the countries visited by the Mis- 



