Page:Burke, W.S. - Cycling in Bengal (1898).djvu/29

 settlement of Chinsurah, established in the 17th century and now the head-quarters of the Hooghly division, Tribeni, a pilgrim resort of great sanctity, are all along the route, and a halt can be made at each or all these places for a look round. At Bansberia, about 3 miles north of Hooghly town, there is a famous temple with 13 pinnacles and as many images of Siva, dedicated to the Goddess Hanseswari. It was formerly guarded by a fort and trench, and at one time was resorted to by the people of the neighbourhood for protectiona gainst the Maharatas. Then we twine and twist among avenues of dense and grateful shade, over high and low level bridges, pass troupes of Hunnaman monkeys screeching overhead or following us with incredible swings from bough to bough, and emerge into the open at Magura.

From this point to Punduah, about seven miles, the road runs through paddy fields. It is very open country here, and we generally get a strong cross wind. At Panduah there is an inspection bungalow and a fairly well stocked native bazaar, fruit, milk, eggs, fowls and vegetables being procurable. A few minutes' rest in the verandah is all that would be necessary, as a rule, while we sample the cold tea (with a squeeze of lime in it) which we have brought in our water bottles. We resume our journey, and pass Koochmali (50th mile), Boinchee, Memari and other small villages, and bring up under the shade of the trees at the 60th mile close to the railway crossing. Here we discuss the light tiffin we have brought with us, and have a long stretch on the grass. If we have ridden steadily at ten miles an