CALCUTTA. 
^39 
each open their houses once a week for the reception of those who 
have had the pleasure of being presented to them. Independently 
of these, hardly a day passes, particularly during the cool season, 
without several large dinner parties being formed, consisting gener- 
ally of thirty or forty : the convivial hospitality which prevails 
on these occasions would render them extremely pleasant, were 
they more limited ; but a small and quiet party seems unknown in 
Calcutta. A Subscription Assembly also exists, but seems un- 
fashionable; it is however the only place of public amusement, 
and I see no hopes of any other being established ; for the fashion- 
able world of Calcutta is unfortunately so divided into parties, that 
it is improbable any plan of public amusement could be brought 
forward which would not meet with opposition. 
It is usual in Calcutta to rise early, in order to enjoy the cool air 
of the morning, which is particularly pleasant, before sun-rise. At 
twelve they take a hot meal, which they call tiffing, and then 
generally go to bed for two or three hours. The dinner hour is 
commonly between seven and eight, which is certainly too late in 
this hot climate, as it prevents an evening ride at the proper time, 
and keeps them up till midnight, or later. The viands are excellent, 
and served in great profusion, to the no small satisfaction of the 
birds, and beasts of prey, to whose share a considerable proportion 
of the remains fall ; for the lower order of the Portuguese, to whom 
alone they would be serviceable, cannot consume the whole ; and the 
religious prejudices of the native servants prevent them from 
touching any thing that is not drest by their own cast. To this cir- 
cumstance is to be attributed the amazing flocks of crows and kites, 
which, undisturbed by man, live together in amicable society, 
