1844.] and on Gerard's Account of Kundwar. 177 



Trees, §c. — In Lower K una war, forests of oaks and pines cover the 

 sides of the hills, and various other trees, shrubs and plants are found 

 in every direction ; but in the northern parts of the district, spontaneous 

 vegetation almost disappears. An occasional juniper, a few scattered 

 pines, and now and then, in the highest places, a clump of dwarf birches 

 or of the mountain ash, relieve the eye of the traveller. Among the 

 few shrubs, the spreading juniper, and the bush producing a leaf of a 

 tea-like quality, are of most interest. In the adjacent Bhotee districts, 

 these become more rare, and a few poplars and willows, and perhaps a 

 few apricot trees are all that can readily be found, and they shew not the 

 luxuriance of nature but the industry of man. The patches of furze, 

 the scanty grass, a currant, a gooseberry or a rose bush, the broad leaf of 

 either kind of rhubarb, a few hardy creepers, some pleasing flowers and 

 a variety of shrubs and herbs which appear of no value, give a tinge 

 only to the side of. the lofty hills — green things, and even flowers, there 

 are many if we begin to ennumerate them, but to man who wants food 

 and shelter and clothing, they all seem profitless, and to the casual 

 observer the barrenness seems entire. 



Grains and Fruits. — Most kinds of grain, excepting rice, are culti- 

 vated throughout Kunawar. In the north, the varieties of the cockscomb 

 or amaranthus are not found, but every available spot is cut into steps 

 and covered with wheat, barley, peas, beans, buck- wheat, and millet. 

 The millet and buck-wheat are the second crop of a few favoured 

 places, and peas and beans are grown in small quantities as a pleasing 

 addition to the daily food. Here are several kinds of barley, but the 

 beardless variety yields perhaps the best crop. Turnips are sown when 

 the wheat and barley have been reaped, and they are eaten fresh or 

 partially dried, and laid by as store for early winter. A kind of onion 

 is cultivated, and where there are no apricot trees, the people endeavour 

 to raise the surson or mustard plant for the purpose of obtaining oil. 

 Abundance of grapes and apricots, some walnuts, apples and peaches 

 are produced in Upper and Middle Kunawar, and the Chilghoza pine is 

 here met with as a principal tree of the forest. Towards the Tibet 

 frontier the fruits decrease in quantity, and in the adjoining districts 

 of Ladkh and Garo they disappear altogether. The apricot does not 

 produce at a greater elevation than 10,500 feet, and the grapes are in- 

 ferior at 9,000. 



