general level of the sand now separating them from the water's edge—sometimes by a distance of two miles or more. These banks are still sharply defined, suggesting that only a few years have passed since they were filled. No such affluents were seen as are shown on the latest Russian map in connection with a lake occupying nearly the position given by my notes to this sheet of salt water. Information concerning the lake, and concerning the mountain system of Aksai Chin, has doubtless heretofore been taken only from the reports of natives. The error in respect to the mountains is considerable. The dominating chain is not north and south, as heretofore shown, but there are two east-and-west chains, generally parallel to the Kuen Lun. The first lake and the salt lake both lie closely ensconced in bounding hills of the valley, which narrows at these points. Heretofore they are shown as in open plains.
Another correction of some importance has to do with the course of the Karakash, which has been shown heretofore as extending sixty miles or more farther south than is the fact. We chanced to come into the valley of this stream above its permanent sources, which come up out of the sand. There was seen, indeed, a small break in the valley wall, corresponding to the point where the assumed southern extension appears on older maps. But this opening was seen to have a steep incline upward, and no water came from it. Nor can a considerable volume come at any time, as just below this point the valley was crossed completely, from hill to hill, by a very curious line of small stone monuments, about two feet apart, and consisting of small boulders piled about a foot high.
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