328 
THE ALPINE AND SUB- ALPINE VEGETATION 
meadow. Of the smaller flowered species P. sapphirina was in thousands, 
every marsh and every slope being studded with it. P. pusilla was 
associated with it but was much less common. In the drier northern 
Sikkim it is the most prevalent of the smaller species. P. soldmielloides 
was plentiful in crevices in the wet black rocks about 13,500 feet. 
Miich more occasional was P. glahra, almost past flower. Patches of 
P. petiolans were common enough but this, the earliest of Sikkim 
Primulce, was long cut of flower. Priwnla denticulafay the commonest 
of the Himalayan primroses, 1 did not see in this area but its near ally, 
P. capitata, was just opening its flowers. Of the rarer species P. Kingii 
w^as in profusion in the wet meadows at Sherabthang, 13,000 feet, and 
all tlie way to Kapoop. Primula Wattii — a beautiful plant rarely met 
with— was found to the north-w’est of Changu, on the track which leads 
to Chamnago at an elevation of over 13,000 feet. P. Elwesianaf another 
rare and striking species, was collected two miles above Changu where a 
large stream crosses the road. Ranging lower towards Laghep, 9 — -10,000 
feet, were P. geraniifolia and P. vaginata^ the former frequent, the latter 
very sparingly. P. muscoides appeared on the bleak rocks at 14,000 
feet, and more rarely P. tenuiloba. P. involucrata was frequent in the 
wet Sherabthang pastures. The genus Androsace I did not meet with 
till later, as it favours the drier regions to the north. I have given in 
some detail the habitat of these primroses as they are among the most 
desired of Sikkim plants for European gardens. There- is no fear that 
their inclement home will fail to protect them from unfair depredations. 
Saxifrages were uncommon but it was early in the season for them. 
Saocifraga micrantha and B. pallida were frequent however. Composita 
were plentiful but not in full flower. Beiiecio was the predominant genus 
in the wet region. In northern Sikkim its place is taken by Baussurea 
which favours Tibetan conditions. 
So far I had not seen one leguminous plant in the area betwee*i 
11,000 and 14,000 feet. Of Rosacer?., Potentilla were prominent with 
Geum elatum^ Pir^is^ and Rosa sericea, TlmhelliferdSy Ruhiam and 
LabiaUe were poorly represented. Bcrophulafinea were represented by 
a few species chiefly of Pedicularis. 
In number of species the vegetation compares favourably with that 
of West Sikkim though nowhere is it as rich as in such favoured spots as 
Jongri. The blaze of colour is as flue as anything in the west or north 
of Sikkim. 
The next few days were spent in the neighbourhood of the Natnui 
La. We made several attempts to penetrate along the boundary north 
of the pass but found it too arduous a course to the Chola for laden men. 
Almost continuous mist and rain renvierod it difficult to take any 
