1854.] On tlie Ballads and Legends of the Punjab. 157 



I know of nothing else that can give an idea of the peculiar and 

 most musical note of the crested woodpecker. Its plumage is the 

 most beautiful found in the plaiDs of India. 



(33). Aye and anon fresh tumult stirr'd, the feathery choir em- 



As back returns some banish' d bird and loud proclaims her joy. 



When camped in the beautiful groves of Rohilkund, I have often 

 stepped out of my tent in haste to see what newly arrived bird was 

 making the woods echo with her note, amid the applause, (so to 

 speak) of all the feathered inhabitants. The variety of singing 

 birds in that district is greater than in any other of India, and I 

 never hear the name of Kohilkund, without in fancy hearing the 

 wild calls of its birds amid the sacred stillness of its groves. 



(34) . Softly the corn its emerald waves heaves to the breath of 

 morn, 

 Each islet grove and castle laves each gnarPd and antique thorn. 



The seas of rich cultivation in the Sialkot district are broken here 

 and there by some dark grove or solitary tree or half ruined fort, 

 entirely isolated by the green expanse which undulates around them 

 to every passing breeze. 



(35). And on the fretted roof display the marbles chaste and rare, 

 With ruddy gold of rich inlay, in happiest contrast there. 



The white roofs of marble ornamented with gilding are amongst 

 the most elegant decorations of eastern architecture. Although I 

 have introduced them in the age of Rajah Russaloo, it is probable 

 that they were not known in India, previous to the Muhammedan 

 invasion. 



"Whilst yet the Sikh Government ruled in the Punjaub, I stayed 

 a day and night at the castle of Sialkot in a chamber built for the 

 service of the Muharajah Eunjeet Singh. The walls were impanelled 

 with frescoe paintings of scenes from Hindu and Persian fable, and 

 notwithstanding many defects, were in the highest style of Hindu 

 art, and very superior to the generality of their productions. 



The Sikhs were barbarous compared to the Moguls, whose ele- 

 gant designs and rich and graceful details are still the wonder of the 

 world. I do not therefore mention this chamber as a specimen of 

 eastern architecture, but because it suggested the passage of my text 



