The country is precisely similar to that previously noticed, the only new feature being the grassy plains, in which at some little distance from Koori, deer, partridge, hares, etc. are said to abound.

A sissoo-like tree is not uncommon.

4th.—­To Shah Durrah, twenty-three and a half miles at Nunzul, eight miles from Shah Durrah, a fort with ditch out of repair was passed, at Koori ten miles from Shah Durrah, passed a deep Nullah called Baghbuchah, with high banks, thence entered on a tract of country covered with Saccharum, (Moong), from which ropes are made; (this is the same as the Chuch species,) we next entered on cultivation close to Shah Durrah, which place is well wooded.

Mangoe trees, Ams, Eugenia Jambolana, Jams, Bheirs, Phoenix, Kikkur, and Ficus, are the principal trees.

The grassy tracts of the Punjab represent probably the original vegetation, existing now only here and there owing to the extension of cultivation.

From Shah Durrah Lahore is visible, particularly the buildings of the Mogul emperor’s, consisting of a conspicuous dome in ruins, and some minarets, a large Serai likewise going to ruin, standing in the immediate vicinity of the Royal Gardens, Lahore is decidedly a handsome looking city viewed from Shah Durrah.

So great is the tendency in palms to throw out roots towards the base, that these roots exist in the common Khujoor, although they have to get rid of the indurated bases of the petioles before they can make their exit.  They are so extremely short and indurate that it is difficult to imagine the function they perform; at first they are capable probably of absorbing from the air.

5th.—­Proceeded to General Court’s house at Lahore, distance six miles, the road after crossing the Ravee river near a royal summer house of no extraordinary merits, passes on to the town, and then winds round under the Simon Boorge, a very striking part, at least exteriorly of the city, for the buildings, works, etc. are in good repair.  Besides this the ground outside is swardy and prettily wooded.

CHAPTER XXIII.

From Lahore to Simla.

Lahore is surrounded by a ditch and wall, the work of former emperors’ of Delhi; the environs of the city, particularly towards M. Court’s residence, are studded with mosques, etc. mostly half ruined, and the ground is literally strewn with old bricks, so that the city must at one time have been an enormous one.

Seikh troops in large numbers are cantoned round to the east and south-east skirts of the town, in low pucka barracks.

Several low mounds apparently unconnected with ruins, occur in this direction.

I arrived to hear of the death of Kurruck Sing, who was burned the same day with five women; after the ceremony a scaffolding fell down, wounding Nehal Sing dangerously in the head, and killing the son of Goolab Sing.  Late in the evening the Maharajah was senseless.