Page:The Aristocracy of Southern India.djvu/136

 9(j The Aristocracy of Southern India.

"A quarter of a mile from the western shore of the Chilka is Deer Island, a low sandy islet, almost covered with thicket, except along its shores, where the rise and fall of tidal water only permits the growth of a wide margin of saline tm-f. There are glades here and there among the underwood and yew trees. The whole of the little island is less than a mile. This is the chosen haunt of a small herd of spotted deer which seems to cross at pleasure from the mainland, some of them being almost always to be found on " Deer Island."

"The sandy plain which separates the Chilka Lake from the sea is not more than two miles wide, and it becomes gradually narrower towards the spot where the lake is open to the sea. Considerable herds of antelope graze over this plain, which is in parts thinly clothed with grass, and they may be stalked and coursed there."

The Rajah Sahib is not unknown to the present Viceroy and also to the present and some of the former Governors of Madras. They have all visited the Chilka Lake, enjoyed its beautiful scenery and have spoken in praiseworthy terms of the able management of the estates of the Rajah Sahib. Sir Arthur Havelock wrote thus, under date, 1st April 1898:—

"My Dear Eajah,

I beg your acceptance of the photographs of myself which I am sending you. I take the opportunity of " thanking you once more for your kindness and hospitality at Eambha. I retain a pleasant recollection of my visit." With expressions of regard, I remain. Your sincere Friend, (Signed) A. E. HAVELOCK.