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 6 SCENERY AND SEASONS

mingling with the cloudless azure of the sky, on the far side, stretched the great range of snowy mountains which bound Kashmir on the north, with the Haramokh peak, 16,900 feet high, standing boldly out 35 miles distant immediately in front.

Then as we emerged into the open valley the snow disappeared and the first faint signs of spring were seen. All the trees were indeed still bare. Neither on the massive chenars nor on the long lines of poplars which bordered the road continuously from Baramula to Srinagar was there a vestige of a leaf; and all the grass was absolutely brown. But in the willows there was just the suspicion of yellow- green. ‘The little leaf-buds were just preparing to burst. On the ground were frequent masses of yellow crocuses and familiar bluebells. Here and there were clumps of violets. Occasionally a tortoise-shell or cabbage-white butterfly would flutter by. Above all, the brilliant swnshine, the clear blue sky, and the gentle feel which at noon- day replaced the crisp nip of the morning air gave certain promise of spring’s near approach.

Again, when at length Srinagar, the capital of Kashmir, was reached, and I was back in my much-loved garden, still other signs of spring's arrival were disclosed. Violets, pansies, wallflowers,