IN THE OLD PALACE. 313 



collection of Indian arms of every size, shape, and kind. 

 One sword has a crystal handle set with rubies and 

 diamonds. The blade of another is jewelled, and the hilt of 

 blue enamel and diamonds. Altogether, nearly two hundred 

 swords are set with valuable precious stones in every con- 

 ceivable way. A shield of buffalo skin is ornamented with 

 large crosses of diamonds, another is studded with 

 amethysts. One shield has two pistols contrived to fire 

 through it, and a dagger that opens like a pair of scissors. 

 In the midst of these barbaric weapons, we found Thorn- 

 hill's familiar name on a case of English swords given by 

 the Prince of Wales to the Maharaja. 



There are a great many fine rooms decorated in the 

 usual Indian style. ( hie little chamber is lined throughout 

 with Dutch tiles, painted in blue with the ordinary 

 Scriptural subjects. This is the first of the kind we have 

 seen, and I endeavoured — but in vain — to discover its origin 

 and history. It must have been done the best part of a 

 century ago. 



Adjoining the old palace, but forming a separate build- 

 ing, is the modern or English palace, furnished throughout 

 in European fashion. In one suite of rooms everything is 

 made of glass — beds, tables, chairs — everything. Apart 

 from these Eastern eccentricities, the palace, especially for 

 its situation and surroundings, is alone worth a visit from 

 England. 



