THE RAINS 129 



recollection, however, it was a butterfly of very ordinary 

 appearance, in no way remarkable, either for size or 

 colouring. Yet it must have belonged to some rather 

 rare species, for none of my servants had ever seen or 

 heard of a similar chrysalis, nor did I ever meet with 

 such another one again. 



Of all the months of the year September is regarded 

 by both natives, as well as Europeans, as the most 

 unhealthy. The atmosphere is cloudless, and the long- 

 continued rains have cleared it from all impurities. 

 The sun's rays consequently shine through it unim- 

 peded by mist or dust. So intense and brilliant are 

 they, that, according to the native saying, they scorch 

 the skins of even the wild deer black. They also 

 draw out from the stagnant pools and the decaying 

 vegetation all those unwholesome exhalations that give 

 rise to fevers. It is during this month, therefore, that 

 fevers are especially prevalent. Nevertheless to those 

 who escape the fevers the month is very agreeable, that 

 is in contrast to the months that have immediately 

 preceded it. Each day the mornings become cooler. 

 I can saunter longer in the garden after returning from 

 my early ride, and I can then sit without inconvenience 

 in the verandah till it is time to bathe and dress for 

 breakfast. 



As I sit and look out on the garden, let me describe 

 it a little more in detail. All Indian gardens, whether 

 native or European, are laid out on one uniform plan. 

 The plan has been dictated by the necessities of the 

 climate. In India cultivation depends on irrigation, 

 and in a garden the water must be supplied to the 

 K 



