^34 
DHALAC. 
deep chasms, that appeared almost the work of art. The view from 
the top fully answered our expectations, and discovered to us, 
somewhat unexpectedly, a sight of the Panther, an object most par- 
ticularly interesting to our purposes; it appeared over the point of 
Dhalac, nearest to Nokhara, on the opposite side of a large salt- 
water lake, which was distant about three quarters of a mile, and 
which apparently is deep enough for the largest vessels. We could 
also just distinguish one of the mausoleums at Nokhara, distant 
between six and seven miles. We had at the same time in sight, 
Cape Sarbo, and the island of Howakil, the high peak behind 
Hurtoo, and the village of Gerbeschid. 
" As the surest way of ascertaining the sites of these objects, 
Captain Court measured a base of eight hundred paces, and took 
bearings at each end. The land descends, in a sloping line, hence 
to the lake, round which is a sandy beach. On coming down we 
observed a few deer, which were very wild, and speedily bounded 
over the rocks out of sight. The valley, formed by the cliffs, which 
we passed through a second time to day, seems by far the richest 
part of the island ; it is well sheltered, the soil is good, and there was, 
even still, a little verdure covering the greater part of it. I also 
observed three species of shrubs, different from what I had before 
noted. It is probable that even the small quantity of rain which 
had fallen, occasioned, in a great degree, the more luxuriant ap- 
pearance of this valley, or it might be the difference of our feelings, 
at the times that we passed through it. Two or three species of 
birds, the plumage of one of which was very beautiful, were seen 
flying from bush to bush. We arrived at Dhalac-el-Kibeer at half 
past one. Thermometer 84°. 5'. 
