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Kashmirian Boatmen of India

(169) ing in objects of interest. Here a clump craft with much dexterity. Travellers of tall trees is perched on the summit of speak in almost rapturous terms of the a lofty crag; there the tiger-grass, or Si- scenery of Kashmir. Here, says one, a kunder's grass, as the natives call it, flat oval valley, about sixty miles long and springs almost above our heads; here forty broad, is surrounded by magnificent an eagle pursues its lofty flight through mountains, which, during the greater part the clear luminous air; there the music of the year, are covered more than halfof the hoopooes echoes from a leafy grove. way down with snow. Further, it is inter- Or now we come upon two or three wild- sected with watercourses, has ample lakes, looking mountaineers, returning to their and is covered with the richest vegetahomes among the hills; or a slow-moving tion, including gigantic trees profuse in train of camels, carrying the picks and foliage. And out of this great central shovels and other baggage of a surveying valley rise numerous long mountain valparty; or a jolting bullock-cart, the occu- leys, of the most picturesque character; pants of which are shaded from the sun by a with, above these, dense forests of pine, red cashmere awning fringed with yellow. green grassy slopes, beds of snow and The capital of Kashmir is situated on huge glaciers. The general effect is well the River Towi. It is a place of consider- portrayed in Moore's familiar lines: able trade, communication with the outlying districts being maintained by water. The Kashmir boatmen are a strong and hardy race, and manage their clumsy "Whose head in wintry grandeur towers, And whitens with eternal sleet; While summer, in a vale of flowers, Is sleeping rosy at his feet."