34 SIRIKUGGUR TO THE WTJRDWAN. 



of the valley consists in what is really out of the valley, 

 in the glorious range of mountains forming it, with their 

 never-ending variety of form and colour. The valley is 

 a dead flat, with uplands also level which, in their remark- 

 able resemblance to shores, with other corresponding 

 features, have given rise to the theory entertained by 

 scientific men, that the valley was once a lake. And 

 there is a tradition generally prevalent and confidently 

 believed by the Cashmiries, that their valley was a lake, 

 and they have legend? as numerous as the Irish about it : 

 and connected with every fountain and spring, and almost 

 every remarkable natural feature in the country, is some 

 wondrous fable of goblin, sprite, or fairy. 



The fort of Hari-Parbut overlooking the city is a 

 fine object, and should form a part of every sketch of 

 Sirinuggur and its environs. The famous Takt-i-Suleiman 

 also claims especial notice. This is a very ancient Hin- 

 doo temple, crowning a hill of considerable height which 

 bounds the eastern side of the Dal lake. I ascended to 

 the Takt this afternoon, and enjoyed a beautiful and 

 extensive panoramic view around, too lovely and varied 

 for description. The ascent was steep, and the sun warm, 

 but the air when on the summit, fresh and pure, soon re- 

 freshed me. I descended on the Jhelum side of the hill, and 

 made for the boat which was to meet me, and so returned. 



6th May. Sunday. I took a walk round the Jhelum 

 side of the Takt-i -Suleiman to the Dal lake ; and then 

 made my way back by its shore. 



It appears to me advisable that both a chaplain and a 

 surgeon should be provided by Government during the 

 leave season in Sirinuggur, as so large a number of officers 

 resort there. 



Suleiman has not succeeded in hiring a place in the 

 city, as I had directed him ; but has been stirring him- 



