the British system, others falling into desuetude or becoming mere memories of the past. Among these relics he specially studied those which related to education, from the highest to the most elementary grade; and no European has ever excelled him in the sympathetic and skilful examination of village-schools in the vernacular. In these several ways he became imbued with that confidence which can spring from ocular evidence alone, and acquired a living faith in what was wanted and what was practicable for the welfare of the land and the people.
Further, he thus obtained an insight into the character and qualities of his officers in all grades. He saw their works in situ, witnessing their successes or their failures, their projects and their performances. He thus discovered with unerring perspicacity how to put the right man into the right place and to avoid putting him into the wrong place. In this, which is perhaps the most essential part of a ruler's duties in India, he acquired a painstaking proficiency that has never been exceeded. In a private letter he once wrote that he had six good appointments vacant and six officers wanting appointments, but unluckily the men did not suit the places. This point was set forth immediately after his death by a most competent witness[1].
- ↑ Sir William Muir, who was Secretary to the Government at Agra. See Calcutta Review, Dec, 1853.
