THE OUTER HIMALAYAH. 43 



the Beas, the Ravee, and the Chenab, take their rise 

 within this tract. Various races of men belonging to 

 distinct types of the human family, and speaking dif- 

 ferent languages, are distributed over its surface. Here 

 are hills, just raised above the level of the plain and 

 mountain crests, higher than any peak of the Andes. 

 Every zone of climate and variety of vegetation are here 

 to be met with, from the scorching heat and exuberant 

 growth of the tropics to barren heights capped with 

 perpetual snow. This vast extent of country is too 

 comprehensive to fall under any general description. 

 It breaks naturally into two divisions, which, for the 

 sake of clearness, I propose to follow. 



" The first, which I shall designate Kangra Proper, 

 comprises all the lower hills, and covers a surface equal 

 to 2,700 square miles. The second division consists of 

 a wild and mountainous region, including the provinces 

 of Kooloo, Lahoul, and Spiti, and occupying an area 



not less than 5,000 square miles 



I know no spot in the Himalayah which, for beauty or 

 grandeur, can compare with the Kangra Valley and 

 these overshadowing hills. No scenery, in my opinion, 

 presents such sublime and delightful contrasts. Below 

 lies the plain, a picture of rural loveliness and repose. 

 The surface is covered with the richest cultivation, 

 irrigated by streams which descend from perennial 

 snows, and interspersed with homesteads buried in the 

 midst of groves and fruit trees. Turning from this 

 scene of peaceful beauty, the stern and majestic hills 

 confront us. Their sides are furrowed with precipitous 



