284 Captain Gerard's Account of a Survey 



by W.) and one less considerable, called Langurge, from the 

 S.E., both very muddy. The TagU itself is quite clear, and 

 its course is from the N.E. They crossed at once by a sango. 

 The path lay upon broken slate and slippery soil, then upon 

 inclined faces of rock ; at one time ascending steeply upon loose 

 stones ; at another, descending abruptly upon rude steps and 

 scaffolding, projecting over the stream, and between cliffs that 

 subtend an angle of 60° or 65° on either side. Now and then 

 these crags are perpendicular for 200 or 300 feet, and they 

 even overhang the pathway. Large snow-beds conceal the river 

 for several hundred yards : an immense load of stones and gra- 

 vel lies above the snow. In one place the accumulation of 

 rocks, which have fallen from the surrounding peaks, is sixty 

 or seventy feet thick ; and the river is seen rushing from be- 

 neath a large vault, whose under surface is frozen snow. 



The height of Zoncheng is 14,700 feet, which, in lat. 31° 

 36', according to received theory, should be buried under ever- 

 lasting snow. The situation, however, is far different. On 

 every side of the glen, which is a bowshot broad, appeared 

 gently-sloping hills, for the most part covered with Tama, 

 (Tartaric furze.) The banks of the river were covered with 

 grass turf, and prickly bushes. Around, the land was covered 

 with verdure; flocks of sheep were browsing, and deer leap- 

 ing ; altogether it was a romantic spot, wanting but trees to 

 make it delightful. 



During the march the sun was found at times powerful ;- but 

 the temperature was evidently decreasing with the elevation. 

 The highest observed in the day (23d of July) was 68°. 



The rocks were limestone ; the soil a stiff yellow clay, rent 

 in every direction by small fissures, and seeming to have been 

 under water. The surface was ground to dust. 



The next stage was to Zamsiri, by the Ktubrang pass ; after 

 tracing the Tagla (crossed frequently by snow-beds,) until it 

 was reduced to an inconsiderable rivulet at the foot of the pass. 



The ascent of the pass is by no means steep, the angle being 

 only 19° or 20°. But the difficulty of breathing and severe 

 headaches, which all the party, not excepting their Tartar 

 guides, experienced more or less, rendered the exertion of walk- 



