from their present state of poverty for many more; that their lands were scantily tilled, and the crops had so failed for many years, since this miscreant’s rule, that the district which used to supply Lucknow with grain was obliged to draw grain from it, and even from Cawnpore.  This is true, and grain has in consequence been increasing in price ever since we left Lucknow.  It is now here almost double the price that it is at Lucknow, while it is usually twice as cheap here.

December 9, 1849.—­Bahraetch, ten miles north-east.  We encamped on a fine sward, on the left bank of the Surjoo river, a beautiful clear stream.  The cultivation very scanty, but the soil good, with water everywhere, within a few feet of the surface.  Groves and single trees less numerous; and of villages and hamlets we saw none.  Under good government, the whole country might, in a few years, be made a beautiful garden.  The river Surjoo is like a winding stream in a park; and its banks might, everywhere, be cultivated to the water’s edge.  No ravines, jungle, or steep embankments.  It is lamentable to see so fine a country in so wretched a state.

The Turae forest begins a few miles to the north of Bahraetch, and some of the great baronial landholders have their residence and strongholds within it.  The Rajah of Toolseepoor is one of them.  He is a kind-hearted old man, and a good landlord and subject; but he has lately been driven out by his young and reprobate son, at the instigation and encouragement of a Court favourite.  The Rajah had discharged an agent, employed by him at Court for advocating the cause of his son while in rebellion against his father.  The agent then made common cause with the son, and secured the interest of two powerful men at Court, Balkrishen Dewan and Gholam Ruza, the deputy minister, who has charge of the estates in the Hozoor Tehsel.  The jurisdiction over the estate had been transferred from the local authorities to the Hozoor Tehsel; and, by orders from Court, the father’s friends, the Bulrampoor and other Rajahs of the clan, were prevented from continuing the aid they had afforded to support the father’s authority.  The father unwilling to have the estate devastated by a contest with the band of ruffians whom his son had collected, retired, and allowed him to take possession.  The son seized upon all the property the father had left, and now employs it in maintaining this band and rewarding the services of Court favourites.  The Nazim of the district is not permitted to interfere, to restore rights or preserve order in the estate, nor would he, perhaps, do either, if so permitted, for he has been brought up in a bad school, and is not a good man.  The pretext at Court is, that the father is deranged; but, though not wise, he is learned, and no man can be more sober than he is, or better disposed towards his sovereign and tenants.  That he is capable of managing his estate, is shown by the excellent condition in which he left it.