758 EXPLORATION IN CHINESE TURKESTAN. 



erosion of the ground beneath proceeds, while everything in the shape 

 of mud walls, sun burnt bricks, timber, etc., as used in the construc- 

 tion of Turkestan houses, has long ago deca3^ed or been swept awa3\ 



On October 12 I reached Khotan town, the present capital of the 

 territory which was to form the special held for my archaeological 

 explorations. I had entered the oasis on the preceding daj" with some 

 feeling of emotion; for even before the discoveries that rewarded ui}^ 

 labors there was much to suggest the important part played b}^ this 

 little kingdom in that most fascinating chapter of ancient history which 

 witnessed the interchange of the cultures of India, China, and the classi- 

 cal West. 1 lost no time before commencing the local in([uiries which 

 were to guide me as to the sites particularly deserving exploration. 

 Apprehensions about possible forgeries, which experience proved to 

 have been fully justitied, had prevented me from sending in advance 

 information as to the object of my journey. I now found that some 

 time would have to be allowed for the collection of specimens of antiq- 

 uities from the various old sites which Khotan "treasure seekers" were 

 in the habit of visiting. I was glad to utilize the interval for a geo- 

 graphical task which I knew to possess special interest. 



That portion of the Kuen-luen Range which contains the headwaters 

 of the Yurung-kash or Khotan River had never l^een properly sur- 

 ve^^ed, the only availal)le information being contained in the sketch 

 map of the route by which Mr. Johnson, in 1805, had made his way 

 from Ladak down to Khotan. Colonel Trotter had alread}^, in 187.5, 

 expressed the l)elief that the headwaters of the Yurung-kash were 

 much farther to the east than shown in that map, and probably identi- 

 cal with a stream rising on the high plateau south of Polu. Captain 

 Deas}', working from the side of Polu, in 1898, succeeded in reaching 

 the sources of this stream at an elevation of close on 10,000 feet, but 

 was prevented from following it downward. Thus the true course 

 of the main feeder of the Yurung-kash, together with most of the 

 orograph}' of the surrounding region, still remained to l)e explored. 



On October 17 I started with the lightest possible equipment for 

 the mountains. Pan-Darin, the am})an of Khotan, had, during the 

 few days of my halt, done all that was needed to facilitate ni}' arrange- 

 ments for transport and supplies, and to assure me local assistance. 

 Subsequent experience showed that I had found in this amiable and 

 learned mandarin a true and reliable friend, thoroughly interested in 

 my work, and ever ready to help me with all that was in his power. 

 I feel convinced that without his active cooperation, and subsequently 

 that of his Keriya colleague, neither the tour through the mountains 

 nor the explorations in the desert could have been accomplished. 



The valley of the Y^urung-kash becomes impassable within one march 

 of its debouchure. There, near the small villages of Jamada and 

 Kumat, the precious jade is dug, from which the river takes it name — 



