Part 37 - Ha-chu valley cultivation, earthquake rumors from Calcutta, and magnolia observation

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SUMMARY:
The writer notes extensive cultivation in the Ha-chu valley of Bhutan and few interesting finds, recording Fumaria (1160, 1161) and Gentiana capitata (1127). The Dzongpen reports a fast message from Calcutta warning of an impending earthquake amid widespread rumors. A grand magnolia in bloom is noted beyond Shungphu on the Hira Road, and two kalij pheasants are shot.

CONTENT:
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mornings, clouds very soon appear later on and by midday
are all over the sky. I found nothing of any
interest up here. Most of the country is cultivated: there
is more extensive cultivation in this valley (Ha-chu)
than any other part of Bhutan. Two Fumariaceae were
Fumaria 1160, 1161; Gentiana capitata 1127: 1160 and 1161, both a dull pinkish colour. Gentian 1127 also is
out in many places. The Dzongpen said he had a
special message sent up fast, from Calcutta, to say that
there would be a bad earthquake up here. This is the
day worked out for it. The papers also say Calcutta is
full of rumours about an earthquake, and people are so
ready to believe it all that many have even left
Calcutta. When I was out this evening I found a
Mag. campbellii 1164: grand magnolia tree in full bloom (1164). I have no book
giving descriptions of magnolia and cannot say what it is.
It is about a mile beyond Shungphu on the Hira Road,
on the left at the edge of the thick evergreen forest. On
my way back, I put up 6 kalij and shot a couple of
them - a hen and a cock. The hen bird was a fine
specimen with a good crest, nearly as long as the