I860.] Memorandum on the great flood of the river Indus. 135 



recommend that periodical reports should he ohtained from the Maha- 

 rajah's officials at Boonjee, Skardo and Leh, say once a month whilst 

 the passes are open, in order to shew that their attention is directed 

 to the suhject — special reports to be made directly any reliable 

 information is obtained as to any obstruction in the Indus or its 

 branches. In the winter months men without loads can in fine 

 weather often cross from the valley of the Indus to that of Kashmir, 

 it only requires a sufficient inducement. 



The officer at Boonjee should he requested to report on the river 

 in the neighbourhood of the fort and to get all the information 

 that he can from the Gilgit countries, viz. Naggar, Hunza, Yassin, &c. 



The officer at Skardo to report on the river in his neighbour- 

 hood* more especially on the Shayok river and its tributaries getting 

 information from the Khapalu Rajah and the Kardar of Nubra. 



The Thanadar of Ladak to report on all the rivers in his district. 



The Maharajah is at present preparing for an expedition against 

 Gilgit and may possibly succeed next year in establishing his 

 posts in that valley, should he do so Hunza and Nuggar will most 

 probably come under his rule and Yassin may come under his influ- 

 ence. In that case information might be forthcoming as to the state 

 of all the countries drained by the Gilgit river. 



Under all circumstances it is very difficult to get information on 

 such a subject, the natives take little interest in it, and barriers formed 

 by landslips or glaciers may arise in some of the very elevated gorges 

 which are rarely if ever visited by men from the Ladak side. 



* Xhapalu and Nubra. 



T 2 



