ABSTRACT
One of the chief attractions during Father’s tenure as Commissioner of Presidency division was his winter tours to the Sunderbans. As in Dacca, at Calcutta also, the Commissioner had for his use a launch with side boat attached. The date fixed, we would set out with cook, bearer and provisions for ten days to a fortnight’s tour, depending on how much inspection Father had on his schedule. Dada, a keen shikari, often took leave and came with us. The launch would be waiting at Prinsep Ghat, we would embark, and, after the serang took the Commissioner’s permission, the launch would slowly start steaming out to midstream. Once past the crowded traffic on the Hooghly, the serang would signal to the engine room below, “Full Steam Ahead”. The river gradually widened, jute mills stood on either bank belching out smoke from the chimneys of their factories, the breeze freshened, and I would sit on the upper deck behind the serang fascinated, watching the ever–changing scenery.
