6o8 OROGRAPHY OF CENTRAL TIBET.
whole of the extensive region between that valley and my route to Ladak is an absolute terra incognita, and it is just in this broad gap between the central plateau and the valley of the Tsangpo that the forms intermediate between the two are to be found. The investigator who should therefore attempt to set forth the general architectural features of the Tibetan swelling would be certain to lose himself in this very gap in guesses and theories devoid of all foundation. Rather than expose myself to such a risk, I have resolved to study that unknown region with my own eyes on the spot. It is only when this gap has been filled up and the white patches on our maps have given place to new groups of lakes and new mountain-ranges — which in consequence of their altitude exercise such a profound influence upon the distribution of the rainfall in central Tibet — and to new rivers — it is only then that the attempt to convey a faithful picture of the morphology of the Tibetan highlands, and to get to the bottom of the genetic causes of the existing surface forms, can be successfully carried out; for it is only then that the necessary material will be available and the necessary general view of the whole, without which it is impossible to write a physico-geographical monograph of any value. Under these circumstances therefore I prefer to postpone giving a general account of the country until after my return from the journey upon which I am now just about to start. The work which I shall then hope to be able to write may be regarded as the immediate continuation and completion of this which I herewith bring to a close: It is in this hope that I leave this last to the indulgent consideration of scientific geographers.
THE END.
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