x\i BIOGRAPUICAL SKETCH. 



and Mustak range, and recross into Thibet, coining down the valley of Brahal Dob. If possible 

 go (without going to Iskardo) over the Pass from Basha into the valley of Nagyr ; from thence 

 to Gilghit, visiting Hunzi ; from Gilghit to Chitraal, crossing the most southern part of the range, 

 and then try and get into Ivafferstan. Return to Chitraal and go to Mustak, and from there make 

 your way into Pameer and on to Kokunthe best way you can without getting your throat cut." 



So far I am not able to ascertain how much of the programme he was enabled to accomplish, 

 for the diary he left ends abruptly on the 22nd September, as he was on his way from Leh ; but 

 if I am to judge from some rough notes in its pages, he had apparently a very extensive programme 

 of travel in view. He had a complete set of barometers for heights, thermometers, one sextant, 

 one quadrant, two compasses, a time-dial, two pedometers, and mapping instruments, so that he 

 intended to turn his travel to good account ; and the expedition, though much of the country is 

 now explored thoroughly, was in those days one of no ordinary daring and enterprise. He was 

 struck in the early part of his journey through the territories of Golab Sing, on the banks of the 

 Beas, with the neatness of the town and the comfort of the people. " Altogether the inhabitants 

 seem to be a great deal better off than are peasantry in Ireland, The labourers, to be sure, are 

 not very certain of their liberty. The coolies for our loads were always pressed ; and if any ran 

 away, we went into the first field or village and took the men away by force from his plough or 

 his pipe. They have so great a horror of being taken, that they often run away without being paid 

 when they had completed their work. Yesterday Browne seized fourteen men that he met 

 casually on the road, and, though they objected, they made no resistance. As we had not far to 

 go we let them off." 



There are many interesting passages in the Diary, parts of which are scarcely legible ; but 

 the ground over which the tourists passed (much of which was then but little known to Europeans) 

 has been rendered familiar by the descriptions of many travellers. The natural features of the 

 country, the events of each day, the sporting adventures, and the animals, and, above all, 

 the birds, are described in clear good English as shortly as possible. The last entries are 

 as follows : — 



" September 15th. Flogged two coolies for being bumptious to H.'s kelassee yesterday. Gave 

 each two dozen, and they roared most unmercifully. Marched to Diuskin, 10 coss ; road good. 

 Piti valley a pleasant change after Thibet, and much more hospitable in its general features and 

 climate. Diuskin is a curious village, built on the summit of some rocks ; the Piu river falls 

 into the Piti river nearly opposite to the loiosi. Day cloudy, almost cold. 



" September 16th. The river being too full we cannot cross, and are obliged to keep to its 

 left bank, which gives us a day's extra march. Marched to Taboor, distant 30 coss. Road bad, 

 and, from the river being out, we had some very awkward riding. Day cloudy ; village small ; 

 march long. 



