Page:Burke, W.S. - Cycling in Bengal (1898).djvu/27

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before the population begins to crawl over the road, or refuse carts commence to thicken the atmosphere. After crossing the Howrah bridge the first turning to the right is taken, and again at the second level crossing the tourist by heading to the right gets into Sulkea and on to the Grand Trunk Road at once. There is an alternative route round by Ghoosery, which brings one on to the main road close to the police farry at the 5th mile stone, but the bazaar is very bad, and little is gained beyond a picturesque view of the river opposite Mr. Stalkartt's house and grounds. After leaving the police farry the road begins to be very pretty, and close to Bally it runs along the river bank amid charming sylvan scenery. At Bally there are the Paper Mills, Bone Mills and other industrial concerns,but these are not show places, and permission to visit the former can only be obtained from Messrs. George Henderson and Co., the Calcutta Agents, or from the mill manager. Leaving the Bally khal bridge behind, we come to Utterpara, "the model municipality"; why "model" we cannot say, save perhaps in respect of its heedless crowds, rather offensive bazaar and narrow lanes. Fruit can be got in the market on most days, but nothing to drink is obtainable. After Utterpara from the 8th to the 12th mile several pretty glimpses of the river are had; the "Twelve Apostles," Barnagore and the houses and gardens on the opposite bank, with several quaint little hamlets and some temples abutting the road, claim attention. Through Konnaghur and Mohesh, where the monster Juggernauth cars are housed, the road is wider and more open; some jute mills are passed, and the next turning to the left, after passing