Climbing and Exploration in the Karakoram-Himalayas

Abstract

THIS supplementary volume contains reports on the scientific results of Mr. Conway's adventurous journey, with his map of the mountain region between Rakipushi and Golden Throne, through which he travelled. The author supplies a list of measured altitudes and notes on the map, mentioning the differences from that of the Trigonometrical Survey of India. Lieut.-Colonel A. G. Durand describes the ethnology and later history of the Eastern Hindu Kush, giving a brief sketch of the physiography of the region. Prof. T. G. Bonney and Miss C. A. Raisin furnish notes on the rocks collected by Mr. Conway, from which it appears that the majority much resemble those of the Alps. The most interesting specimens are a peculiar schist with secondary mica, a piedmontite-schist, and a fragment allied to pseudo-jade. Mr. W. F. Kirby identifies the butterflies, Dr. A. G. Butler the moths, and Mr. W. B. Hemsley the plants. Of the last about a dozen were obtained at or over 16,000 feet. The well-known Saxifraga oppositijolia was gathered at 17,000 feet, and another species (the highest habitat) at 17,320 feet. Mr. W. L. H. Duckworth writes on two skulls brought from Nagyr, and Prof. C. Roy discusses Mr. Conway's notes on mountain sickness, coming to the conclusion that the primary cause of it is asphyxia. Mr. Conway's observations agree with those of other experienced climbers, that a man in good condition begins to feel the effect of increased altitude at about 16,500 feet. The fact that he is sensible of more inconvenience when in a hollow among the peaks than when on an exposed ridge, Prof. Roy attributes to some loss of oxygen by the air when it has passed over a considerable tract of melting snow. Mr. Conway has made valuable additions to our knowledge of the geography and physical history of this remote mountain region, and the present volume supplements the more popular account of his travels, which appeared earlier in the year.

Climbing and Exploration in the Karakoram-Himalayas.

By William Martin Conway, &c. Containing Scientific Reports. (London: T. Fisher Unwin,. 1894.)