226 FLORA INDICA. 



Nubra. — We 



Kouenlun, from Balti to Nari 



includes the districts of Nubra, Pangong, and Rodok, and is 



wi 



which 



but which there is good evidence to prove once drained into 

 the Shayuk river. This is the most lofty and sterile province 

 of Tibet, except Nari ; the axis of the Kouenlun being pro- 

 bably continuously upwards of 18,500 feet in elevation, and its 

 main ramifications being equally lofty. The valleys enclosed 

 between the latter extend for many miles at 16-17,000 feet, 

 whilst numerous peaks in all parts rise 20-23,000. The ele- 

 vation of the Karakoram Pass, on the axis, is 18,300; that of 

 the Pangong lakes, which are very salt, 13,400 feet; and they 

 are surrounded by mountains of 19,000 feet. The elevation 



ran 



flie 



Nubr 



plants of the lowest valleys are those of the Indus in Balti, 

 Populus Euphratica being plentiful. Ulmus pumila occurs 

 nowhere else in Tibet. Walnut and Ekeagnus here find their 



limit, and are both scarce. In respect of cultivation, 



northern 



Nubra 



equal elevation, being comparatively well wooded, and the 



blooming 



Hippoph 



millet, wheat, buckwheat, and rape, are common around the 

 villages. The only peculiar plants are a curious dwarf Berberis 

 * (B. ulicina, nob.) which grows at 14-15,000 feet, and a white- 

 flowered Allium at 11,000 feet. 



Eastern Tibet is quite unknown to us botanically and 

 geographically. The scanty notices published by the few tra- 

 vellers who have been able to penetrate into the interior of 

 that strictly guarded country lead to the conclusion that it 

 has the same general aspect as Western Tibet, as far east at 

 all events as Jisratzi or Teshu Lumbu and Lhassa. The oral 



