and early in spring we saw very few of either kind. There was, however, a new pheasant in large numbers distinct from the Kan-su and Mongol species. We also found a few wintering birds, such as the Ruticilla erythrogastra, Carpodacus rubicilla, Buteo aquilinus, Falco Hendersoni, Circus Cyaneus, Anthus pratensis? Anas boschas, Rallus aquaticus.
The inhabitants of Tsaidam are the same as those of Koko-nor — Mongols and Kara-Tangutans; the latter, however, only inhabiting the east of the country. For administrative purposes Tsaidam is included in the Koko-nor region, and is divided into five banners: Kurlik, Burun, Tsung, Koko-behleh, and Taiji. According to the account we heard from a native prince the population numbers 1,000 yurtas, i.e. 5,000 to 6,000 men and women, taking the average of five or six to a yurta. The Mongols told us that the marshes extended for fifteen days' march WNW. from the point where we crossed them; and that beyond lay a tract of bare clay, after which the country again became steppe-like, abounding in water and pasturage known by the name of Gast. The only living creatures in these regions are the kulans, or wild asses; and hunters come from Lake Lob-nor, only seven days from the Gast country, in search of them. We were assured by the natives that Lob-nor was only a month's journey, i.e. 500 to 600 miles, from that part of Tsaidam in which we were. Guides may be obtained here on payment of a good sum, to take one, at all events, as far as Gast, whence there is no difficulty in getting to Lob-nor.[1]
- ↑ Mr. Ney Elias remarks that the approximate position of Lob-nor
