368 Journal of a trip through the [A prii^ 



There numerous springs issue from the ground, and flowing down 

 various fissures finally reach one of the streams which encircle the fort 

 of Kangra. The brahmans, who always select spots for their temples 

 in some way or another favored by nature, in order I suppose to in- 

 crease the sanctity of their idolatrous religion, have chosen one of the 

 springs and endowed its waters with certain efficacious principles. This 

 little brook, after working its way through several tanks, at last falls 

 into a deep hole, which it has worn away for itself, escaping at last 

 under the archway after a fall of about 25 feet. Entering from below, 

 that place has the appearance of a large cavern with a considerable 

 body of water falling from above. The constant force of the water 

 has washed away the entire roof, leaving the arch standing out by 

 itself some three feet beyond the rest of the conglomerate as a curious 

 monument of the power of water when unremittingly exerted for 

 several ages. On the top of it is built a paltry little temple with a 

 bridge and staircase leading up to it. There are numerous other tem- 

 ples scattered about, and one is perched on the top of a precipice close 

 by. Between this spot and the other is another deep fissure likewise 

 worn away by a limpid stream. Near to where the water descends is 

 a dripping spring, which oozing through the conglomerate, forms sta- 

 lactites and encrusts every thing within its reach. There is also a 

 similar spring three miles on the opposite side of Bhawun. Imme- 

 diately under the former one is a large block of quartz crumbling away 

 under its destructive influence, but whilst the solid rock is yielding to 

 the corrosive power of that spring, a delicate little fern drinking deep 

 of its waters nourishes and grows luxuriantly. I believe the latter to 

 be a species of adiantum. I have sent specimens of it with the rest of 

 the plants forwarded to Calcutta in April last. 



14. There are many pleasant rides and walks about Kangra. Dhurm- 

 sala is a pleasant resort. That plain is about nine miles distant, and 

 the intermediate country is prettily wooded with clusters of bamboo, 

 topes of mangoe, peepul and other trees, with here and there a stately 

 palm. Leaving the lower valley, the road ascends into the plain at 

 its south-western extremity. It is an extensive grassy plateau sloping 

 up rapidly towards the snowy range. The sunken bed of a torrent 

 separates it on one side from the adjacent lowland, and a low ridge 

 covered with small Cheels* bounds it on the other. Its extreme length 

 * Cheels, Pinus longifolia. 



