6 
REPORT ON A BOTANICAL TOUR IN SIKKIM, lSg2, 
small flag, we descended a steep gorge down which a stream urged 
its turbulent course. Its bed was cumbered with gneiss blocks, with 
many of a fine grained granite, transported from higher levels. This 
stream effects a junction with two others to form the Rangbi river at a 
flat expanse called Gambothan. The sheltered situation of this place 
favours the growth of large pine trees and copses of a willow, Salix 
Wallichiana^ fringe the river bank. From eastward another tributary 
flow's through a broad grassy valley, which rapidly attains a high 
elevation, and for a short distance towards the south the united 
rivers flovv calmly through a forest of Abies Webbiana, The most 
noteworthy plant growing in the desolate locality we had traversed 
is the gigantic Rhubarb, {Rheum nobile), always associated in the 
traveller's mind with barren precipices where it delights to grow', 
and where it heightens the weird effect of such scenery by its 
cadaverous stave-like stems ; for only by closer inspection can the 
actual beauty of the plant be realized. The only perfect speci- 
mens existed on inaccessible rocks, as the shepherds collect and de- 
vour all they find within reach. 
The elevation of Gambothan, by B. P, thermometer, was 12,400 
feet. 
Leaving Gambothan, a steep ascent was made to the summit 
of the ridge — 13,300 feet in elevation For half the distance 
there is a scattered forest of Abies Webbiana ^ Juniper us rcurvay 
Rkododenaron campanulatumy Prunus rufa and Betula utilis ; 
the upper part being almost wholly occupied by Rhododendron Ant ho- 
pogon and R, setosum. These when bruised or trodden upon 
exhale a strong perfume from the superficial glands with which they 
are covered, aggravating the headaches to which all are subject 
at high elevations. Gentiana stylophora is exceedingly common. 
Beyond the ridge is the broad open summit of Bokto, covered with 
grass on which two large flocks of sheep were feeding. From this a 
descent has to be made into the valley of the Yangsap through dense 
growths of Rhodoa idron^ Abies Webbiana, Pyrus foliolosa and P. 
microphylla ; beyond is a steep hill almost devoid of vegetation and 
covered with boulders. The path winds up its right flank to a de- 
pression below’ its summit at about 14,000 feet elevation. There is a 
fine wood of Juniperus pseudo-Sabina^ and the shrubby vegetation 
mainly consists of a Berberis not yet in leaf. Descending somewhat, 
we crossed two small plains with a steep low ridge interveningf. 
On these level tracts intersected with sheep walks it would have been 
almost impossible to keep the proper paths had not the shepherds 
marked them wdth upright slabs of stones at regular distances. Leav- 
ing the second plain, a steep scramble along the inclined foot of 40 
