KASHMIR VALLEYS 269 



seldom closed even in the hardest winters for more than 

 a day or two, and if a better method of keeping it in 

 repair could be devised and a regular service of runners 

 instituted, much could be done towards supplying India 

 with excellent and cheap fruits, nuts, and vegetables, 

 and their sale would bring in a large return to the 

 growers. Even under present conditions with a limited 

 market, and no system of co-operation, fruit and vege- 

 table raising is one of the most profitable industries in 

 the valley, and a huge jam and fruit-preserving factory 

 promised to be a real success, the dearness of sugar 

 and tins being counterbalanced by the cheapness of fruit 

 and labour, till, hampered by the want of competent 

 overseers in the absence of its European head, the 

 business has, for the time, fallen to the ground. 



In the near future probably the most paying concerns 

 in Srinagar will be the vineyards and hop gardens. The 

 French vines, originally introduced during Ranbir 

 Singh's reign, did not prove a success, phylloxera being 

 the chief enemy. Others were then brought from 

 America, and, judging by the quality of the wine pro- 

 duced, in spite of the youth of the plantation, and the 

 low price at which they can afford to sell, it should 

 be a great success. Apple brandy is especially 

 in demand, and is a very delectable beverage 

 among the snows. It is difficult, indeed, not to regret 

 its popularity among the natives, for if they understand 

 moderation in such things, they certainly do not practise 

 it. The hops have been an even greater success than 

 the vines, and are largely grown round Soper, and if 

 once the country people take up their cultivation it will 

 become a very important and money-making concern. 



Many Englishmen find employment as architects, 



