October 20, 1917 - (continued) Beyond, some 20 miles away on the horizon, could be seen a range of blue mountains on the summits of which patches of snow could be seen with field glasses. The snow fields were old banks, which are doubtless permanent. No forests could be seen on the mountains, which appeared grass covered. The hill sides were clothed in dried grass and herbs, some dandelions and [illegible] were in flower and clematis and iris were seen in seed. There were flocks of sheep and a few goats visible, but nowhere was the grass closely cropped by cattle. Willows lined the roads and the crops seen were turnips, cabbages, millet, and beans. We returned to Peking after dark.