国立情報学研究所 - ディジタル・シルクロード・プロジェクト
『東洋文庫所蔵』貴重書デジタルアーカイブ

INTRODIICTION.

or which are attempted to be crossed at a season when it is doubtful whether they

are not already closed.'

When making a glacier expedition, or crossing a pass rarely frequented, where neither the traveller, nor any of his people are well acquainted with the road, it is preferable to make short stages only. The guides, however, in order to enhance their importance , will scarcely ever fail to say that they know all about the road, though this will but too often turn out not to be the case. Every requisite supply should be provided in abundance for such expeditions, as the men will then be-cheerful, and not despair at the very first obstacle Which may unexpectedly present itself. We do not remember any single expedition in very great heights—heights which really cannot be compared with those in the Alps—where we did not invariably meet with difficulties, which, however, with few exceptions, we were always able to surmount.

If it is stated in the route-book that fuel or provisions should be laid in for several stages, the traveller should trust to this statement more than to that of the natives, who, on such occasions, will often maintain that it is needless to carry provisions along this route, as they will most likely fall in with a kafila or caravan. This may be quite true; but the question is, whether the caravan has supplies to spare; and, at the best, one has to depend upon the good will of the caravan people, and to pay very dearly for everything required ; while it is also quite as likely that one may be disappointed in getting anything at all. In this latter case it would be necessary to retrace one's steps in order to procure supplies at the place left some hours, or, possibly, some days before.

After the traveller has laid in provisions for himself, particular care must be taken that the servants and kalis also carry the proper amount required for themselves. The tindal, or p itvâri (the headman of the kalis), should be made responsible for this ; natives, even those of Tibet, not being disposed to allow a European to inspect and examine their victuals.

In some parts of the Himalaya, especially in Kämaon and Gärhvâl, where a great many of the peaks, rivers, and places are intimately connected with Indian mythology, the people are much addicted to superstitious ceremonies, upon the strict

' See p. 14.