40 TO THE WURDWAN. 



and abundance of May, the thorn being in full blossom, 

 adorned and perfumed the way side. There was also 

 white clover, and a veritable bumble-bee, with the same 

 portly person and drab coloured behind as the common 

 English one. The banks, also, sported their violets, but, 

 alas ! without fragrance, and the wild strawberry was 

 peeping out of the bushes and grass all around. Who 

 could fail to exult in exuberance of spirits, thus surrounded 

 by nature's choicest beauties ? Certainly not I. Rejoicing, 

 and buoyant with vigorous health, my mind undisturbed, 

 having a long holiday before me, and feeling within me 

 the ability and taste, fresh and capable as ever of old, to 

 appreciate and enjoy the blessings of Providence so amply 

 vouchsafed me, I felt my whole being full to overflowing 

 of joy, admiration, gratitude, and praise. I gave myself 

 up to reflections suitable to the day 



Was interrupted by the shikarries rushing into my 

 tent, to apprise me of the arrival of another saheb with 

 shikarries and guns. They were in great excitement, in 

 consequence of the probability of the new comer inter- 

 fering with their plans for my shooting operations, by 

 occupying the localities they desired to hunt. I had, as 

 usual, given notice of my intention to rest here to-morrow, 

 Sunday. The shikarries tried to shake this resolve by 

 pointing out the advantages to be gained by pushing on, 

 and getting first into the Wurdwan valley ; but I was 

 proof against such arguments. 



The dreaded stranger proved to be an officer of the 

 79th from Lahore, on two months' leave. I asked him 

 to dinner, and fortunately, in addition to my usual stew, 

 had a rice pudding, to which I added guava jelly ; a rich 

 plumcake brought up the rear. These solids, with a glass 

 or two of very fair sherry, was quite a feast in these wild 

 regions, and my luxurious habits astonished my sporting 



