183 AN ACCOUNT OF THE. 
wal was assioned; and to me, that of the western part of Gerhwal, and of 
the mountains between the Ganges and Setley rivers. My instructions 
were summarily, “to make a correct survey: of the liberated provinces 
“ of Gerhwal,. Sirmer and Hindur, as well as of the countries to the 
“ north of them reaching-to the Hundlaya, a tract which comprises. the 
« sources of the Ganges, Juimna, Tonse, (hitherto unknown; though larger 
“ than the Jumna) and Setiej rivers; and which is bounded by some of 
‘ the noblest mountains in the world.” I was ordered to carry on my 
“a ‘ 
researches as far as rationally practicable, and Colonel Crawrorp, then. 
Surveyor General, was directed to prepare such instructions for me as he 
might deem necessary. ‘That distinguished and scientific: officer, alike 
versed in the theory and practise of great surveys of this nature, approved 
of the methods I had suggested, for carrying on my operations, and gene- 
rally directed me to be guided by such circumstances, as might appear. to 
me most. conducive to the objects in. contemplation.. 
Ir will be acknowledged, that the extension of geographical’ knowledge 
is a desirable object, and it cannot‘be denied; that to ascertain. the heights 
and positions of the snowy peaks of the Himdlaya is notonly an: interesting 
and curious, but very useful, inquiry, for when their latitudes and longitudes 
are known, the geographical position of any place; from: whence one, or 
more of them, are visible; may be determined with ease and accuracy.. We 
have every facility and opportunity of observing some: of these resplendent 
and lefty puides, in the great exientiof 155-degrees-of longitude, now, either 
in our possession; or under our influence and control, from the banks of the 
viver Setlej at Luciana; to beyond those of the Burrampooter in Bengal: 
