Page:From Kulja, across the Tian Shan to Lob-Nor (1879).djvu/104

Rh Wild yak (Poëphagus grunniens, ferus)—rare. Wild ass (Equus Kiang)—rare. Wild pig (Sus scrofa ferus) in valleys—rare. Besides the above a species of marmot and Hodgson's antelope are reported to frequent the Chamen-tagh range. On comparing the above list with the mammalia of the Tarim valley, it will be seen that ten kinds inhabit the Altyn-tagh (together with the Chamen-tagh) which are absent from the Tarim valley and Lob-nor. Of these, the blue mountain sheep, wild yak, and Hodgson's antelope, are peculiar to Tibet, and here find the northern limit of their range. Of birds there are only a few in the Altyn-tagh, as in winter we found but eighteen kinds.

The climate in winter is extremely rigorous, and snow falls rarely; at all events on the northern slopes. In summer, as we were told by the hunters, rains and cold winds are of frequent occurrence.

Besides hunters' tracks, there are two roads in