PAPIER-MACHE AND WOOD-CARVING 185
are not likely to derive the same high profits from the woven cloth that they do from selling the yarn.
Electric power has now been supplied to the silk factory from the great electric installation on the Jhelum River, and is used for heating the water in the basins in which the cocoons are immersed for reeling. It will also be used for turning some of the reeling machinery, and possibly also for electrocuting the grubs in the cocoons,
Papier-maché is a favourite artistic product of Kashmir, and some very handsome candlesticks, hewls, and vases, well adapted for English country houses, may be purchased. The old designs are especially beautiful. But nowadays very little is made from real pulp of paper, and most of what is sold as papier-maché is made of smooth wood.
The silver work is poor, as it lacks finish, and: the modern designs are not especially beautiful. But the Kashmiri workmen used to be able to produce a peculiar sheen on the silver work which gave it a striking and unusual appearance.
Some handsome copper work is also produced in Srinagar, and some pretty enamel work.
But at present the fashion rather turns to wood- carving, which has certainly much improved. Very handsome screens, tables, panels, boxes, etc., are
