194 IN TIBET AND -CHINESE TURKESTAN.
. of our baggage animals. The sheep and all the other animals not at present-required-were sent forward to Kha Yak Day, where they would find grass. My survey work here was delayed by the illness of Dalbir Rai, and I had to record •for myself. The hill station most convenient for my purpose was on the top of a sharp peak, not so lofty as that near Camps 92 and 100, but quite as dangerous. I had left two ponies hobbled half-way up the mountains, and while I was busy with my observations on the summit I noticed that one of them became restive, and while trying to move about overbalanced himself and fell. The other (my riding pony) was fastened to him, and both fell and slid and rolled together down the mountain-side. Their descent was stopped at a more level place, but as they both lay motionless I concluded they were killed, and continued my work. Kunchuk went to their assistance, but before he could reach them they both showed signs of life, and greatly to my surprise he soon had them on their feet. The animals were much bruised and cut, but neither had any bones broken, and my saddle was only scratched.
About dusk on our second evening at this desolate place, a fine bull yak carne leisurely walking up the valley. Coming in sight of the tents he made a long pause, after which he went on his way at a more rapid pace. What his purpose was in that dreary region we could not divine.
Next morning Dalbir Rai and .. the others started early for Kha Yak Day, while I with Changfûnchuk, who was useful for heliographic work, completed the survey operations. The descent from the At To Pass into the Polu gorge, though steep, was not difficult. The upper part of the valley was quite waterless ; further on we found some springs of undrinkable water, and at this point the gorge rapidly contracted, steep and barren mountains towering on either hand. The rest of the
IIIFカラー高解像度
