‘OF ‘CENTRAL AND EASTERN ASIA. 193 
eision, in the eastern extremity of Great Thibet. But the geo- 
graphical outline, the broad line of distinction always drawn 
between Serica and Scythia, the general aspect of the former, 
and every thing that is said respecting its inhabitants, leave no 
room to doubt, that the Serica of the ancients, the country of 
silk, the abode of this peculiar and singular people, could be no 
other than the modern China. Even the short notices which 
are given respecting it, seem sufficient clearly to evince, that 
in arts ‘and civilization, and in its whole moral and political as- 
pect, this celebrated region was then as nearly as possible the 
same that it exists at the present day. 
I have thus exhibited at some length that interpretation of 
the system of Protemy and his cotemporaries, which appears 
to me alone consistent with their statements, and with the real 
aspect of those vast regions to which they refer. As, however, 
opinions so opposite are entertained by the most eminent geo- 
graphers of the past and present age, it may be necessary, be- 
fore concluding, to inquire, whether their statements exhibit 
the same correspondence with the ancient descriptions. D’ An- 
vite here claims the precedence. He, as formerly noticed, 
places Serica in Eastern Tartary, north of the Creat Desert, 
and extends it from the country of the Eygurs to the north- 
west extremity of China. In this system, Major Rennexu has 
- declared his almost unqualified acquiescence ; so that it is sup- 
ported by very high authority indeed. Yet I think it will ap- 
pear, on a careful inspection, that it breaks up completely 
all the relations established by Protemy between Central and 
Southern Asia. It separates the Sacze from Indostan, the Ex- 
tra-Scythians from India beyond the Ganges, and the Seres 
from Siam, by an immeasurable distance. Besides, it is ad- 
mitted on all hands, that the ascent of the Montes Comedo- 
vum (the Beloor) must be considerably south of Cashgar, to 
reach which, the caravans must have proceeded almost directly 
Vor, Vill. P. L Bb north. 
