22 
Records of the Geological Survey of India. 
[VOL. IV. 
Salt imported via the Johar (Milum) Pass in 1869-70 about... 
3,000 
3,521 
4,000 
Niti and Man a Passes in 1869-70 about 
Parma and Byanse Passes in 1869-70 about 
Total 
10,521 
It is sold at Bagesur at about Rs. 5 per maund, and by Almorah bunyas at Rs. 7 per 
maund. Tlie Bkotias geueraUy barter all their salt for grain. 
Salt is also imported from the Punjab and Sambbur Lakes. Labor! (Punjab) salt is 
generally most esteemed, and is considerably whiter than the other two. It averages from 
2 to 3| seers per rupee in the Almorah bazaar, whereas the Bhotia and Sambhur salts (of 
similar value) sell at from 4 to 6 seers per rupee, the fluctuations depending upon the 
amount available. The total amount of Indian salt imported appears from the accompanying 
statements to have been about 21,000 maunds, but this is probably below the mark, as no 
mention of it is made in the Gurkwal returns. 
Gold. —The amount of gold brought from Tibet and disposed of at Bagesur during 
the year appears to have been about Rs. 10,000 worth. It averaged Rs. 11 per tolak. It is 
collected in grains and dust from many of the Tibetan rivers, the authorities taking a 
percentage upon the amount realized. 
Sieved.— Silver was brought down to these provinces from Tibet in former times. It 
was imported into that country from those surrounding it (probably China), and does not 
seem to be found in Tibet itself in any quantity. It was sent into Tibet in a crude state in 
lumps called Doja or Thukka of a general value of Rupees 105 each. Importations from 
that, source have, I believe, ceased for some time, owing possibly to the great and growing 
influx of silver in the shape of rupees from British territory. Formerly all borax, salt, &c., 
was bartered for grain, cloth, &c., but now while a large amount is still disposed of in that way 
.(probably to procure actual necessaries), still, whether it proceed from the increase of trade, 
and the portability of coin for hoarding purposes, or from the existence of a greater demand 
for silver in Tibet, by far the largest amount of borax is disposed of here for British money. 
And I may mention that the Bhotias state that our coin is largely current in Gurtok and 
the other large towns, and is preferred by the inhabitants there to the coinage of other 
countries. They ask for the Cheharad&r Rupaya, or face-printed money. 
The Bhotia traders are only allowed to go as far north as Gurtok and Durchin. 
Further progress is impeded by the Tibetan authorities. 
Copper. —A large quantity of copper seems to be imported from the plains. 
Ikon.— The import returns seem to he 2,000 maunds from, against 155 maunds 
exported to, the plains. 
—The returns show 1,00,000 maunds of lime sent to the plains from Ramnugger 
and Chorgullia only. 
I forward herewith a return sent to me from Gurhwal by Captain Garstin together 
with some remarks by him thereon. 
24 th August 1870. 
A. IV. Lawdee. 
