Cashmere

the northernmost principality of India. It lies directly west of the Himalaya Mountains, and includes the upper windings of the Indus River. The Vale of Cashmere, which gives its name to the province, is a beautiful valley celebrated in oriental literature, but better known in modern times as the home of the goat from whose wool, or hair, the famous Cashmere shawl is made. The whole principality has a population of 3,000,000. The Vale of Cashmere has an area of 4,000 square miles. It is surrounded by beautiful scenery and snow-capped peaks, whose splendor and sublimity are said to be beyond description. The valley is about 5,000 feet above the sea. It is well watered, and is blessed with an abundance, which, together with its natural beauty, makes it the "Paradise of India." Forests, fields and rice plantations, rich orchards and vineyards, mulberry trees raised for the production of silkworms, violets, roses and jasmines are abundant on every hand. About one-third of the inhabitants are Hindus; the rest are Mohammedans. The province is not, however, very prosperous. Its few manufactures, especially that of the Cashmere shawl, are declining. The towns are dirty and the inhabitants unprogressive. Some improvements, it is asserted, have been introduced by the British government. A railway has been extended into the province from the south. Improved methods of agriculture are also in process of introduction.