358 Mr, H. T. Colebrooke's Remarks on the Setlej River. 



The travellers descended the valley of the Shelti river to its confluence 

 with the Sumdu river, and ascended to the crest of the Hukeo pass, of 

 which the elevation is 15,786 feet. The soil is reddish, apparently decom- 

 posed limestone, with no large stones. The ground is thickly covered with 

 green sward and beds of prickly bushes. No rocky points are seen, the 

 whole being gentle slopes of gravel, much resembling some of the Scotch 

 highlands ; the tdmd at a distance seeming like heath. Yaks and horses 

 were feeding on the surrounding heights ; and the climate was pleasant ; 

 the temperature being .57°. 



There are the usual piles of stones to mark the crest of the pass, and a 

 great number built upon all the surrounding heights. At a distance they 

 could not be distinguished from men ; and were taken at first sight, by 

 the servants, for Chinese come to dispute the pass. The guides assured 

 them they were piles of stone ; and a view through a telescope confirmed 

 the assertion. 



Three of tlie people, who were attending the cattle, watched the party 

 for some time, until being convinced there were Europeans, they mounted 

 their horses, and set oft' at a gallop. The travellers quickened their pace, 

 determined to advance as f;ir as practicable ; but two miles further they 

 were stopped by the Chinese, after they had crossed a rivulet with swampy 

 banks, winding among rich turf, near which, they found many ammonites, 

 at the height of 16/200 feet, on the elevated land between Hukeo and Zinchin. 



The Tartars under Chinese authority were encamped, awaiting their 

 arrival, of which previous intimation had been received, and pointed out a 

 spot for their camp, and a line beyond whicii they should not pass. Their 

 manners were polite, and their civility was requited by presents of tobacco, 

 the only tiling for which they seemed to bave any, the least desire. 



The height of Z/«c//i« is 16,1 36 feet, and the eminences in the vicinity 

 rise many hundred feet higher. In every direction, horses were seen 

 galloping about, and feeding on the very tops of the heights ; altogether 

 there were about '200. Kites and eagles were soaring in the air ; large 

 flocks of small birds, Hke linnets, were flying about, and locusts jumping 

 among the bushes. 



Immediately across the Setlej, the mountains are abrupt ; but, more to 

 the east, there is a succession of gentle slopes. Beyond them again, appeared 

 a lofty snowy range. It seemed to run N. 50° W. to S. 50° E. Clouds 

 hang about it. 



