Part 185 - Mera to Rungzyung via Nyuhsang La and Choling La, field notes and collections

1 page

SUMMARY:
Entries describe travel from Mera over the Nyuhsang La to Rungzyung, with rhododendron and Primula collections, mist and patchy snow at higher elevations, and assistance from Puntso Dzongpen. The following day the route continues over the Choling La, with further specimens gathered and mention of Tanduk and Ahmad Shah encountering trouble securing coolies at Sakden.

CONTENT:
month. The Rhododendron Society's Rhododendron book says "Capsule unknown", but K.W. has collected seed before now. However I have taken two specimens (each duplicate) of the capsules.

15th November. Mera. 13000'(?) 10m(?). Rained a good deal in the night, was cloudy all day. I left at 7.0 before coolies had turned up.
Collected a few rhododendrons on the way up to the Nyuhsang La (R. cauliferum 2861, 2862; R. campanulatum 2860; R. sp. 2859; R. tsariense 2858; R. micromeres 2857; R. sp. 2856 & 2855). Also another specimen of 1173 P. boothii from about 13500'. Genl.
Anemone was still in flower, but no ripe seeds were seen. There was a fair amount of old snow in patches on the Nyuhsang La, on the path on the Mera side. Puntso Dzongpen came with me, the kit being sent down direct to Rungzyung. We got in at 3.0 pm. Fine all the way, but thick mist from 13000' on the pass. Puntso cooked my dinner — Oxo & curry, perfectly well, & stayed in the Dzongpen's house there.

16th November. Rungzyung 14 m.? 4500? Left at 6.30, in at 2.30 pm, over the Choling La (Whitei 2864 on Choling La). Fine all day, but cloudy & some rain & snow on the hills, no news. Collected specimens of 1166 & 1167 again (P. whitei & P. paucispinosa), both for dry specimens & to send home alive. I find Tanduk & Ahmad Shah had a great deal of trouble with coolies. None turned up at Sakden & Tanduk only got off at dusk.