T 



CHAPTER III. 



GENERAL LIFE, AMUSEMENTS, ETC. 



HE general life of an Indigo Assistant is much 

 as follows, and varies but little throughout the 

 hot and rainy months ; but during the colder 

 months, viz., November, December, January, and 

 February, more festivity prevails, races, hunting, 

 and hockey meets are held at different stations ; 

 the Behar Mounted Rifles hold cold-weather parades 

 frequently, and the Assistant's life is, thus, much 

 enlivened. 



As a rule, the Assistant, in ordinary work, rises at 

 5-30 A. M. ; he then takes chota hazree (or little break- 

 fast), consisting of a cup of tea, a slice of toast, and 

 a couple of eggs, and his horse is brought round 

 meanwhile ready saddled. He starts out immedi- 

 ately after swallowing his tea to inspect his lands, 

 the ride extending sometimes to eight, nine, or ten 

 miles, not at a gallop by any means, but at a steady 

 inspecting pace. He notes all the work going on 

 in the different parts of his charge ; perhaps meets 

 his Manager, also out on his round ; gives and 

 receives the news ; issues his orders ; and returns 

 about ii A.M. He has a good bath, and, quite 



