76 ARDENMOHR. 



This evening we had a good deal of conversation 

 about Indian matters. Major Duncan, who is 

 familiar with the languages, and personally intimate 

 with many Hindoos and Parsees, told us much that 

 was new and interesting ; and Ward and I felt how 

 greatly clearer an idea is got of a people by con- 

 versing with one who really knows them, than by 

 any book, however well written. One readily gets 

 an answer to any question ; while books are often 

 elaborate about the very things which interest us 

 the least. It is only in Oliver and Boyd, or in 

 Maunder, that one finds what is specially wanted, 

 and even they fail sometimes. 



By-and-by Fred came back, and there was a whist 

 battle with nearly the same result as before ; but this 

 evening Fred bore his honours meekly, as he was too 

 sleepy for mischief. 



A pair of owls hoo-hoo'd round the house all night. 

 It is an " eerie" sound; but I like it, as it is 

 associated in my mind with many pleasant memories 

 of the country. 



