TIBET, 401 
of their heights, from the surrounding ground, I should say they were 
above its level. The road, however, proves the reverse. From Pu- 
nukha to Tassesudon we had a continued and steep* ascent for six 
hours and a half, with a very inconsiderable descent on the Tassesu¬ 
don side. From the south of the mountain, dividing Boutan from 
Thibet, the springs and rivulets are tumbling down in cascades and 
torrents, and have been traced by us near to the foot of the hills, 
where they empty themselves to the eastward of Buxaduar. On the 
north side, they glide smoothly along, and by passing to the north¬ 
ward, as far as Tishoolumboo*, prove a descent on that side, which 
the eye could not detect. This part of the country, being the most 
\ 
elevated, is at all times the coldest; and the snowy mountains, from 
their heights and bearings, notwithstanding the distance, are certainly 
those seen from Purnea. 
The soil on the Thibet side of the mountain, is sandy with much 
gravel and loose stones. On the road we found the aconitum pyre- 
neum, and two species of the saxifraga. 
Saw a large flock of chowry-tailed cattle; their extensive range of 
pasture seemed to make amends for its poverty. 
Sept. 15. From Faro 1 to Duina" passed over an extensive plain, 
bounded by many small hills, oddly arranged ; some of them detached 
and single, and all seemed composed of sand, collected in that form, 
having the plain for their general base. 
At Duina found a few plots of barley, which they were cutting 
down, though green, as despairing of its ripening. The thermometer 
* Teshoo Loomboo. 1 Phan. " Tuena. 
