hung with scarlet trappings, and were guided by a coachman, who sat on the pole. The equipages were of a very antique form, and so contrived, that it was only possible to lie down in them. Captain West and myself chose the carriage drawn by bulls. When we set out, Moossa with a part of the escort rode before, while the others followed or surrounded the carriages; two men ran by the side of each carriage to guide the beasts or to support the vehicle, where the road was rough.

The palace of his Highness is situated seven miles to the south of Ahmedpoor, in a fertile, pleasant Oasis of the desert, which is planted with corn, cotton, and sugar-cane. We rode at a very brisk trot around the town, on a very bad road, which was sometimes rugged, sometimes deeply covered with sand, and generally intersected with ditches, and then crossed a handsome arched bridge across a small channel. Here we passed the stabling for the Khan's camels, which consists of several plain buildings and a spacious court-yard surrounded by a high clay wall. The palace of his Highness now came in sight; for its situation was pointed out at a great distance by lofty tamarinds, acacias, and poplar figs. The approach is by a drawbridge about 10 paces broad: this leads into a forecourt 100 paces long and 50 broad, surrounded by a wall, at the four corners of which rise very neat wooden towers. Crossing this court-yard we entered a quadrangle 300 paces long and nearly as broad, at the north end of which stands the palace. A wooden building raised above the platform, with a projecting roof, and an elegantly carved verandah, appears to be the residence of the women, because I perceived several female figures in white veils behind

the lattice. A verandah runs round the palace, which on the side towards the east is 30 paces broad. The lodgings for the domestics and the stabling, which are made of clay, lay on one side, and had red curtains. The whole is surrounded by a high wall and a moat.

Three of the Khan's regular regiments, about 1800 strong, were drawn up along both sides from the entrance into the quadrangle to the verandah; they were clothed in white, brown, and red, and armed with old unserviceable guns of the East India Company. On our approach they fired a salute, and the music struck up. The red regiment was commanded by a youth not more than sixteen years of age, a favourite of his Highness. We were received at the steps of the verandah, by three of the principal ministers, who conducted us to the Khan. As we turned the corner of the verandah, to the east side, the most striking image of an Indian Court presented itself to our view. The Khan was seated in the centre of the verandah, on a pure white, silk carpet, supported by large cushions, and surrounded by a semicircle of more than 200 of his chiefs and officers, whose picturesque costume and various groupings and different arms realised a scene of the Arabian Nights. His sword, guns, and pistols lay before him. On our approach he rose, with his attendants, embraced us, shook hands, and invited us to sit down by him. His Highness is a tall, handsome man, between forty and fifty years of age; but the expression of his large dark eye is faint and languid in consequence, it is said, of his free indulgence in the harem. He had a long, dark brown, silky beard, and his hair fell partially curled upon his shoulders. He was dressed in a white muslin garment trimmed with

gold lace, wide silk pantaloons, and a rose-coloured turban, with a handsome dagger in his red silk scarf. He wore no jewels except a few rings, and a necklace of large pearls which were fastened by a diamond clasp.

As soon as we were seated, a servant with an immensely large fan approached to cool us. The conversation commenced with inquiries respecting our journey, its object, and my country; we next spoke of the chase: his Highness regretted that he could not get up a hunting party for us, but gave us permission to hunt at pleasure in his territory, adding that we should find lions and tigers in the jungles beyond Bhawulpoor, but that the first were merely a small race, and not numerous. Politics too were touched upon, but only slightly; we then spoke of the troops of his Highness, which seemed to give him pleasure, for he smiled with much complacency when I told him that I had been greatly surprised at the good appearance and discipline of the regiments we had just seen. After having conversed about half an hour we rose to depart, but his Highness requested us to prolong our visit, and probably another hour elapsed ere we took leave, when we repeatedly expressed our gratitude to the hospitable prince, who embraced us and cordially pressed our hands. The ministers accompanied us to the first gate, while the troops saluted as before. Moossa conducted us to the carriages, and escorted us back to our encampment with his cavalry.

At a short distance from the town we saw a number of Syedees (religious women) standing by the road side; these females pretend to be descendants of the Prophet, and were closely veiled in dirty white gar

ments, with no other aperture than a net-work inserted in it over the eyes. They approached us, importunately demanding alms, but we had no money about us to entitle us to receive the benefit of their benedictions.

When we reached our tents I found a bay horse, caparisoned with a bridle and saddle richly studded with silver, and its feet and tail partly painted red, which his Highness sent to me as a token of remembrance; however, as there is a law which forbids English officers from accepting gifts from the native princes, I thought myself bound to decline this handsome present.