In consequence of the large number of questions on this point received by the authors since the publication of their book, they have compiled the following chapter from infor- tion supplied to them at first hand by friends living in the various Presidencies. It is, of course, impossible to do more than give a rough idea of the probable cost, but they may mention that the error in the estimate, if any, will lie on the side of liberality. In all cases, tlie estimate is based on the requirements of a newly-married couple who desire both to have their cake and to pay for it. It may be mentioned that in almost every station an authorised price list {nirick) used to be had, weekly, by appli- cation to the proper quarter, generally the Kotwiili. This list generally erred a little on the side of expense, and most things by bargaining could be had cheaper. This still obtains, nominally, but in large Europeanised towns and cantonments too much reliance must not be placed on it nowadays. They have also received numberless inquiries regarding furniture and the probable cost of setting up house. They have therefore added a rough estimate for this from datn supplied in every case by three capable authorities. V ith the modifications for each Presidency suggested further on, the following hints will be found useful : — Furniture should rarely be imported. Those who can afford expensive things will always have an opportunity of buying them from other people at a reduction ! In tact, the permanently fluctuating character of Indian society (to use an Irishism which need not be attributed to the nationality of one of the authors) is the first thing to be taken into con- sideration in furnishing a house. People are here to-day, gone to-morrow, and so solidities and fragilities of all sorts are a sheer nuisance. 'I'herefore all the heavy thnigs should be of the sort which you can sell by auction without a pang; 26 The Indian Housekeeper and Cook 27 all the delicacies of the sort that will pack. One of the authors was burdened throughout her long career by two white elephants of wedding presents — a priceless Wedg- wood vase and an arm-chair. Of course it was open to her to get rid of them at a reduction, but, after a time, they became to her what a siekly child often is to a mother, a source of pride in her own care. There was a fierce resolve in each move, a fierce joy in each unpacking ; tor they arrived at the end of the twenty-two years’ exile uninjured. She does not, however, recommend it as an example, since the safe transplantation of the necessaries of life, such as husband, children, books, and a piano, is generally sufficient strain on the nerves.

AI-modernized reading of the original text

In consequence of the large number of questions on this point received by the authors since the publication of their book, they have compiled the following chapter from information supplied to them at first hand by friends living in the various Presidencies. It is, of course, impossible to do more than give a rough idea of the probable cost, but they may mention that the error in the estimate, if any, will lie on the side of liberality. In all cases, the estimate is based on the requirements of a newly-married couple who desire both to have their cake and to pay for it. It may be mentioned that in almost every station an authorised price list {nirick) used to be had, weekly, by application to the proper quarter, generally the Kotwali. This list generally erred a little on the side of expense, and most things by bargaining could be had cheaper. This still obtains, nominally, but in large Europeanised towns and cantonments too much reliance must not be placed on it nowadays. They have also received numberless inquiries regarding furniture and the probable cost of setting up house. They have therefore added a rough estimate for this from data supplied in every case by three capable authorities. With the modifications for each Presidency suggested further on, the following hints will be found useful : — Furniture should rarely be imported. Those who can afford expensive things will always have an opportunity of buying them from other people at a reduction ! In tact, the permanently fluctuating character of Indian society (to use an Irishism which need not be attributed to the nationality of one of the authors) is the first thing to be taken into consideration in furnishing a house. People are here to-day, gone to-morrow, and so solidities and fragilities of all sorts are a sheer nuisance. Therefore all the heavy things should be of the sort which you can sell by auction without a pang; The Indian Housekeeper and Cook 27 all the delicacies of the sort that will pack. One of the authors was burdened throughout her long career by two white elephants of wedding presents — a priceless Wedgwood vase and an arm-chair. Of course it was open to her to get rid of them at a reduction, but, after a time, they became to her what a sickly child often is to a mother, a source of pride in her own care. There was a fierce resolve in each move, a fierce joy in each unpacking ; tor they arrived at the end of the twenty-two years’ exile uninjured. She does not, however, recommend it as an example, since the safe transplantation of the necessaries of life, such as husband, children, books, and a piano, is generally sufficient strain on the nerves.

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