248 DORJILING. Chap. XXVII. 



bud, and the day after being released from their icy bonds, 

 the leaves sprouted and unfolded, and they were packed in 

 Ward's cases for immediate transport to the Himalaya 

 mountains. 



My visit to Calcutta enabled me to compare my instru- 

 ments with the standards at the Observatory, in which 

 I was assisted by my friend, Capt. Thuillier, to whose 

 kind offices on this and many other occasions I am greatly 

 indebted. 



I returned to Dorjiling on the 17th of April, and 

 Dr. Thomson and I commenced our arrangements for 

 proceeding to the Khasia mountains. We started on the 

 1st of May, and I bade adieu to Dorjiling with no light 

 heart ; for I was leaving the kindest and most disinterested 

 friends I had ever made in a foreign land, and a country 

 whose mountains, forests, productions, and people had all 

 become endeared to me by many ties and associations. 

 The prospects of Dorjiling itself are neither doubtful nor 

 insignificant. Whether or not Sikkiin will fall again under 

 the protection of Britain, the station must prosper, and 

 that very speedily. I had seen both its native population 

 and its European houses doubled in two years ; its salu- 

 brious climate, its scenery, and accessibility, ensure it so 

 rapid a further increase that it will become the most 

 populous hill-station in India. Strong prejudices against 

 a damp climate, and the complaints of loungers and idlers 

 who only seek pleasure, together with a groundless fear 

 of the natives, have hitherto retarded its progress ; but 

 its natural advantages will outweigh these and all other 

 obstacles. 



I am aware that my opinion of the ultimate success 

 of Dorjiling is not shared by the general public of India, 

 and must be pardoned for considering their views in this 





