The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-04-27

indigestible and scant. white bread for
instance, being not obtainable on the other
side of Krasnoyarsk.
In Irkutsk we will have friends, auto
mobile enthusiasts (without automobiles,
who look forward to our visit with eager
expectations. We will make our bow to
the Governor and remain long enough to
study that interesting city and it's indus
tries. AS to provisions on the route, we
hope to do a little shooting. The country
abounds in wild birds. particularly ducks,
and the rivers are full of splendid trout.
At Irkutsk begins the overland journey
to Picking. This, 1T will be remembered,
has been accomplished in several weeks,
but those rapid travellers were the Cars
couriers, enjoying special facilities by
treaty. How long we shall need L cannot
conjecture. At any rate, we shall strike the
country by the end of May or beginning of
June, the best time for travelling, as July
and August are intolerably hot in those
parts.
But the selection of the route will largely
depend on political conditions. If the coun-
try is quiet we shall enter China by way
of the Baikal lake, a steamer capable of
carrying Passpartout being at our disposal.
thanks to contract made beforehand After
crossing the lake we shall stop for a brief
space of time in the mysterious Chinese
Russian sister cities, Kiakhta and Maim-
achen, only half a mile or so from the
frontier.
When I say we will stop there 1 don't
mean that we will stop in the cities proper.
for. according to treaties, foreigners are
Vot 70 in "a
will view the great sights. the cathedral.
with its massive silver doors, and the Won
derful candlesticks ornamented with price
less rubies and emeralds. Passpartout will
be stalled on the neutral ground tract
of land some two hundred yards wide, be-
tween the Russian and Chinese empires 1
wonder what the 3OO-feet yellow frontier
posts. set up there by the Son of Heaven
would say of our machine if they had the
gift of sight and speech. Think of it, An
automobile. and such a one Passpar-
tout. within the shadow of the great wall
of Kalgan. behind which the wives and
daughters OF the male inhabitants Of
Maimachen are sheltered. for no woman's
foot must ever cross the gate of the queer
town. which sends out most Of the Chinese
tea consumed in Europe.
THE DESERT OF GOBI
After that-farewen civilization-the Des-
ert of Cobb begins. OF this, too, we have
excellent maps. and the several GASES
where stores are awaiting us will be easily
found. l announced in the beginning Of
this article that would visit some of the
ancient cities dug up by Sven Hedin.
might have been more modest and said: We
will try TO visit them. Now that Hedin has
shown US the way. it ought not 10 be i'm
possible 20 reach these old-time outposts OF
Chinese or Tartar life.
II. however. the political situation in
China does not allow safe travel, We will
take the longer but more secure route
through the valley OF the Chika and
Amoor, making direct for Nladivostock
We expect TO go slowly, for we want TO
see and be seen. Our Photographic and
scientific apparatus will be in constant use
Whenever possible we shall travel day and
night. one of Us, either Lehwess or myself.
steering. At night the steersman will al
ways be attended by an experienced chat
feur. as already stated. or course, We car
ry the very latest American lanterns. Our