GARDENS OF CALCUTTA. 95 



one still occasionally sees in Hyde Park, decked out 

 in a lieavy blue cloth cloak, with a triple cape in 

 broad stripes of scarlet and gold, and a chimney- 

 pot hat sporting a cockade. Presently there is a 

 general move, and, lo and behold ! the viceregal 

 party in a landau with escort, all in scarlet on snow 

 white horses, heave in sight ; there is a great stir 

 amongst the carriages as well as equestrians, of whom 

 there is a goodly show, but all unnecessary, for off 

 they go in another direction, a very pretty sight as 

 they wind round to the other, side and gradually 

 disappear. 



Another day I visited the botanical garden, which is 

 really very pretty ; in it the flora of India is well repre- 

 sented, and there is plenty of running water to moisten 

 the thirsty soil ; also a Chinese pagoda in carved black- 

 wood of seven stor!^, with the usual gilt ornament on A^^^'^y 

 the top, which from a distance resembles a pope's 

 tiara. Gas lamps illuminate the garden after sunset, 

 and a military band strikes up, much to the relief of 

 ayahs and children ; meanwhile, the moon rises, and 

 those who crave for food jog home to enjoy a good 

 dinner, much aided by the flapping of a punkah. 

 Indian cooks, as a rule, know how to tempt the 

 appetite ; excepting only the French artiste, there is 

 no better cook in the world. 



