At a time when most mothers warned their daughters against marrying in the British Forest Service, there was Olive Smythies, the wife of distinguished Forest Officer, Evelyn Smythies. While the wives of other officers complained about the extensive touring in remote areas, and how the children were neglected, Olive Smythies looked forward to travelling with her husband, went camping into the jungles, and even went shooting with him! This extraordinary book tells a beautiful story, and tells it well. Olive Smythies begins by sharing her experiences in the breathtaking hills of Kumaon. She then takes us to the majestically spectacular landscape of Nepal where she spent seven long years after her husband retired from the Indian Forest Service. This book is a unique gem because the author goes on to offer a captivating account of life in Burma, and afterwards of Borneo and Brunei, where her son Bill was a Forest Officer. This is an engrossing account of everyday life in India in the early half of the 20th century, from the eyes of a British lady who chose to adjust to her surroundings instead of resisting them. She comes across as a strong, polite and caring woman, and her anecdotes, interactions and adventures give us a chance to re-live the good old days when tigers and elephants ruled the jungles.