4 Balaxiam, and direct our way towards Cathay, be- 
twixt the east and north-east. Beyond Balaxiam') is a certain 
river, whereon stand many castles and villages belonging to the 
king of Balaxiam’s brother; and after three days journey is the 
province Vachan, having in length and breath three days’ 
journey, the inhabitants whereof have a peculiar language, and 
worship Mohammed ... If you depart thence betwixt the north- 
east and east, you must ascend for three whole days together, 
until you come to an exceedingly high mountain, than which 
there is said to be none higher in the world. There also be- 
tween two mountains is a great lake, and through a_ plain 
runs a very fine river, near which are excellent pastures, so 
that in them a lean horse or an ox may be fat in ten days. 
There are also plenty of wild beasts, especially exceeding great 
wild sheep, having horns, some of them six spans long, of 
which they make divers kinds of vessels. The plain contains 
twelve days’ journey in length, and is called Pamer; nor is 
there any habitation there; and travellers must carry victuals 
with them. No bird also appears there, by reason of the cold; 
and it is reported that if fire be kindled there it is not so bright 
nor so effectual to boil anything as in other places .... 
Marco Po to (Voyages and travels, 1307). 
') = Badakshan. 
