n6 THE MARKHOR 



thus produced, in order to send it forth again on its 

 perpetual journey as snow and rain. 



Just the opposite takes place on the northern side 

 of the Himalayas, where, owing to the lack of dew 

 and mist, the ground never gets moistened during 

 the hot season. It is scorched and burnt up whilst 

 the sun shines, and only cools in time to freeze 

 beneath winter's snow and ice. 



This is the explanation of the extraordinarily high 

 and low temperatures in these parts and of the com- 

 paratively mild winters and bearable summers on 

 the Indian side. Water is always plentiful ; refresh- 

 ing storms take place all through the summer ; and 

 perpetual showers fertilise the plants and the soil. 



The regular succession of sun and moisture pro- 

 mote the growth of a vegetation peculiar to the 

 temperate zone, such as is nowhere in the world to 

 be found in greater perfection. Our northern trees, 

 flowers, and grains came originally from Cashmere, 

 where they flourish luxuriously. In return we sent 

 them potatoes and roses ! 



In undreamed-of profusion the latter spread their 

 sweetness all over the Happy Valley, running a close 

 race with the homely potato. In every garden in 

 Srinagar, on all the squares, all over the lawns, on 

 the banks of the canals and rivers, up the houses 

 and walls, and on the roofs and towers they carry 

 on their mischievous games, winding themselves 

 round everything, delighting with their gentle tricks, 



