"grass cuts."

One shell thrown into Ladysmith on New Year's Day had engraved on it
"Compliments of the season," and contained a bursting charge of
liquorice in the place of melinite, and a paper on which was written:--

"Good morning Mr. Franchise, don't be so
cowardly to stay in holes, ye brave hero.

"Your faithfully,
"SMALL LONG TOM."

Another blind shell picked up was full of sweetmeats.

Messages of good wishes to the garrison were received from Her Majesty,
from Sir Redvers Buller, and from the soldiers, sailors, and civilians
of Hong Kong.

Sir George White came round to see the Regiment in the evening, and
informed the officers that Sir Redvers Buller would make no move for a
fortnight. This was definite news, at any rate.

At dawn on January 3rd most of the naval guns fired off a large amount
of shell, and there was considerable guessing amongst the uninitiated as
to what was or were the targets. Shells fell at the foot of Bulwana,
near the searchlight on the top, and also near the big gun. It was
afterwards learnt that all the shells were meant for one particular spot
on Bulwana, viz. the big gun.

On occasions it was the duty of the Regiment to send one company to