HISTORICAL SKETCH 



xxxi 



at Cabul, which overlooks the river, so charmingly laid 

 out, and at the season when the orange becomes yellow, 

 the bloom is perfectly delightful. Another garden near is 

 similarly described, " that contains many trees giving delight- 

 ful shade, and emitting powerful scents," ' and in our own 

 time we find the Ameer disposed to encourage the growth of 

 all that is choice and attractive throughout his domains 

 according to Western methods. 



Oriental styles of floriculture have from very early days 

 formed a striking feature in the lives of the princes and 

 nobles of India. And to this day scented flowers are largely 

 used at all the great festivals, whether of grief or rejoicing, 

 and the temples are adorned with freshly gathered blossoms. 

 From authentic accounts we find that, in general character, 

 the fashion appears to have been borrowed from Persia and 

 Arabia ; but the history of this great nation has not yet been 

 sufficiently developed from original sources to enable us to 

 write accurately of the state of its gardening at so remote a 

 period. The fabulous stories that have been handed down by 

 ancient witers are mainly fiction of the most extravagant 

 order. When they tell us ^ that streams of rose-water, milk 

 and honey were seen to flow in every direction,' we are 

 inclined to accept the statement with reservation. 



According to Hindu mythology there are five heavens at 

 the summits of the Himalayas, each presided over by one or 

 other of the gods. In all these Elysiums perfumed flowers 

 are amongst the chief of delights. 



' That blue flower which, Brahmins say, 

 Blooms nowhere but in Paradise/ 



must be the blue Champac flower, a great rarity, as the only 

 sort we know (Michelia Chamjxtca) has yellow, intensely 



