Nov. 1848. WALLANCHOON PASS. 223 



then learnt how to treat such conduct, and just before 

 retiring to rest had further been informed by the Havildar 

 that the Guobah declared we should find no food on our 

 return. To remain in these mountains without a supply 

 was impossible, and the delay of sending to Mywa 

 Guola would not have answered ; so I long lay awake, 

 occupied in arranging measures. The night was clear and 

 very cold ; the thermometer falling to 19° at 9 p. m., and to 

 12° in the night, and that by my bedside to 20°. 



On the following morning (Nov. 26th) I started with a 

 small party to visit the pass, continuing up the broad, 

 grassy valley ; much snow lay on the ground at 13,500 feet, 

 which had fallen the previous month ; and several glaciers 

 were seen in lateral ravines at about the same elevation. 

 After a couple of miles, we left the broad valley, which con- 

 tinued north-west, and struck northward up a narrow, stony, 

 and steep gorge, crossing an immense ancient moraine at 

 its mouth. This path, which we followed for seven or 

 eight miles, led up to the pass, winding considerably, and 

 keeping along the south-east exposures, which, being the 

 most sunny, are the freest from snow. The morning was 

 splendid, the atmosphere over the dry rocks and earth, at 

 14,000 feet, vibrating from the power of the sun's rays, 

 whilst vast masses of blue glacier and fields of snow 

 choked every gulley, and were spread over all shady places. 

 Although, owing to the steepness and narrowness of the 

 gorge, no view was obtained, the scenery was wild and very 

 grand. Just below where perpetual snow descends to the 

 path, an ugly carved head of a demon, with blood-stained 

 cheeks and goggle-eyes, was placed in a niche of rock, and 

 protected by a glass. 



At 15,000 feet, the snow closed in on the path from all 

 sides, whether perpetual, glacial, or only the October fall, 



