40 MAY 



throats; then they hiccup their name, "geck-o," 

 about seven times ; the last two or three slowly and 

 lazily as if they are quite exhausted, till the last one 

 dies off with a gurgle. We seldom see one, but 

 they let us know they are there). Scarlet flowering 

 Gold Mohurs (Poinciana Regia), purple Lager- 

 strsemias, and yellow laburnum - like Cassias, the 

 Pudding Pipe tree. These three latter are a gor- 

 geous sight, covered with flowers without any green 

 leaves. Then there is a lovely delicate Tamarind 

 whose early foliage looks like grey lace. The sacred 

 Neem tree is there too, with sweet masses of small 

 white flowers. Bits of its branches are brought in- 

 doors sometimes and strew^n about the floor when 

 there is a plague of ants and other things. Also 

 there is a Kuddam tree close to the house, in whose 

 branches dwells a "bhoot," so say the servants, 

 which causes ill-luck. This tree has quaint round 

 balls of red worsted-like fluff for flowers, but I fear 

 it will have to be cut down ; not on account of 

 the ill-luck, but because it is too near the house, 

 obstructing our precious fresh air. 



But oh ! the Cork trees, the Millingtonia 

 Hortensis, are my delight when they are in blossom. 



