THE KARLIK TAGH 513 



From Khotun-tam the survey was run eastwards 

 over hill, hollow, and plain to Shopoli, a small village 

 situated in a region possessing many interesting char- 

 acteristics. This village was the most easterly Taghlik 

 settlement on the southern side of the mountains, and 

 the last we were to visit for some time to come. 



The impression left by Shopoli was one of wind, 

 dust, and rain. We had imagined that; the farther 

 east we travelled, and the nearer we approached the 

 Gobi, the greater the aridity would become ; yet, for 

 some peculiar reason, we found this particular region to 

 be rich in forests, pasture, and wild-game, all of which 

 pointed to a considerable precipitation. The proximity 

 of the Gobi was merely brought to our notice by the 

 prevalence of dust-laden winds of great violence. The 

 winds commenced immediately on our arrival, and 

 during the first two days our work was delayed by a 

 strong east wind which filled the air with dust and 

 hid all distant views. The inhabitants took it as a 

 matter of course, remarking that the air always became 

 thick and hazy on these occasions. Frequent winds 

 of this kind would be exasperating to the explorer, 

 outdoor work being rendered impossible. 



That this region had a phenomenal rainfall was first 

 suggested to me by the sight of the forested slopes to 

 the northward ; this was confirmed by the remarks 

 of the natives, who being asked why their houses were 

 built with slanting roofs, in Chinese style, replied that 

 it was on account of the heavy rains. ^ The Turki in- 

 habitants may have found out that a slanting roof has 



1 The natives of Shopoli said that there was an ample summer rainfall, 

 The snowfall must also be great, for even at the end of May it lay a foot 

 deep on all slopes with a northern aspect. 



