438 SOUTHERN DZUNGARIA 



granted by the mounds which alone allowed a clear view 

 over the reed-beds. These circular mounds of earth were 

 a special feature of the landscape, and the appearance 

 of Kalmuk shepherds on their summits suggested to 

 me that they were probably constructed for the very 

 purpose of "spying," either for their flocks or on their 

 enemies. 



Beyond Djinko we entered upon a heavy stage of our 

 journey, the track passing over the belt of sand-dunes 

 which lie to the south-east of Ebi Nor. The sand-hills, 

 of no great height, were irregularly formed, and were for 

 the most part covered on the leeward sides with small 

 tamarisk -scrub. There appeared to be very little move- 

 ment of sand by the wind, though at a Chinese guard- 

 house, called Kum Chaza, — where there were a few Kal- 

 muk soldiers who were supposed to look out for travellers 

 or caravans in distress, as often happens when the winds 

 are very high, — the sands were encroaching on the high 

 walls from the direction of Ebi Nor and the Dzungarian 

 Gate, whence come the strongest winds. These dunes 

 were high and free from vegetation. The ground — where 

 the sands left it exposed — seemed to be composed of 

 very fine lake-deposits, ploughed up into the finest dust, 

 thus making the going very heav}'. 



The distribution of snow was very peculiar ; the 

 high, windy basin of Sairam Nor was deep in snow, 

 the country to the east of it was comparatively clear, 

 here again snow was lying, while the reed-beds and jungle 

 were altogether free. After leaving the sand-belt we 

 immediately entered a forest of poplars, which continued 

 — with small breaks — all the way to Shi-Kho. The 

 trees were evidently effected by the severe climatic 

 conditions and a none too abundant supply of water, 



