196 ABRIVAL OF CABAVAN' ' 



the purpose, stating that my presence had caused the 

 severe weather lately prevalent, and requesting that I 

 miffht be ordered to leave the district at once. It seemed 

 to be a curious exhibition of ignorance and superstition ; 

 but the mandarin had no friendl}' feelings towards 

 foreigners, so that it was useless to try to live in the 

 hut any longer, the mandarin refusing to allow me to 

 remain long out of the city. I had, however, gained 

 some knowledge of the country, and could send my men 

 to any places that I considered likely, as the natives 

 raised no objections to their living and collecting where- 

 ever they were sent. 



On June 19 the annual caravan arrived from Shi- 

 ga-tze, near the frontier of Sikkim and the capital of 

 the province of Tishulumbo, the town being now crowded 

 with Tibetans. This caravan travels by the way of 

 Tsiamdo, this route being chosen as it affords sufficient 

 pasture for the large number of animals that are made 

 use of. They consist of horses and the cross-bred 

 animal between a yak and a cow. I could form no idea 

 of the number employed as the greater part were in 

 camp, some being miles away from the city. This is 

 necessary in order to get sufficient feed. They bring 

 quantities of goods, principally narrow, striped woollen 

 cloth, and very thick woollen rugs, which are much used 

 for saddle-cloths. The colours are green, red, and yellow 



