tion 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.

It is a curious thing, that the prince who this day ascended the
_guddee_, and Goolab Sing, had been active intriguers against Kurruck
Sing, who is said to have had his death hastened through