There were several things from the absence of which we were blessed. There was not an accursed opium den, liquor shop or money-lender within our boundary, and I might add no oppressive, grasping zemindar. I had prevented these evils from the first and the committees insisted that no one should use opium or liquor; that no one should borrow money outside of their own circles, and passed a usury law that no one should charge more interest than six per cent per annum on pain of forfeiture of the amount loaned, so that these village committees, unlettered heathen, were considerably in advance of the great Government of India, that next to the twin curses of opium and liquor, fosters the other curse, the robbing of the poor by tolerating the incredible percentage of the money-lenders. The Collector of the district in his cold weather tour, once encamped not far from one of the villages. The committee concluded to make up a present for the Barra Sahib. They collected vegetables, fruit, flowers, fish, milk and butter, quite a cart load. When well dressed they appeared before him, to his surprise and astonishment, as he afterwards told me, for he could not have got as good supplies from his own house and garden. This reception greatly pleased them, and he promised to pay them a visit on the following morning. Bright and early every one was at work. The clean streets were sprinkled, and all put on their gayest apparel. Nearly all went to the boundary to meet him, and followed him in procession with the village band in the lead. This band was quite a feature at our evening assemblies, melas and fairs. The instruments were all native, and the music was not such as is heard in the Grand Opera House in Paris, but it suited the people, so what more could be asked? The Collector was completely taken aback at the sight, and still more astonished when he saw the well built houses, every veranda adorned with flowers and the clean sprinkled streets. They escorted him to the Chibutra under the big tree, when he told them how pleased he was, and thanked them for the presents they had sent. The women were particularly happy when he complimented them on their appearance, the neatness of their houses, the beauty and variety of the flowers on their verandas. I was not aware of his going near the village, or I would have been present, but I was glad that the people had acted of their own accord and pleasure. I have great faith in nature, that if man was not distorted by beliefs, traditions, customs, education and society, he would be as virtuous, honest and good as other animals; but that is another subject.