India is an immense country, extending as it does from the Himalayas in the north to Point de Galle in the extreme south of Ceylon, and if we travel through the country we shall find many curious vehicles. Some of them are exactly the same as those which were in use hundreds of years ago, for India is a conservative land, and, although there are railways and tramways there now, while fine motor-cars speed along the roads, most of the natives are content with old ways, and travel through the country districts in the quaint bullock carts and palanquins that satisfied their ancestors in the days before the powers of steam and electricity had been discovered. [Illustration: CART IN COLOMBO, CEYLON.] We will begin with Colombo, as that is usually the place where travellers land on their journey to the East. When we go ashore from our steamer we either take rickshaws, which were introduced into the island from Japan in 1883, or else engage one of the little bullock carts and drive through the picturesque, tree-shaded streets of the town. These bullock carts, or gharis, have two wheels and can be driven very quickly. They are provided with hoods, as the sun is very hot in tropical Ceylon. The bullocks are often decorated with elaborate patterns cut or branded into their hides, and the natives excuse this cruel practice by saying that not only does it distinguish the animals from each other and prevent their being stolen, but that it also protects them from rheumatism. There are many larger carts with quaint, palm-thatched roofs to be seen in Colombo. These are called hackeries and are found in many parts of India. It is often strange and amusing to see the numbers of natives, men, women, and children, who are able to pack themselves into one of these vehicles. There are a great many different varieties of bullock carts in India. Those in Coonoor, for instance, have very high, narrow hoods, while in Bombay an awning is provided which stretches out over the bullock's back and shelters both passengers and driver. Another type of cart has four wheels and curious cage-like sides, while the wooden cover is provided with blinds and there is a rack for baggage on the roof. In Madras the raikla, a vehicle of quite a different description, is seen. It appears to consist merely of two wheels and a tiny seat for the driver. These carts are very swift, and are used when great speed is required. [Illustration: BOMBAY CART WITH HOOD.] In Ajmere the bullock carts have awnings supported by four poles, and in Calcutta there are elaborately decorated carriages drawn by gaily caparisoned oxen. Other interesting conveyances are those in which the zenana ladies travel. These are carts with a hood, and velvet curtains at the sides. When in use the curtains can be tightly drawn, so that passers-by cannot catch a glimpse of the passengers. [Illustration: CONVEYANCE FOR ZENANA LADIES.]