CHAPTER V. 



March to the Suok River — Camp at foot of Bain-Khairkhan Range — 

 Suok Valley — Wild Sheep seen — An unsuccessful Stalk — Antelopes 

 seen — Sand-grouse — Wolves — Plover — Grayling fishing — Snow-cock 

 Littledale's success — More Stalks — Shift Camp — Russian Merchant 

 — March by Kobdo River — Hares — Marmot — Horses footsore — 

 Kirghis Yourts — Marmot Skins — Crossing Tchagan-Kol River — 

 Chinese Karaoul — Valley of the Sumdairik — Muss-Taou Range — 

 A new Guide 



Our departure from the karaoul on the morning of 

 July 3rd must have produced somewhat of a sensation 

 at the Chinese post, for the Governor had refused his 

 permission till our passports had been duly examined 

 at Kobdo, deeming it impossible for us to continue 

 our route without the guide we had so unsuccessfully- 

 applied for. Our caravan passed solemnly by the side 

 of his yourt on its way down the Boro-Burgassy 

 stream, but the old gentleman made no apparent 

 objection to our advance, and his passive opposition 

 showed itself only by his not bidding us farewell. 



Our intention that day was to make a short march 

 to the Suok River, and pitch camp by its side. The 



country we crossed was barren and sunburnt ; it was 

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