Page:Wanderings of a Pilgrim Vol 1.djvu/106

 such a climate! I hear much of all the hardships of fighting against the climate endured by the military, from friends who return to Calcutta on sick leave.

When we arrived in Calcutta the only drive was on the Course, which was well-watered; a fine broad road has since been made along the side of the river, about two miles in length; it is a delightful drive in the evening, close to the ships.

The Course is deserted for the Strand.

June 25th.—The Furlough and Pension Fund for the Civil Service has been established; we subscribe four per cent. from our salary, for which we are allowed by Government six per cent. interest, towards the purchase of an annuity of 1000l. after twenty-five years service. A very strong inducement this to economy—yet human nature is very contrary.

"J'avois juré d'être sage, Mais avant peu j'en fus las. Ah! raison, c'est bien dommage, Que l'ennui suive tes pas."

Nevertheless, we will return home as soon as we can.

Our friend Mr. C is going down to Bulloah, a savage spot, where he is to make salt; he takes down three couple of hounds to assist him in his labours.

Provided there is a good bulky dividend at the end of the year upon India Stock, the holders think the country flourishing in the greatest security. Every governor who is sent out is told that the principal thing to be considered is economy. Lord Moira, who had a becoming horror of such petitesses, and who saw the political danger of carrying the cutting system into practice, in several instances refused to adopt the measures he was intrusted to execute. Yet India was never in a more flourishing state; dividends on India Stock never looked up more cheerfully. Lord Amherst has applied the paring-knife, and much good it has done;—the military ran riot, the civilians were inclined to grow rusty, and India Bonds were very dismal and looking down.