196 ARRIVAL OF CARAVAN 
the purpose, stating that my presence had caused the 
severe weather lately prevalent, and requesting that I 
might be ordered to leave the district at once. It seemed 
to be a curious exhibition of ignorance and superstition ; 
but the mandarin had no friendly feelings towards 
foreigners, so that it was useless to try to live in the 
hut any longer, the mandarin refusing to allow me to 
remain long out of the city. I had, however, gained 
some knowledge of the country, and could send my men 
to any places that I considered likely, as the natives 
raised no objections to their living and collecting where- 
ever they were sent. 
On June 19 the annual caravan arrived from Shi- 
ga-tze, near the frontier of Sikkim and the capital of 
the province of Tishulumbo, the town being now crowded 
with Tibetans. This caravan travels by the way of 
Tsiamdo, this route being chosen as it affords sufficient 
pasture for the large number of animals that are made 
use of. They consist of horses and the cross-bred 
animal between a yak and a cow. I could form no idea 
of the number employed as the greater part were in 
camp, some being miles away from the city. This is 
necessary in order to get sufficient feed. They bring 
quantities of goods, principally narrow, striped woollen 
cloth, and very thick woollen rugs, which are much used 
for saddle-cloths. The colours are green, red, and yellow 
