. A NATIVE LETTER. 341 



It commenced by stating, in high-flown terms of 

 great praise and politeness, that it was addressed to 

 a Sahib whose name it was for some time exceed- 

 ingly difficult to ascertain. However, as it began 

 with something which looked like " Mug," and the 

 remainder might be fairly taken to represent 

 " unjce," both being preceded by " Kuptun," it was 

 assumed that "Mugunjee" stood in lieu of Mac- 

 kenzie's name. Some queer h'berties were taken with 

 the names of the others also, but' being simpler, 

 they escaped with less alteration ; " Noman " and 

 " Hok " being sufficiently approximate to be readily 

 understood. 



After the preliminary string of complimentary 

 expressions was exhausted, it made particular and 

 earnest inquiries after the health of those to whom 

 it was addressed. It then set forth that, knowing 

 the gentlemen were great hunters, the writer had 

 sent men out to look for tigers in his neighbour- 

 hood ; that the information was favourable, and 

 that the best shikaree of the place had been sent to 

 report to the Sahibs. It went on to state that it 

 was earnestly hoped the gentlemen would fill the 

 hearts of their friends with delight by appointing a 

 day for a meeting, and that so auspiciously com- 

 menced a friendship might last between them for 

 ever. Invoking all manner of blessings, it concluded 



