1 HISTORY OF THE SIKHS. 345
2 .
3 higher parts, partakes of that of the Himalayas,
4 being cool and beautifully wooded; while the
5 gurgling streams give a freshness to the vegeta-
6 tion, looked for in vain in the arid plains of India.
7 In the hilly tracts of this Doab, patches of table
8 land might be found capable of forming eligible
9 cantonments for European troops; and already
10 several such spots have been pointed out. With
11 a view of ascertaining the natural resources, as
12 well as the climate and other particulars, Mr.
13 Corbyn, the zealous and talented superintending
14 surgeon of the Punjab division, has been calling
15 on medical officers for topographical accounts of
16 their respective stations; so that, ere long, the
17 country will be as well known to us as are the
18 other Doabs.
19 The Jalindhur Doab is famous for the manufac-
20 ture of various kinds of cloths; also for a breed of
21 horses ; while the common grains are cultivated to
22 a great extent. It appears to be remarkably well
23 adapted for the growth of fruit trees, and the
24 mangoe flourishes there in great perfection.
25 In the records of the Punjab, it is stated that a
26 great flood destroyed the whole country from the
27 Sutlej to the Chenab, and that the Bist Jalindhur
28 was the first tract that was again inhabited. At
29 what period this happened is not exactly known
30 but its occurrence can be readily believed in the
31 event of the rivers overflowing their banks to a
32 great extent.
33 The revenues of the Bist Jalindhur, even under