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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..0a4498f --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #51472 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/51472) diff --git a/old/51472-0.txt b/old/51472-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 86a4a2a..0000000 --- a/old/51472-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,12443 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The East India Vade-Mecum, Volume 2 (of 2), by -Thomas Williamson - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: The East India Vade-Mecum, Volume 2 (of 2) - or, complete guide to gentlemen intended for the civil, - military, or naval service of the East India Company. - -Author: Thomas Williamson - -Release Date: March 16, 2016 [EBook #51472] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK EAST INDIA VADE-MECUM, VOL 2 *** - - - - -Produced by KD Weeks, deaurider and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - - - - - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - Transcriber’s Note: - -This version of the text cannot represent certain typographical effects. -Italics are delimited with the ‘_’ character as _italic_. - -Minor errors, attributable to the printer, have been corrected. Please -see the transcriber’s note at the end of this text for details regarding -the handling of any textual issues encountered during its preparation. - -The cover image has been modified to include the title, author and -publication date, and is, so modified, added to the public domain. - - THE - - _EAST INDIA_ - - VADE-MECUM. - - THE - _EAST INDIA_ - VADE-MECUM; - - OR, - - =Complete Guide= - - TO - - GENTLEMEN INTENDED FOR THE - - _CIVIL, MILITARY, OR NAVAL SERVICE_ - - OF THE - - HON. EAST INDIA COMPANY. - - ------- - - BY - - CAPTAIN THOMAS WILLIAMSON, - - _Author of ‘The Wild Sports of the East.’_ - - - IN TWO VOLUMES. - - _VOL. II._ - - ------------------------------------ - - _LONDON_: - - PRINTED FOR BLACK, PARRY, AND KINGSBURY, - - Booksellers to the Honorable East India Company, - - 7, - - LEADENHALL-STREET. - - --- - - 1810. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - CONTENTS - OF - VOL. II. - - PAGES - - _Great Heats, modes of refrigeration, general plan 1 - 16 - of building, various kinds of lime and cement, - tarras floors_ - - Pucka _and_ Cutcha _houses, ancient buildings, 17 - 53 - white-ants, sleeping in the open air, floors on - pots, north-westers, bungalows and out-offices, - mats of sorts, satrinjes, cheeks, glass windows, - talc as a substitute, Chalk-Hills, purdahs_ - - _Various kinds of timber, modes of floating them, 54 - 84 - prices, and uses, mango-fruit, and plantations_ - - _Bamboos, mode of fitting-out trading-boats, 84 - 106 - toddy-tree, coir rigging, cocoa-nuts, oil from - them,_ meemii-ke-tale, _writing on cocoa-tree - leaves, hot winds_ - - _State of society among Europeans, sitting-up, 107 - 149 - meals, wines, malt liquors. Invalid - Establishment, levees, sugar-candy, bread, - camp-ovens, milk, ghee-butter, meats, buffaloes_ - - - _Spirits, wines, fish, poultry, table apparatus, 150 - 198 - furniture, china-bazar, Europe-shops, wax and - candles, insects, snakes of sorts, antidotes to - their poison, musquitoes, and curtains to repel - them, cock-roaches, scorpions, centipedes, - wasps, hornets_ - - _Shampoing, amusements, theatres, races, gaming, 198 - 223 - music, balls,—Churches, schools, Fort-William, - military establishments_ - - _False ideas of Indian prosperity, anecdote, 223 - 267 - depreciation of specie, the bore, brackish - waters, preservation of rain-water. The several - great rivers, physical properties, fossile - alkali, streams impregnated with minerals, - inundations, Hindu corpses, plague not known in - India_ - - _Tanks and jeels, eleemosynary alligators, 268 - 325 - seraies, gunjes, durgaws, Hill people, bunds, - quicksands, wells on great roads, hot-wells, - sol-lunar influence on fevers, huckeems, state - of medicine, refrigerating principle, state of - learning, Koits, Láláhs, Gooroos, good books_ - - _Posts, and conveyance of parcels, &c., travelling 325 - 366 - in a palanquin, rice, mode of expelling weevils, - meal from barley, wheat, &c., travelling by - water, the Soonderbund Passage, water in jars, - fire-wood, New Harbour, entrances of the Hoogly - River. Opinions regarding_ Gour, _and the great - Delta of the Ganges_ - - _Salt manufacture_ 366 - 368 - - _Hire of budjrows, rates and distances, 368 - 420 - precautions, contraband trade, trading and - baggage-boats, tracking, Decoits, or pirates, - guards requisite, Coolies, Chokeydars, and - Dowraws, expert thieves, anecdotes, leger de - main, puppet-shows, gymnastic feats, Nuts, or - Indian gypsies, curious comparison of their - language_ - - - _Slavery, how far tolerated, Indian 420 - 429 - Lock-Hospitals, summary punishment of adultery, - curious incident, dancing-girls_ - - _Elephants, their points, qualities, prices, &c., 430 - 467 - camels, the appropriate soils, conveying them - over rivers, bullocks, the Company’s - regulations, tattoos, or indigenous breed of - horses, tanians, tazees, serissahs, horses - imported from Persia, the Punjab, &c., stables_ - - _Tanning, artificers, great improvements made in 468 - 473 - most professions, newspapers, Persian Akbars, - paper_ - - _The Mocurrery (or perpetual) System of Revenue. 474 - 497 - The periods for collection, stations of - collectors, judges, commercial residents, custom - masters, and diplomatic characters_ - - _Security afforded to private property, inland 498 - 506 - traders, agency-houses, rates of commission and - remittance, trade and situation of Calcutta. - Conclusion_ - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - THE - - EAST INDIA - - VADE-MECUM. - - -For some months, generally during the latter part of the rains, the -weather is so close and sultry, that universal exudation takes place, -even while sitting quiet. The natives, as I remarked in the outset of -this subject, have, from experience, adopted a very different mode from -that we should have expected to find in use, under such a latitude. We -should, no doubt, have been prepared to see airy habitations, through -which the wind could pass freely in every direction. But it is far -otherwise; and Europeans have, at length, become convinced, that the -most insupportable heats are derived from the glare of light objects; -or, in other words, from the reflection of surfaces intensely acted upon -by a vertical sun. - -Some conception may be formed of that intensity, from the fact of meat -having been broiled on the cannon mounted upon the ramparts of -Fort-William! We, therefore, must coincide with the habits of the -natives, to a certain extent, if we mean to retain health, or to acquire -comfort. Such, indeed, should, in every country, be held in view: for, -however absurd many practices may at first appear, it will ordinarily -result that necessity was their parent. I do not mean to say that we -should imitate, much less adopt, without discrimination, all we see; but -it may be considered an axiom, that, by taking the general outline of -indigenous customs for our guide, if we err, it will be on the safe -side. Nothing can be more preposterous than the significant sneers of -gentlemen on their first arrival in India; meaning, thereby, to -ridicule, or to despise, what they consider effeminacy, or luxury. Thus, -several may be seen annually walking about without _chattahs_, (_i.e._ -umbrellas,) during the greatest heats; they affect to be ashamed of -requiring aid, and endeavor to uphold, by such a display of -indifference, the great reliance placed on strength of constitution. -This unhappy infatuation rarely exceeds a few days; at the end of that -time, sometimes only of a week, (nay, I have known the period to be much -shorter,) we too often are called upon to attend the funeral of the -self-deluded victim! The first attack is generally announced by cold -shiverings, and bilious vomiting; delirium speedily ensues, when -putrefaction advances with such hasty strides, as often to render -interment necessary so soon as can possibly be effected. - -The glare is certainly far more distressing than exposure to the sun, at -some seasons: but nothing can equal the effects of both glare and -sun-shine, acting upon the human frame, during a Midsummer’s day; when, -perhaps, not a breath of air is moving, when every leaf seems to repose, -and every bird, saving the vulture, the adjutant, (or argeelah,) and the -kite, retires to some shady spot, to avoid the solar ray. At such times, -the peaceful Hindu confines himself to an apartment, from which light is -generally excluded: there he sits among his family, enjoying his pipe, -refreshing himself occasionally by bathing, drinking the pure beverage -afforded by some adjacent spring or well; and, in general, avoiding to -eat, except of ripe fruits, especially the _turbooz_, or water-melon, -until the cool of the evening. In the meanwhile, however, he perspires -copiously, even though in a state of inactivity, unless when refreshed -by a _punkah_, or fan, moved either by his own hand, or by that of some -menial. - -The instinct of the birds above named, to wit, the argeelah, the -vulture, and the kite, all of which are extremely numerous throughout -India, and contribute greatly to the salubrity of the air, by carrying -off astonishing quantities of putrefactive offal, &c., is wonderful! -About mid-day, when the sun’s beams strike with incredible force upon -the earth’s surface, these feathered scavengers ascend, perhaps to the -height of seven or eight hundred yards, so that the largest of them, -(the argeelah) is scarcely discernible: there they soar beyond the reach -of reflection from the heated soil, enjoying the freshness of a cooler -atmosphere, and descending only when allured by the scent of prey. Their -sense of smelling must, indeed, be acute; for we see them, especially -the vultures, flying for miles, and from all quarters, towards some -carcase, usually that of a Hindu, floating down the stream, or stranded -upon some shelving bank; but so situated as to render it perfectly -certain that the visual faculties could have no concern in the -discovery. - -Few of the natives have _tatties_ applied to their doors, or windows; -though by no means insensible to the gratification they afford; but -penury, or, to say the least, close and parsimonious economy, prompt to -the denial of such a comfort; a comfort without which any constitution, -not inured to the climate, would speedily give way. It is really curious -to observe what may be effected by habit! When we understand how fatally -the sun’s rays act upon our European frames, even while under the shade -of a thick painted umbrella, and although our diet may be nearly similar -to that of the most abstemious Hindu, it certainly must appear -wonderful, that children, of whatever age, whose rapid circulation, and -sable color, should, according to the estimates we form of temperament, -be highly unfavorable to such exposure, run about at all seasons, -bare-headed, and perfectly nude; seeming to set the sun, the wind, and -the rain, alike at defiance. We see the same individuals making long -journies, in the most torrid seasons, under nearly similar -circumstances; nay, they even carry _bangies_, containing, on an -average, full a _maund_, (82lb. avoirdupoise,) sixteen, eighteen, twenty -miles, or even more, under such an oppressive heat as would kill an -European outright; and this, too, for a few pence. If, in considering -this point, we urge the benefits of extreme temperance, we urge that -which often does not exist; since many, who practise the above, may be -ranked among the most arduous votaries of Bacchus, devouring fish, -flesh, and fowl, highly spiced, whenever their purses, or the bounty of -others, may afford them so welcome a regale. When we see the several -shop-keepers, in every city and town, serving their customers, or, in -their absence, smoking like Vesuvius, in their little _boutiques_, -exposed to the glare, and to the burning winds; when we see these -persons, with parched skins, and their eyes violently irritated, and -clogged, by the clouds of dust which range along the streets, and which, -occasionally taking a whirl, nearly suffocate all within their reach; we -may then fairly admire the force of habit, and congratulate ourselves on -the blessings of a more temperate climate! - -In the same situations, we see two classes of persons, both natives of -the soil, acting in diametric opposition to each other; and exhibiting -that powerful resistance capable of being made by long residence, or -rather by aboriginal habitude, against that which never fails to consign -our countrymen to the grave. The former class confine themselves, as -much as their avocations may permit, within gloomy, but cool, chambers; -living most abstemiously, yet, at certain times, exposing themselves in -the most unequivocal manner to the severest heats: the other, perfectly -inattentive to the dictates of prudence, yet performing what we may -fairly term wonders, in opposition to their destructive locality. When -the English first visited India, they adopted a mode of building by no -means consistent with common sense, and displaying a total ignorance of -the most simple of nature’s laws. We accordingly find, that all the old -buildings, such as may lay claim to a duration of from forty to sixty -years, were, like the celebrated Black-Hole, constructed more like -ovens, than like the habitations of enlightened beings. The doors were -very small, the windows still less, in proportion, while the roofs were -carried up many feet above both. Those roofs were in themselves -calculated to retain heat to an extreme, being built of solid tarras, at -least a foot thick, lying horizontally upon immense timbers, chiefly of -teak, or of saul wood. Again, when they built _bungalows_, (_i.e._ -thatched houses,) of one (ground) floor only, the utmost care was taken -to close up all the intervals between the thatch, and the walls, on -which it rested; so as to exclude the external air, as well as the dust: -a practice religiously observed even to the present date. The obvious -consequence of this latter construction is, that, whatever air is -retained between the thatch, (which, in the course of the day, becomes -very, very warm,) and the upper lines of the windows must be highly -rarefied. - -Thus, we invariably observe, that, towards sun-set, when the inhabitants -quit the inner hall, &c., either to sit out on _chabootahs_, (_i.e._ -large terraces,) raised perhaps a foot or two from the level of the -area, and abundantly watered for the occasion; or when they remove to -the windward _veranda_ (or balcony); on either of these occasions, the -interior becomes intolerably hot, on account of the rarefied air being -drawn down by that current inevitably attendant upon the removal of all -the _tatties_; and, by the throwing open of all the doors and windows. - -In a preceding page, I have shewn, that the French generally acted upon -more philosophical principles; they making their doors and windows -remarkably high: but, there yet remains a very important