serable as it is in other respects, seems very
favourable to the growth of these animals, which enter largely into the
consumption of the Tartars, constituting indeed the basis of their food.
If bought on the spot, they are of very moderate price. As we calculated
that a pound of meat would cost us less than a pound of flour, we
resolved, as a matter of economy, to buy a sheep. The thing was not
difficult to find; but as it would of course oblige us to stop, at least
for a day, we waited till we should come to some place, not quite barren,
and where our animals could find some pasturage to browse upon.

Two days after crossing Dabsoun-Noor, we entered a long narrow valley,
where some Mongol families had stationed themselves. The earth was
covered with a close herb, which, in form and character, had much
resemblance to thyme. Our beasts, as they proceeded, browsed furtively,
right and left, on this plant, and seemed to be very fond of it. This
new pasturage gave us the idea of encamping on the spot. Not far from a
tent, a Lama was sitting on a hillock, making ropes with camel's hair.
"Brother," said we as we approached him, "the flock upon that hill
doubtless belongs to you. Will you sell us a sheep?" "Certainly," he
answered, "I will let you have an excellent sheep; as to the price, we
shall not quarrel about that. We men of prayer are not like merchants."
He indicated to us a spot near his own tent, and unloaded our beasts.
The entire family of the Lama, when they heard the cries of our camels,
hastened to assist us to encamp. We, indeed, were not allowed to do
anything to it; for our new friends took delight in making themselves
useful, in unsaddling the beasts, pitching the tent, and putting our
baggage in order within.

The young Lama, who had received us with so much kindness, after having
unsaddled the horse and the mule, perceived that both these beasts were
hurt a little on the back. "Brothers," he said, "here is a bad business;
and as you are upon a long journey, it must be remedied, or you will not
be able to go on." So saying, he took the knife, which hung from his
girdle, sharpened it with rapidity upon his boot-tops, took our saddles
to pieces, examined the rough parts of the wood, and pared them away on
both sides till he had removed the slightest unevenness. He then put
together again, with wonderful skill, all the pieces of the saddles, and
returned them to us. "That will do," said he; "now