Part 61 - Tsong halt with Dzongpens photographed and Paraquilegia noted

1 page

SUMMARY:
The diarist describes finding Paraquilegia like the Kashmir flower, coping with inquisitive locals while praising Ahmad Sheikh’s patience, and taking flower photographs with notes on shutter speeds; a coolie is noted for not stealing a cash box. On 17th July at Tsong, the Dzongpens requested portraits and four colour photographs were taken and copies sent.

CONTENT:
Paraquilegia anemonoides 678

Here we found Paraquilegia. It is just like the Kashmir flower but bigger - a perfect beauty. The inquisitiveness of the local is almost unbearable, and Ahmad Sheikh etc. get full marks for keeping their tempers. No sooner is anything put down in the cookhouse, than someone tries to take it up, handle it thoroughly and discuss it with others. I don't think anything would ever be stolen. If he had wanted to, one of the coolies from Tawang to Shao could have stolen the box with Rs 1800 cash in it. He was out all night by himself, not arriving till 6:00 next morning, and he knew what was in the box. Took some photos of flowers this morning. The flowers were all old ones, collected two days ago, so were in poor condition. I find that 1/10 and 1/15 sec is not enough here in the midday sun - nearer 1/20 would be correct. The Dzongpens have asked to be taken now in all their fine colours, and I am glad to do so, as I want a colour photo of them.

17th July. Halt at Tsong. A perfect day. After a cold night, there was ground mist, which cleared away by 7:00 am. The rest of the day was clear. The Dzongpens came at 10:00 and I took four excellent colour photos of them, one each of which I have sent them. They were frightfully pleased to

Diapensia himalaica 679
Prim tibetica 680
Paraquilegia anemonoides