improvement to -be made; namely, the introduction of tin ventilators, to be inserted -near the summits of the thatches. It is a fact, that, during many months -in the year, the houses built by most Europeans, and especially their -_bungalows_, are so extremely heated, as to render it absolutely -impossible to sleep in their interior, without the intervention of some -artificial means for keeping the air around the bed at a proper -temperature. - -However faulty the first European builders in India might have been, the -moderns have by no means made such improvements as we should suppose -experience would have led them to adopt. Whether from economy, or from -more attention to exterior, than to comfort, scarce a house is now built -with such spacious, lofty, and substantial _verandas_, as are to be seen -on the south side of almost every old mansion. Some of these antiquated -edifices had _verandas_ on several sides, and a few might be quoted -having them all around; as seen in the officers’ quarters at Berhampore, -and Dinapore. It can scarcely be doubted, that such _verandas_ are, in -every respect, admirably suited to the climate; since they prevent the -sun from striking on the main wall; which, in exposed situations, have -been known to give from 8° to 10° difference on the thermometer; under -circumstances in every other respect similar. - -It is peculiar, that, until within the last twenty-five years, the -ground floors, that is, the whole of the basements, of those fine large -houses to be seen in all quarters of Calcutta, and in various parts of -the interior, were consigned to the reception of palanquins, gigs, -water-stores, or to be _wine-godowns_, (or cellars,) _butler-connahs_, -(or pantries,) and even, in some instances, stables! In those days, the -whole of the family resided in, and confined themselves to, the first -floor; which was then the summit of the habitation: leaving to their -luggage, cattle, and menials, that part which has lately been discovered -to be, in every respect, most suitable to the accommodation of the -European population. In houses of agency, &c., we now see the basement -converted partly into offices, and but rarely any portion of it -appropriated as above described; while, the generality of new houses are -built upon a scale such as favors this salutary change, by giving -sufficient height to the lower apartments; thereby adapting them to -every purpose, and occasioning a considerable reduction of the ground -plan, in consequence of the accommodations thus gained. - -The practice of building houses without _verandas_, certainly cannot be -approved; whereas, the old mode of building them on pillars, was highly -ornamental, and, at some seasons, not less appropriate: but, the great -art of keeping a house cool during the prevalence of the hot-winds, -rests entirely on shutting them out, except at some few apertures -supplied with _tatties_; which, being kept constantly moist, or, indeed, -dripping wet, produce such an immense evaporation, as to cool the -interior completely: of course, a suitable draught must be preserved, by -opening some window, &c. on the lee-side. This is commonly effected by -means of Venetians; which allow the air to pass, but debar the access of -glare. Without adverting to the expence, it should seem that a -_close-veranda_ is by far preferable to an open one; and, were it not -for the immense additional charges, we can hardly doubt that the -European inhabitants of Calcutta would, in imitation of the generality -of _bungalow_-residents, have their apartments surrounded by a -_veranda_, of full fourteen feet in width; with apertures, of a good -size, in the exterior wall, corresponding with those of the interior. -This arrangement renders the generality of _bungalows_ remarkably -pleasant; but, it must be noticed, that there is a very wide difference -in the expence incurred in rendering them so: their roofs being of -thatch, and their walls of sun-burnt bricks, plastered with mud and -chaff, offer a great contrast in the out-lay, both as relating to the -labor, and to the materials, in a house constructed of burnt bricks, and -good lime, whose roof is of masonry, and in which timbers of great price -are every where used. Accordingly, we find, that, in almost every part -of India, an excellent _bungalow_ may be built for about five thousand -rupees, completely fitted with glass doors, and windows, and with all -the necessary out-offices duly tiled, or thatched, according to their -purposes; while, a house suited to the accommodation of the same family, -in Calcutta, could not be finished for less than ten times that sum. - -The bricks form a very, very small portion of the disbursements incident -to building in India: so cheap, indeed, are they, that most of the -made-roads about Calcutta, and in other parts, are formed by laying -broken, or even whole, bricks regularly; giving the centre two or three -layers, gradually tapered off to the sides, and then covering them with -a coat of rubbish, or, which is far better, coarse sand. Such roads are -extremely firm, and far more durable, than those we make with gravel, -flint, lime-stone, &c. But great allowance must be made for the heavy -machines used among us, and carrying such tremendous burthens; whereas, -an Indian _hackery_ can rarely weigh five cwt., nor can its load be -averaged at more than fifteen cwt., being altogether only a ton. We well -know, that our common narrow-wheeled waggons weigh from fifteen to -twenty-five cwt.; and, that, except where weigh-bridges limit their -burthens, it is by no means uncommon to see them carrying from two and a -half, up to four, tons. Three chaldron of coals will be found to average -about seventy cwt.; yet, are often drawn by three horses through the -streets of London. - -The lime used in Calcutta, is brought down from the _Morungs_, and their -vicinity, in large boats, being previously slaked; though it is -sometimes imported in its quick state, or as nearly so as accident may -permit. It may readily be concluded, that, after a passage of from three -to four hundred miles, this article is rather deteriorated; especially -as the voyage can rarely be effected under three weeks or a month. The -prices of this kind of lime, made from a very firm stone, called -_gutty_, abundant in some parts, vary much according to the season, and -to the demand: it has been sold as low as six or seven rupees per -hundred maunds, but, at other times, has reached to twenty and -twenty-five. - -At Madras, and indeed all along the coast of Coromandel, as well as on -some parts of the Malabar border, an excellent kind of lime is made from -sea shells. This nearly equals what is made in Italy, from the refuse of -marble, and receives an extraordinary fine surface, competiting even -with that of polished glass; at the same time that it is incomparably -firm, and durable. When laid upon a wall, which is done only by way of a -finish, it is carefully freed from grit, and kept working, and rubbing, -until nearly dry; thereby to prevent the surface from cracking, as it -would be subject to do, when acted upon by the hot air at mid-day: when -nearly dry, it is rubbed with coarse calico cloths, until it receives a -beautiful lustre, which causes it to appear semi-diaphanous. A few -houses at Calcutta have been finished with this kind of lime, conveyed -from Madras by shipping; but the expence, being very considerable, has -occasioned the common _Morung_ lime to be generally employed, both for -cement, and for white-washing. - -In the ordinary buildings constructed in the upper parts of the country, -a weaker kind of lime is obtained by burning a substance called -_kunkur_, which, at first, might be mistaken for small rugged flints, -slightly coated with soil. The experiments made upon these alkaline -concretions, which abound in most parts above Bengal Proper, and, in -some places, prove extremely troublesome to the farmer, but especially -to the horticulturist, give the following result: calcareous earth, 41, -cilicious earth, 16, calx of iron, 3, and air, 40. _Kunkur_ is not -easily reduced to a calx, it requiring a greater heat than is necessary -to burn the harder kinds of _gutty_; it is, likewise, less durable and -tenacious as a cement; of which the color, viz. commonly what we call -fawn, is a strong indication. - -Whether from want of sufficient power in their kilns, or that the -_kunkur_ is so peculiarly hard, we commonly find that, on slaking, a -large portion of the interior of each lump remains unsubdued. These -insoluble masses are often pounded by means of a _dainky_, or -foot-break, and mixed with the perfect calx: nor is the lime burner very -scrupulous in regard to keeping out the wood ashes, &c., remaining at -the bottom of the kiln, after the _kunkur_ has been taken out; on the -contrary, he will, if not very narrowly watched, mix as much as he can -with the calx; thereby causing the lime to be very considerably -deteriorated. This kind of lime, commonly called _cutcha_, (_i.e._ -weak,) sells for about six or seven rupees per hundred maunds. - -In all parts of India, the lime-burners proceed on the most expensive -plan; their kilns being rarely more than four feet in diameter, nor -above that much in height: consequently, they have not sufficient -accumulation, concentration, or reverberation of heat, to burn the -stones properly; neither do they, in general, break them sufficiently -small, but bundle them in, with very little attention to regularity or -economy. It is the same with the brick and tile-kilns; which are, for -the most part, of a pyramidal form; the raw bricks being laid -intermediately with the fuel, and the exterior being plastered over, -perhaps half a foot in thickness, with mud. The best bricks I ever saw -in India were made by an engineer officer, who had some extensive public -works to carry on. He first built the whole of the walls of a _bungalow_ -he required, with sun-burnt bricks, properly cemented with mud well -filled in; taking care to arch over the door and window openings in such -way, that the frames could be afterwards introduced. The whole interior -was then laid with bricks and fuel, while the exterior of the veranda -walls were also closed in with sufficient to heat them thoroughly; and a -complete coating was given, in the ordinary way. The bricks baked -uncommonly well, while the walls became a solid mass, capable of -resisting all the elements, should they unite for its destruction. The -_bungalow_ proved remarkably dry, and the plaster was found to adhere in -a surprizing manner, while rats, snakes, &c., were all set at defiance; -it being impossible for them to burrow in so hard a substance: the -greater part of the cement, which happened to contain cilicious -particles, was nearly vitrified. - -Thirty years ago, the generality of houses were coated with the same -kind of tarras as is employed for laying the floors, and the roofs: this -was made of _chunam_, (_i.e._ white-lime,) one third; _soorky_, (_i.e._ -brick-dust,) one third; and sand, one third; these, being mixed duly -with a large portion of cut hemp, (wool being very scarce, and short -hair not to be procured on any terms,) together with some _jaggery_, or -refuse molasses, made a tolerably strong cement. The surface, after a -house had been duly plastered, was washed, while yet moist, with a -strong solution of lime in water. This would have been enough to blind -every man, woman, or child, in the place, had it not been partially -remedied, by the admixture of some coloring matter with the finishing -wash: but, whether red, yellow, or blue, which were the prevailing -colors, it was found that the alkali generally destroyed their -appearance, and left a motley kind of work. - -The good taste of a few individuals, chiefly gentlemen in the corps of -engineers, gradually overcame this vile imitation of Dutch and -Portugueze finery, they substituting, in their public works, a plaster -composed of river sand, saturated with a solution of white lime, of the -consistency of cream. The addition of the usual allowance of cut hemp, -gave this simple compound, (if I may so blend the terms,) not only much -additional durability, but a remarkably neat appearance; especially when -the body of the building was of that fine grey, thus obtained, and the -cornices, &c. were finished of a pure white. Houses thus exteriorly -finished became yet further neat, by the contrast of their Venetian -windows, invariably painted green: some prefer all verdigris; others, a -deep clear green for the frame-work, with verdigris for the several -leaves, or valves. - -Almost every house has folding Venetians to each window, or outward -door; these are sustained by very strong hinges, which allow each fold, -or shutter, to open outwards, and to lie back flat upon the exterior -wall: in that position the Venetians are kept from blowing about, by -means of hooks; in the same manner as we see practised in England, where -this kind of shutter is in use. Sash-windows are never made upon the -European construction, but move invariably in two folds, one to the -right, the other to the left; each opening inwardly, and lying within -the thickness of the wall, or nearly so. - -In no part of the world is more attention paid to the foundation of a -house than in India; and that not without necessity, the rains being so -very heavy as to sap all weak buildings exposed to their action, either -above, below, or laterally. When houses are built with what is termed -_cutcha_, that is, with sun-dried bricks cemented with mud, and either -plastered with the same, or with mortar, the least crack in the roof, or -the smallest hollow near the foundation, will teem with danger. The rain -which, often for a whole day, descends in streams, soon gets into the -walls, where it does incalculable mischief: many of these houses, whose -substance and general appearance should indicate a better fate, may -annually be seen in ruins after a continued fall of heavy, or of -drizzling, but oblique, rain: the latter is peculiarly unfavorable to -such buildings as are insecurely coated; it drifts in under the plaster, -damps the mud cement, and brings down the heavy roofs with a most -sonorous crash. Few of these _cutcha_ houses are now to be seen with -tarras roofs; such as are so built for the sake of cheapness, being, -almost without exception, intended for thatches, and thus becoming what -we term _bungalows_. The natives build sometimes on that kind of half -and half plan, which commonly, in the end, cheats the contriver. Thus, I -have seen some, of a small description, built with _cutcha_ (or -sun-dried) bricks for the interior, while the exterior of the wall was -made of _pucka_ (or burnt) bricks; from whose interstices the mortar was -carefully picked out, as though about to be pointed; for the purpose of -causing the exterior plastering to get into the joints, and thus to -retain its position firmly. Admitting, and even admiring, the ingenuity -of such a system, when properly conducted, I lament, that, in almost -every case which came within my knowledge, the whole system was -disgraced, by the house either falling _in toto_, or by shedding its -coat of mail. - -There certainly did