New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-12-12

ization than that now existing in that region of
the world. These discoveries are narrated mod
esty, Dr. Hedin al time taking himself too
srioUsly. Nor does he burden his volumes with
any lengthy dissertation the nature and
value Of the scientific results Of his explorations
wisely announcing that he viii leave that for
future discussion in a later work. However, it
viii be found that he has seen TT 10 devote con-
siderable space 10 the Lop-nor discoveries and
since they were the richest fruits Of the ex-
Tedition it is difficult 10 see how he could have
done otherwise.
IN the spring of 1900, following highly sue
cessfuI trip across the dread desert to Cherchen
where he made some important river bed and
other geographical discoveries DR.. Hedin led
his party into the Lop-nor country his main OBJ
ject being TO obtain a clear idea Of the ancient
lake. The adventures We're walking between
high ridges Of land, when two Of the party
separated d little from the main body, gave
the startling information that they had come
to the ruins Of two or three houses. The water
course we were following had brought US
straight 10 this remarkable. discovery. Had we
been travelling two or three hundred yards
either to the east or TO the west We would never
have seen them. Indeed, so close was the re-
sembIauce which they bore 10 the ordinary dead
forest that Il was only near inspection which
revealed what they actually were-namely, hu-
man dwellings on the northern shore Of Lop-nOr."
Excitement ran high. and hurried examination
Of the locality was made Earthenware vessels
small cups, iron axes and a few Chinese coins
were found about the ruins. Then the ex-
pIorers hit upon some quaint wood carvings
used 10 decorate the inner walls. Later Ordek
q shreud Lop man. independently discovered
the remains OF an ancient city DR.. Hedin had
planned. however to spend the summer eXplOr-
ing the highlands Of Thibet. and therefore post
poned thorough examination Of the ruins until
the following year.
The invasion Of Thibet developed into a strug-
gle for existence. but he accomplished his object
OF mapping that portion Of the Roof Of the
World and then once more led his forces across
the desert Of Cobb 10 the Lop country This was
another nerve racking experience, the caravan
running short OF water All would have persisted
but for the bravery and tenacity Of the camels,
which without drop OF water for twelve days,
forged steadily over the sands until spring
vas reached. Now began the work Of explora-
lion Dr. Hedin was especially DESTROYS of dis
covering writings that would give information
regarding the former inhab itarts Of what is
now a barren waste and offered a liberal re-
ward n the first man who should make such a
discovery Already m had seen enough 10
prove shat Where all was desert. there must
formerly have existed the basin Of 2 large lake,
and that mere among these ruins human beings
have once dweIt-" His followers delved with
vigor. and eventually unearthed two hundred
pieces Of paper and forty-tWO tablets OF wood
covered with writing. These have since been /
submitted 70 Herr Karl Himy, the Wiesbaden |
savaut VINO. Dr. Hedin announces, will in due
course publish the results Of his invest ga tons
Already he has ascertained that the country /
was formerly named Lou-lan. that the writings !
date between the third and fourth century OF
the Christian era. and that there was evidently
an established means Of communication across
the Gobi desert AS Dr.. Hedin points out, this /
casts A great deal Of light upon many Of the
unsolSed problems Of that part OF Asia.
The Lop-nor explorations were succeeded by /
the second Journey into Thibet. in the course CT
which the futile attempt TO reach Lassa was
made followed by the visit to India and the re-
,,,vr IN Kashgar in East Turkestan IT was here !
maj rbe caravan had been formed in 1899. when
the explorer began the FIRST task he had set him
eeIg the mapping Of the Tamir River that great
s,-sar7 whose course had never before been fol-
tog-aa l5v geographers. Dr.. Hedin brought this
Undertaking 10 q successful conclusion in a
unique way At Lailik he had big fat bot
TONED boat constructed. and. taking aboard /
those of his followers who had not been dts
Matched across the desert with the caravan.
which was TO meet him ar appointed spot
6oated down the river The natives prophesied