FUTTY GHUR. 
195 
coDsumed every profit. The new arrangement extended through the 
whole of the ceded provinces, but has unfortunately been abo- 
lished in a few, in consequence of misconduct in the officers. It 
amounts in Furruckabad to a little above 10,000 rupees per annum, 
and is honourably managed by Messrs. Russell and Grant, who, in- 
stead of looking to private emolument, or disputing about the ma- 
nagement, cordially concur for the public good, and have the accounts 
audited half-yearly, and signed by both of them. 
The original author of this plan was William Augustus Brook, 
then collector, judge, and magistrate of Shehabad; who, when 
settling the decennial revenue of the province of Bahar, seeing that 
if not done then, it never could be done, took privately from the 
Zemindars engagements to pay the one per cent, and expended 
the money on the roads. Six months afterwards, he sent down a 
statement of the fact to Colonel Ross, private secretary to Lord 
Cornwallis, with a strong representation of the advantages, kc. 
hoping that his Lordship would confirm the arrangement ; which 
was done. The Benares district is so oppressed by the corvee, that 
the magistrate has been stopped at villages, and requested to take 
back the place, and repair the roads. Formerly many fine ways 
were made by the King, with avenues and wells, and serais at 
proper distances. Trees were planted on the sides, sometimes by 
rich individuals, particularly in the vicinity of Benares. A 
Hindoo, who plants a tree, digs a well, and begets a son, is sure of 
Heaven. This opinion has given rise to many splendid works ; no 
doubt, vanity had also a considerable influence. 
August 15. — It had been originally my intention to pay my re- 
spects to General Lake, the Commander in Chief, at Cawnpore; but 
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