ACROSS THE CHINO-THIBETAN BORDERLAND 183 



was fine and warm, with a strong, cool breeze. Looking back 

 on our route the snows of the Pan-Ian shan were visible the 

 whole day. The road was in good repair, and skirts the 

 mountain-sides well above the stream. In ancient times this 

 valley was filled with glacial detritus, through which the strong 

 torrent has cut a deep, narrow bed. This stream, known 

 locally as the Nei chu, is really the principal branch of the 

 Hsaochin Ho (Little Gold River). Formerly gold in con- 

 siderable quantities was mined in this valley, and we passed 

 many old workings during the march. 



The country generally reminded me forcibly of the Upper 

 Min Valley, near Sungpan, above 8000 feet altitude. On the 

 left bank of the stream the mountain-sides are very steep and 

 largely covered with woods composed of Spruce, Silver Fir, 

 and a few Pine trees. On the right bank the mountains are 

 more sloping and mainly under cultivation. Wheat is the 

 staple crop and ripens in early August ; buckwheat ranks 

 next in importance, followed at a respectable distance by peas, 

 beans, and Irish potato. The Wokje people are evidently 

 skilled agriculturists and in their own way fairly well-to-do. 

 The prosperous condition of this state was evidenced by the 

 plenitude of large houses, lamaseries, and by the relatively 

 dense population. The hostels, however, are all in the hands 

 of half-breeds, descended from early Chinese colonists. The 

 larger houses and lamaseries are usually perched on some bluff 

 composed of glacial mud, grits, and boulders. They are more 

 or less square, two-storied, with flat mud roofs, having small 

 turrets at each corner, from which prayer-flags flutter; a 

 branch of some kind of Conifer is usually in evidence near 

 these flags. Chortens and other Lamaist monuments occur 

 here and there, while inscribed Mani-stones are common. 

 The peasants' houses are low, one-storied, built of sandstone 

 shales, the roof either flat or with very slight slope. 



That the climate of this valley is relatively dry and warm 

 is clearly shown by the flora, which is markedly xerophytic. 

 Two species of Cotoneaster, several Clematis, the Sallowthorn, 

 Prickly Oak, Barberries, and Roses are the chief constituents. 

 A curious Bush Honeysuckle, with small leaves and tubular, 

 white, fragrant flowers borne in pairs, is locally abundant. 



