658 Memoir on Chinese Tartary and Khoten. [Dec. 



The merchants of Fyzdbdd, which is the capital of Badakshdn, bring 

 to Ydrkand slaves, and precious stones, taking back silver and tea. 

 The kafila, which comes once a year, is generally about 40 days on 

 the road ; but by forced marches, the journey may be performed in 

 twenty. 



From Andejan, in the Khanate of Kokan, piece goods and other 

 commodities are brought v'\k Kashgar ; the return trade from whence 

 consists of pure silver, China-ware, tea, in boxes and bricks. The 

 brick tea is of a very inferior quality, and is used only by the poorer 

 classes. This trade is carried on by means of horses, mules, and 

 camels. 



Kafilas come from the Russian frontier, by way of Eela, Auksu, 

 and Kouch.4, bringing broad cloth, brocades, silver, gold ducats, 

 copper, steel, furs, &c. and they take back tea, rhubarb, sal-ammo- 

 niac, &c. 



Communication with Pekin. — From Ydrkand it takes a caravan from 

 four to six months to travel to Pekin, (which the natives call Pechin ■) 

 but by quick marches, the journey may be performed in three months. 

 There is but one road to Pekin, which caravans, or travellers, can 

 use ; for though there is said to be another, and shorter, route, its 

 use is prohibited by the Chinese government. In the way there is 

 one very difficult pass, where 20 matchlock men may oppose a whole 

 army. A party of Usbeks is stationed there. At every stage is a 

 Chinese Ortung, or post, of seven or eight Chinese, and about 20 

 Usbeks. No passport is necessary for persons going from Ydrkand 

 to China ; neither are they prevented from remaining there as long 

 as they choose, the leave of the Emperor not being requisite for this 

 purpose. 



An extensive trade is carried on between China and Ydrkand. 

 Great quantities of silk, great numbers of cattle, &c. are taken to 

 China ; articles of China manufacture, porcelain, and especially tea, 

 form the returns. 



Road to Tibet. — From Ydrkand to Laddk, (or little Tibet,) which 

 is nominally dependent on China, is a journey of 30 or 40 days. 

 The country on the way is inhabited for two stages, where Chinese 

 Ortungs are met with, five Chinese and 20 Usbeks in each ; but for 

 the next twenty days, the country passed through is a succession of 

 plains and mountains, without inhabitants. The people at the Ortung 

 inspect the passes given by the Umbaun, and after stamping it with 

 their seals, return it ; but it is kept at the last post, and given back 

 on the return of the party, which must account for absentees. These 

 Ortungs, however, it is said, may be easily avoided. By forced 



