See 
OF CENTRAL AND: EASTERN ASIA. 191 
fact, that it is represented as traversed by chains of mountains, 
a feature which the latter region dees not present. This is a 
very important difficulty, and will require some considera- 
tion. 
It is not easy ri us to ascertain the degree of correctness 
with which Protemy has described Great Thibet, from our be- 
ing ourselves almost totally ignorant of that region. We can 
only form a favourable presumption, from the accuracy with 
which he has delineated. those conterminous regions, with 
which we are better acquainted *.. But it is certain, that on ap- 
proaching the confines of Serica, that twilight of knowledge 
must have-begun, which always precedes its total extinction. 
A peculiar source of obscurity there arose. It was the deci- 
ded policy of that country, as it has always been of modern 
China, to shut the empire, with the most jealous care, against 
the entrance of foreigners. Commerce was permitted only at 
one single point, and it was carried on with the least possible 
communication ; nay, according to an often repeated assertion, 
without the parties even seeing hs other. It was impossible, 
therefore, that the ancient writers could possess authentic de- 
tails relative to the interior of Serica. But an infirmity beset 
Protemy, which continued always to prevail among geogra- 
phers, till the great reform effected by D’ ‘Guia It was 
conceived. discreditable, that any district within the limits of 
la the 
. I shall mention, however, the following names, in which the resemblance is 
somewhat rude; but allowance must be made for the passage through Grecian 
organs; and the positions correspond very precisely. Chauranei (juxta Emodos 
Montes), Mount Chumularee. Achassa,—Lassa. Chate ( Khatai, Gr.) Khata, 
on the Upper’ Barraimpooter. | (See M. Vansirrart’s Account of Assam. Asi- 
at. Research.) vol., vii.. Damna,—Daum., Ottorocoras,—Uttarcul or Ootrecoie. 
This last must be understood i in connection wath the observations which follow 
in the a 
