A SUMMER IN HIGH ASIA. 



and well-kept caravanserai, which is well worth 

 a visit from anyone who is in search of the 

 picturesque ; whilst in the main street of the town 

 are to be seen merchants from Thibet, mysterious 

 Lhassa, and even China, mixing with the Kashmiris 

 and Indians from the cities of the plain. Of course 

 there are many Ladakhis and also some Baltis, 

 Chang- Pa, and wild-looking men from Rudok, 

 whilst the ever-present Indian "bunnia"* plies 

 his trade on either side of the street. It is a 

 brilliant and striking scene this mart, where the 

 goods of Central Asia are exchanged for those of 

 India ; and to anyone who sees it, suggests the 

 question of the possibilities of the trade between 

 Central Asia and India. This struck me particu- 

 larly, and, as a result of inquiries that I made, and 

 the kindness of Captain Godfrey in giving me 

 information and statistics, I formed the opinion 

 which, with my reasons for doing so, I shall 

 endeavour to explain in another chapter. 



* Shopkeeper. 



" SILVER AND COPPER SHRINE BOX, AND 

 METAL OPIUM PIPE. 



235 



