CHAPTER VI.

MONGOLIA.

Leave China--Mishap in the pass--Steep ascent--Chinese perseverance--Agricultural invasion--Our first encampment-- Cold night--Pastoral scene--Introduction to the Mongols--The land of tents--Our conductors--Order of march--Mongol chants--The lama--Slow travelling--Pony "Dolonor"--Night travelling--Our Mongols' tent--Argols--Visitors--Mongol instinct--Camels quick feeders--Sport--Antelopes--Lame camels--Scant pastures--Endurance of Mongols--Disturbed sleep--Optical illusions--"Yourt," Mongol tent--Domestic arrangements--Etiquette--Mongol furniture--Sand-grouse-- Track-- Wind and rain--A wretched night--Comfortless encampment--Camels breaking down--The camel seasons--No population--No grass--Mingan 83