equally important always to be accompanied by a man who is thoroughly acquainted with the road. Not only is it very convenient to have some one always at hand who can give general information with reference to the names of villages, rivers, valleys, peaks, and passes, and who may also carry a small bag with a few necessary articles ; but his presence considerably reduces the chances of unexpected, disagreeable, and perhaps dangerous adventures.
Before starting for the next camp it is necessary to make detailed inquiries from the headman (pathân, or pâtvâri) and other villagers, as to the state of the road, nature of the rivers and passes, supplies, &c.; for as yet it is impossible for "a route-book of these countries to be complete in reference to the information required under this head. A road which has for years been in good condition may at once become obstructed by a landslip, the breaking down of a bridge, or various other, quite unexpected causes. Again, routes said to be impassable for horses may, at certain periods and under favourable circumstances, become practicable for animals —perhaps by the unusually low state of a river, or the formation of a snow-bridge. Inquiries fairly instituted may even in some cases enable the traveller to remove minor obstacles and prevent great loss of time.
Quick Travelling. When quick travelling is desired, it is well to keep in mind that the difficulties increase proportionately with the length of the stages; large towns (an invariable cause of delay) should be avoided, and the luggage reduced as much as possible. Even under most favourable circumstances, and if only short stages be made, much baggage will constantly prove a source of great trouble and vexation, as we ourselves but too often experienced when the ordinary amount of our personal effects was increased from time to time by the gradual accumulation of our collections.
Crossing of High Passes. If high passes are to be crossed, the encampment should be made very near the top, where a rock may always be found to give shelter to the tents. In starting early next morning for the pass, the whole day is at the traveller's disposal; and in case it should be found impossible to effect the passage, there is still time to return to a convenient lower station. This remark applies especially to those high passes which are not regularly used as caravan roads,
IIIFカラー高解像度
