Part 69 - Halt days near the pass: Lerwa sighting and plant collecting notes

1 page

SUMMARY:
The author remarks on a prominent peak remembered from Dumpshinggang, sights two Lerwa and skins one, and records several alpine plants on and below the pass as snow rapidly melts. On 9–10 June, during halts, the assistants return few specimens despite instructions; the party makes a short excursion up a western valley before rain, and the author laments the absence of Tsongpen while criticizing Ngudup and considering sending him back to H.H.

CONTENT:
sign of it, it is obvious that one can't see it from anywhere near the Pass. But the other peak is a fine one, which I well remember seeing from Dumpshinggang. On our way back I saw two Lerwa. At least that is what I think they are, but it is so many years since I've seen them, that they appeared nearer Kuling to me, though that seems impossible. In case they are, I skinned one of them. We found on the pass, P. glabra, & lower down masses of Anemone narcissiflora, Lloydia serotina, one Nomocharis nana & many Prim. pusilla about 1" high in bud. So things are moving, there is no doubt they are. I have noticed how very quickly the snow is melting now; each day shows marked changes, that means flowers will be on the move too. I wish these two lads knew something of flowers. They go out & look at many cliffs, but unless they see a flower, they can tell me nothing.

9th June Halt - Another fine day, but no flowers. The two boys came back with only 15 specimens for their three days down the valley. They must have left many flowers behind, but neither knows what to do really, & I suppose I cannot expect them to bring much. But they even did not bring flowers I particularly asked for. A disappointing day, when I had expected a good deal. How I miss Tsongpen now, when I can't get about so much.

10th June Halt. Another good day until 2.0, when we got back. There was heavy rain then, but we were in in time. We all went up the valley to the west of here & had quite a good day. Ngudup is the one who is most disappointing always now. Everything is an effort to him, & I often think of returning him to H.H. to be