1842.] of the Himmalay a Mountains. xxiii 



the Indus, and most probably into that of the Oxus also, that in some 

 part of this line there may be peaks higher than those in the Gangetic 

 basin is possible, nor can we assign any reason, why it should be im- 

 probable. But that there is a higher chain, or series of peaks, beyond 

 the Sutlej, parallel to that which we are considering, is an opinion 

 which is supported by no probabilities whatever. 



35. Undoubtedly the subject is even yet involved in some obscurity, 

 which cannot be fully cleared up till all the particulars in that quarter 

 become known. The only direct evidence which we possess on the 

 subject is unfavorable to this conclusion. Mr. Moorcroft, who crossed, 

 and Captain Webb, who visited the Neetee Pass, are both silent as to 

 the existence of such loftier peaks to the N. or N. E. In my journey 

 to lay down the course of the Sutlej I found that after passing this 

 line, all the loftier peaks appeared to the Southward, while those to the 

 North were of a totally different character, rounded summits, almost free 

 from snow, and evidently of less height. In like manner in ascending 

 the height above Shipkee, (16,000 feet), the peaks to the N. E., East, 

 and S. E., were of this character, while to the S. and S. W. appeared 

 those of the true Himmalaya aspect. 24 Nor does Captain Webb, in his 

 visit to the head of the Kalapanee river, notice any high peaks as being 

 visible to the N. or N. E., though he was then not twenty miles from 

 the lake Mansuror. 



36. We are justified then, by all that we know of this elevated tract, 

 in considering it as unconnected altogether with the disposition of the 

 water-heads. Nor can any principle of arrangement be traced which 

 will allow of our proceeding one step beyond that point, at which our 

 positive knowledge of the subject terminates. We may, if we choose, 

 guess, that beyond this, another line still higher may be found, and we 

 may even add a third, still more lofty, but we must be contented to have 

 these conclusions considered as mere guesses too, unsupported by ana- 

 logy, and having no claim whatever to be received even as probable. 



23 Further reasons will appear for doubting the existence of a series of loftier sum- 

 mits to the North, when we come to the geological details. Strange that Europe 

 should have been so slow to acknowledge the actual height of the Himmalaya ; still 

 stranger, that being unable any longer to deny the accuracy of the measurement, 

 a higher range must be supposed to the North of it, so that it may still be averred, 

 they are not the highest. 



24 Vide Asiatic Society's Researches, Vol. 15. 



