of the Valley of the Setlej River. 287 



far 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 Huk'eo 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 which they should not pass. Their manners were 

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

 the only thing for which they seemed to have any, the least 

 desire. 



The height of Zinchin is 16,136 feet, and the eminences in 

 the vicinity rise many hundred feet higher. In every direc- 

 tion, 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, like 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. 



At this altitude the atmosphere exhibited that remarkable 

 dark appearance which has been often observed in elevated 

 situations. The sun shone like an orb of fire, without the 

 least haze. At night, the part of the horizon where the moon 

 was expected to rise, could scarcely be distinguished before 

 the limb touched it ; and the stars and planets shone with a 

 brilliancy never seen, unless at great heights. 



With a transit telescope of 30 inches, and a power of 30, 

 stars of the fifth magnitude were distinct in broad day ; but 

 none of less size were perceptible. At Subathu, 4200 feet 

 above the level of the sea, stars of the fourth magnitude 

 require a power of 40 to make them visible in the day. 



The temperature was greater than expected : the thermo- 

 meter rose to 60° in the shade, and at sunset was 42°. It 

 sank to 30^° before sunrise. About nine in the forenoon, a 



