Part 131 - Collecting Primula and Meconopsis near Kashongha; snow delays crossing of Changha

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SUMMARY:
Tsongpen's eyes have recovered as the party collects more yellow primula 2396, compares it with petiolaris and Sikkimensis, gathers Meconopsis bella, and secures a few seeds of Tendu's primula for cleaning next day. Persistent snow hinders plans to go beyond the Kashongha and makes crossing the Changha out of the question. The Trum gyimpu returned home but is expected back with coolies on the 15th evening.

CONTENT:
Tsongpen's eyes are now back to normal. We collected a lot more of the yellow primula 2396. Its capsules look very like those of a petiolaris, but I do not think that it can be that section. In flower it appeared to be a Sikkimensis. Beside it grow two others, both petiolaris, I think they are the Chunchar blue one, and the big flowered, small leaf purple one we found beyond the Kashongha. But the latter might be the little white petiolaris one from Chunchar. In the afternoon we went up the very steep gully towards the other pass, and got a fair collection of Mec. bella. But the best thing found was Tendu's primula - small leaves, and a big pinkish flower. It has thrown all its seed, but I found a few in mud and among the leaves, which will be a job to separate tomorrow. As we may not get over the pass, I am glad to have some of this one from this side. The Trum gyimpu returned home this morning, but will come again with the coolies on 15th evening.

If only this blasted snow would stop, we could get a good day beyond the Kashongha, and perhaps find seeds of P. bella and more of Tendu's one. It is out of the question to try to get over the Changha now, so I must do without seed of the