HIMALAYAN JOURNALS. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 



Arrangements for second journey into Sikkim — Opposition of Dewan — Lassoo 

 Kajee — Tendong — Legend of flood — Lama of Sillok-foke — Namtchi — Tchebu 

 Lama — Top of Tendong — Gigantic oak — Plants — Teesta valley — Commence- 

 ment of rains — Bhomsong — Ascent to Lathiang — View — Bad road — Orchids 

 — Gorh — Opposition of Lama — Arrival of Meepo — Cross Teesta — Difficulties 

 of travelling — Lepchas swimming — Moxa for sprains — Singtam — Grandeur of 

 view of Kinchinjunga — Wild men — Singtam Soubah — Landslips — Bees'-nests 

 and honey-seekers — Leeches, &c. — Chakoong — Vegetation — Gravel terraces 

 — Unpleasant effects of wormwood — Choongtam, scenery and vegetation of — 

 —Inhabitants — Tibetan salute — Lamas — Difficulty of procuring food — Con- 

 trast of vegetation of inner and outer Himalaya — Rhododendrons— ^Yew — 

 A hies Brunoniana — Venomous snakes — Hornets and other insects — Choong- 

 tam temple — Pictures of Lhassa — Minerals — Scenery. 



After my return from the Terai, 1 was occupied during 

 the month of April in preparations for an expedition to 

 the loftier parts of Sikkim. The arrangements were the 

 same as for my former journey, except with regard to food, 

 which it was necessary should be sent out to me at 

 intervals ; for we had had ample proof that the resources 

 of the country were not equal to provisioning a party of 

 from forty to fifty men, even had the Dewan been favour- 

 able to my travelling, which was clearly not the case. 



Dr. Campbell communicated to the Rajah my intention 

 of starting early in May for the upper Teesta valley, and, 



VOL. II. B 



