or THE RlVflR SETLJST. iJTSl 



and junction of the two vallies is distinguishable. Beyond the Baspa, 

 again, appear peaks still higher than those of the ridge on which we stood, 

 from which it seemed as if the range here took a turn, the Baspa coming 

 from the salient angle, and being shut in by an external or double ridge 

 to the southward. It has been thought by some, that the northern ridge is 

 distinguished by the name of Kailas, while the southern retains that of Hi- 

 malaya, but I have not myself observed any distinction of this kind, made 

 by the mountaineers. It has rather appeared to me, that they, as well as 

 the people of the plains, call every high place by the term Kailas, and ap- 

 ply it equally to the southern as to the northern ridge. 



The snow on the pass we found perfectly hard, and having a most beau- 

 tiful crystallized surface. This peculiarity of appearance 1 have almost 

 always observed in snow that is situated above the limit of congelation. 

 We endeavoured to guess at ita depth, by sounding with our longest sticks, 

 but, though assisted by the whole length of the arm up to the shoulder, 

 we could not touch ground. Indeed as it is hardly to be supposed that 

 this snow melts in any quantity to be compared with what falls annually, 

 it must be considered as the accumulation of ages. It is evident, notwith- 

 standing the elevation, that a small quantity does melt, for a thermometer 

 hung close to the surface of the snow, the sun shining on it, rose above 60° : 

 still the yearly supplies must greatly exceed the waste, so that we may, 

 without hazarding an error, well suppose it on the increase. The thermo- 

 meter in the shade was 37°. 



Towards noon we returned to Camp, and the following morning quitted 

 this inhospitable spot. The thermometer at day-break was observed to be 

 24°; the ground was as hard as iron., and the streams and springs all fro- 

 zen ; our path led down the glen, watered by the united Rakta stream, of 

 which the left bank, or that we traversed, had an easy declivity, occasionally 

 diversified with small flats or level pieces of pasturage in which every pr< - 

 duction we saw reminded us strongly of Europe. The opposite bank was 



