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ANCIENT GEOGRAPHY OF KAS'MIR. [Extra No. 2, 
have passed over the land. Kasmir, fortunately for antiquarian research, 
throughout its known history has escaped such great convulsions and 
the breaks of tradition usually connected with them. 
The influence of the geographical position of Kasmir can be traced 
here also in another direction. Mountainous surroundings and conse¬ 
quent isolation tend everywhere in alpine countries to develop and 
foster conservative habits of life and thought. We find these habits 
most strongly marked in the population of the valley, and may safely 
ascribe to them a great share in the preservation of local traditions. 
