tree (Pterospermwn) on which a species of grass grew
epiphytically; forming a curious feature in the
landscape.
The situation of the principal temple is very fine,
below the saddle in a hollow facing the south,
surrounded by jungles of plantain and banyan. I t is
small, and contains little worthy of notice but the
sculptured, feet of Para snath, and some marble Boodh
idols; cross-legged figures, with crisp hair and the
Brahminical cord. These, a leper covered with ashes
in' the vestibule, and an officiating priest, were all we
saw. Pilgrims were seen on various parts of the
mountain in considerable numbers, passing from one
temple to another, and generally leaving a few grains
of dry rice at each.
The culminant rocks were very dry, but in the rains
may possess many curious plants; a fine KaUnchoe
was common, with a berberry, and various other
shrubs; a Bolbophyllum grew on the rocks, with a
small Begonia, and some ferns. There were no birds,
and very few insects, a beautiful small Pontia being
the Only butterfly. The striped squirrel was vei'y busy *
amongst the rocks; and I saw a few mice, and the
traces of bears.
At 3 p .m ., the temperature was 54°, and the air
deliciously cool and pleasant. I tried to reach the
western peak (perhaps 300 feet above the saddle), by
keeping along the ridge, but was cut off by precipices,
and ere I could retrace my steps it was time to descend.
This I was glad to do in a doolie, and I was carried to
the bottom, with only one short rest, in an hour and
three quarters. The descent was very steep the whole
way, partly down steps of sharp rock, where one of the
men cut his foot severely. The pathway at the bottom
was lined for nearly a quarter of a mile with sick, halt,
maimed, lame, and blind beggars, awaiting us. I t was
truly a fearful sight, especially the lepers, and numerous
unhappy victims to elephantiasis.
Though the botany of Parasnath proved interesting,
its elevation was not accompanied by such a change
from the flora of its base as I had expected. This is
no doubt due to its dry climate and sterile soil;
characters which it shares with the extensive elevated
area of which it forms a part, and upon which I could
not detect above 300 species of plants.