OF KAMAON. 45 



saddled. From the establishment of a direct intercourse between the 

 Almora merchants and those of Tartary, the desired object will doubtless 

 be gradually gained, the same capital will continue vested in the trade, 

 but the whole profit of the speculation will there fall to the capitalists, 

 while the losses to which the latter is now constantly subjected from the 

 failure of the intermediate trader, will be prevented ; under such circum- 

 stances the rates of profit would naturally be lowered, and the demand 

 and supply of exports from Hindusthan might be expected to increase. 

 To the Bhotia the disadvantages resulting from such a change would be 

 more apparent than real, in the trade of the most profitable article of bar- 

 ter, grain, little or no competition could be offered, and though he might 

 no longer be able to speculate in the commerce between Hindusthan and 

 Tartary, yet the necessity of his services as a carrier would always 

 enable him to command a considerable proportion of the gross returns of 

 that trade. 



It would here be desirable to offer some accounts of the adjoining 

 Trans- Himalaya state, but the watchful care with which the entrance of 

 Europeans is prevented, the extreme precautions with which Natives of 

 India, not ffltotias, are admitted, and the jealous restrictions to which even 

 the Bhotias are subjected, preclude the acquisition of any particular and 

 authentic information on points, connected with the local administration 

 and resources of that country ; a few general notices may, however, be 

 given. 



The province of Hiundes is by its inhabitants called " Nari" while 

 at Laddkh and to the westward, it appears to be known by the name of 

 Chang or Jhang Tang, an appellation nearly synonimous with Hiundes. 

 It is subject directly to the Lama at Lassa, and is administered by offi- 

 cers deputed or appointed from thence. 



n The 



