Part 181 - Milakatong la to Muktur: rhododendron notes and travel via Nyingsang la

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SUMMARY:
Notes seed collections of several rhododendrons and Cornus capitata, with mention of another Maddenii-type rhododendron and a fruiting tree called 'Naupa'. Describes rain, likely fresh snow on the Nyingsang la, a glimpse of Tawang, inquisitive but polite locals, and a stage to Sahden with timings and an attempt to collect Rhododendron rhabdotum near Muktur with no ripe seed.

CONTENT:
From Milakatong la to Muktur. Seeds of Rh. maddenii 2833, Griffithianum 2835, Edgeworthii 2836, Cornus Capitata 2839.
Plants of Rh. rhabdotum 2837 2843

12. There must be another Maddenii series rhod., a rather smaller flowered rhod., with thick tomentum on the under surface of the leaf. A tree was pointed out, covered with fruit, said to be yellow or white, called 'Naupa'. If the description is correct, it must be a most beautiful sight in full bloom.

There will almost certainly be fresh snow on the Nyingsang la tomorrow with all this rain here. I hope it clears up by tomorrow, as the Nyingsang la is 14000ft. I caught a glimpse of Tawang last night on arrival, the first real time I have really seen it, as this morning we were again in thick mist.

The locals are more than usually inquisitive here, but politely so: they merely stand & stare, & everything any of us does is of interest to them. They promise to turn up early in the morning. It is very pleasantly warm here now, & no leeches as on our former visit in 1934.

13th November. Sahden. 15m. 9500' Rained most of the night. Clouds all day right down to the valley bed. Left at 6.30, in at 3.45pm. Coolies left 6.0am, in at 4.30pm. I took some more Rhod. rhabdotum from the bridge 1 1/2 m this side of Muktur from a bush I saw in flower in 1934. No seed yet ripe. On the way up to the Nyingsang