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from Lop-nor, and for the readiness with which he has always helped me in questions touching hydrography and topography. It is largely thanks to him that I have been able to reproduce any maps of Lop-nor here. The same applies also to my Chinese companion and friend Mr. PARKER CHEN, who, besides, helped me with the translation of a certain part of a Chinese archaeological work. ERIK NORIN, too, has given me valuable advice concerning the maps, and has kindly carried out some petrographic analyses. To GERHARD BEXELL and DAVID HUMMEL I also owe valuable information, and the former, moreover, devoted time to determining some animal bones for me. GÖSTA MONTELL, who serves as editor of this series, has spared no pains to lessen the practical difficulties connected with the printing of the book, and has also been kind enough to criticize the text of several chapters.

One of my companions on the expeditions deserves special thanks for the constant helpfulness and good comradeship he showed in the field during the rather difficult campaign in swelteringly hot summer days in the Lop desert in 1934. I refer to GEORG SODERBOM. Without his aid perhaps the greater part of the newly discovered grave district would have remained unknown. He also executed a number of sketches for me, some of which I have reproduced.

During a large part of my reconnaissances in 1928 I had the good fortune to travel in company with HENNING HASLUND. His cheerfulness was always stimulating during tiresome days in the desert. I feel a warm obligation to him for the excellent way in which he facilitated my work.

Another field companion should not be forgotten in this connection. From Prof. ANDERSSON I had `inherited' one of his archaeological `collectors', CHIN by name, who followed me during my travels in Sinkiang in 1928. He always worked to my satisfaction and showed me a loyal affection. In 1930 he safely brought the expedition's Sinkiang collections from Urumchi through the Gobi to Peking.

I wish also to offer my cordial thanks to Miss VIVI SYLWAN, who with great enthusiasm undertook the description and preparation of all textile finds from SVEN HEDIN'S expedition, for her co-operation during the time the material was being cleaned and prepared here in Stockholm, and for all her good advice and suggestions. I am especially indebted to her for the wide knowledge she has lavished upon all the textile descriptions in the lists of antiques. Their careful accuracy makes them an invaluable addition to this publication. I hope it will not be long before Miss SYLWAN has finished her monograph on the woollen textiles from the Lop-nor graves, which volume will be followed by another dealing with the silk fabrics.

The co-operation of Mr. HJ. LJUNGH in the work of assigning various material has proved very fruitful. The result of this first co-operation has taken the form of an appendix added to this volume. His careful examinations have considerably enhanced the value of the chapters concerning the Lop-nor graves, and I am much indepted to him for his energetic work in throwing light on these important questions.

For the second appendix I have to thank Professor STEN KoNOw in Oslo. This

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