Am ILONAKII VALltiYS OF SIKKIM 
161 
the higher regions seemed promising ground to explore but the 
results Were disappointing. Few species survive to 16,500 feet and 
the ground above 17,000 feet is rarely clear of snow. It seemed 
to be a region where meteorological conditions hovered perpetually 
in the balance. The south wind prevailing for a short time would 
melt the thinner areas of snow and failing would give place to the 
north wind and a further sheet of snow. The soil does not appear 
unpromising, — there are many feet of alluvium in places — but the 
climatic conditions are too adverse. The proximity of the large 
glaciers is another factor just as at the head of the Zemu valley. • 
Thus far we have given at some length an account of the various 
days’ marches. So little information is available in books regard- 
ing possible routes in the Zemu and Llonakh that we trust what we 
have given may be of some use to any one pr ^posing to travel there. 
Our subsequent tour in the upper Lachen valley, a region which is 
fairly well known, does not require much detailed account. We 
wished to include this part of the v^alley chiefly for comparison 
with the Zemu and Llonakh. Meeting at Thango on the 12th we 
spent three days in going and returning to Kangralamo La (Koru 
La). Botanizing at the top was much hindered by driving showers 
of sleet and snow. Many interesting plants were secured in the 
neighbourhood of Giagong and on the hills round Thango. Lachen 
was reached on the 16th. Our arrangements permitted of a two 
days* visit to the Lachung valley. The usual stages brought us 
back to Darjeeling territory by the 26th August. 
General aspect of the Llonakh Florai 
The physical features of the area have already been noted. Its 
vegetation may be divided into three groups, though these overlap 
considerably. I- ^be plants of the open flats and marshes. II. 
The plants of the moraines and scroes. III. The extreme atpines 
of the upper jclifls. 
The flora o1 the flats is the least sparse. Trees and shrubs have 
almost disappeared. Dwarf junipers, rounded and gnarled, are 
common ; Rhododendron lepidotum and R, Anthopogon sparingly ; 
Rerherisy SpirceOy Potentilla fruticosa, Loniceray Hippoph<Ey Salix, 
occasional, dwarf and prostrate. Among the herbaceous species the 
Arenarias are the most striking with their hemispheric mounds 
decked with beautiful white flowers. Ranunculus y Caltluiy Poterium 
filiformey Saxifraga palUday Primula sikkimensisy P. tiheiicay Pedi- 
cuiaris flourished in the moister areas. On the drier flats were 
Delphinium, Hypecoum, Lepidium, Arahis glandulosa, Viola kuna- 
