Description

Bulger thanks his correspondent for the copy of his notes on the botany of the route from Darjeeling to Mount Tonglo [Tonglu]. It is especially acceptable to him because, independent of its intrinsic value, it is descriptive of scenes that are associated in his mind with four of the most pleasant months of his experience. From March to June 1867, Bulger was on leave in Sikkim and resided in and near Darjeeling. His companion and he, having paid a visit to Tonglo at the beginning of June, attempted to penetrate further into the mountains, but the rain arrested their progress. The vicinity of Darjeeling must have changed much since his correspondent was there and most probably not for the better. The convalescent depot barracks are now perched on the summit of the Julla pahar [Jalapahar] and the hills all round are 'gradually, but surely, being deprived of their robing of glorious forest'. White houses dot the slopes of the Darjeeling hills in all directions; numberless unsightly, cleared patches, lower down in the valley, spoil the beauty of the different views. The Lepchas and Sikkim Bhoteas, although still the most willing and cheerful people he has ever been out with, have learnt to drive a bargain as successfully as Hindus; he fears they are not so honest as the used to be. Bulger signs himself '10th Foot'. Page 1 of 2.