Page:From Kulja, across the Tian Shan to Lob-Nor (1879).djvu/59

40 elevation of 6000 feet, are forests, whose prevailing trees are the Tian Shan spruce (Picea Schrenkiana), the mountain ash now taking the place of the apple or apricot-trees. Spruce firs are also scattered in clumps over the neighbouring mountains, growing as high as 8000 feet and even upwards above the sea level.

The approach of autumn now began to be felt in the mountains. Not very long ago we had been oppressed by the heat on the Ili plain; now, on the contrary, every morning brought light frosts, snow lay on all the higher mountains, the trees and bushes were shorn of half their foliage. But the weather continued bright and clear, and during the day it would even be hot at times.

After having ascended the Kunges, and afterwards the Tsanma to its source, we moved towards the foot of the Narat range, which, with its western prolongations, forms the northern buttress of an extensive and lofty plateau situated in the very heart of the Tian Shan, and known by the name of Yulduz.