OF KAMAON. 3 



The paths to the passes, continue along the upper part of the 

 rivers abovementioned, till near the crest of the ridge, which is cross- 

 ed in those parts offering least difficulty in the ascent, and it is here only 

 that snow is not met with during the season of intercourse. Roads of 

 communication through the Himalaya unite the passes from east to 

 west, but these are passable, during a few days only in each year, and are 

 considered at all times as dangerous by the JBhotias themselves. Roads 

 of this description formerly used, are now impracticable, owing to the 

 increase of snow. The interior of the Himalaya, except at the passes and 

 paths in question, is inaccessible, and appears to be daily becoming more 

 so from the gradual extension of the zone of perpetual snow. The 

 JBhotias bear universal testimony to the fact of such extension, and 

 point out ridges now never free from snow, which, within the memory 

 of man, were clothed with forest, and afforded periodical pastures for 

 sheep : they even state, that the avalanches, detached from the lofty peaks, 

 occasionally present pieces of wood frozen in their centre. 



The roads in the passes are carried as near as possible to the 

 margin of the river, and only deviate from thence as a last resource, where 

 a rocky precipice, impassable by other means, presents itself. Obstruc- 

 tions of this nature, which are here frequent, are, if feasible, avoided by 

 means of bridges : as they are surmounted by the aid of a scaffolding 

 formed of spars, and supported by joists, fastened horizontally in the 

 face of the rock, this expedient is only pursued where natural crevices or 

 ledges are available. Where a passage over the obstruction is inevitable, 

 a considerable detour is usually necessary for that purpose, and the road, 

 in these cases, is always difficult, and sometimes attended with danger. 



The bridges are of the Sanga kind, and being intended for the 

 passage of laden animals, they are made with greater attention and better 



materials, 



