Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1893-10-17
ON the nIMALAyAs, IN INDIA.

The Hlmalayas, situated In the north
eru part Of Hlndustan, are continent
of mountains. They rise abruptly from
the plains and are two hundred miles
vide. From the higher peaks one sees
the mountains like vast pillows rolling
away to the distant sky. One can
scarcely imagine what q relief Il 10 to
escspe from the white heat Of the plains
to the delightful cool of the mountain
aides. Hundreds Of families retreat
hither during the summer months. OF
all the different summer resorts, Nainee
Tai Ii perhaps the most famous, though
to our minds, Epworth, near Almora, 10
the most pleasant, because more remov-
ed from the depressing influence OF
heathenlsm. The trip up to Epworth
would be highly fascinating In every
particular, were II not that With YER
iiczl sun, the different valleys are trying,
and sometimes full of fever. Many
travel at night to avoid the heat. These
valleys are cultivated like gardens, with
terraced fields rising up the mountain
slopes. Grassy spurs rise from the vsl-
ofgrazlng kline. The narrow road which
We asceoded seemed scarcely wider than
the one used by the oxen. The "Sahibs"
usually hire ponies to carry them up the
mountain sides, but the "Memsahlbs"
are carried BY coolies In "dandls."
Other coolies carry the bundles. The
scenery of the Himalayas far surpasses
that Of any other mountain on the face
Of the globe. The others pale Into In
Significance before these massive bul-
warks Of snow.
As we continue our ascent, we per-
celve huge ravine. From Its walls
have tumbled long, sloplng banks OF
debris, that Join at their bases Into q
series Of ridges. Among these turbu-
lent stream seeks Its way. The coolies,
Jogging along laughing and singing,
seem to keep time with the rythm Of the
water below. hut we would feel much
more at ease II they would not 60 so
near the edge of the precipice. They
delight In frightening US. Upon round
Ing corner We perceive q foamlng line
of cataracts, white and filmy against the
dark background OF rocks. Miniature
Nisgaras, with their whirlpool rapids
and hermit cascades, are frequently
seen. Although on q much smaller
scale, the surroundings Of lofty mouLt.
aims upon whose rocky sides are the |
stately pines, rosebushes the size OF an
ordinary apple tree, shrubs, brilliant
flowers, delicate ferns and cllnging moss,
render them equally enchanting, II not
so yOlumiuous. At various stages OF
our progress We could look back and
discern our former path Immediately be
meath us. At last we came In sight OF /
beautiful little lake called Bhim Tai. A
body Of clear water, girt In by mount
aims and sparkling In wondrous bright
meas as Il reflected the rays of the set
ting sun. A round-topped mountain
slope, shut In the lake on the south and
west, near the base Of which stood the
dak.bungslow, In which we were to rest
during the night. This cosy, pictures
que stone cottage IL built on terrace,
and half hidden beneath the roses which
lovingly cling to the verandas. l.
These dak-bungslows are beautiful
buildings erected upon romantic sites,
for the accommodation OF mountain
The rooms are provided with
beds, but guests are expected to furnish
their own bedding. The native cooks
will speedily prepare meals at reasonable
rates. Feeling much refreshed, the
next morning We began another days
march, and ere long found ourselves In
the region Of the clouds. Looking down
upon the distant clouds, so far beneath
Us, the long belt Of forest trees seemed
like strip of low shrubbery, then dis.
appeared altogether as We ascended
Agricultural.