and Nilotpala flowers. The earth is covered with profuse vegetation. All distinction between dry lands and reservoirs of water becomes impossible, and the sun and the planets are enveloped in dark clouds that shower torrents of rain but do not roar.
In autumn the sun's rays assume a mellow golden tint. Masses of white clouds are seen to sail the dark deep blue of heaven. Ponds are decked with the full blown lotus flowers, agitated by the wings of the diving swans The high grounds become dry, while the low-lands still retain their muddy character. The level plains are covered with shrubs and undergrowths, and plants and trees such as, Vana, Saptahva, Vandhuka, Kasha and Asana, flower in abundance.
The bodily humours such as wind, etc. are disturbed and aggravated by the contrariety, excess or variations in the characteristic features of the seasons. Hence it is prudent to check the deranged phlegm in spring, to conquer the deranged bile in autumn, and to subdue the deranged bodily wind in the rains, before they develop themselves in any patent or manifest bodily ailment.
Thus ends the sixth chapter of the Sutrasthanam in the Sushruta Samhita which treats of the characteristic features of the seasons and their influence on health and drugs.
