generally educated in the land, there is still only a comparatively small proportion of
them who know trans-Himalayan geography. To many of them Tibet is still a land of
mystery, with a vague idea of “Younghusband” and “Lhasa” superadded – the whole
in a background of mysticism, miracles, and Kim’s lama. And places like Gyantse,
the Tsangpo, Po-me, even Sikkim, which present instant mental pictures to you and
me, leave them – quite frankly – guessing.
IMG 0408
And when a man reads a paper which, he feels, has been inadequately explained
to him, he's quick to pass on to something he understands better and can therefore
take an interest in.
I say this with all the more confidence, in that I know it would be what George
Blackwood would say, if I were to send it onto him.
I would therefore advise your getting together as many (clearly reproducible)
photographs of salient places mentioned as you can, and then doing as you suggest
– i.e. send it to the Geographical Magazine. Maga, as you know, doesn't handle
illustrations.
None of which is any reflection on your paper. It is just inherent in the nature of
the thing – that's all. The subject is an engrossing one, and should be welcomed by a
responsible publication like the Geographical Magazine, especially when coming
from you.
I am still anxious to hear from you that I haven't trodden on any of your corns, in
“Blind Road”. At your full leisure, let me know. Of course, when telling the yarn, I had
to twist you about, almost beyond recognition. But there are still many who may
recognise you.
- Yours ever
- Yours ever
- L. A. Bethell
- L. A. Bethell
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