26 
, SCENES IN INDIA. 
On the sixth day after we quitted Hurd war, we 
entered Serinagur. During the whole march of the 
preceding day the snowy range had been distinctly 
visible,, looking like a white drapery hanging from the 
skies over the blue tops of the distant mountains. 
It seemed perfectly detached from the hills, above 
which it rose to an elevation that appeared to blend 
it with the heavens, whilst its surface of unsullied 
whiteness, catching the rays of the sun, reached the 
eye through the distance, softened into a purity of 
effect that carried the imagination to a world un- 
known to man, of which it seemed to form a part. 
The impression conveyed by a scene at once so novel 
and imposing, was solemn in the extreme. 
Shortly after our arrival at Serinagur, we were 
introduced to the Rajah. We found him an intel- 
ligent person, courteous in his manners, and of easy, 
unembarrassed address. His countenance indicated 
no peculiar trait of character, yet was by no means 
deficient in intelligence. His manners inspired con- 
fidence and he received us with an undissembled 
welcome. He was frank and free, though somewhat 
effeminate, giving great attention to his dress which 
was evidently arranged with extreme care. He wore 
large gold bangles on his wrists, while his fingers were 
covered with rings of different shapes and weight, 
composed of the same metal. 
The inhabitants of Serinagur appear to be a mixed 
race, exhibiting in their features the blended linea- 
ments of highlander, lowlander, Patan, Tartar, Chi- 
nese, and Hindoo ; and often showing the especial 
peculiarities of those several races. Their complexions 