formerly exist some mode of mixing the ingredients, -or some particular recipe giving better proportions, or better -materials, which, after a time, formed a very capital cement: of this, -many very well known edifices furnish ample proof. The old fort, situate -within the town of Calcutta, may be an apt quotation. The impressions -made by shots, of 24 and 32lb. fired by Admiral Watson against its -western face, when his fleet lay within three hundred yards of it, in -the year 1755, were absolutely insignificant; the brave admiral might -have battered for a century, without bringing down the wall. In the year -1779, when the Company’s cloth _godown_ took fire, the third regiment of -European infantry, then in garrison at Fort-William, marched out with -engines, &c. to aid towards its extinction; yet were they utterly unable -to get the iron bars loose from the masonry; though provided with -tackles, crows, axes, &c. This _godown_, which occupied a large part of -the northerly face of the old fort, was afterwards converted into -offices; but with incredible labor! The masonry was as hard as rock! -When this occurrence took place, the old fort had been built about forty -years; whereas, we find that all the Company’s, or any other, buildings -which now claim that age, are of a very different complexion! The -greater part of them, though not in a state of absolute ruin, are kept -up at an inordinate expence; while such of them as have given up the -ghost, display a crude mass of loose, friable, and mouldering rubbish. - -Nor are the ancient terraces less obdurate than the old walls: many of -these may be seen among the ruins of cities, and towns, of which we have -scarcely any information, absolutely retaining their places, although -the beams on which they formerly rested have been, God only knows how -many years, removed. If these roofs had possessed any convexity, or been -constructed according to the Syrian principle, we should have had less -cause to admire their solidity, and toughness; but, such has never been -the case with any I have seen; and which, though certainly of no -considerable dimensions, appeared firm enough to sustain cannon of small -calibre. I have often been one of a party to walk on such. It may, -perhaps, be in place here to describe the manner in which roofs are -constructed in India: I mean such as are now under consideration. The -beams are rarely more than two feet apart; and, speaking generally, may -have a scantling of ten or eleven inches depth, by five, or six, in -width; sometimes, though but rarely, and then only when under the eye of -science, cambered to the extent of three or four inches; according to -the length of the timber. These joists are laid upon the bare wall, -having their ends previously well charred; and, in some cases, smeared -with _petroleum_; called by the natives, ‘earth-oil.’ This is done to -deter the white-ants from making an attack upon the wood; which, in -time, they would certainly do, but for the above precaution. The ends of -the timbers are cased in with masonry, so as to leave about four inches -all the way round, and at their bases: in order that the timber may be -removed, in case of decay, without damaging the wall; the interval is, -however, filled up afterwards with _cutcha_ work; which, not being -liable to adhere firmly to the _pucka_ wall, may be easily removed when -the joist is to be changed. When plastered over, the whole appears -uniform. - -In some parts of the country, but especially in the upper provinces, the -natives cover in their houses with flat roofs, made of clay, beat very -firm, and about a foot in thickness. This mode of construction requires -some care, but is found to be extremely efficient. The walls ought to be -substantial, as should also the joists; and the surface of the clay -should be rather convex, so as to direct the water falling on it into -proper gutters, or drains, and to prevent the building from being -damped. - -Without this precaution, the heavy falls of rain, which may be -constantly expected during three months in the year, would speedily -dissolve such tenements, with nearly as much facility as though they -were made of lump-sugar. But when due care is taken, both to prevent, -and to stop, leaks, clay roofs are rather eligible, than objectionable; -especially in the vicinity of _bazars_, (or markets,) and lines, in -which fires are frequent. Many gentlemen have adopted the plan, some -wholly, others partially, in their _bungalows_, and find little or no -cause to regret their having done so. - -It is, however, expedient to send up a man now and then, to lute any -cracks that may appear in consequence of excessive heats; but, after a -season or two, the clay becomes extremely firm, nearly equal to -mortar-tarras, resisting the various changes of temperature, and -appearing to be consolidated into a very firm mass. The greatest -inconvenience it produces, is the harbor afforded to that inconceivably -obnoxious insect, the _white-ant_. - -This little depredator rarely fails to take advantage of whatever -opportunity is offered for the exhibition of its powers. Assembling by -the ten thousand, in a few hours they will eat out the bottom of a deal -box, perhaps an inch in thickness, or render it a mere honeycomb. Of -fir, they are remarkably fond, as also of mango-wood. - -It seems rather peculiar that they should be so partial to woods -abounding so highly, as these both do, in turpentine; while the presence -of a few drops of _petroleum_, which is imported from Pegu, Ava, and the -Arvean coast, under the name of _mutty ke tale_, (earth-oil,) seems to -be a perfect preventive. Few things come amiss to these obnoxious -visitants, which every where abound, and destroy wood, leather, cottons, -woollens, &c. Nay, a story is current, that, some years back, they were -absolutely accused of having devoured some thousands of dollars! -Fortunately, _on deeper research_, it was discovered, that they had only -ate away the bottom of the treasure-chest; and, like misers, had buried -the hard cash some feet under ground. - -As ceilings are not in use in India, each joist is neatly finished, -having its lower edges rounded off with a beading-plane. At right angles -with the joists, smaller battens, called _burgahs_, are laid; three or -four inches wide, by about two or three deep, or _vice versâ_; these are -nailed down upon the joists at such parallel distances, in general about -seven or eight inches, as may allow a large kind of tile to be laid on -them. Over the tiles they lay rubbish, rather dry, about four or five -inches deep, patting it down gently, by the continual operation of some -dozens of men, women, and children, who, squatting, like monkies, on -their haunches, and having batons of about a cubit in length, something -of a trowel shape, though not so obtuse, continually beat the materials -until they become perfectly compact. The better method, which is in more -general adoption, is, instead of such rubbish, to put on a coarser kind -of mortar, well worked up, but not very moist; which is beat in the mode -above described. After this has been duly compacted, but before it is -quite dry, another coating of two or three inches, but of finer -materials, is put on, and beat in like manner; then a third, perhaps -only an inch deep, of still finer materials; and, ultimately, the whole -is coated, for about half an inch in depth, with the finest ingredients, -mixed, after being sifted through a coarse cloth, with _jaggree_, and by -some with peas-meal; which the natives consider to be peculiarly -valuable in cement. This last coat is laid on with a trowel, very firmly -pressed, in order to compact it the more, and to prevent cracking; which -will, nevertheless, always take place, more or less, according as more -or less pressure and beating have been used; or, as the great body of -the tarras may be made of good or bad materials. - -All the partition-walls, dividing off the several apartments, are -necessarily of masonry; both because the pressure from above is -enormous; and, that wood cannot be trusted, where the white-ants could -honeycomb its interior, without being much, if at all, noticed on its -surface. These partition-walls are carried up about six inches above the -tarras roof; whereby the latter appears to be divided into chequers, -corresponding with the several apartments. Small channels are cut, to -allow the water to pass into the spouts, or drains; from which jars, of -about a hogshead in measurement, are filled with water intended for -table use. Some spouts are made to extend full a yard from the wall, -and, in some instances, have canvas hoses attached, for the purpose of -leading the water into the jars; but the more modern practice is to -build pipes of pottery within the wall, or to clamp them to it with -iron, until their lower ends, which are crooked for the purpose, form a -proper debouchure. The latter mode, however, in very heavy rains, -subjects the walls to be damped, in consequence of the fall of water -being greater than the pipes can instantly carry off. This may give some -idea of those deluges which at times take place, almost instantaneously. - -The tops of houses are invariably enclosed with breast-parapets, or with -balustrades; which give a very finished appearance to these superb -buildings. With the exception of those ridges formed by the continuation -of the partition-walls, the roofs afford a pleasant promenade at certain -seasons: some of them command most interesting views. During the very -hot weather, probably from the end of April to the setting in of the -rains in the first or second week of June, many gentlemen have their -cots, (as the bed, with all its apparatus, is usually called,) carried -to the tops of their houses, and sleep there during the night. This may -appear a very hazardous proceeding; but, when it is considered, that no -dew, worthy of notice, falls at that season, and, that the cots have -generally curtains, which would receive, and absorb, what little might -fall, we may, on the whole, pronounce it to be less dangerous than -should at first be supposed. If, indeed, this were to be done more to -the southward, near the mouth of the Hoogly river, where the immense -marshes, the ouze left by the returning tides, and the jungles, which -every where abound, produce the most deleterious exhalations, we should -then be correct in exclaiming against the practice: but few, very few, -instances could be adduced of any serious indisposition having attended -it; while, on the other hand, it is confessed by all who have adopted -it, that the greatest refreshment ever resulted; enabling them to rise -early, divested of that most distressing lassitude attendant upon -sleeping in an apartment absolutely communicating a febrile sensation, -and peculiarly oppressive to the lungs. - -I believe all those fatal, or injurious effects, which have been so -often adduced, by way of caution to persons impatient of heat, have been -produced not by sleeping in an open exposure, but in a current of air. -This I cannot recommend; on the contrary, I must vehemently censure such -a custom, as being highly dangerous: I could quote several most -melancholy cases, arising entirely from this most injudicious conduct! -Mr. Johnson, who appears to have been about two years in India, during -which time he was surgeon of a frigate, has published a volume, in which -there are occasionally to be found interesting details, and sensible -observations. I shall offer to my readers some remarks he has made, at -page 269, that bear closely on the subject under discussion. He says; -‘Europeans, in general, on their first arrival in India, are -prepossessed with the idea, that sleeping at night in the open air must -be a very dangerous practice; but, in the course of a short residence on -shore, they get rid of this prejudice, by observing most of the natives, -and many of the Europeans, sleeping on open terraces, and in _verandas_, -not only with impunity, but as a preservative against the debilitating -effects of a hot climate. But on board-ships, where they have not an -opportunity of seeing, or of reflecting on, these circumstances, they -frequently adhere, for a considerable time after their arrival on the -station, to the established regulations, of making every man sleep in -his proper berth: and suffering none to lie about upon the decks; a -system, in my opinion, very prejudicial to the health of ships’ -companies in India. At sea, indeed, it is not of so much consequence, -where the watch on deck always gives sufficient room to those below; but -it is in harbours, and road-steds, where the air is much hotter than at -sea, the impolicy of the measure becomes manifest.’—And again, page 270, -‘We will suppose, that every man, when he turns into his hammock, falls -fast asleep in a few minutes; which, by the by, is not always the case. -About eleven o’clock, however, I will venture to say, he wakes in a -deluge of perspiration, panting with the heat and rarefied air; upon -which he turns out, and goes upon deck, for the purpose, as he terms it, -of getting a mouthful of fresh air; anathematizing, as he ascends, the -infernal heat of the climate! Under pretence of going to the head, he -gets upon the forecastle; when the cool breeze from the shore -immediately chills him, and gives a sudden check to his perspiration.’ -All this I have personally experienced, both on board-ship and on shore; -and I make no scruple of saying, that, in lieu of being injured by -sleeping out on a _chabootah_, in a well-covered cot, my whole frame has -been braced, my rest has been sound and refreshing, and I have avoided -all the miseries inseparably attendant upon seeking repose in a close, -muggy atmosphere; where thirst and irritation create perpetual -restlessness, banish sleep, and cause that relaxation and debility which -render each subsequent day burthensome as its preceding night has been -distressing! - -In a former page, I observed, that boarded floors were almost unknown in -India: various reasons have, doubtless, combined to explode them; -firstly, the depredations of the white-ant; secondly, the perpetual -danger of their warping; and, thirdly, the difficulty of rendering the -sounds of foot-steps less audible. This last may appear trivial; but, -where so many menials, &c., are ever moving about in various parts of a -house, and that, too, with little ceremony, though, it is true, they are -all bare-footed, it would prove extremely inconvenient at those times -when the family might retire to rest during the heat of the day. About -twenty-five or thirty years back, all the stairs were of masonry; but, -of late years, wooden ones have been introduced. These, being made to -rest on strong beams, obvious in every part, save where they enter the -walls, may be considered as tolerably safe from the white-ants; -certainly they are much neater, and more easily kept in order. All the -joists, in every house, are either painted, or tarred; the latter has a -very unpleasant, indeed, a mean appearance; and is not often practised: -for the most part, white, with a very slight cast of blue, to preserve -it from fading, is adopted. - -Some paint the beaded, or moulded, edges of the door pannels, also the -rounded corners of the joists, with some delicate color; such as a very -light sky-blue, a very light verdigris-green, or a lilac; and, by way of -conformity, ornament the mouldings of the wall pannels with similar -tints. In the upper provinces, it is a very prevalent fashion to color -the pannels with some native ochres, of beautiful hues, leaving the -mouldings, cornices, &c. white. These mouldings, &c. are all done by -means of trowels shaped for the purpose, and not by moulds, or stamps; -of course, what with want of device, and want of activity, such -ornaments may be reckoned among that variety of tedious labors of which -_Blacky_ is extremely enamoured. Yet, in the execution of such matters, -he will display great ingenuity, consummate patience, and, often, great -delicacy: but, with respect to design, taste, composition, perspective, -consistency, and harmony; in all these, whether in drawing, sculpture, -or in any mode of representation, he will prove himself to be completely -_ignoramus_. Let the former apology be pleaded; namely, that, in every -branch, the Indian mechanic is called upon, after, perhaps, only a few -days of observation, or, at least, with so little practice as would, -among us, be considered rather an objection than a qualification, to -perform that which we judge to be unattainable, except by the -application of several years, closely attached to one individual -intention. Therefore, in lieu of condemning their operations, we should -rather regard them with admiration; for, I will venture to assert, that -we should not fail to wonder at one of our own countrymen, who, perhaps -at rather an advanced age, without previous education, without the -possibility of reference to books, or to public institutions, should -undertake to do that with a hatchet, or any other gross implement, which -persons regularly brought up in the respective profession should assert -to be impracticable, unless duly provided with benches, vices, and -tools, of exquisite formation, out of number. The Asiatic has the bare -soil for his bench, his toes are his vice, and his implements usually -amount to no more than a small adze, a saw, with, perhaps, a chisel, and -a pair of uncouth pincers! - -The same operations which I have described to be necessary for the -construction of a tarras roof, are equally so for the floors in every -part of the house; but, unless the basement stands very high, so as to -allow of water houses, &c. underneath the ground-floor, it is usual to -have the latter flued, by means of narrow channels, or air-conduits, of -about four inches deep, and as many wide; so as to be covered with -bricks of an ordinary size: these flues are made in parallel lines, at, -perhaps, a foot or more asunder, and pass entirely under the house, in -both directions, having their several apertures covered by small iron -grates, for the purpose of keeping out rats, snakes, &c.; which would -else find admirable asylums within these intersecting channels. The -lower tarrases are thus kept thoroughly dry by the flues, which, of -course, give ventilation to every part under the floor. Where bricks are -scarce, which is often the case, on account of their never being made -for general sale, except at public stations and great cities, and then -of a very small size, it is common to build the ground tarras upon -inverted pots; each being capable of containing about three pecks, or a -bushel. These pots may be had, in any quantity, all over the country; -generally at the low rate of a farthing, or, at the utmost, a halfpenny, -each. - -The pots are ranged upon the ground, within the area formed by the -walls, side by side, but not quite in contact, each resting on its -mouth, which consists generally of a rim, projecting about three or four -inches from the body of the vessel, which is nearly spherical. The -loosest sand that can be had, or, in its absence, any dry rubbish, is -then thrown in, so as to fill up all the intervals, and to cover the -pots, about four inches in depth. This surface being levelled, another -stratum of pots is added, if judged necessary; the whole process of -filling up is similar in both, and the tarras is laid in the usual -manner on the levelled surface. - -By far the greater portion of the subsoil throughout Bengal, at least, -in that wide expanse reaching from Gogra to Dacca, on the north-east, -and from the Soane, along the plains at the foot of the hills, to the -debouchure of the Hoogly, (which, together, form the limits of our -richest, and most populous, _purgunnahs_, or districts,) is a loose, -gritty sand, very like what farmers term a _lush_; which, in a few -places, receives a strong red tint from the ferruginous mountains, every -where to be seen along either boundary. This extreme looseness of the -subsoil creates a most peremptory necessity for securing the foundations -of weighty buildings, by every possible means; and, in the sinking of -wells, is often found to present the most formidable obstacles. - -Under such circumstances, it must appear self-evident, that those large -mansions forming the bulk of Calcutta, by which I mean that portion -raised, and inhabited, by Europeans; together with the several -garden-houses, and the numerous edifices on a large scale erected by the -natives, especially their places of worship, which are most ponderously -constructed; all these necessarily require to be very firmly founded: -nor can too much attention be paid to carrying off the water, which -pours down from the tops of the houses; lest the bases should be sapped, -and very serious injury be entailed. - -With this intention, almost every _compound_, or enclosed area, is -either laid with pan-tiles, or is well coated with _soorky_, in the same -manner as the roads; while, in many instances, the junction of the wall -with the level of the area is concealed, and secured, by a _talus_, -blending with the building, at about a foot or more above that level. - -With respect to _bungalows_, or any other buildings coming under the -designation of ‘temporary,’ their foundations are usually very shallow. -These are, for the most part, raised a foot or two from the surrounding -level; and, as their inner walls, that often run from sixteen to twenty -feet in height, are well secured by the _verandas_, which likewise -preserve the precinct, for full twelve or fourteen feet, from being -softened by the rains, very shallow foundations are deemed sufficient. -The surrounding parapet which limits, while it raises, the _veranda_, is -usually of burnt-brick, cemented with good mortar, and plastered over -with the same; but the whole of the residue of bricklayers’ work is such -as has been already explained. The _verandas_ of _bungalows_ are -sustained either by strong wooden posts, or by pillars of masonry; their -intervals are filled up with _jaumps_, before described, which may be -raised at pleasure, to any angle, including about 10°, or 15°, above the -horizontal; or they may be suffered to hang perpendicularly against the -exterior faces of the pillars. In tempestuous weather, and especially -during those violent squalls called ‘_north-westers_,’ in consequence of -their usually either commencing on, or veering round to, that quarter, -it will be found necessary to place the bamboo props, whereby the -_jaumps_ are usually elevated, against their exterior sides; by which -means the _jaump_ is pressed to the pillar, and becomes greatly exempted -from the danger of being blown away; which, nevertheless, frequently is -its fate, although its weight may be full a cwt. and a half, or even two -cwt. - -The force of these _north-westers_ is next to incredible! I recollect -one in particular, which, in November 1787, tore up an immense tree, -called the ‘Barrackpore Beacon,’ on account of its being situated at a -point where it could be seen from Duckansore, along a beautiful reach of -the Hoogly river. This fine piece of timber measured nearly twenty feet -in girth, and branched out in the most luxuriant manner, reaching to -full seventy or eighty feet in height: it was torn up by its roots, -though some of the ramifications were much thicker than my own body, -leaving an excavation of not less than 15,000 cubic feet. - -When stationed at _Hazary-Bang_, in the Ramghur district, my _bungalow_ -was, I firmly believe, saved from falling by mere accident. It had -become fashionable to construct fire places in our halls, running up the -chimnies, so as to pierce the thatches immediately below the summit of -that wall in which the fire-place was made, and which served as the -front face of the chimney. Cutting through the wall, to make a proper -opening wherein to set the grate, I found that, in lieu of being firm, -as it should have been, the whole cut like so much butter. In -consequence of this discovery, I hastened the finishing of the stove, -which, in a short time, aired the room, and completely dried the walls; -but, not before they began to display very unequivocal tokens of what -would have taken place, but for my very fortunate adoption of the whim -then in vogue. - -It is remarkable, that the _bungalow_ stood on a gentle declivity, from -which the superficial water was well drained; but, the soil was -proverbially spongy, and retained every shower, much the same as chalk, -but without its good qualities: thus, notwithstanding the floors, (or -tarrases,) were full two feet above the surrounding level, my habitation -would, I am well convinced, have subsided; burying every inhabitant -under its ruins! Probably, that fatal moment would have accorded with -the height of some _north-wester_; to whose fury the catastrophe would, -though erroneously, have been imputed. - -The _verandas_ of _bungalows_ are generally allotted to the -accommodation of servants of all descriptions; and, except where, as in -Calcutta, a separate lodging-room is provided, serve for the home of -whatever _cahars_, or bearers, may be employed. These have each their -mat, on which they sleep, forming a pillow of any _g’hettry_, or bundle -of cloaths, and covering themselves with their quilts, &c.: blankets -being but very little in use among domestics of any description. When a -gentleman has company, the side-board is usually set out in the -_veranda_, where also the several guests’ _hookahs_ are prepared; and, -in rainy weather, their water cooled. All servants come upon being -called only; there being no bells hung in any part of the country, and -very, very few even of hand-bells to be seen. The common call, _Qui hi_? -(meaning ‘who is there?’) often rouzes a dozen of the slumbering crew, -though it is occasionally repeated, with some vociferation too, before -one will stir. Although to many _bungalows_ there are abundance of -out-offices, some of which may have been built for the reception of -palanquins, and especially of a gig, (there called a _buggy_,) few -persons allow either their _mahanahs_, or their _boçhahs_, to be kept in -such places, as they would be subject to various unpleasant purposes, -whereby their interior especially would often be soiled: this objection -acts likewise in some measure towards the common practice of retaining -the gig, as well as the palanquin, within the _veranda_; the latter is -easily lifted in and out by the bearers, but the former requires that a -_ramp_, or slope, should be made, up and down which the _syce_ (or -groom) draws it with facility. All conveyances, when housed, are covered -with a double cloth, usually made of _karwah_. - -Throughout Calcutta the doors are pannelled, and have, generally, -handsome brass mountings, with mortice locks; the windows are well -glazed; and, in many instances, the rooms are laid with superb carpets, -either of European, Persian, or Mirzapore manufacture: the two latter -are generally made of silk; exhibiting not only rich patterns, but the -most brilliant colors, at least equal to any made at our manufactories. -The floors, or, more properly speaking, the tarrases, are almost -invariably covered with a matting made of a species of rush, which -possesses considerable firmness and pliancy. This, after being duly -cleansed from fibres, &c. is made up into bundles, about a cubit in -length, and nearly the same in girth, in which state it is well soaked: -from these bundles the mat-makers, who are usually of the _Cunjoor_ -tribe, weave the mats upon a kind of woof made of twine, but perfectly -concealed by the rushes. Some of these mats are made plain; while others -are in various stripes, or in chequers. With this manufacture a room of -any size may be fitted; the work being either done on the spot, or at -the houses of the persons employed; the color is generally that of faded -straw; though, sometimes, red or black rushes, dyed for the purpose, are -introduced. For the accommodation of persons residing in parts where -they cannot have floors fitted with entire mats, long strips, of about a -yard wide, and four or five yards long, are sold in almost every great -_bazar_ (or market). These require to be sewed side by side, the same as -our Scotch carpeting; but, exclusive of that disadvantage, are not so -eligible; both because they are less carefully made, and that, in almost -every instance, they are manufactured from refuse materials. - -In the upper provinces, where the _kudjoor_ (or date-tree) abounds, a -very passable kind of matting is made of its leaves; it is true, this is -not so durable, nor so handsome, nor so even, as that sort just -described; owing to the coarseness of the materials, it is rather -subject to catch the feet of chairs; add to this, the danger of fire -from _hookahs_, &c.: all these circumstances limit the use of the -_kudjoor_ mats to very ordinary purposes; or, at the least, to laying -down in such rooms as are to be wholly or partially carpeted. - -Mats are likewise made, in every part of the country, from green -bamboos; which, being split into very thin laths, of about half an inch, -or less, in width, answer the same purpose as the foregoing; these are, -however, very uncomfortable, and harbour centipedes by the hundred: the -_kudjoor_ mats partake of that objection, but not to the same extent. -Mats, if we may so call them, are likewise made by laying down rattans, -and stringing them together with strips of their own bark, the same as -is done in making the _seerky_ used in thatching; but this species is -very rare: indeed, I believe only a few were ever seen in Calcutta, and -they were said to have been brought by the Dutch from Malacca, whence -great numbers of rattans are yearly imported. The price of the best -rush-mats may be taken at about a rupee per square yard; that of the -mats in strips at from four annas (8½ _d._) to eight annas (17_d._); but -the _kudjoor_, and bamboo kinds, can only be computed by the demand for -materials, and the prices of labor, locally: probably, taking all things -into consideration, we may estimate a square yard of either at two -annas, or about 4¼_d._ A very beautiful species of mat is made in some -parts of the country, but especially in the south-eastern districts, -about Dacca and Luckypore, from a kind of reedy grass, of which the -rind, being pared off very thin, and trimmed to about