botany. See Scutellaria.

zoology, a genus of insects belonging to the order of coleoptera. The feelers are like threads, but thicker on the outside; the elytra are marginated; and the head is hid under the thorax. There are 21 species of this insect, distinguished principally by differences in their colour.

Cassimire, or Cashmere, a province of the Mogul's dominions, in Asia, supposed to have been formerly a lake. It is seated at the extremity of Indoflan, to the north of Lahor; and is surrounded by the mountains of Caucasus, between Great Thibet, Little Thibet, Bukharia, Cabeltan, and Lahor. The mountains that are nearest the plains are of moderate height; are covered with trees or pasture land; and are full of cattle of several sorts, as cows, sheep, goats, and horses, as well as the musk-goat. There are likewise various kinds of game, as partridges, hares, gazels, &c. Beyond these mountains there are others, which rise very high, and have their tops always covered with snow. From these mountains there rises a great number of springs and rivulets, which the inhabitants conduct to their rice-fields. All these streams unite into one large enough to carry boats, which, after several turnings and windings, runs through the middle of the capital city. This province, or kingdom, is about 90 miles in length, and 30 in breadth; and is full of towns and villages. These are intermixed with canals, small lakes, and rivulets. There are here all sorts of European trees and plants, such as apple, pear, plum, apricot, &c.

The capital city, which has the same name as the kingdom, is about two miles in length, and one and a half in breadth. It is seated in a flat country, five miles from the mountains; and on the banks of a lake of fresh water, which is about twelve miles in compass. The river has two wooden bridges built over it, to maintain a communication between both parts of the city. The houses are generally of wood, and well built; and there is a great number of idol temples, which were all of free-stone, but now in ruins. The houses near the river have their gardens next the water, which make a very fine appearance, especially in summer.

The lake is full of islands, on which they have made pleasure gardens, and planted fruit-trees. These are generally surrounded with tall palms. The inhabitants are very ingenious and industrious, making palankins, and all sorts of cabinets and boxes, in a very curious manner, which are dispersed all over the Indies. They also make a vast number of shawls, which are pieces of stuff about an ell and a half long, and one broad, curiously embroidered. They are extremely fine and soft, and sell at a great price. The Indians, both men and women, wear them over their heads in the winter. The people have a clear complexion, and are well made. The women are very handsome; though only the common sort are generally seen abroad or in the shops.

It has been by some suspected, that the ten tribes of Israel were carried away captive to this country; but this does not seem probable; for there are no traces of Judaism remaining, all the inhabitants being either Gentoo or Mahometans. E. Long. 75° 25'. N. Lat. 34° 30'.