A splendid
collection of plate testifies to success in many a field of sport, polo,
tent-pegging, and shooting.
The archaeological treasures consist of sculptures and friezes of
Greco-Buddhist origin, illustrating incidents in the life of Buddha,
while the statues represent the great Gautama and some of his disciples.
Most of these are still in perfect preservation, though varying from
fifteen hundred to two thousand years in antiquity. They were all
discovered, many years ago, within a few miles of the mess, and are
naturally preserved with the greatest care. Savants from even so far
afield as France, Germany, and America have journeyed to see them.
The mess stands in a five-acre garden, which has been the joy of many
generations; for, apart from its abundant fertility, amidst its shades
are to be found a swimming-bath and racquet-court, as well as tennis,
badminton, and croquet lawns. Oranges, strawberries, peaches, plums,
apricots, grapes, loquats and other fruits flourish and abound, while
nearly every species of English flower and vegetable grows strong and
well. Great trees give shade and peace to the place. But perhaps the
greatest attraction to the hot and weary officer, and which leaves the
most grateful memory with the dusky warriors who march through in war
and peace, is the deep cool swimming-bath alongside which under the
trees is spread a breakfast that suits the hour and climate.
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