274 WANDERINGS OF A 



atmospheric pressure. I allow that the above condition is in- 

 fluenced in a very great measure by the state of health, and 

 that a disordered stomach or such like will cause the sensa- 

 tions to become more intense * Indeed I feel persuaded that 

 no one subject to organic or functional disorder of the heart 

 ought to attempt to travel in elevated regions, in as much as 

 violent action of that organ is of frequent occurrence in 

 healthy persons, and in the stout and robust bleeding from 

 the nose is by no means rare. The year after our visit an 

 officer affected with a diseased condition of the heart crossed 

 the Nagpogonding Pass, when he became suddenly ill, and 

 died on the banks of the Chumouraree Lake, where his soli- 

 tary grave remains as a guide to the traveller along the shores 

 of that wild and desolate region. It is somewhat strange, 

 however, that the natives do not complain of this feeling, and 

 seem to go up these steep mountains without any unusual 

 sensations of fatigue ; also that those who ascend to great 

 heights in balloons do not appear to suffer. That, however, 

 may arise from there being no demand for exertion, for, except 

 sense of oppression in the chest during sleep, we did not 

 experience any uneasy feelings when at rest. 



The bearded vulture was seen hovering over the Tartar tents. 

 At their entrances were stationed several Tibetan mastiffs {Mo- 

 lossus tibetanus). These fierce-looking animals commenced 

 barking on our approach, and had several times to be driven 

 back by their owners. One old dame succeeded in silencing a 

 savage-looking monster by putting his huge uncouth-looking 

 head under her petticoats. The natives are a good-natured 

 and jovial race, but very filthy. In the tents there seemed 



* This I have repeatedly observed with reference to the sirocco wind in 

 the Mediterranean : to the healthy it has little effect, but the weak and dis- 

 eased are materially injured by its depressing influence. 



