Author and Publication Details
This sporting journal was written by Colonel Fred Markham during his six-year stay in the Himalayas and its surroundings as commander of the 32nd regiment that embarked for India in the early summer of 1846 in connection with the campaign on the Sutlej.
Wildlife and Animal Species Documented
- Tahir
- Deer
- Musk-deer
- Leopard
- Gooral
- Pheasant
- Snow-bear
- Burrell (wild sheep of the Himalayas)
- Gerow
- Otters
- Snow pheasants
- Black partridge
- Quail
- Hungul (twelve-horned animal)
- Markhoor (wild goat)
- Ibex
- Ovis Ammon (mountain sheep)
Geographic Locations and Routes
Markham's travels covered Chinese Tartary, Ladac, Thibet, and Cashmere. Key locations included Chinsurah, Calcutta, Meerut, Deobun, Deyrah Dhoon, Jogee-Wallah, Simla, Barrahaat, Jumna, Umballah, Delhi, Ferozepore, Mooltan, Goojerat, Jullunder, Bengallee, Sookee, Jallah, Derallee, Tienne Garde, Neila valley, Asrung valley, Benara, Palang, Phaidee, Missoorie, Loodianah, Mussoorie, Borasso, Koonawur, Peene, Ladac, Cashmere, Rampore, Jugote, Duroo, Bhaboo, Teree Pass, Leloo, Kewar, Ladak, Koolon, Shalimar garden, Bidj Badra, Palgham Valley, Umurnath cave, Islamabad, Chumba district, and Kote Kangra.
Notable Observations and Events
Markham documented encounters with Tartars, describing them as good-humored and not much dirtier than Puharrie coolies. He provided detailed descriptions of the restoration costs for the Biram-ghattee bridge over the Ganges. His account includes observations of the tea cultivation trials in the Rameserai Valley and descriptions of various ethnic groups including Puharrie coolies, whom he characterized as strong, civil, honest, and fond of Europeans.
Illustrations and Maps
The book contains numerous sketched illustrations of animals, people, and nature throughout. A map titled 'Sketch Map of part of the Himalayas, Thibet, Ladac, Cashmere, etc' appears on pages 2-3. Specific animal sketches include the musk-deer (p. 101), burrell's head (p. 71), gerow (p. 40), and Ovis Ammon skull (p. 338).
Military Campaigns Mentioned
Markham's military service included participation in the siege of Mooltan and the battle of Goojerat against the Sikh army. The regiment marched to Peshawur in January 1852.
Description of Cashmere
Markham described Cashmere (Seerinugger) as a filthy, poverty-stricken place ruled by bad and oppressive governments. The British had transferred the country to Gholab Sing in 1846. The people were naturally fine and handsome but half-starved and wretched. The city was considered picturesque with its mosques and bridges.