Page:Burke, W.S. - Cycling in Bengal (1898).djvu/35

 There are some magnificent trees about, and opposite the deserted bungalow is another decayed tenement, the property, we believe, of one of the coal companies in the district. There is a well quite handy, from which pure cold water is obtainable, and as it is a popular halting place for carters, wayfarers and travelling merchants, the scene around the little encampment is often picturesque and interesting. A man with a camera will find between this and Assansol many bits that may be developed into charming pictures.

As soon as Kyrasole is left behind, the country gets hilly and the vegetation changes completely. Plodding up the slopes and coasting down the other side of these hillocks, we could almost fancy we were back again in Kent or Sussex, for the everlasting palm and the persistent toddy tree are not there to spoil the illusion, and as to the road, it is grand. Twelve miles of this brings us out into open country again and close to the 125th mile; if we take the turning to the left and continue for about three miles, we reach Williams' Hotel, opposite the Railway Station. Here we get the breakfast we have ordered, and if we do not intend going further, we can "do" Raneegunge. There is not much to be seen in this dusty, scattered sort of station; but for those who care to know we may say that it is the head-quarters of the Raneegunge Sub-Division of the Burdwan District, has a population of 13,772, and is situated on the north bank of the Damudar river. Raneegunge is, however, of importance as regards the coal industry, and its prosperity dates from the discovery and working of the coal mines, and also from the time when it became a station on the East Indian