Part 84 - Migyitun agriculture, wren observations, and ascent to Tra La

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SUMMARY:
Notes describe Migyitun harvesting methods and failures in vegetable cultivation despite some surviving crops. Observations record the Scaly-breasted Wren as common in Bhutan and nearby valleys, with its song noted at Taka-thum and occurrences at Lungi and Migyitun. On May 3rd the party ascended to the Tra La to seek seeds of Sclater's Monal and Kalij, with transport difficulties mentioned.

CONTENT:
The Migyitun people reap their crops simply by pulling off the ears of the barley. The stalk is left standing.

L. p. 174. Migyitun is a foul spot. The vegetable seeds we planted here in May last germinated, but the locals have no idea how to grow them. They were choked with weeds. There are however, a number of young carrots & turnips & some lettuce & spinach. Most of the crops here have been cut already.

Pnoepyga albiventer albiventer. Scaly-breasted Wren. Exceedingly common in Bhutan. In 1936 & 1938 we found it equally common in the damp forested areas of the Subansiri & Siyom. Does not occur on the main ridge but is numerous at Lungi & Migyitun where the Chayal and Tseri Rivers are cutting their way through the Him. axis. In 1938 I heard the spring song of this Wren in Taka-thum where it is very abundant. It is a pretty trill of 7 or 8 notes, quite indescribable, but quite distinct from the double-noted whistle of P. pusilla pusilla.

L. p. 175. May 3rd. We ascended to the Tra La where we are putting in a few days in the hope of getting seeds of Sclater's Monal & Kalij. Difficult in transport.