KASHMIR AND THE HIMALAYAS 129

depressing and so detrimental in its effects. One part of a
station may, indeed, even in the worst seasons, be almost
entirely free from the grey mist which wraps up all the
rest of it in unbroken fog.
Next to Simla perhaps Mussoorie takes rank in importance
 as a hill-station. It is infinitely more accessible
from the plains, a ride of seven miles being all that
intervenes between Rajpur, at the foot of the hills, and
the town above, whilst fifty-eight miles of driving road
have to be traversed in order to reach Simla from Kalka.
Kalka is, however, connected with the great railway
systems of the plains, whilst Rajpur is still some fortysight
 miles from the railway terminus at Saharanpur.
Eventually both stations will (like Darjiling on the southsast)
 possess their own railway facilities.
The distinguishing feature of Mussoorie, which is a
station of the North-West Provinces but not the seat of
the provincial Government, is its direct connection with
the elevated valley of Dehra Dun, which lies between the
foot of the Himalaya and the sibsidiary Siwalik range,
‘mmediately below the station. The Dun is one of the
gardens of India, approaching Kashmir in its fertility and
possible agricultural resources. It is already the centre
of a considerable group of tea estates, although tea cultivation
 has hardly proved the success in these northern
latitudes that it has on the outer slopes below Darjiling,
in Assam, or in Ceylon. A very large colony of Eurasians
and a few Europeans have settled in Dehra Dun, which
sossesses an equable climate, ready access to a hill-station,
and some of the most beautiful scenery to be found in
Northern India. The large forest reserves in the valley
have also tended towards the development and preservation
 of game, whilst the resources of the Dun streams
in fishing have ever been celebrated. Herds of elephants
still roam through the jungles of the Eastern Dun. and
tigers are occasionally plentiful.
Naini Tal in the Kumaon district, is a very popular

{ The railway terminus is now (1go3) at Dehra Dun, a few miles only from
Rajpur. and the line to Simla is advancing rapidly.