The Land of Deep Corrosions 7 
would expect that, as the glaciers retreated, the flora would 
gradually take advantage of the opportunity to occupy new 
territory, which would at once bring it into contact with new 
physical conditions. 
The whole idea of attacking the geological problem 
from a botanical point of view, however, opens up such a 
wide field for investigation that it is useless to pursue it as 
an aimless speculation without marshalling an enormous 
array of facts in support of this or that contention. I 
have merely made certain suggestions based upon limited 
observations, the accuracy of which is in some cases 
unfortunately open to criticism, and I must leave it to 
others to say whether they are justified or the reverse. 
Here, then, I will conclude this brief survey of some 
scientific problems which visions of the Land of Deep 
Corrosions at once conjure up. Convinced as I am that 
with its wonderful wealth of alpine flowers, its numerous 
wild animals, its strange tribes, and its complex structure it 
is one of the most fascinating regions of Asia, I believe I 
should be content to wander over it for years. To climb 
its rugged peaks, and tramp its deep snows, to fight its 
storms of wind and rain, to roam in the warmth of its deep 
gorges within sight and sound of its roaring rivers, and 
above all to mingle with its hardy tribesmen, is to feel the 
blood coursing through the veins, every nerve steady, every 
muscle taut. 
Weert: 18 
