SUMMARY:
Diary notes describe travel from Gyisum toward Loroto with weather, altitude, and temperature observations, and mention of hail, frozen streams, and available fuel. Wildlife notes include an owl (Athene noctua ludlowi), gazelle encountered but not shot, and a blackbird taken, along with hunting attempts by Lumsden and a humorous note about Ludlow’s frozen dentures.
CONTENT:
Owl - Athene noctua ludlowi
be probably little owls Got no specimen near Tsora
16th shot a small owl - ludlowi. Very cold at night sparklingly clear.
17th April. Gyisum. 6 m. B.P. 185.2 Temp. 54° Time 12.30 pm. Approx. ht. 15264'.
We left at 8.0 am in perfect weather with no sign of a cloud, which however came up two hours later with the wind. Lumsden again tried after bharal & missed. I got up to within 50-60 yds of 3 gazelle, but did not shoot. Road leads up main stream for 2 miles, then branches off up the more Eastern of the two streams, climbing very gradually the whole way. There are 2 houses here, which may supply some wood. Gobar available. Not such a cold day, owing to the clouds. I shot one blackbird today, a ♂. The temp. last night must have been down to about 10°F. Even the river was partly frozen, & all streams were frozen over. Ludlow is distressed because he has to keep his teeth in. If he puts them in a cup, they are frozen in solid in the morning - rather a problem.
18th. Loroto 7 m. B.P. 187° Temp. 46° Time 1.0 pm. Approx ht. 13984'. A fine morning again, but hazy, & clouds in the afternoon when we had some hail here. Road continues up the