some good pools were discovered. Near the edge of
the lake the bed is sandy, and no animal life was to be
seen either in or on the water. On the grassy slopes
which bound its northern shores, however, it is very
different ; here kiang and antelope abound, while
goa or Tibetan gazelle pick their way timidly about
the nullahs, and immense herds of yaks graze on the
hillsides. It is difficult to believe in the profusion of
animal life in this tract of country unless it has actually
been seen; some of these herds of yaks, for instance,
must have numbered hundreds, while the total to
be found in these valleys would run into many
thousands.
On closer inspection of our halting-place, it was
found to be a mass of ice covered with rich soil. The
ice is of very ancient formation, for the grass above
grows rich and thick, the roots running through two
feet of loam before reaching the frozen water. In
many places the ice had partially thawed, leaving
basins three to four feet deep, several of which were
filled with fresh water, while others were dry and had
been used by wolves as lairs and ambuscades whence
they could leap on to the unsuspecting antelope coming
down to drink ; this was evidenced by the number
of wolf-bones lying around, and the immense collection
of antelope fur and skulls which strewed the
ground.
During the night snow fell at intervals, and as the
grass was good and rich it was decided to remain here
for one day in order to bring the map up to date. Our
halt was prolonged for yet another day, but this time
the delay was quite unavoidable, for on the following
morning none of our own seventeen ponies could be
found. A splendid view was obtained of the surrounding
country, but no sight of the wandering animals
N e a r S h e m e n T sq .
K ia n g P l a in n e a r S h e m e n T so.