CASHMERE. This very interesting moun tain region of India has produce and manu factures of a peculiar character. The lower classes live partly on the singhara, or water tun, which, during eight or nine months in the year, is fished from the bottom of the lake Wulur. Of this article, 60,000 tons are pro cured annually, sufficient for the support of 20,000 persons. The mucilaginous pith of the water-lily also supports a considerable number of people during eight months. Among the cultivated plants the crocus is the only one which furnishes an article of export, the saffron of Cashmere being known in all parts of Western Asia. A sort of grape, called sun get, yields, by distillation, a beverage which, in the opinion of the Chinese, is not inferior to that of the ordinary grape. Common grapes also abound, and the wine which is made resembles Madeira. No trees are cul tivated with any care except the walnut, of which there are three different kinds ; the kernel is eaten, and used for making oil ; and the husks of the fruit are employed in dyeing black. Cashmere is famous for its flowers, especially roses, which are cultivated with care, and from them attar is extracted. [ATTAR OF Rosas.] Bees are very numerous, and each farmer has several bee-hives in the walls of his house,—sometimes as many as ten ; these hives are of a cylindrical form, and extend quite through the wall. Silk-worms are reared, but less than formerly, when silk was an article of export. The metals are iron,
which is abundant, copper, plumbago, and lead exist, but are not worked.
The Cashmerians are very industrious, which is shown in the excellence of their cul tivation, and the perfection which their manu factures have attained. The principal branch of industry is shawl-making, in which 60,000 individuals are employed, though the number of looms, which two hundred years ago amounted to 40,000,has been greatly reduced. Two weavers work at each loom, when the shawls are simple ; but when they are of a superior kind, four persons are required. Ac cording to one authority, 80,000 shawls are annually made, but the number is constantly fluctuating, so that no correct estimate can possibly be formed. Paper is also manufac tured, and though less is now exported than formerly, it is still considered as the best made in Western Asia. The Caslnnerians work with great skill and taste different objects in wood, which, as well as lecher-work, are ex ported to the neighbouring countries. The commerce of the country seems to be limited to the exportation of the manufactured goods, and the importation of wool from Tibet, and of metals from India, and perhaps from Per sia. The transport of goods over the high mountains is chiefly effbeted by men, who carry them on their backs. Between Cash mere and Ladak sheep are used to carry bur dens.