Life at Simla was somewhat monotonous.  The society was not very large in those days; but there were a certain number of people on leave from the plains, who then, as at present, had nothing to do but amuse themselves, consequently there was a good deal of gaiety in a small way; but we entered into it very little.  My wife did not care much about it, and had been very ill for the greater part of the summer.  She had made two or three kind friends, and was very happy in her mountain home, though at times, perhaps, a little lonely, as I had to be in office the greater part of each day.

In the autumn we made a trip into the interior of the hills, beyond Simla, which was a new and delightful experience for my wife.  We usually started in the morning, sending our servants on about half way, when they prepared breakfast for us in some pretty, shady spot; there we remained, reading, writing, or resting, until after lunch, and it was time to move on, that we might get to our halting place for the night before dinner.

It was a lovely time of the year, when the autumn tints made the forest gorgeous, and the scarlet festoons of the Himalayan vine stood out in brilliant contrast to the dark green of the solemn deodar, amongst the branches of which it loves to twine itself.

* * * * *

CHAPTER XXXIV. 1860

The Staff Corps—­With the Viceroy’s camp again—­The marble rocks —­Lady Canning’s death—­Pig-sticking at Jamu—­Lord Canning —­Another cold-weather march—­Gwalior and Jhansi —­Departmental promotion

In 1860 an important alteration was made in the organization of the army in India, by the passing of a Bill for the amalgamation of the local European Forces with the Royal Army.

On the transfer of the administration of India from the Honourable East India Company to the Crown, a question arose as to the conditions under which the European soldiers had enlisted.  The Government contended that the conditions were in no way affected by the abolition of the Company.  The soldiers, on the other hand, claimed to be re-enlisted, and on this being refused they asked for their discharge.  This was granted, and 10,000 out of the 16,000 men serving in the local army had to be sent to England.  These men were replaced and the local Forces were kept up to strength by fresh drafts from England; but, from the date of the amalgamation, enlistment to serve solely in India was to cease.

There was great difference of opinion as to the advisability of this measure; officers of the Queen’s service for the most part, and notably Sir Hugh Rose, were in favour of it, but it was not generally popular in India.  It was feared that the change would result in a great increase to the military charges which the Indian Government would be called upon to pay; that, notwithstanding such increase, there would be a serious diminution in the control exercised by