482 CLIMATE OF 



The fields where the mountains are abrupt and steep, are cut into inclin- 

 ed terraces of all sizes and descriptions supported by stone walls resem- 

 bling the steps of stairs, one above the other. On the banks of the Setlej 

 and other rivers, where the principal produce is rice, the fields are invaria- 

 bly partitioned into flats to allow of the. water required for irrigation, to 

 cover the whole surface. 



The seasons of Kotgerh are reversed as regards the plains of Hindustan 

 or nearly correspond with those in many parts of Europe : that is the har- 

 vest is fully a month or six weeks later than at Subathu, which is a month 

 behind that in the plains of India. We begin to sow Europe vegetables in 

 February and March, and plant potatoes in March, April, and May. The 

 reaping season on the banks of the Setlej in the neighbourhood of Kotgerh, 

 where the heat is extremely great and oppressive, is, if any thing earlier 

 than that about Subathu, and in situations of the same height above the 

 sea. The crops of wheat and barley are more exuberant and productive 

 about Kotgerh than they are in the lower hills and uwa jow, which is little 

 inferior in point of quality and substance to wheat, will not thrive at a less 

 elevation at least the natives do not cultivate it. 



The wheat, barley and uwa jow crops are succeeded by phaphara, ugal, 

 chaberi or jaberi and the several kinds of bathu. These are cut down and 

 taken in before winter commences. 



I have purposely omitted giving the mean temperature of each month in 

 the present journal as the observations are broken and irregular from the 

 circumstance of being frequently obliged to move. But not pretending 

 to great correctness, the mean temperature of the year at Subathu and 

 Kotgerh deduced from subsequent registers will be found at the end of the 

 abridgement or table, 



