In consequence of the information derived from the missionaries at Siyinza, we determined, instead of passing through Kuku-khoto, to take a direction north of this town to the great wooded mountains overlooking the Hoang-ho. This change in our plans was the more agreeable as it enabled us to proceed at once to a country abounding in objects of the greatest value to the scientific observer, and to avoid visiting a Chinese town, where the rudeness of the people always caused us great annoyance.
After passing the small temple of Chorehi[1] mentioned by Huc, we skirted lake Kiri-nor,[2] and leaving the Kuku-khoto post-road,[3] turned to the right. On the opposite side of a vast plain which now lay before us, we could distinguish a range of mountains known to the Mongols under the name of Shara-hada, i.e. Yellow range, probably from the quantity of limestone rock of which their outer cliffs are formed. Their elevation above the adjacent valley of the Kiri-nor is not more than 1,000 feet, but their steep ascents on this side are in striking contrast with the table-land of the remainder of the range, which abounds in rich pasturage, where even the dzeren is found. The opposite (western) side is less precipitous, though some of its slopes are very steep. The breadth of the range in the part we
