The small state of. Bhutan in the Himalayas, has proved a, true ally to the British in the present crisis in Tibet. Bhutanese coolies, and the fodder provided cly then for our mission, have been of considerable assistance to our troops. Just now the regent, of Bhutan has been visiting Chumbi, where a. parade was arranged in his honour; two companies of the Royal Fusiliers arrived in time to swell the numbers for the event, Two more are arriving, and two sections; with four guns, of the British Mountain Battery are expected any day. Now thut the rains have begun, the difficulty of keeping; the Tibet road, open ' through Sikkim is considerable. There will no doubt be a good many slips upon the newly-made sections of the mule track when the monsoon comes down in earnest: This month's "Studio" contains a very interesting article on Tibetan "Art, by Mrs. Lo Mesurier. As the author remords, Tibet is the one Asiastic coufiry left, the orb of which: is little known; there are to be found, however, curious rock carvings and' wall' paintings, besides the exquisite silk hangings and unique metal work with which Mrs. De Mesurier chiefly deals.
Cabul.
Major Bird, 1.M.S., has arrived in Calcutta; leaving the' Amir convaléscent'and so well pleased with the cure of his'wounded hand that he has applied' to, the Government of India to Tuive @ British medical officer permanently appointed' to his Court. Other news is that His Highness has announced that the punishment of chopping off the hand shall be abolished all over Afghanistan, in memory of his recovery and the intense pain ho himself suffered from a gun-shot wound in his left hand.
Colombo.
From Colombo we hear a terrible tale of damage done by floods. The distress seems widespread, much vegetation and property being destroyed. H. E. the Governor, Sir Henry Blake, presided over a public nesting on the 30th ult. for organising a relief fund for those who have suffered. "The flood is second only to that of 1872. -H. E. has been coming out lately in a social way; perhaps moved by the invigorating air of Nuwara Eliza. Sir Henry—who used to sing a godd deal in former days—delighted' all present by bursting into song, after dinner, at a party at Queen's Cottage. Lord Herschell, who, as is known, is a talented' musician;' performed one or two piedes of pianoforte music; some ladies present sang also in manner which was very much enjoyed:
Paper-chasing has been bogus here since the recent extélléii'railifall, the honorary scoratatyship being' again' this year in the hands' of Capt.' Adams of the 28th Light Cavalry. The first meet was rather scantily attended, but" from forty "to fifty" people. rode the 44-mile course at the secotid chase, Lieutenant Graham being first home. On A Bombay firm of dealers in' motor-cats has received the following missive: "T beg most respestiully to offer my services learning the art of motor cart.' Please form me about this" art. IS thei any' scholarships' or' not for the candidates of the" above-mentioned art? Write fully all about it by the returning' post. "Half anna's stamp annexed for reply."
Hyderabad, Proved since the rains began some days ago. {discomfort is great. Squall of wind tome, While heavy showers are actually falling the state the shutting of all doors and windows; [within all is damp, dark and comfortless; without it is impossible for man or beast to face the wind and rain.' This state of affairs is however of short duration; it is fully made up for afterwards by the delicious coolness of the air, and: the fresh, groan, well-washed appearance of the "gales and maidans. successful shone out brightly' adding to the beauty of $86 acetic. "The finishing touch was supplied by' the" excellent' music of the Nizam's Garrison 'Cavalry band. which played at intervals' daring' the evasing.
Zenana Life.
'The "Nawabs"—as the Mahomedan nobility of Hyderabad are éilled~are a most hospitable rao,' and' generally' giv three or our "delightful entertainments during the jsedson to the whole official community, where native and European can meet on a friendly footing.' Tf the occasion is a dinner party, ithe guests are usually grooted with a polite message from the ladies of the household—whé' of course donot appear—to the effect that they themselves have personally ssupétvised the cooking of the. viands, and will be pleased if the English ladies will visit the Zenana after dinner. This kind Tequést is not forgotten, and then come: Bitle foretaste of the meeting of East and 'West in' surroundings which mixbt be bor-towed from the "Arsbion Nights." First a! steep stone staircase bends its tortuous sway to dark and distant pasmges, which usually oped out into a large stuffy. reontion room surrounded' by smaller ones be-Fond. snd'opening on well screened balconies atid galleries' which overlook' a central court or garden." Several women of all ages sit around''on the floors. and perhaps one two'are advanced enough fo rise and shake hands and converse a little in Fnelish, Tt but easy to souat down on the flonr'amidst this' motley throng. and very difficult fo draw a them into conversa tion. "though they chatter freely among them. Selves. and Much, and givole at everything or' anything. They cionly criticise us to our ery faces, and do mot seem to envy light in showing off. their clothes and jewels; they have gentle, refined ihauiners and are often pretty and attractive, but of the same time they strike us as indolent "and at times rather inane, which cannot be wondered at considering' how little occasion the ordinary Indian ladies hav to exert body or mind. There is much outcry at times about higher education and social freedom for Indian ladies, and' there certainly Leoins room for improvement in the Préseiit system, but it is not: without its advantages odnsidering the religion and character of the individuals in question.. The great blot, perhaps the greatest, in this very artificial arrangement, is the lack of training in the Zénanas for the rising'generation. As a rule the "purdah " lady neither knows nor teaches her children anything. Yet she is bright and intelligent enough, especially if "caught' young" to appreciate and quickly expatid under careful teaching and' training. But why go too fast? even failing this train. ing she is not without merits of her own. affectionate, cheerful, contented,, respectful to age, tender to the young, a faithful wife: devoted mother. Will the Indian gain or lose when he gets the emancipated, educated, Yetnale companion the West is so anxious to' Girust upon him?
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.