384 A Sportswoman in India 



along the gently sloping granite, and when half beneath 

 the water they exposed a breadth of back which was the 

 most extraordinary sight I have ever seen in my long 

 experience of crocodiles. I did not wish to proclaim 

 our presence to the tribes by the report of firearms. 



" I would not presume to estimate the length of 

 these extraordinary creatures ; but the deep and broad 

 river, flowing silently through one of the oldest portions 

 of the earth, suggested, by the exhibition of these 

 mighty forms, that no change in the inhabitants of 

 the stream had taken place since the Original Creation." 



An Englishman in the Civil Service, who was for 

 some years a Commissioner in the Bombay Presidency, 

 has forwarded me some specimens of letters which 

 he received from time to time from natives, soliciting 

 his favour in various ways. Some idea of the native 

 mind may be formed from them. 



Application from office subordinate for promotion. 



" MOST RESPECTED AND BENEVOLENT SIR, 



"As a calf seeks earnestly its Mother when 

 strayed in the Forest, so we seek for you. As Your 

 Honour attain a high position now, I humbly beg 

 that my case for promotion be considered," etc., etc. 



Reply from a man to whom I had offered a 

 chuprassie's place. 



" RESPECTED SIR, 



"In reply to your favour of yesterday for 

 the offer of a place of a Belt to me under your Honour, 



