A NATURALIST IN WESTERN 

 CHINA 



CHAPTER I 

 WESTERN CHINA 



Mountain Ranges and River Systems 



WESTERN China is separated from Thibet proper by 

 a series of parallel mountain ranges running almost 

 due north and south, and divided by narrow valleys. 

 On some maps the name Yun-ling is applied to the whole 

 system, with sections marked Hsueh shan. Hung shan, Taliang 

 shan, and so on. A great many local names, the majority of 

 them unpronounceable when converted into English, are also 

 applied to this system, but outside certain maps no one general 

 name for it exists. Later we shall have much to say about 

 this region, for the time being it suffices to note the general 

 trend of the ranges and a few of their important features. 



Made up largely of razor-backed ridges, following one 

 another in quick succession, these ranges are separated by 

 narrow valleys, or rather ravines. The higher peaks are well 

 above the snow-line, and for height, savage grandeur, and 

 wondrous scenery are comparable only to the Himalayan alps 

 of India. The whole region is practically uncharted and im- 

 surveyed, and it is the author's firm conviction that some of the 

 peaks rival in altitude the greatest of the Himalayan giants. 



About lat. 33° N., in the neighbourhood of Sungpan Ting, 

 a mighty spur is thrown out from these ranges of perpetual 

 snow, and extends, with a slight southerly dip, due east for 

 some 10° of longitude, terminating in low hills near Anluh 



VOL. I. — I 



