226 jMr Baillie Fraser on the Himalaya Moiuitains, 
11,680 feet above Calcutta. The surface was covered with rich 
vegetation as high as the kjiee,very extensive beds of strawberries 
in full flower, and plenty of currant-bushes in blossom all 
around, in a* clear spot of rich black mould soil, surrounded by 
a noble forest of pine, oak, and rhododendron. On the 22d of 
J une he reached the top of Pilgoenta-Churhaee, 1 2,642 feet 
above Calcutta : There was not the smallest patch of snow 
near him, and the surface was covered with strawberry plants, 
butter-cups, dandelion, and a profusion of other flowers. The 
shoulders of the hill above ’ liim, about 450 feet more 
elevated, were covered with the same to the top, and about 
500 feet below was a forest of pine, rhododendron, and 
birch. ^ ^ These facts lead Captain Webb to infer, that the 
inferior limit of perpetual congelation in the Himalaya Moun- 
tains, is beyond 135500 feet at leasts above the level of Cal- 
cutta.” 
These conclusions of Captain Webb receive much support 
from the following observations of Mr Fraser. 
On the night of the 16th we slept at Bheemkeudar, near 
the source of the Coonoo and Bheem streams. There is no 
wood near this plaiQe, even in the very bottom of the valley, 
and we had left even the stunted birch at a considerable dis- 
tance below ; but there was a profusion of flowers, ferns, thist- 
les, &c. and luxuriant pasturage. Captain Webb’s limit of 
wood is at least as high as 12,000 to 12,300 feet. I would 
therefore presume the site of Bheemkeudar to be considerably 
above that level, say 13,000 to 13,300 feet above Calcutta. 
From thence we ascended at first rather gradually, and then 
very rapidly, till we left all luxuriant vegetation, and entered 
the region of striped and scattered, and partially melting snow, 
for nearly two miles of the perambulator. From calculating 
the distance passed, and adverting .to the elevation we had at^ 
tained, I would presume that this was at least 1500 feet above 
Bheemkeudar, or from 14,500 to 15,000 feet above Calcutta. 
‘‘ We proceeded onwards, ascending very rapidly, while 
vegetation decreased gradually to a mere green moss, with here 
and there a few snow-flowers starting through it ; snow fast in- 
teasing, till at length we entered on what I presume was the 
