26 
THROUGH ASIA 
and on the solution of problems which had long been the 
subject of controversy among geographers. 
The breaking up of my journey into several shorter 
expeditions was a happy thought. After each such ex- 
pedition I was able to rest, and recover strength necessary 
for a new campaign. I also worked out the results of my 
journey provisionally, and prepared for the work awaiting 
me during my next expedition ; and each time I started 
off with new interests and new points of view. 
In this account of my travels I have aimed to depict the 
reminiscences and impressions which I gathered during my 
long and lonely wanderings in the heart of Asia. It is clear 
that the results of a journey which occupied three and a 
half years are too voluminous to be comprised in a single 
book ; and I have thought it wiser to separate the scientific 
data from matter which is of more general interest. I 
propose, therefore, to give a description of the journey, the 
countries I passed through, the peoples with which I came 
into contact, and the adventures I and my men experienced 
in unknown and uninhabited remons. The scientific re- 
o 
suits, which require a longer time for their working out, 
and which are of more special interest, will be published 
separately at some future date. 
Thanks to King Oscar’s protection and generous aid, I 
had no difficulty in raising the 30,000 kronor or ^,^1670 I 
required. More than half the sum was given by the king, 
the Nobel family, and friends of geography in Gothenburg 
through Mr. Westin. The other half was contributed by 
Baron Akerhielm, a former minister of state, and Messrs. E. 
Cederlund, Treschow, Andersson, J. Backstrom, C. von 
Platen, Carl Lamm, Sager, and Davidsson, and Mrs. 
Emma Benedicks and Mrs. Clara Scharp. 
Five of these are no longer living; but to the others I 
desire to take this opportunity of expressing my sincerest 
thanks. 
On my arrival at Peking I was, however, obliged to 
borrow 4000 kronor or about ;^2 20, so that the cost of 
the entire journey, instruments and equipment included, 
amounted to 34,000 kronor or rather less than _;^i900. 
