2ft4 Notes of an Excursion to the Pindree Glacier. [March, 



v. m. we endured a heavy storm of rain, hail, and thunder, from the 

 west, followed by a clear and very cold night ; our tent, which with- 

 stood the 75 hours rain at Diwalee, leaked in half a dozen places at 

 once to-day, such was the deluge that fell. Our people fortunately had 

 the huts to shelter them, for, notwithstanding every precaution, se- 

 veral fell sick every day with fever, so that our march resembles the 

 retreat from Walcheren. 



September 28th. — After enjoying the view from the Pass, we des- 

 cended to Sooring in 2\ hours ; slight rain in the evening. 



September 29th. — To Kupkot, in A\ hours, breakfasting at a hamlet 

 about half way, called Dooloom. Some very large species of orchidece, 

 probably Dendrobium, Phaius, Coelogyne, &c. grow on the rocks and 

 trees in this stage. The road at the landslip not yet replaced ; but after 

 the paths above, it was trifling; one's feet seem gradually to acquire a 

 sixth sense from practice over dangerous ground ; a portion of the mind 

 descending and taking up its temporary abode in the toes ; as the bat 

 is said to have a sensibility in its wings which enables it to avoid walls, 

 &c. in the dark. To-day was fine till 4 p. m. when a strong cold wind 

 blew down the valley accompanied with light showers for about an 

 hour. The rice-crop is now being cut here. 



September 30th. — Walked to Bagesurin 5^ hours, breakfasting half- 

 way at the Mundilgurh Torrent, where we met Messrs. Norman and 

 Weston on their way to Pinduree. The Puharees are quite aware of 

 the value of a mid-way meal. A friend once asked one of them how far 

 such and such a place was off ; and the reply was — " Two kros if you 

 have dined, three if you have not." 



The Surjoo has fallen six feet since we left Bagesur ; the temperature 

 of the town is considerably lower, but the people look sickly and sal- 

 low from fever. No rain to-day, for the first time since we started, 21 

 days since. 



October 1st. — To Sutralee in 4f hours, of which 2\ were expended 

 in reaching the summit of the Ladder Hill, exclusive of a full hour's 

 delay in crossing the "infamous" Gaomutee, now just fordable, mounted 

 on a ferryman's back, who was obliged to have a second man to steady 

 him. That such an obstacle on the main line of commerce between 

 Kumaoon and Tibet should remain without a bridge, is accounted for 

 by the circumstance that little communication takes place in the rainy 



