538 CALCUTTA. 
in great measure to their incessant dancing, even during the hottest 
weather. After such violent exercise they go into the verandahs^ 
and expose themselves to a cool breeze and damp atmosphere. 
A quay has lately been formed in front of the Custom-house, and 
promises to be a great improvement. Many objections have been 
made to its erection, probably by interested persons. It is asserted, 
that vessels cannot lie close to it with safety, as a north-wester, or 
gale from any quarter, may drive them against it ; but it is obvious 
that the same force would drive them on shore, were the quay out 
of the way. The expense of unshipping the ladings was enormous, 
and will be completely obviated if the plan of embankment is car- 
ried the whole length of the town. This is now in agitation, and I 
hope will be resolved upon. It has been said that sand will accu- 
mulate against it ; which seems to me an extrordinary idea, since I 
conceive the current will not fail to keep it clear, and that the only 
danger is of its being undermined. An extension of the Custom- 
house itself, and of its establishment, will soon be necessary; at 
present the delay is considerable from the vast increase of traffic. 
Since I left Calcutta in March, the iron rails round the Govern- 
ment House have been finished. The space now to be cleared will 
certainly have a noble effect ; and the Writers' buildings being 
newly repaired, form a good object from the end of the street that 
leads from the northern front. These buildings would have been 
bought by Government for the purpose their name imports, but 
too much money was asked for them. 
The society of Calcutta is numerous and gay; the fetes given by 
the Governor General are frequent, splendid, and well arranged. 
The Chief Justice, the Members of Council, and Sir Henry Russel, 
