32 SIRINUGGUR TO THE WURDWAN. 



I returned to the same outlet by a circuitous route 

 among the weed islands and gardens : and when seated 

 at breakfast in my upper- storied room, from which a 

 beautifully diversified prospect was visible, I quite revelled 

 in the delightful sensations of the delicious climate and 

 surrounding loveliness of scenery. 



I called upon the Government Agent, a resident an 

 anomalous appointment. The individual holding it is a 

 civilian, and his duties are to maintain amiable relations 

 between English visitors and the inhabitants, adjust any 

 disputes, and check irregularities ; a duty from the 

 peculiar position which gives no direct authority over 

 officers calling for much tact and judgment. Had a 

 long conversation with the present incumbent, Mr. Forde. 



I cruised down the river in the evening, and saw some 

 decidedly pretty faces among the young girls washing or 

 drawing water at the river side : but none appear to ex- 

 hibit themselves but those of mature years and the very 

 young. Probably the Hindoos adopt the custom of the 

 Mahomedans in this respect. It is a mixed population, 

 and it is reasonable to imagine such a fashion to prevail. 

 I was disposed to reject the generally pronounced opinion 

 that there is much female beauty among the Cashmiries, 

 but I now consider it extremely probable there is. The 

 features are of quite a distinct type from the Hindoos of 

 the plains, as is the complexion which is a clear rich 

 olive-brown eyes dark and fine mouths rather large, 

 but teeth even and white. The hair, also, appears to be 

 finer in fibre than that of the people of Hindostan. It 

 is generally worn as far as I could see, in a number of 

 small plaits, divided from the centre of the forehead, and 

 falling regularly all round the head, their extremities 

 being lengthened by some artificial hair or wool, which 

 continues the plait. The centre plaits resting on the 



