[6] Their attitude was thus summed up by Captain O'Connor, secretary to the mission: 'We cannot accept letters; we cannot write letters; we cannot let you into our zone; we cannot let you travel; we cannot discuss matters, because this is not the proper place; go back to Giogong and send away all your soldiers, and we will come to an agreement' (Tibetan Blue-Book).
[7] The situation was thus eloquently summarized by the Government of India in a despatch to Mr. Brodrick, November 5, 1903: 'It is not possible that the Tibet Government should be allowed to ignore its treaty obligations, thwart trade, encroach upon our territory, destroy our boundary pillars, and refuse even to receive our communications. Still less do we think that when an amicable conference has been arranged for the settlement of these difficulties we should acquiesce in our mission being boycotted by the very persons who have been deputed to meet it, our officers insulted, our subjects arrested and ill-used, and our authority despised by a petty Power which only mistakes our forbearance for weakness, and which thinks that by an attitude of obstinate inertia it can once again compel us, as it has done in the past, to desist from our intentions.'
[8] Sheepskin.
[9] The only articles imported to the value of £1,000 are cotton goods, woollen cloths, metals, chinaware, coral, indigo, maize, silk, fur, and tobacco.
The only exports to the value of £1,000 are musk, ponies, skins, wool, and yaks'-tails.
Appended are the returns for the years 1895-1902:
| Year. | Value of Articles Imported into Tibet. | Value of Articles Exported from Tibet. | Total Value of Imports and Exports. |
| Rs. | Rs. | Rs. | |
| 1895 | 416,218 | 634,086 | 1,050,304 |
| 1896 | 561,395 | 781,269 | 1,342,664 |
| 1897 | 674,139 | 820,300 | 1,494,436 |
| 1898 | 718,475 | 817,851 | 1,536,326 |
| 1899 | 962,637 | 822,760 | 1,785,397 |
| 1900 | 730,502 | 710,012 | 1,440,514 |
| 1901 | 734,075 | 783,480 | 1,517,555 |
| 1902 | 761,837 | 805,338 | 1,567,075 |
Customs House Returns, Yatung.
[10] Between Gnatong and Gautsa, thirteen different species of primulas are found. They are: Primula Petiolaris, P. glabra, P. Sapphirina, P. pusilia, P. Kingii, P. Elwesiana, P. Capitata, P. Sikkimensis, P. Involucra, P. Denticulata, P. Stuartii, P. Soldanelloides, P. Stirtonia.
[11] The species are: Rhododendron campanulatum, purple flowers; R. Fulgens, scarlet; R. Hodgsonii, rose-coloured; R. Anthopogon, white; R. Virgatum, purple; R. Nivale, rose-red; R. Wightii, yellow; R. Falconeri, cream-coloured; R. cinndbarinum, brick-red ('The Gates of Tibet,' Appendix I., J. A. H. Louis).