Part 33 - Black Mt. ridge plant collecting and waterless march

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SUMMARY:
The diarist collects several flowering trees, rhododendrons, and a primula (including Nos. 2989, 2987, and 2984 P. bracteosa). Bearings are taken near the Black Mt. while marching along a steep ridge with no water, and camp is pitched on a slope in thick bamboo jungle where rainfall is estimated at 200 inches.

CONTENT:
flowered trees, up here most of them are pink or even red. I collected one under No 2989. Then a red small rhodo, finally a very fine bright slightly purplish pink one, which shows up very well indeed. No. 2987

A few other flowers, oxalis etc., some primula, which unfortunately has lost all its flowers. It is a petiolarid, but not Boothii or Whitei (No. 2984 P. bracteosa).

A bearing from one of the peaks of the Black Mt. from very close to camp gave 335° Mag. & we have, I think, been marching roughly at 300° M. up the ridge. Path is fairly level for a short way, then very steep ascent, again becoming more level along a sharp ridge. Finally the last mile is up a very steep ascent. No water all day, none in camp, which is pitched on a slope among thick bamboo jungle. I'm glad I am not a coolie these marches. It's not much fun going as I do with only a 10-15 lb rucksack, but to carry 65 lbs or more with no water at the end of the day isn't much fun. Rainfall here must be at the least 200 inches, but we have