PERGOLAS 167 



a more modern attempt has been made to build 

 one outside the walls at Pinjor. 



These cool shady alleys have, under European 

 influence, entirely disappeared from the Kashmir 

 gardens ; though here and there round the 

 outer walls some of the old vines are left, coiled 

 on the ground like huge brown water-snakes, or 

 chmbing the fast growing young poplars. But 

 their restoration would be a simple matter. 

 The pergolas with their brick and plaster pillars 

 are a charming characteristic well worth reviving. 

 It should be always remembered, however, to 

 make them bold enough : high and wide with beds 

 for spring bulbs on each side between the pillars 

 — spring bulbs, such as Babar's favourite tulip 

 and narcissus, to flower gaily before the leaves 

 of rose and vine completely shade the walks. 



A subtle air of leisure and repose, a romantic 

 indefinable spell, pervades the royal Shalimar : 

 this leafy garden of dim vistas, shallow terraces, 

 smooth sheets of falling water, and wide canals, 

 with calm reflections broken only by the stepping- 

 stones across the stream. 



A complete contrast is offered by the Nishat, 

 the equally beautiful garden on the Dal Lake 

 built by Asaf Khan, Nur-Mahal's brother. 



