The view now before you represents the conical hill at Simla; it was
taken by Lieutenant-Colonel Luard from his house, called The Craigs.
Simla is about 7000 feet above the level of the sea; it is not many
miles from Rampore, the chief town in the valley of the Sutledge, and is
one of the favourite places of resort of Europeans during the hot
season.
As the chosen retreat of Governors-General and Commanders-in-Chief, from
the burning plains of India, the place has enjoyed for some years past
many considerable advantages. A great number of residences have been
built on the hills; the roads are good; there is a church, a school, an
observatory, an amateur theatre, &c. You have a glimpse of the snowy
ranges in the distance. The conical hill is crowned by Stirling Castle;
and the house below it was then inhabited by Colonel Birch, the Judge
Advocate General. The flag-staff points out the residence of his
Excellency the Commander-in-Chief, and the houses below, on the left,
are those occupied by the Aid-de-camps. Two hill men are in the
foreground, with the baskets in which they carry provisions on their
backs.