the eighth of an -inch in width, is wove into mats, rarely exceeding seven or eight feet -in length, by about four feet in width. These are peculiarly slippery, -whence they are designated ‘_seekul-putty_,’ (_i.e._ polished sheets); -their color resembles that of common horn, and their prices are -generally from two to six rupees per piece; according to their fineness, -and to the state of the markets. The principal uses of the -_seekul-putty_, are, to be laid under the lower sheet of a bed, thereby -to keep the body cool; which is certainly effected to a great degree by -this device, by its remarkably slippery surface: some few pillows for -couches are likewise covered therewith, and I have seen it employed in -making covers for mahogany tables; to which it is well adapted, on -account of its repelling dust: in such case, it ought to have all the -joinings well taped, and to be lined with blanket, or with _karwah_, &c. -properly quilted. - -Exclusive of the carpets before mentioned, and which are very high -priced, a manufacture of _satrinjes_ is carried on at Mirzapore, and in -many other parts. These serve all the purposes of carpets, but have no -plush; being in that particular very similar to our Scotch carpeting, -but, at the same time, very dissimilar in respect to pattern. The -_satrinje_ is nothing more than a very large colored sheet, in which, -except for about a cubit’s breadth all around, the whole is divided into -bars, or stripes, usually from two to six inches wide, proportioned to -the extent of the fabric. The principal colors in these carpets are -crimson for a ground, with bars of deep, or light red; or blue grounds, -with white, yellow, or tawny bars; or green grounds, with deeper, or -lighter green, or crimson, or orange bars; or any of these, _vice -versâ_. The common price of a woollen _satrinje_, may be from twelve -annas (_i.e._ 3/4 of a rupee) to three rupees per square yard; according -to fineness, substance, color, demand, &c. - -Of cotton _satrinjes_, the price rarely exceeds a rupee, or a rupee and -a quarter, for the same extent; these, however, wash admirably. It is no -uncommon thing to see a _satrinje_ of full twenty by thirty feet; and -this, too, made upon nothing more than a bamboo roller, round which the -work gradually collects, as the threads are crossed, by passing the -warp-lines, alternately over and under the woof-lines, in regular -changes! - -_Cheeks_, or screens, to keep out the glare, are made in a similar -manner. These simple, yet most comfortable, addenda to our Indian -habitations, are formed of bamboo wires, (if I may use the term,) from -four to six feet in length, and about the thickness of a very large -knitting-needle, or, perhaps, of a crow-quill. A thin, clean-worked -lath, of the same material, is put at the top and bottom. - -Many _cheeks_ are made of bamboo wires, previously painted either green, -or reddish brown, but generally the former. These require no particular -care, further than keeping them separate, as they dry; which is usually -effected by laying them upon two rows of bricks, or against a wall, or -upon scattered straw, when the weather is calm. When _cheeks_ are -intended to represent any pattern, such as birds on branches, or Indian -deities, &c., the whole of the wires are laid with their respective ends -on two boards, over which two others are placed perfectly parallel, and -even, so as to press the ends of the wires, and to prevent their being -easily displaced. A pattern, being cut out on paper of the required -size, is fastened down upon the wires, and its outline every where -distinctly marked upon them; after which it is worked in on the former -ground, say a green, with brown for branches, a deeper green for the -leaves, and red, yellow, &c., for the birds: the whole is then left to -dry. When ready for use, the _cheek-wallah_ (or maker) fixes his -apparatus close to the top, and, taking each wire in succession, fastens -it down in its proper place, being guided by two lateral lines, as they -are handed to him by an urchin, perhaps not more than three or four -years of age! In this way the representation is preserved. - -The neatest patterned _cheeks_ come from China; but the Bengallee artist -is getting fast forward, and bids fair to put a stop to the importation: -it is usual to have the whole _cheek_ bound, all around, either with a -light cotton tape, of about three or four inches broad, or with red, or -blue, _karwah_. At the top of each _cheek_, generally, a piece of -circular leather is attached, two being sewed together, though on -different sides of the wires; to these the cotton cords, usually white, -or red and white, or blue and white, about an inch in circumference, and -each a full yard in length, are sewed: their use is, to tie up the -_cheek_, when rolled towards the door-plate, at such times as it is not -wanted. Each end of the top lath has similar pieces of leather sewed on, -for the cords by which the _cheek_ is to be suspended. - -It is understood, that white _cheeks_ are preferable; both because they -keep out the glare much better, and as they render the interior less -distinguishable to any spectator from without: consequently, they -contribute most to coolness, and to privacy. - -I believe it would be impossible to find any house inhabited by an -European of respectability, in any part of Calcutta, which should prove -to be destitute of proper doors, of pannelled wood, or of windows, at -least, furnished with Venetians, if not with glass sashes. Whether for -appearance, convenience, or real utility, certainly there cannot be any -thing equal to glass, the use of which is now become so general, that -almost every _bungalow_ in the upper provinces, unless merely built as a -shelter for a few months, is provided with glass; some, perhaps, only -partially, but a great majority throughout. Were it not that this most -agreeable improvement were attainable on what may be called very -moderate terms, the great number of serious drawbacks it has to -encounter, would assuredly cause its exportation to the East to be very -limitted. The principal objections to its use, are, 1stly, the -difficulty of getting glass cut to fit the sashes; 2dly, the aptness of -even the best seasoned wood to warp, so as to cause the panes to fly; -3dly, the difficulty which frequently exists of getting glass at all; -especially of the larger sizes. - -As a balance to this, we find, that this brittle commodity, after -undergoing all the risques attendant upon shipping, and landing, -together with all the dangers of the seas, and much occasional rough -usage after being consigned to the up-country trader, can usually be -sold at Futty-Ghur, or Lucknow, which are each distant about a thousand -miles, by water, from Calcutta, at the following prices: panes of 8 by -11 inches, at about twenty rupees per _coorge_, (or score,); 10 by 14, -at about twenty-six rupees; of 12 by 16, at about thirty-two; of 15 by -20, at about forty; of 18 by 26, at about fifty; and of 20 by 30, at -about sixty rupees. These prices give little more than cent. per cent. -upon the wholesale prices of London. What with the necessity for making -those panes and sashes, which are exposed to the sun, very firm, as well -as from a due attention to economy in so expensive an article, we -generally see, in the upper provinces, the panes laid transversely, -instead of upright; and only one row of such panes in each frame; the -wood-work being made very broad, so as to occupy a large space. The -light thus admitted, is found fully adequate to every common purpose; -the atmosphere being, for full eight months out of the twelve, perfectly -clear; and there being rarely any buildings to debar the full enjoyment -of that blessing: besides, that great exposure to an unclouded sky, -which may in England be deemed highly advantageous, would, in India, -prove objectionable; by admitting so forcible a glare as must give more -uneasiness than pleasure. - -When glass either cannot be had; or, that, owing to some speculator -having monopolized, the price is considered too high, it is not uncommon -to see windows furnished with plates of _talc_; which may be obtained, -in almost any quantity, at the several cities, especially towards the -frontiers; very extensive dealings being carried on in this article, by -persons resident chiefly at Lucknow, Benares, and Patna, who import it -from Thibet, and the countries on the north of the Punjab, or Seik -territory, in masses, often as large as a quartern loaf. The principal -intention of such traffic is for the supply of that fine powder, used in -the Hindu holiday, called _hooly_, which may generally be viewed as the -carnival of that sect. - -The masses of _talc_ commonly sell for about a rupee and a half, or even -up to two rupees per seer (of about two pounds avoirdupoise): when good, -it is of a pure pearl color, but it has, ordinarily, either a yellowish, -or a faint blue cast: by means of proper tools, this mineral may be -split into very thin leaves, which often present smooth surfaces, but -are apt to have little scaly blisters, that greatly deteriorate their -value. However, a seer of _talc_, that splits well, will sometimes yield -a dozen or more panes, of about 12 inches by 9, or of 10 by 10; and -thus, according to the form of the lump; which can only be split in the -direction of its laminæ. These panes are so far diaphanous as to allow -ordinary objects to be seen at about twenty or thirty yards tolerably -distinct; and, of course, present an excellent substitute for glass. - -I am surprized that the very simple process whereby _talc_ may be -vitrified, has not encouraged some ingenious person to establish a -manufactory for that purpose. When combined with alkaline salt, (every -where attainable in India,) it is fusible in a strong heat, and forms a -transparent, handsome, greenish-yellow glass. If equal portions of -_talc_ and of chalk be melted together, with one-fourth part of borax, -(the _soohaugah_, or tincal, so abundant throughout the East,) the -mixture will produce a fine pellucid, greenish glass, of considerable -lustre and hardness; gypsous earths, (which, though not brought into -use, are supposed to abound in some parts of Bahar, and of the upper -provinces,) may be advantageously substituted for chalk, whence the -result will be a rich, pellucid, yellow glass, of equal brightness and -durability. - -Speaking of chalk, I must remark, that very large quantities are -occasionally sent to India, notwithstanding some of the hills at the -back of Raje Mahal abound therewith. I understood, many years ago, from -an old friend, who was quarter-master of a regiment stationed at -Monghyr, distant about forty miles from the former place, that, in -consequence of a scarcity of musquet flints, he had sent people to the -Chalk Hills of Raje Mahal, whence he had obtained a boat-load that -answered admirably. In reply to my questions regarding the chalk, he -informed me it was very coarse. But he forgot, that, by dissolving it in -a large quantity of water, and allowing the rubbish to sink, the finer -particles would be for a while suspended; and, on being poured off, -would, after repeated washings in this manner, yield the purest whiting. -It really appears surprizing, that those chalk hills should remain -unnoticed; and, that even the lime-burners should neglect to take -advantage of their being so advantageously situated among wildernesses -of fuel, and within a mile of the great channel of the Ganges! That the -Company should ever send out whiting, or put themselves to the expence -of millions upon millions of gun and pistol flints, when they possess -such a quarry, (of which the extent is not known,) appears highly -inconsistent with that economy so much and so properly studied. If it be -argued, that some impolicy might exist in shewing the natives how to -provide themselves with flints; the answer is very easy; for the -gun-smiths of _Monghyr_ are fully apprized of the whole process. But, -surely the chalk cannot be accused of the same dangerous tendency! To -say the least, government might, with great advantage, cause all the -lime required for their own works to be made from it; imposing a price -upon all that might be dug by merchants, or others; as they do at their -stone quarries, near _Chunar-Ghur_, &c. My readers will, at all events, -discover that a very useful glass might be made in India, the duty on -which would produce a much larger sum than the whole amount of profits -accruing to our exporters. It is, indeed, a well-known fact, that the -captains of Indiamen take out window glass more with the view to making -up a general assortment, than from any great advantage arising from its -sale to the European shop-keepers, &c. In time of peace they are -invariably undersold by foreign traders; who carry out glass of an -inferior quality, which sells to a certain extent; and is often rather -sought, than rejected, on account of its greenish hue, which is found to -soften the light considerably; especially in exposed situations. - -The natives do, occasionally, make a weak, greenish, and blistered glass -into _caraboys_, or great bottles for rose-water, and into lesser ones, -such as the _gundies_, or itinerant perfumers, use; but this is on a -very small scale, and chiefly supplied from broken tumblers, shades, -&c., of European manufacture. There are persons at Patna, who have men -constantly employed in purchasing broken glass, of every description, -from the servants of Europeans, and in collecting such fragments as may -be thrown out among the ordinary rubbish. - -It must occasionally happen, that neither glass, nor _talc_, can be -readily obtained; in which case, the best mode is to make light frames, -and to pannel, or fill them up with wax-cloth, neatly nailed on. This is -an admirable substitute, not only keeping out wind, rain, and dust, but, -in the cold season, preserving the warmth of rooms, yet admitting -sufficient light for ordinary purposes: I have very frequently resorted -to this expedient, and even to frames of oiled paper; all I had to -regret was, that they debarred my seeing what passed abroad. To a person -just arrived from Europe, such would appear a most distressing -privation; but, after experiencing a few seasons behind _tatties_, -without being able to enjoy the light during the whole day, and that for -months together, such recluseness would scarcely be considered worthy of -notice: so true it is, that we gradually become habituated to the loss -of ordinary enjoyments, of faculties, and even of civil and religious -liberty!!! - -Although _bungalows_ have not any ceilings of plaster, they are rendered -inconceivably neat within, by means of a double sheet, made of very -coarse cotton cloth, called _guzzy_; of which tents are usually -constructed. These sheets are fitted to the several apartments -respectively, are bound with strong tape around, and have, besides, -various tapes forming an union cross of eight limbs, or rays, all -meeting in the centre. As the cornices commonly project near a foot, -abundance of space is left for lacing the sheet (called the _chandny_,) -to battens, nailed to pegs built in the wall: these battens being