| caption: |
surveying on Japvo; thick moss and lichen forms a type of peat |
| text: |
Day broke much the same. Min last night on the Peak 25.5, at 10 am 31 degrees with strong wind from west, clear to north, dense mist to south but not passing over the hill. Started at 10 o/c. for peak sending down a Khasia & Chandrabir for rice. Much clearer to the north & from the east end of the Peak I made out Kaduba & soon found from the angle of depression it could not possibly be seen over Suvenuhika on the west side. So all our previous writing is no good, but it has not stopped observation which is to be thankful for. About 2 o/c abt 40 Nagas came up with Kaheli dobasha & did some clearing on the new point, selected on the East. Whether Paona will be seen from it the first clear day will shew. The ridge running north may shield it out. Left the Nagas on top of hill to clear the remainder next day & went down to camp at 5 o/c. Shot the only bird I saw, a fine thrush like T. hortulosim (It was dissimilis Blyth). (17) Heard from Butler at Mao. 30 seers of rice came up so we start fair again. The great thickness of vegetable mould on the rocks of Japvo is an interesting thing. It is often 2 feet or more preserving the rocks below from denudation. Moss & lichen growth have produced this kind of upland peat which smoulders away all round on a fire being lit upon it - & will burn for yards. |
