National Institute of Informatics - Digital Silk Road Project
Digital Archive of Toyo Bunko Rare Books

up to heights of 8,000 ft.: mosquito-curtains sometimes become very desirable
there.

With reference to the other various articles of dress, the traveller will soon dis-
cover what suits him best. A water-proof coat will be found very agreeable, less
for being worn than for being spread on damp ground, but particularly as a pro-
tection for the bedding. Fur, as well as light clothes, should never be wanting in
a traveller's kit; he would also do well to be careful, even at great heights and in
northern latitudes, to protect himself properly against the dangerous effects of the
sun. At any time of the year, a large Indian sola-hat will be found very agreeable.
In lower parts, especially during the months of April and May, an umbrella with a
white cloth-cover is almost as indispensable as anywhere in India.

Large veils of various colours (green, blue, and black) are a protection, absolutely
necessary, against the glare of vast snow-fields, and are also most thankfully accepted
by the guides, who are only too glad to exchange their snow-spectacles (consisting of
a web of horse or yak hair, generally with a small perforation in the centre) for a bit
of a veil, which not only protects the eyes, but also parts of the face. By the glare
of the snow and exposure to heavy and bleak winds the skin of the face, if unpro-
tected, may become so affected as finally to peel off.


Weapons. The lead, shot, and powder required for the whole journey must
be procured before starting, shot not being obtainable in the interior, and powder
being generally of a very coarse and inferior description. The various instruments
required for cleaning the traveller's arms form a necessary part of his kit.

Weapons (besides their importance for personal protection), as also larger knives,
lead, shot, and powder are particularly to be mentioned as articles well suited for
presents to natives.


Provisions. Of certain sorts of provisions the traveller should take with him
at starting enough for the whole time his journeys may last: such are especially tea
and coffee. Tea may be obtained in large quantities in Tibet, but it is very doubt-
ful, whether it will be to the traveller's taste; coffee is to be had nowhere in High
Asia, except sometimes in small quantities in Kashmír. Even sugar may occasionally
be scarce, so that it is advisable to lay in a small stock. The greatest economy is