138 LADAK. 



lined by rose bushes. Many flowers and sweet scented 

 herbs were also on either hand, and some poplars and a 

 fine mulberry tree or two were a great addition to the 

 general features of the landscape. I turned here or 

 there, following the windings, and ups and downs, of the 

 borders of the field, until I had gained an eminence 

 overhanging the valley down which the river rushed and 

 foamed, fields lining its banks. It was a very beautiful 

 view, the lofty mountains exhibiting their massive pro- 

 portions well-defined at this early hour of the day, a 

 haze in the distance improving the effect. The air was 

 cool, balmy, and delicious, fragrant with the perfume 

 of flowers. Long I gazed around, and much I mused. 

 There was much in the scene before me, and its fresh, 

 sweet, mild atmosphere, that reminded me strongly of other 

 lands that I had visited Madeira, Malta, the Cape. 

 There appeared to me a decided blending of similarity 

 with the two former, and also a trait or two undefinable 

 of the latter. 



I was amused by the manoeuvres of a startled child, 

 too small to run away, who had been deserted by his 

 companions, in alarm at my approach. The 'wee' chap 

 was squatted amid some tussocks, and clumps of flag, 

 the blue Iris, I think ; and, as I advanced, he turned 

 himself round one, believing that he was effectually con- 

 cealing himself from the formidable monster approaching 

 But my sharp hunter's eye had at once detected him, 

 and without stopping, lest he might be too much terrified, 

 I spoke to him caressingly at least, I tried to. This 

 was before I paused and mused, as above. When I 

 returned, he was still beside his fancied screen, but no 

 longer performed his evolutions. He gazed on me still 

 with evident wonder and awe, though at the same time 

 somewhat reassured, so I did not approach too near. 



