SINO-MONGOLIAN FRONTIER 
to that already traversed. By noon we reached 
the T’ai Hai (Great Sea), a large lake, which lies in 
the hollow of a great basin-like plain. To the 
north lies a chain of high and pointed mountains 
of granite. Eastward the plain is bounded by 
low hills of volcanic origin. The same may be 
said of the southern rim, while the western bound- 
ary is formed by a low spur from the high moun- 
tains to the north. There is no outlet. The 
lake is said to be very deep, especially on the 
eastern side. The water is very brackish. We 
were told that there were no fish in it, though 
there seems to be some doubt upon this point. 
In length the lake is about fifteen miles, and 
seven or eight in breadth. Its greatest length is 
from east to west. From the inn; where we had 
lunch, we could see, with the aid of field-glasses, 
that the edge of the lake was swarming with wild 
fowl. Notwithstanding this fact, we found time 
to demolish the bustard, which the cook had 
prepared for us the night before. It was a ten- 
pound bird, so the healthy state of our appetites 
may be guessed. 
After lunch, having given directions to the 
carters where to halt for the night, we hurried 
down to the lake, expecting to enjoy some good 
shooting. We were disappointed, however, for at 
our approach the birds, amongst which were several 
large swans, rose thundering from the margin, and,. 
skimming over the surface of the lake, settled safely 
107 
