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 unhealthy character of this tract of country, due to the prevalence, from March to November, of a deadly form of malarial fever, known locally as the "awal." Years ago it was considered almost madness to attempt to travel through the Terai except during the cooler months of the year, but it is doubtful whether the actual high road quite deserves this sinister reputation. Nevertheless the stifling and unwholesome atmosphere which seems to extend throughout this portion of the marsh indicates conditions which cannot be conducive to good health. Very creditable efforts have been made to reduce the discomforts of the heat during this stage of the journey, and the wants of the thirsty man and beast are attended to in a very inviting manner. At distances of every few miles well-made drinking fountains have been constructed, and here the gasping palky-bearer or exhausted pack-animal is refreshed by a plentiful supply of pure water conveyed by pipes from the mountains. This conduit was provided by one of the ladies of the Royal house of Nepal, who, struck by the misery she saw while