Page:FM Bailey letters from LA Bethell.pdf/7



(not clear if this letter continues after the signature, or a sheet has been lost)

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If you’d not mind a moderate height above sea level, Bhim Tal and around Naukuchia Tal are quiet; and the lakes hold some rather reluctant and unenterprising mahseer. Live in the dak bungalow, as former.

On the whole, if I had your choice, I'd plump for the places in the following order:


 * − Kulu – out and out the best. You'd love it.
 * − Bhoura: v. good, if you can get in.
 * − The Gali’s: ditto (not quite so good)

The rest tail on, as indicated.

NB: I should avoid being made bear leader, if I were you. It would spoil the whole show, and the retinue would bully your servants no end. However you know all about that.

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Yes, I'm “Mauser” in the Sphere and Graphic, (also “Punjabi”, “Peter Paul”, “Forepoint Severn” etc. etc. in other publications – and my own initials in R.G.S. book reviews). But keep it dark: I spend a lot of time covering up my tracks – a thing which gives liberty of action when writing on contentious political subjects and prevents interference by Mil. Dept. India Office, who are meddlesome.

Just now, I'm onto a far more interesting job. George Blackwood is bringing out a 12 volume anthology of all things of “Tales from the Outposts” nature. Each vol. 75 to 100,000 words: different subjects, frontier, exploration, administration, shikar, sea, small wars, Great War, etc. It will involve

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digging through all the bound volumes of Maga for the last 40 years, and getting the best in each subject out by various authors: a colossal job taking about 8 hours a day, seven days a week, for five to six months. He's made me general editor of the whole series: and, if it's successful, probably another dozen to follow: Lord knows, there's material enough. So, for the moment, I've shut down all other work: only done 11 volumes, so far (half yearly ones) and there are 69 more to go! Each vol. twice as thick as the Army List.

But don't mutter a word: I'm not at all sure he wants it talked about in advance of publication. But if you hear I've suddenly gone off my nut, and am eating hay under a tree, you will know what has caused it.

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I told G.B. I was trying to induce you to write some more, and he was – and still is – looking forward to it; I wish you would: he'd like anything you sent, like a short. But