KASHMIE. 233 



valley to the great valley or small plain of Kashmir 

 was delightful A good deal of rain fell, but that 

 made one appreciate the great trees all the more, for 

 the rain was not continuous, and was mingled with 

 sunshine. At times, during the season when I saw 

 it, this "inland depth" is "roaring like the sea;" 



" While trees, dim-seen, in frenzied numbers tear 

 The lingering remnant of their yellow hair ; " 



"but soon after it is bathed in perfect peace and 

 mellow sunlight. The air was soft and balmy ; but, 

 at this transfer from September to October, it was 

 agreeably cool even to a traveller from the abodes 

 and sources of snow. As Ave descended, the pine- 

 forests were confined to the mountain-slopes ; but the 

 lofty deodar began to appear in the valley, as after- 

 wards the sycamore, the elm, and the horse-chestnut. 

 Round the picturesque villages, and even forming 

 considerable woods, there were fruit-trees as the 

 walnut, the chestnut, the peach, the apricot, the 

 apple, and the pear. Large quantities of timber 

 (said to be cut recklessly) was in course of being 

 floated down the river; and where the path led 

 across it there were curious wooden bridges for which 

 it was not necessary to dismount. This Sind valley 

 is about sixty miles long, and varies in breadth from 

 a few hundred yards to about a mile, except at its 

 base, where it opens out considerably. It is con- 

 sidered to afford the best idea of the mingled beauty 



