CHAPTER I

SCENERY AND SEASONS

Bernier's impression of Kashmir in 1665--Comparison of Kashmir and Switzerland--The road in--First signs of spring--Srinagar in March--A start for Shikar--Shikaris--Forest-clad hill-sides--Signs of stag--View over the valley--Rosy mountains--Unrealised beauties--A duck-shoot--The view from Hokrar--Harwan in spring--Varying beauties of Kashmir--Harwan in May--Clouds on the mountains--A Kashmir village--Irises and roses--Trout-culture--A trout stream--Srinagar in April--The view from Gupkar--A spring scene--Unusual rain--The Nishat Bagh--Pandrathan--Srinagar in summer--The valley in September--The end of the monsoon--The gorgeous autumn--A Hokrar duck-shoot--The valley in winter--Shikaris--Shooting in winter 1