448 Report on the Valley of Spiti. [No. 6. 



The prevailing winds are from South to East, and at times very 

 high, and the greater portion of the tops of the higher mountains 

 have all the snow swept off by the wind. I remark particularly in 

 Spiti, what struck me so much last July in Lahoul, and especially 

 North of the Bara Lacha, that the soil gives out much heat by radia- 

 tion. The want of heat and atmospheric pressure are, in these regions, 

 greatly against vegetation. 



Having given a succinct account of this country and its people, I 

 may sum it up by saying, that Spiti is a mass of nearly bare rocks, 

 with here and there small patches of cultivation, almost entirely with- 

 out trees, thinly populated, and small villages, the largest not having 

 above 25 houses. The table which I annex will give the number and 

 houses of the villages. 



I have now but to add a sketch map of the country, such as will 

 afford a reference to villages. I do not profess to give the mountains 

 in their proper form or distinct ramifications. I have taken regular 

 angles; but, without a protractor, cannot lay them down; besides, 

 that task has most likely been already done, and much better done than 

 with my opportunities or resources, I could hope to perform it. 



Conclusion. — I trust that any deficiencies in this report will be 

 excused. I have no proper paper ; my hands are so benumbed with cold, 

 that I can with difficulty write, and the ink freezes in my pen at every 

 two or three words. I have had no books or maps to guide me, and 

 am in perfect ignorance of any thing that may have hitherto been 

 written : all is from my own unguided observation. I should, upon 

 the whole, say that the country is in a prosperous state, the people 

 are well housed, well clothed, and possess an abundance of food, such as 

 they are accustomed to : they are contented and happy, with principles 

 of order and industry ; and, with a moderate taxation, I think they will 

 prove good subjects, and useful and beneficial to the Government to 

 which they are now annexed. 



Having thus stated facts, which I was alone ordered to collect, with 

 a view to enable a future settlement to be made, however incomplete 

 these may be, though collected to the best of my ability, I trust that 

 my superiors will be able to form a judgment both of the country and 

 its people. 



(Signed) W. E. Hay, 



Assistant Commissioner. 