firmly -secured all the way round, about an inch above the cornice, admit the -sheet to be strained very tight, so as to bag very little, if at all, in -the centre. Some white-wash their _chandnies_, and take so much pains in -establishing a firm appearance, as to render them very similar to well -made ceilings. Without this last mode of preparation, music has no -effect in a _bungalow_; indeed, at the best, the most powerful -instrument is heard under very great disadvantages, owing to the number -of apertures, the _satringes_, mats, couch and table covers, &c., all -which deaden the tones considerably. - -Those who are very particular in whatever relates to their furniture, -&c., have their _verandas_ lined in the same manner as their apartments, -giving them a finished appearance; but, in such exposed situations the -cloths are apt to collect considerable quantities of dust, which is -perpetually set in motion by the shaking of the cloths when acted upon -by the wind: on this account _seerky_ appears to me far preferable as a -lining for _verandas_. - -The usual expedient, when doors of any description are not made, is to -provide _purdahs_, made of _karwah_, (or _guzzy_,) or both mixed in -perpendicular stripes of eight or ten inches wide each: some, especially -those who are stationary, make their _purdahs_ of shalloon, perpet, or -very coarse broad-cloth, in the following manner. The cloth is made into -two sheets of equal dimensions, say nine feet by six, and having strong -tapes, perhaps five or seven in number, inserted cross-wise between -them: these tapes are double. The whole circumference of the _purdah_ is -then sewed very neatly, and bound with tape, corresponding with the -color of the cloth, and the ends of the tapes are also bound by means of -leather, covered with the same materials. Between every pair of tapes, a -bamboo, of a small kind, but very tough, is introduced; or, perhaps, a -stout lath made from a bamboo of the large sort. These sticks, or laths, -serve to keep the cloth stretched out, and when the _purdah_ is -suspended, much in the same manner as has been explained for the -mounting of a _cheek_, lie horizontally; thus preventing the wind from -blowing in the _purdah_. - -It is observed as a general rule, always to make a _purdah_ full a foot -wider on each side than the door way it is to conceal; also to carry it -a foot above the door plate, and to have a portion, about a foot in -depth, without any lath, at the bottom, so as to trail a little on the -ground. Those _purdahs_ which are made of _karwah_, or other cotton -stuff, are generally quilted with cotton, or are composed of many folds, -or have coarse blankets inlaid between their outer coatings. The last is -by far the most effectual, most neat, and most durable mode of -construction; but, at the best, _purdahs_ are a very indifferent -make-shift; and, though often, from necessity, applied to windows, are -by no means answerable to their intention. Their best use is certainly -to deaden sounds; hence, they are advantageously suspended outside the -doors of sleeping, or other retired apartments; when, by closing the -doors, privacy and quiet may usually be effected. The presence of a -_purdah_ usually indicates the exclusion of males; and that the -apartments, within that entrance, are devoted to the accommodation of -ladies; except when rolled up, and tied, as has been explained in regard -to _cheeks_. - -The best timber for building, in whatever branch, is the _sygwam_, or -_teak_; but its dearness prevents its general use, especially since -naval architecture has been so much an object of speculation at -Calcutta. However, it can generally be purchased at about a rupee, or a -rupee and a quarter, per foot: making its utmost price about three -shillings and three-pence. Those who build houses of the first class, -rarely fail to lay all their tarrases upon _teak_ joists; both because -they possess superior strength, and that they are far less likely to be -attacked by the white-ants. This has been attributed to the quantity of -tannin contained in _teak_-wood, which some have asserted to be a -perfect preventive, or antidote; but, after having seen those noxious -insects devouring shoes and boots by wholesale, I can never bring myself -to accord with such an opinion. There is, in _teak_-wood, evidently some -property, hitherto occult, that repels the white-ant, at least for some -years, but which is doubtless diminished by exposure to the air; as we -find that very old _teak_-timbers become rather more subject to -depredation, than new ones. The greater part of the _teak_ used in -Bengal, and at Madras, is imported from the Pegu coast, in immense -beams, and in spars, planks, &c., of all sizes. It is by no means -unusual to see the squared timbers measuring from forty, to fifty, feet -in length, and averaging from fifteen to twenty inches in diameter. Here -is food for our dock-yards! - -It would certainly be attended with considerable benefit to the public, -if that occult principle, or matter, which apparently exists in the -_teak_-wood, enabling it to resist both the white-ant, and the -river-worm, could be ascertained; it might be possible to impregnate, or -to saturate, other timber in a similar manner. This is the more -essential, because we have abundant proofs that mere hardness does not -deter those voracious insects, which are found at times even upon the -lignum vitæ! But the principal object, so far as relates to naval -purposes, is, that the _teak_-wood certainly is, in a great measure, -devoid of the gallic, or any other, acid; or, if such is present, it -assuredly must be in a very limitted portion; since the nails driven -into _teak_-wood are never corroded so as to decay the surrounding wood, -and to liberate it from confinement. To this decay, called -‘iron-sickness,’ are attributed many losses of ships, supposed to have -foundered at sea, in consequence of planks starting; which must often -happen when the wood embracing a nail is destroyed by the acid, or by -the action of salt water upon the iron. In repairing ships built of oak, -many nails are found perfectly insulated, by the wood having been -rotted, and fallen away; which has never been the case with vessels -built of _teak_. - -The generality of apartments being large, the halls measuring perhaps -from thirty to forty feet in length, and from sixteen to twenty-four in -width, and other rooms in proportion, it is evident that very -substantial, as well as long, timbers must be requisite to support their -flat roofs; for, with a few exceptions, truss-roofs are not in use. The -mode introduced by Mr. Lyon, the Company’s architect, at Berhampore, -certainly contributed greatly to reduce the quantity of timber in a -roof, but it rendered it absolutely necessary that every timber should -be perfectly sound. That gentleman, whose professional skill, and -excellent social qualities, demand an ample tribute, exploded _burgahs_, -(or smaller battens,) from the roofs he constructed; and, in their -stead, threw arches from the centre of one to the centre of the other -timber; so that the intervals between the timbers were to appearance -grooved, or fluted, longitudinally. This, however, was barely -distinguishable, the arches being very elliptic; rarely, indeed, -including more than an angle of six degrees, on a circle having full ten -feet of radius. - -Hence, it will be seen, that the joists were tolerably close, but their -diameters admitted of considerable reduction, on account of the -continuity of such a series of arches, which gave great solidity; and, -by their mutual pressure, admitted that a joist should be freely -removed, without in the least affecting the roof. - -The houses built and inhabited by the natives, invariably have flat -roofs. In these the apartments are, for the most part, extremely narrow, -and dark. The _verandas_, where any are made, consist of arcaded fronts, -invariably indented gothic; and have pillars, either of an hexagonal, or -of an octagonal, form, resting on short pedestals, while the arch may be -seen to break off rather too suddenly from the shaft, which continues up -to _baisez-mur_, (or _bassimere_, as our architects vulgarly call it,) -and divides the upper part into various compartments, all of which are -ornamented with a profusion of carved work. In almost every Hindostanee -building, of this description, there will be seen an odd number of -arches, to which others in the main part of the edifice generally -correspond. The chambers, if so we may call them, are taken off from the -ends of the halls, by similar arcades; each of which, as well as those -of the exterior, is furnished with a _purdah_. These narrow slips have -no windows, or, at the best, only small loop holes. The intention of -such oven-like recesses would perplex an European unacquainted with -Asiatic customs, but he would soon find that, in the cold season, such -are peculiarly warm, and that, during those months in which the glare is -obnoxious, they remain cooler than such as admit more light. Almost -every house is furnished with some means of ascending to the _chut_, (or -flat tarras-roof,) whereon the natives often pass the evening, causing -the heat to be first abated, by means of several pots of water, which -throw up a steam fully indicating the temperature at which the tarras -had arrived. The natives are not partial to upper-roomed houses in -general; though they affect to pride themselves greatly in the -possession of _doomaulahs_, that is, of houses having a second floor: it -seems that ostentation is the reason of this predilection in favor of -ground floors, whereon all their attendants, &c., may be seen from the -level of their _compounds_ (or enclosed areas). The stairs, where any -exist, (for sometimes a very mean boarded ladder is made to answer that -intention,) are narrow, steep, and unsafe: these are almost always built -of solid masonry, as far up as the first turn, (or landing place,) after -which they commonly consist of small bricks laid edgeways in lime -mortar, supported by stout timbers, placed at a proper angle, and -resting on the proximate joist of the upper floor. In every Hindostanee -house, the doors are very low, and often are made to open into a long -arcaded _veranda_, running the whole length of the interior, much the -same as in our inns; while, in the front, or towards the road, a hanging -balcony is sometimes made, supported on continuations of the joists, of -which the extremities are carved into grotesque forms; such as the heads -of alligators, or of tigers, or of serpents, and not infrequently of -little human figures, whose size and squat position strongly put us in -mind of a _f[oe]tus in utero_. - -_Saul-wood_ is used to an immense extent, both in buildings, and in the -construction of ships, but is not to be compared, either for toughness, -strength, resistance against insects, or durability, with _teak_. Its -price is much in favor of general service, to which its great size, and -admirable straightness, are considerable, and valuable recommendations; -but it is extremely apt to crack, though not to snap; especially when -exposed to the weather. There is something very peculiar in _saul-wood_; -since it is seen to warp, even after having been employed in bulk for -many years, riving into large fissures longitudinally: the white-ants -also devour it with avidity. Mr. Lyon, already noticed, when he was -building the General Hospital at Berhampore, caused an immense copper -trough to be made, in which he boiled the beams intended for that -edifice: some were boiled in pure water, others with tannin, and some -with arsenic; under the hope both of seasoning the timber, and of giving -it a repellant, or preservative quality. This ingenious, and highly -praise-worthy experiment, was by no means successful; for, although, in -the first instance, the timbers seemed to defy the white-ant, especially -those boiled in the solution of arsenic, still they were not completely -secured from depredation; while, on the other hand, nine in ten rived so -dangerously as to demand immediate props, and ultimate removal. - -Many authors have recommended the boiling of timber, planks, &c., with a -view to extract the sap, and thus to season them out of hand; but they -have invariably neglected to furnish us with the results. Now, I have -ever held it necessary, that medical practitioners should keep a -register of the obituary, as well as of the convalescent department, in -order that we may know how to _avoid_ certain systems; which, doubtless, -for want of such a guide, or caution, have been repeatedly resorted to -by various medical characters, who, insensible of those fatal effects -that had attended former experiments, thus consign many patients to -their graves! So should all experiments, such as that above recorded, be -fully laid before the public, and their results be candidly detailed. It -is evident, that where we see only the suggestion, without the proofs of -its failure, we must frequently be induced to adopt hints of a most -pernicious tendency. - -_Saul_ timber, when used in buildings, ought always to have its ends -completely open to inspection; both to prevent the white-ant from -preying upon it under cover, and to insure its being duly aerated; -without which, however charred and tarred it may be, rottenness will -speedily take place. This arises from being bedded in masonry, which, -during the rainy season, even under the best roofs, will absord a large -portion of moisture, that will, infallibly, in time, penetrate into the -timber. It must be recollected, that not one in hundreds of the houses -in Calcutta, or that are built on their plan, contains a fire-place: -hence, during some months in the year, the walls will exhibit various -indications of moisture, even to their very cornices; though this will -often depend upon the proper selection of sand for mixing in the -plaster. It is now well known, though not long since discovered, that -all sand, taken up within the flowing of the tides, is strongly -impregnated with salt, which will keep the mortar wherein it is mixed -eternally subject to damps; notwithstanding the tarrases may be flued, -or be founded upon pots. I have known several, otherwise highly -eligible, houses rendered untenable, merely by this incautious use of -river sand; which occasioned whatever mats, or carpets, were laid down, -to be speedily rotted. The fault was at first imputed to the vicinity of -the river, whence it was suspected the damps were received; but it was -ascertained, that such tarrases, and mortar, as were compounded of -pit-sand, remained dry, and free from so obnoxious a defect. -Nevertheless, the greater part of the buildings, in and about Calcutta, -receive a certain portion of river-sand, taken up within the reach of -brackish water: while this practice is allowed, the walls and tarrases -will remain subject to occasional moisture; and, as we daily see in that -city, the plastering will blister, or, indeed, become mottled, and -obviously unsound. - -_Saul-timbers_ are found in all the forests, ranging under the hills, -branching our possessions from Assam up to Hurdwar; they are more -abundant in some parts than in