THE IiOYAL ARTILLERY INSTITUTION. 
397 
COPY OP A MEMORANDUM ON THE USE OP SHEEP 
EMPLOYED TO CARRY LOADS ACROSS THE KARAKORUM, 
BY CAPTAIN BIDDULPH, 19th HUSSARS. 
COMMUNICATED BY 
CAPTAIN E. F. CHAPMAN, R.A. 
SECRETARY YARKUND MISSION. 
[The facts recorded will explain the nature of the journey undertaken by that portion of the Yarkund 
Mission which has just crossed by the Changchemno route.] 
Copy of Memorandum on the use of Sheep loaded with Supplies crossing 
the Karakorum. 
Camp, Shahidulla, 
October 19, 1873. 
I left Thansie on September 18, taking with me 30 sheep, carrying 
loads of grain and attah. Wishing merely to test their marching 
capabilities, I looked upon the supplies they carried as extra, and their 
loads remained intact till within four marches of Shahidulla, when I 
was forced to commence using them. 
The Tartars usually make them carry a load of 32 lbs., and march 
7 or 8 miles a day only; as, however, I knew I should be marching 
hard at times, I put only a load of 20 lbs. on each sheep. Beyond this 
I took no care of them, and they simply took their chance. 
The accompanying table will show the particulars of the marches 
they made. I was accompanied the whole time by a Survey Pundit, 
who paced the distance each day. 
A great part of the route was over rough and stony ground ; but 
only one sheep broke down, though many of them showed signs of 
footsoreness at times. The loads, secured by breast and breech ropes, 
ride well, sinking into the fleece, and not being liable to shift. 
One man was sufficient to manage the lot; and two men, I should 
say, could easily drive and manage a hundred. On fair ground, where 
they travel with a broad front, they marched at the rate of 11 miles 
