NATUEALIST IN INDIA. 249 



electrical changes are put down by others ; but I am not 

 aware that either afford a correct explanation of this some- 

 what singular phenomenon. From the lowness of the rivei-'s 

 banks we were enabled to view the surrounding scenery to 

 advantage. I stroUed along the sides of the marshes, and 

 kUled a few castaneous ducks. This species and the mallard 

 remain in the vaUey during the summer months, and breed, 

 when geese and other water-fowl are rearing their young on 

 the Tartarian lakes, from whence they return in November, 

 We passed the pretty little village of Shadepoor on the left 

 bank, and anchored close to Simbul, which is a little farther 

 down ; from thence paid a flying visit to the lake of Manasa 

 Bui, one of the most beautiful tarns in Cashmere. On its 

 banks were the remains of the once noble palace and gardens 

 of the famous Nur Jehan. The clearness of the water, and 

 the grandeur of the mountain scenery northwards, render this 

 a most perfect little picture of Cashmere beauty. We pushed 

 on the following morning towards Sopur, through the Wulur 

 Lake, halting to take luncheon on its little island, where the 

 remains of one of the ancient temples of the Martund de- 

 scription were observed. There was a monotonous stillness 

 on the placid waters more calculated to weary than entertain ; 

 the immense sheet, not even ruf&ed by a breath of wind, and 

 without one living object on its surface save the little water- 

 snakes, about a foot in length. This active creature, with 

 head a little elevated, propelled itself by twisting, and dived 

 immediately we came near. The contrast is great between 

 the uniuflled smoothness and absence of birds during the 

 summer months and the busy scene in November, when wild 

 fowl crowd the lake. Then gusts, sudden gales, and hurricanes 

 make the navigation much dreaded by the boatmen, who will 

 seldom venture to cross unless the weather is fine, preferring 



