306 SIKKIM HIMALAYA. Chap. XIII. 



These baths are called " Sa-choo," literally " hot-water," in 

 Tibetan. 



We stopped to measure some splendid trees in the 

 valley, and found the trunk of one to be forty-five feet 

 round the buttresses, and thirty feet above them, a large 

 size for the Himalaya : they were a species of Terminalia 

 {Pent apt era), and called by the Lepchas " Sillok-Kun," 

 " Kun" meaning tree. 



We slept at Nampok, and the following morning 

 commenced the ascent. On the way we passed the temple 

 and lake of Neongong ; the latter is about 400 yards 

 round, and has no outlet. It contained two English plants, 

 the common duckweed (Lemna minor), and Potamogeton 

 natans : some coots were swimming in it, and having 

 flushed a woodcock, I sent for my gun, but the Lamas 

 implored us not to shoot, it being contrary to their creed 

 to take life wantonly. 



We left a great part of our baggage at Neongong, as we 

 intended to return there ; and took up with us bedding, 

 food, &c, for two days. A path hence up the mountain 

 is frequented once a year by the Lamas, who make a 

 pilgrimage to the top for worship. The ascent was very 

 gradual for 4000 feet. We met with snow at the level of 

 Dorjiling (7000 feet), indicating a colder climate than at 

 that station, where none had fallen ; the vegetation was, 

 however, similar, but not so rich, and at 8000 feet trees 

 common also to the top of Sinchul appeared, with B. 

 Hodgsoni, and the beautiful little winter-flowering primrose, 

 P.petiolaris, whose stemless flowers spread like broad purple 

 stars on the deep green foliage. Above, the path runs 

 along the ridge of the precipices facing the south-east, and 

 here we caught a glimpse of the great valley of the Ryott, 

 beyond the Teesta, with Tumloong, the Rajah's residence, 



