NATURAIilST IN INDIA. 263 



comparison has been instituted between them. This rage for 

 " species-making " is not confined solely to cabinet naturalists, 

 but I regret to think, for the sake of science, that rather than 

 be behind-hand, or that another should make the discovery, 

 it is the custom with even many of our best-known field orni- 

 thologists to give a separate specific name to every individual 

 that differs in the slightest degree from another. 



The common and allied swifts (C apus et affinis), and a 

 little white-rumped martin with a forked tail, and apparently 

 like C. urhica, were often seen among the rocky cliffs on the 

 banks of the Dras. I did not procure specimens of the 

 latter, and cannot therefore vouch for any differences between 

 it and the C. cashTneriensis, noticed elsewhere. The white- 

 capped redstart, common on the more southern rivers and 

 streams, although occasionally observed, was becoming every 

 day more rare. I mention this as being the last occasion on 

 which I observed it during my journey to the lakes of Ladakh. 

 The chestnut-beUied redstart evidently takes its place on the 

 rivers and streams of Central Asia. 



The little fort of KargU is situate near the junction of the 

 Zakut and Kartse, which flow into the Dras a short way to the 

 north of Kargil. The scenery of this day's march was very wild. 

 Several peaks of great height were observed ; that of Karstee, 

 14,000 feet, was seen rising in majestic grandeur to the south 

 of our route. Opposite Kargil is the village of Sileste, with 

 its pretty little terraced fields, irrigated by a canal which runs 

 along the side of the hiU. A few willows and poplars, 

 and a. species of tamarisk, with abundance of red roses, 

 were observed ; also wUd currants, the fruit of which was 

 unripe, and, I believe, is never fit for use, being dry and very- 

 acid. The Kartse is crossed by a bridge near the above 

 village, and passing over a broad valley, you come to the 



