232 RIFLE AND SPEAR WITH THE RAJPOOTS. 



they appear but little different from other Hindoo temples. 

 The large tank is enclosed by buttressed walls, and 

 shaded by fine old trees. Surrounding it on every 

 side are temples, palaces, and shrines, all built in 

 different styles and with great diversity of detail ; but all 

 have wide flights of steps descending to the water, or are 

 built on piers jutting out into it. 



We adjourned to a neighbouring garden for luncheon, 

 and afforded much amusement to the hundreds of 

 monkeys who inhabit it. The coup d'ceil from here 

 is very beautiful, and like a peep at some Hindoo 

 Venice. Afterwards we rode to an old tank surrounded 

 by temples now in ruins. It is some distance off, in the 

 midst of a thick jungle, and so surrounded and shut in 

 by trees that one might pass close by without noticing 

 it. I suppose fashions change in temples as in other things ; 

 for, whilst the newer ones are crowded with Brahman s 

 and priests, these old buildings seem deserted by all 

 save the monkeys and peafowl. 



Returning to the town, we mounted our horses and can- 

 tered on to Deeg, a ride of about twelve miles through a 

 perfectly flat country. We are now in the State of the 

 Maharaja of Bhurtpore, in whose uninhabited palace of Deeg 

 we are going to stay. The palace, or rather group of 

 palaces — for it consists of a number of detached pavilions 

 enclosed by a high wall — is situated in a beautiful garden 



