36 SIRINUGGUR TO THE WURDWAN. 



take two days to reach by their mode of progression 

 one man tracking, hauling the hoat with a tow-rope, 

 another steering with a paddle. But I am told they keep 

 it up day and night. 



I made all arrangements with the invaluable Baboo, 

 with reference to my servants and effects. I propose re- 

 maining in the Wurdwan valley above a month, and 

 having my things sent on to meet me on the Ladak road, 

 to which I propose making my way by an outlet from the 

 Wurdwan. The Wurdwan is reputed to be the best 

 locality for shikar in Cashmere. Ibex are plentiful, bears 

 also, and in the autumn, ' bara sing.' 



I went down river, and sent to the shoemaker, who 

 was reported to have gone up to my place : had a pleasant 

 row, and took a farewell view of the beauties of the land- 

 scape : had everything packed and ready for an early 

 start in the morning. 



9th May. Embarked myself and belongings servants, 

 shikarries, and baggage in separate boat. My folding bed 

 had just room for it under the thatch. The boats are 

 long, narrow for their length, and flat-bottomed; they are 

 floored, and, barring the necessity of constantly stooping, 

 not incommodious. 



We got off at last, after the usual delays, and made 

 slowly up the stream, propelled by one-man power, a 

 heavy prospect : but everything charming around, so I 

 went in for pictorial enjoyment. After half an hour of 

 this tedious confinement, I jumped ashore, and took my 

 way by the river side, making short cuts at some of the 

 bends and turns which are numerous; for, after toiling 

 around them some six hours, we were within a quarter of 

 a mile of the Takt-i- Suleiman, as the crow flies, though no 

 doubt we had navigated twelve or fourteen miles. This 

 did not look encouraging. 



