392 
BO OT AN. 
rapid change in climate, the vegetable productions, and general ap¬ 
pearance of the country. Towards Punukha, pines and firs are the 
only trees to be met with; but they do not yet seem in their proper 
climate, being dwarfish and ill shaped ; peaches, raspberries, and straw¬ 
berries, thriving every where; scarce a plant to be seen that is not of 
European growth. In addition to the many I have already mentioned, 
saw two species of the crataegus, one not yet described. Saw two ash 
trees in a very thriving state, the star-thistle, and many other weeds, 
in general natives of the Alps and Switzerland. 
Much of the rock to-day was, I found on examination, pure lime* 
stone; a valuable acquisition if they did not either despise its use, or 
were unacquainted with its properties. It was most advantageously 
situated for being worked, and the purest perhaps to be met with. 
There is likewise abundance of fire-wood in this part of the country. 
In building they would derive great benefit from the use of it. Their 
houses are lofty, the timbers substantial, and nothing wanting to make 
them durable, but their being acquainted with the use of lime. As a 
manure it might probably be used to great advantage. Many fields 
of barley in this part of the country; now r the beginning of their har¬ 
vest. The thermometer here fell, at four o’clock in the afternoon, to 
60°, cold and chilly. 
May 2,1 . On the road to Cheptas, the rock in general dips to the 
northward and eastward, in about an angle of sixty degrees. Much 
of limestone, and some veins of quartz, and loose pieces of sparry flint 
striking fire with steel. 
s Chupka or Kepta. 
