Page:Picturesque Nepal.djvu/286

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180
SKETCHES

it stay little." Some of the makaras, which form the most striking feature of this terrace, are enormous creatures, capable of discharging a considerable volume of water in case of an overflow, but many are more sizeable monsters, and make excellent drinking fountains for the use of visitors. These spirited dragon-spouts are well carved in stone, but to add to their ferocious appearance, they are extensively painted in bright pigments, vermilion maws, with a blue and green scheme of colour for their heads and foliated shoulders. Set among the most ideal surroundings of mountain and forest, this delightful garden is generally peopled by groups of pilgrims, or al fresco picnic parties from the neighbouring hamlets, who with gaily dyed robes add a touch of life and colour to the scene. Sitting about in small parties under the shadow of the trees, or lolling on the grassy sward in the bright sunlight, with quaint little children flitting about like butterflies, these terraces make an attractive picture. Some of the younger ones disport themselves in the stream ejected from the great grim dragon's mouth, laughing and