CHAPTER I. 



PREPARATIONS AND EQUIPMENTS. 



POSSIANAH, PIR PANJAL, 



29th April, 1860. 



AN attempt at a Diary, with the intention of recording 

 my adventures and experiences in an excursion 

 contemplated in Cashmere and adjacent countries that 

 of Ladak being a principal object during six months' 

 leave from my duties at Amritsir. 



Several times in former days have I resolved to keep a 

 journal, or jot down briefly the incidents and experiences 

 of each passing day. But as often, after the lapse of a 

 few days, have I failed to persist in the undertaking: 

 whether from infirmity of purpose, or idleness, or from an 

 utter contempt of the ' small beer ' I had to chronicle, I 

 do not myself know ; and whether I shall be more success- 

 ful in this present effort remains to be seen. Primary 

 indications are not promising, as I have now been ' en 

 route ' from Amritsir, from the 16th to the 29th, thirteen 

 days, and have excused myself, on one ground or other, 

 from making a commencement until now. 



To be in order, I must note my preparatory arrange- 

 ments, detail my supplies their quality and quantity 



