Distinguished by the picturesque title of « The Garden City, » Lucknow city is situated in latitude 26° 52' N., and longitude 81° E. At first sight it appears one of the most beautiful and strikingly Oriental cities in India. Viewed from afar the gilded domes and graceful minars, rising above its many mosques, imambaras, palaces and tombs, convey an impression of fantastic splendor in harmonywith preconceived notions of what the capital of an Eastern potentate should be closer inspection is some what disillusioning.

At that date the Subah, or province of Oudh formed part of the Moghul Empire. It was ruled over by a Subahdar, or Governor appointed by the Dehli Emperor, and entitled the Nawab-Vazir. Under Asaf-ud-Daula, Lucknow India rose to the greatest height of prosperity it has yet known. The office was not hereditary, but had become so as each succeeding Nawab took advantage of the failing fortunes of the Moghuls to further his own interests and those of his family.

Although their tastes may incline towards the golden sarais, and other splendid objects in common use among their grand-parents, sub-division has reduced their in- comes to an extent, which does not admit of such indulgence. None the less, Lakhnau continues to produce much that is lovely. For instance, nothing could exceed the beauty and excellence of the fine needlework on sale at pathetically low prices.