Part 43 - Alpine flora observations and move to Drötang; plan to depart for Changu

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SUMMARY:
Notes common primula, iris, and emerging gentians, with a few Parnassius butterflies at camp; praises local butter and mentions a local man paid in food and clothing who sells to buy an ornament for his wife. Sends for coolies to leave for Changu on the 21st; on 21 July at Drötang (11700') reports mist then sun near Karutra, parched conditions, no pheasants or larks, and shooting a rubythroat while declining to skin an aegithaliscus.

CONTENT:
The little Tama La-Tahtsang primula is also common, nearly always coloured violet, instead of the usual white seen elsewhere. Iris also fairly common near snow. Gentians are all coming on, but few fully out yet. Got a few more parnassius at camp, but nothing new amongst them. I have sent for the coolies to come tomorrow evening, will leave for Changu on the 21st. I think there is more to be had here, either down the other side of the Chayha, or later on when gentians are in full swing. The local butter is very good, much better than can be had at Sanga Choling. This man gets no pay, but food & clothing. However he is very willing to sell, to get a rupee for an ornament for his wife.

21st. July. Drötang. 11700'. 6 m. Thick mist up the hill, till half way below Karutra, then bright sun. Obviously there has not been much in the way of rain down here, things still look pretty parched. Came across no pheasant or larking. Shot one ruby throat at camp - Bunged for an aegithaliscus down here, which I am not going to skin. Pretty hot down here after last camp, where there