. We
crossed at twelve and a half P.M. the Pass of Rodoola, on which are some
slabs, with mystic characters, but even here the ascent did not
terminate, but continued, although very gradually for perhaps two miles
more. Before coming to the summit, a small hut is passed. The descent
was at first very rapid, then we proceeded along the side of the mountain
for a long way, at nearly the same level through woods of Abies densa. On
recommencing the descent, swardy patches commenced, surrounded by fir
woods, these increased in frequency. At length we reached extensive fir
woods, from whence a valley was visible, percolated by a large stream to
which we descended over open country with beautiful patches of firs, and
at length over extensive swards. I reached the village at 5 P.M., after
a march of nearly nine hours, the direction was west, the distance
eighteen miles. The road was very bad; in one place our ponies escaped
with difficulty, the road having apparently fallen in, and the only
footing being afforded by the thickness of the snow: one pony was saved
by placing branches under him. The highest portion of the Pass near the
peak was good enough. Snow was heavy on the road, until we descended into
the open fir-wooded country, it became scanty at 9,500 feet. The day was
gloomy and misty, for a moment, the sun appeared while I stood on the
summit, disclosing deep ravines, one formed by the valley in which we now
are, surrounded in every direction by equally high land, as that on which
I stood, and certainly not under 12,000 feet. Nothing visible but dense
forests of firs. The highest point crossed was 12,035 feet, estimating
the summit to be 300 feet above the Pass itself, which is so narrow as
scarcely to admit of the passage of a loaded mule.

In the open spot around the hut, Tofieldioid, which continues as high as
10,500 feet, Cerastium inflatum, Labiata species, Conecis, which, as on
Dhonglaila, continues up to 12,000 feet, Dipsacus, Prunella, Gaultheria
nummularioides, Pteris aquilina, stunted, Juncus niveus, Gnaphalium. No
firs were visible, but the trees were so covered with snow, that I was
not able to distinguish them.

At 9,800 feet, along an open ridge, Spiraea belloides, Buddlaea, B.
purpurasae, Khasyanae affinis, Andropogones, Mespilus microphyllus,
Hydrangea, Taxus, Swertia, Gnaphalium, Thibaudia orbicularis commences,
continuing up to 10,500 feet, Brachymenium bryoides, Bambusa very common,
form