others, but no where scarce. Many of -these forests present thousands upon thousands of acres, whereon the -_saul_, _sissoo_, and other useful timbers grow spontaneously; offering -to us an inexhaustible depôt! The only consideration is, that -water-carriage should be at hand. The Indian wood-feller, who pays not -more than sixpence, or a shilling, for each tree he may choose, and -which may, perhaps, contain from sixty to a hundred feet of timber, -considers it a bad speculation, if some river be not within a stone’s -throw of the selected wood: his object is to lop and bark as fast as he -can, and then to launch the tree into the river, there to be fastened to -others, intended to form a raft, or float, which, being secured to a -boat, may glide down with the current to some established market. His -expences are very trifling; for, with the exception of some duties, most -injudiciously imposed, his adventure will not cost more than two-pence -per foot, when arrived at the place of destination; where it may -commonly be sold, without risk or delay, for full three times that sum. -Few _saul-timbers_ measuring a ton, or even a load, (_i.e._ forty, or -fifty, cubic feet,) stand the owner in more than three rupees when -landed at Patna; where such always meet with a very ready sale, in whole -rafts, at nine, ten, and sometimes up to fifteen, rupees per stick, (or -timber;) and this, notwithstanding the number of competitors in the -trade. Those competitors rarely prove injurious to each other, while -they render great service to the public, by preventing the whole trade -from falling into a few hands. Thus, the prices of _saul-timber_ are not -only kept down, but, in general, owing to occasional gluts, seasoned -timbers may be, to any amount, purchased at the several _ghauts_, or -wharfs. - -The mode of floating timber being so very different from that in use -with us, I offer a description of it, under the hope of its affording at -least some variety, if not some useful information. A common _pulwar_, -(or _paunchway_,) of perhaps thirty feet in length, and six or seven in -width, is equipped with two sticks of _saul_, say forty feet long, and -two feet in girth: these are placed across her gunwales, at right angles -with her length, and about six feet from her centre, and very firmly -lashed down. The boat, being in about three feet water, has a tree -brought up to each of her sides, where they are respectively lashed to -the cross timbers, and thus, in succession, until she is judged -incapable of receiving more burthen. In the centre of the boat, a small -cabin is generally made, either of thatch, or of arched bamboo laths, -covered with _durmah_ mats: in this the crew are sheltered at night. It -is highly expedient to avoid launching such rafts when the river is at -the fullest, or the current any way prone to deviate from the deepest -channels, as it must do in great floods, on account of the waters -finding, for a while, passages along hollows among the inland parts; -that is, beyond their limits in ordinary seasons. When a float of timber -once gets over the river’s bank, it must be the result of great good -fortune, if the channel is ever regained. Hence, when the waters are -falling, it is common to see very large pinnaces, _budjrows_, and boats -of burthen, left upon some sand, on which they had struck, but which the -rapid ebbing of the floods prevented them from quitting! In such cases, -some are allowed to remain until the ensuing year, when the floods lift -them; others are unladen, and, by means of the joint efforts of hundreds -of villagers, are pushed along the sands to the deep water; while those -which appear unequal to such a severe operation, are generally broken -up, and sold for various purposes. - -When a float of timber becomes thus situated, the best way is to cut the -ropes of at least half the exterior sticks on each side, and so to -lighten the boat, that she may be carried into a depth suited to -receiving them again: but this operation, which, on paper, appears very -simple, requires great exertion, and no less despatch; as the strength -of the current, which often runs six or seven miles within the hour, -renders it extremely difficult to manage such immense logs; especially -as they are very apt to sink into the sands. We commonly see several -floats in company, proceeding, when the reaches are straight, and the -waters deep, with great regularity; the boatmen, in such situations, -having little to do, sit smoking their _nereauls_, with great composure: -sometimes a sail is hoisted, but, for the most part, it is deemed -expedient to check, rather than to accelerate, the progress. Almost -every float, or, at least, every company of floats, has a canoe attached -to it; which, in doubtful waters, precedes, and directs the men in -charge of the respective vessels, who, by means of _luggies_, (or -bamboo-poles, from twenty even to fifty feet in length,) fend off the -floats from banks, or guide them along the deep water: without such -pilotage, they would be in perpetual danger of grounding, the -inconveniences of which are, as above shewn, by no means inconsiderable. - -Floats of timber cannot well come to an anchor, except in very still -water; hence, they are usually brought-to under steep banks, where there -is great depth; and where, in case the river should fall during the -night, they would not be left high and dry. - -The greatest danger to which a timber float can be exposed, is that of -running upon a sunken tree, which, having been washed away, by the bank -whereon it stood being undermined by the strong currents, is hurled away -into deep water, where it probably lies exposed to view for the first -year. During the hot season, when the waters are low, the boughs are -often cut away by persons in want of fuel; or, perhaps, they are torn -off by the succeeding rains, so far as to cause their being concealed a -foot or two under the surface. When thus situated, they throw up a deal -of water, so that their locality may be ascertained at some distance; -but, owing to heavy mists, and especially to clouds of sand, they -frequently are not discovered by the boatmen, until it becomes -impossible to avoid them. - -If the _pulwar_, _i.e._ the supporting boat, strikes upon one of the -branches, her bottom will infallibly be staved in; and, in all -probability, the immense body of water bearing upon the timbers, will -either tear them away from the _pulwar_, or carry off her upper works, -leaving her bottom entangled. In either case, the situation of the -boatmen becomes highly critical; but, as they generally are expert -swimmers, (though, strange to say, some _dandies_, have, like Falstaff, -‘a wonderful alacrity at sinking,’) few are drowned on such occasions. -The timbers, however, rarely fail to find the bottom, so soon as their -buoyant companion is wrecked. - -The great number of trees thus immersed, some of which equal our largest -oaks, render it extremely dangerous to go down with the stream during -the night: in some strong waters, such impediments are numerous, and -render the navigation very hazardous, even during the day time; -especially should a _goon_, or track rope, give way just after getting a -boat above them; when this misfortune happens, the chances of escape are -comparatively small indeed. - -When boats, heavily laden, strike upon a tree, they sometimes go to -pieces, in consequence of the water’s rapidity; but, when so entangled -as to be pierced in several parts, they very generally remain entire, -presenting, as the waters subside, the very curious spectacle of a -vessel, perhaps carrying twelve or fifteen hundred maunds, sitting, as -it were, among the boughs, often ten or twelve feet above the surface of -the stream. It is by no means unusual, in the course of a week’s -travelling, to see one, or more, of these disastrous elevations; more -especially about the month of October. The misfortune is, that, though -the cargo may, perhaps, be saved, if not of a perishable nature, such as -sugar, salt-petre, &c.; yet, that the vessel, however expeditiously -emptied, can never be got off; consequently, she must be broken up. - -With respect to the prices of _saul_ timbers, we generally find them to -be nearly the same, year after year, at the same places; provided a -sufficient number, but not a great glut, should arrive within the proper -season. On an average, near Patna, the cubic foot will cost about -sixpence, at Moorshadabad, about a shilling, and, at Calcutta, about two -shillings, or even half-a-crown. An extra price is, of course, put on -timbers of superior dimensions, while the smaller kinds, called -_bautties_, which rarely contain more than eight or ten feet, are, in an -opposite degree, depreciated. The _saul_ is a very solid wood, at least -equally so as elm, but has not its pliancy, nor is it quite so apt to -split: its grain usually runs tolerably even; it is likewise heavy, yet -by no means so ponderous as _teak_: both, like many of our firmer woods, -sink in fresh water. - -In the upper provinces, some very fine oak timbers are occasionally to -be seen: these are chiefly of a peculiar kind, nearly approaching to -chocolate color, extremely difficult to cut up, and, consequently, very -heavy: this last characteristic gives them the name of _seesah_, or, -lead-wood. The prices of these trees, which generally measure about the -same as the _saul_, from the same forests, (namely, from the -neighbourhood of _Peelabeet_,) rather exceed those of the latter -description; and would probably be greatly enhanced, if the natives -stood in need of such very substantial wood for any of their buildings, -or manufactures. The fact is, that the carpenters generally endeavor to -dissuade their employers from purchasing oak, by representing it as -subject to many defects; though the true reason is, that its hardness -infallibly causes more grinding of, than working with, their tools; -which are almost always either too much, or too little tempered. At -Futty-Ghur, _saul_ timbers commonly sell for full eighteen-pence the -foot, and oaks for about two shillings. I recollect buying some of the -former, that measured thirty feet in length, with an average squaring of -fourteen inches, for twenty-eight rupees each; and oaks of the same -dimensions, or nearly so, at thirty-five: but wood was then extremely -scarce, and at full twenty per cent. above the ordinary rates. - -The great aptness of _saul_-wood to warp, we should suppose, might have -favored the importation of oak, notwithstanding the outcry against its -flinty hardness: and such would doubtless have been the case, had not -another kind of wood, possessing a very fine grain, and rather -handsomely veined, been abundant. This, which is called the _sissoo_, -grows in most of the great forests, intermixed with the _saul_; but, in -lieu of towering up with a straight stem, seems partial to crooked -forms, such as suit it admirably for the knees of ships, and for such -parts as require the grain to follow some particular curve. This wood is -extremely hard, and heavy, of a dark brown, inclining to a purple tint -when polished; after being properly seasoned, it rarely cracks, or -warps; nor is it so subject as _saul_ to be destroyed by either -white-ants, or river-worms. The domestic uses of _sissoo_ are chiefly -confined to the construction of furniture, especially chairs, tables, -tepoys, (or tripods,) bureaus, book-cases, ecritoires, &c. &c. for all -which purposes it is peculiarly appropriate, with the exception of its -being very ponderous. This objection is, however, counter-balanced by -its great durability, and by the extraordinary toughness of the tenons, -dovetails, &c. necessarily made by the cabinet-maker, or joiner. -_Sissoo_ is, of late, more employed than formerly for the frame, ribs, -knees, &c. of ships, especially those of great burthen: for such, it is -found to be fully as tough and as durable as the best oak. When timbers -can be had of this wood long enough for the purpose, it is often applied -for bends, and, indeed, for a portion of the planking, or casing; but it -is very rarely that a plank of ten feet can be had free from curve. -Though admirably suited for stern and head-work, it is neither long -enough for keels in general, nor sufficiently uniform in its diameter -for the supply of stern-posts. Some _sissoo-trees_ grow to a great -weight; but, unluckily, the devious directions of their boughs render it -necessary to lop them away for minor purposes: if, instead of dividing -into several large branches, at perhaps only ten or twelve feet from the -ground, one large stem were to rise, however crooked, to double that -height, there would be a great encrease of substance; as it is, however, -we may account it an excellent timber indeed that measures a ton (_i.e._ -forty cubic feet). - -This inconvenience is greatly augmented by the slovenly manner in which -trees are felled throughout India. There, it is common to see the axe -(for no saws are used on such occasions) laid to the stem often at a -yard or more from the soil; while, at the same time, full a cubit in -depth is destroyed in widening the orifice, so as to penetrate into the -heart: this creates considerable loss, which is frequently rendered -still greater by the irregular manner in which the butt rends when in -the act of quitting the root, or stool. If this wood were more scarce, -probably greater pains would be taken to make the most of its length; as -it is, we see, that, even those ship-builders who occasionally send -their agents into the _Morungs_, or great forests to the north of -_Bahar_ and _Purneah_, allow the same loss to take place; thus -disqualifying the timbers from more general, as well as more important, -adaptation. The price of _sissoo_, for the most part, runs about -twenty-five, or even to forty per cent. above that of _saul_; but, in -many places, up the country especially, where naval architecture is not -in view, their values are generally about equal. In such situations, it -is less an object of import; since its utility is greatly circumscribed, -and, in a great variety of instances, superseded, by the _baubool_, (a -species of _mimosa_, generally growing wild,) whose crooked billets are -deservedly in great estimation, and whose bark is considered to be, if -any thing, superior to that of oak for the tanners’ use. - -I should have remarked, that, in some parts of the country, especially -along the western frontier, a small kind of _saul_ grows wild: this -rarely exceeds six inches in diameter, and is commonly used entire, in -lieu of bamboos, for enclosures, rafters of _bungalows_, &c. It is very -peculiar that this wood cannot be trusted for any length of time, even -under a thatch; it being subject to the depredations of a very small -insect, called the _g’hoon_, which perforates it in a thousand places, -depositing its eggs, which are very numerous, and absolutely rendering -the rafter a mere honey-comb. During the day, these mischievous little -devils are commonly quiet, but, after night-fall, when all else is -still, may be heard in every quarter! A person unaccustomed to the -sounds, would suppose that a very heavy shower of hail were falling on -the thatch. In the course of two or three seasons, sometimes in much -less, the rafters will be found to give way; on examination, they appear -as though pierced with large awls; and, when struck forcibly with a -hammer, yield a cloud of yellowish powder, resulting no doubt from the -labors of the multitude of inhabitants. The _g’hoon_, which rarely -exceeds the sixth of an inch in length, is of a chocolate color, very -hard about the head, has firm exterior coats over its wings, and -terminates abruptly behind, giving the exact appearance of its rump -having been burnt off. Those timbers which are used immediately after -being felled, as usually happens, are certainly the first to be attacked -by the _g’hoon_; but, so far as my own observations went, and according -to the experience of two years, in a quarter where we used scarcely any -other kind of wood for rafters, even a year’s seasoning did not afford -security against, though it obviously retarded, their attacks. Possibly, -if all of this description of _saul_ trees intended for rafters, were to -be immersed in some of the very numerous puddles every where abounding -in their vicinity, and of which a great majority are strongly -impregnated with minerals, particularly iron, copper, and sulphur, the -_g’hoons_ might be altogether repelled: the immersion should continue -for a year or two; the trees being previously allowed to season -standing, by cutting away a circle of bark, about six inches wide, near -the ground, that the flow of sap might be discontinued. We find no mode -to answer so well as this for our climate; in India, the advantages -would be still more extensive, in consequence of the regularity, and -particular effects of the three great seasons, into which the year is -there naturally divided. It is curious, but true, that the _g’hoon_ acts -less upon such timbers as have been squared, than on such as have only -been deprived of their bark; and, that in the large species of _saul_, -that is, such as is used in most parts of the country for great -buildings, &c., it either is unable, or not disposed, to burrow. - -Intermixed with the smaller species of _saul_, though by no means -abundant, we find another tree, bearing, in common with the oak, the -designation of _seesah_; and that, too, owing to the great specific -gravity of its wood: this, however, does not grow to any size, but -appears admirably suited to many of those purposes for which lignum -vitæ, and ebony, are now used. - -In the same jungles with the foregoing, a most remarkable tree is -sometimes found, of which the interior is of a very dark color, nearly -approaching to black: hence, the natives call it the ‘_cowah_’ (or -‘crow-tree’); but, from the hardness of its wood, it certainly might, -with propriety, be termed the ‘_iron-tree_.’ The carpenters seem to view -it much in the same light with the black-oak of _Peelabeet_; and, -doubtless, tremble for their tools, whenever the _cowah_ is to become -subject to their labors. - -Although such _bungalows_ as are built with a view to duration, are -sometimes built of the best materials, and have every part of their -roofs sustained by rafters of the best _saul_, by far the majority of -such buildings, and nearly all at the military stations, are constructed -on a much cheaper scale, having only _mango-wood_ rafters, door-plates, -&c. The great abundance of _mango_ trees, added to their being easily -worked, and their growing in general with stems sufficiently straight to -furnish beams, of perhaps two feet square, and from fifteen to thirty -feet long, give them a decided preference over every other kind of wood -brought from any distance. Formerly, a gentleman could send out his -servant, with wood-cutters, sawyers, &c., to fell whatever trees might -be found suitable to his intentions, without any questions being asked; -but of late, and especially since the introduction of the _Mocurrery_ -settlement, (which will be hereafter explained,) the _zemindars_, (or -land-holders,) and the _raiuts_, (or peasants,) have set a value upon -every twig that grows, and invariably demand from one to four rupees, -for such _mango_ trees as may be felled for the use of any European; -especially in the military. As to a Company’s civil servant, either the -hope of his favor, or the fear of his resentment, generally is found to -seal the mouth of the pretended proprietor of the soil; who even is -assiduous in furnishing workmen and conveyance on most occasions of this -description. I must caution my readers against entertaining any -sentiment unfavorable to the gentlemen alluded to: the adulation in -question results entirely from that servile, abject, and crafty -disposition, for which the _zemindars_ are notorious where their -interests are any way implicated. They judge of our collectors, -magistrates, &c., as they would of their own; at least, so far as to -suppose that courtesy will secure their good-will; but, they are, at the -same time, thoroughly sensible, that in all public, as well as in all -private, intercourse, the Company’s servants act with the most -conscientious propriety, and with the most undeviating attention to -justice. It matters not that this character may be repugnant to some -proofs existing of former rapacity, and extortion; which may now be -deemed obsolete, or, at the utmost, only existing to such extent as must -be expected under every form of government, and among every race of -people, in spite of the utmost vigilance. - -The wood of the _mango_ is much like that of the _plane-tree_, but -rather more tough, and its fibres rather coarser: nevertheless, it is in -very general use for rafters, door and wall-plates, frames for windows -and doors, especially of out-offices, pannelled and plain doors, -floorings of factories, and drying-rooms; likewise for wine chests, -indigo boxes, roofs of _budjrows_, and a thousand other purposes, both -of individual convenience, and of mercantile service. It is, however, -particularly subject to the _white-ant_; and, unless carefully preserved -from damp, will speedily decay: its being very light, and easy to work, -are points much in its favor. Though we consider a _mango-plank_ to be -at least at par, when it measures twenty inches, or two feet, in width, -yet great numbers may be had, by research, of double that breadth. My -carpenters once felled a tree, which proved too large for any saw I -could obtain in that quarter. - -Sometimes we see very old tables made of _mango-wood_, which exhibit -some beautiful veins, and acquire a substantial polish; but, such can -only attend a very careful choice of planks, which must likewise be -seasoned, and be worked to great advantage: otherwise, a _mango-wood_ -table will appear singularly coarse and mean. - -As to the tree itself, much may be said in its favor, though, owing to -the stiffness of the leaves, it cannot be termed graceful: its deep -green, contrasted with the white spindling blossoms, (much resembling -those of the horse-chesnut,) and its abundant foliage, give it a -richness, and render it peculiarly gratifying to the eye; especially as -it is in its greatest beauty during the early part of the hot season, -when the grass begins to parch, and the surface of the soil changes from -that agreeable verdure produced by the rains, and, in some degree, -cherished by the succeeding cold months, to a very sombre russet! The -fruit does not run much risque after the blossoms have once fairly set; -though, sometimes, severe blights occur, which render the whole -abortive; when about the size of a very large gooseberry, the young -_mangoes_ make excellent pies; not unlike those containing apples, but -with a certain terebinthinic flavor, which does not always please in the -first instance, but soon becomes palatable. When about half grown, that -is, beyond the size of a large walnut, they are in good order for -pickling. This fruit is also preserved in common _mosaul-oil_; in this -instance, they are allowed to remain about a month in the vinegar -pickle, before they are immersed in the oil. Many persons are very -partial to the pickle thus made; but, in my humble opinion, nothing can -be more rank; especially when the rinds are not pared off. _Mangoes_ -likewise make a very rich preserve, provided they are prepared before -the stones are suffered to harden; else they will be very fibrous, and -cut with peculiar harshness. With respect to the ripe fruit, it is -impossible to describe the flavor; since, even on the same tree, various -kinds will often be found. A stranger would conclude, on seeing -_mangoes_ of different colors, different scents, and different shapes, -ripening on the same tree, that they had been grafted; but such is not -the fact: there seems to be some very peculiar property, that causes it -to shoot out with such different bearings, which remain on distinct -boughs; as though the tree were composed of various twigs, all -proceeding from the same stem. What can be said of a fruit varying in -flavor, from the finest apricot, down to a very bad carrot? Such, -however, is known to be common: it is true, that, for the most part, the -whole crop of a tree will be pretty similar, both in shape, and flavor; -but such is not always the case. As for the produce of trees resulting -from the kernels of the same kind of _mango_, that is quite a lottery; -for, like potatoes raised from seed, there will generally be found a -great variety. - -The Chinese have produced considerable amelioration in _mangoes_, by a -very simple process. They select some healthy branches on a good tree, -and, having pricked the bark through with a sharp awl, surround the part -with a lump of wet clay, or loam; which they secure by means of a piece -of canvas, bound lightly with hempen bands. Above each part thus -treated, a large pot of water is suspended, having in its bottom a small -hole; which, being partially stopped with a piece of rag, allows the -water to drip, whereby the clay is kept constantly moist. In about three -months, small fibres shoot out through the punctured bark; which, on the -branch being cut off, and the canvas being removed, strike into the -soil, and become roots. It is highly curious, that the fruit produced by -branches thus treated, becomes more fleshy, while the stone diminishes -considerably; it being more flat, and rarely so firm as that of the -common _mango_. By persevering in the operation, that is, by repeating -it on the branches of a tree thus cultivated, for some generations, the -kernel becomes so reduced as scarcely to be noticeable, while the skin -also loses much of that highly acrid quality, arising from the abundance -of turpentine it contains. - -_Mangoes_ are peculiarly stimulant, rarely failing to cause those who -eat of them freely to break out with boils of considerable size, and -often very tedious in their cure. It is absolutely necessary to treat -these as critical abscesses; for, were any repellent to be applied, -serious consequences would inevitably follow. Persons lately arrived in -the country, often devour this luscious fruit, until checked either by a -dozen or two of these most distressing companions, or, perhaps, in -consequence of that kind of bowel-complaint prevalent in all hot -climates, and which, though generally not very difficult to remedy when -properly treated in its first stage, soon turns to dysentery, carrying -off a large portion of those whose constitutions are not remarkably -sound. When eaten in moderation, _mangoes_ are gently aperient; but if, -notwithstanding its acrid taste and effects, the rind should be -incautiously swallowed, the stomach will be considerably disordered. The -_gland_, or kernel, which in shape is something like a very large, flat, -Windsor-bean, is unpleasant to the palate, its flavor being very similar -to that of the acorn. Swine, especially of the wild tribes, which often -take shelter, during the season, in _topes_, or forests, of wild -_mangoes_, eat the entire fruit, as it falls from the trees, with great -avidity, and thrive amazingly. - -The generality of _mango-topes_ owe their origin to religious -institutions, or to bequests, or to charitable donations. To plant one, -it is necessary that the land should be purchased in fee-simple; when, -the trees being set out, perhaps thirty feet, or more, asunder, in rows, -so as to form regular square intervals, the whole are fenced by means of -a deep ditch; from which the excavated soil is thrown inwards, and -either planted with _baubool_, (_mimosa_,) or sown with that tall kind -of grass which bears a very large tassel, and is known by the name of -_surput_: of this grass notice has already been taken in describing the -_seerky_ used in thatching _bungalows_. Some _topes_ are endowed with -small sums for the purpose of maintaining a priest, for whom a -_comfortable_ residence, and a substantial _durgaw_, (or temple,) are -erected. The sale of the fruit, (which generally proves a full crop in -four or five years, the trees being then as large as a well-grown -walnut-tree,) furnishes the means of sinking a well, cased with masonry. -But it is more common for the person who causes the _tope_ to be -planted, to sink the well also; and to celebrate the marriage of the -former with the latter, in a manner suitable to his rank or property. On -such occasions, the well, being supposed to possess the fecundatory -powers, is considered the husband; the _tope_ being typified as -feminine, by the fruit it produces. However much we may be disposed to -smile at a custom generally attended with much ceremony, and expence, we -cannot but admire its effects; which, in a tropical climate, are highly -beneficial, both to the weary traveller, and to the thirsty soil. Hence, -the sight of a _mango-tope_ is generally attended with the most pleasing -anticipations! - -Although _mango-topes_ abound in every part of the lower provinces, -their wood, except in _bungalows_, is rarely employed in European -architecture; nor do the natives make much use of it as a timber: large -quantities are every year cut up for planks, intended chiefly for very -ordinary purposes, where great strength and durability are not -essentials. The immense quantities of fine bamboos, which ordinarily -grow very straight to the height of sixty feet, or more, though rarely -measuring more than five inches diameter near the root, and gradually -tapering off as they ascend, supply the contented native with rafters, -joists, posts, pillars, laths, and a great variety of et ceteras, all -tending either to his shelter, or to his convenience. The ordinary price -of these invaluable reeds (for they are of the _arundo_ tribe) may be -from three-pence to five-pence each; that is, generally from seven to -twelve for a rupee, according to size and demand. Millions of them are -annually brought to Calcutta, both by water, and on _hackeries_; in the -former instance, they, being remarkably buoyant, are floated in clumps, -or, perhaps, are made into rafts, on which _boossah_, (or chaff,) and -even corn, are laden; or they are tied to the sides of very large boats, -which also carry from five hundred, to as many thousands, as a cargo. -The buoyancy of the bamboo is occasioned as much by its various cells, -as by the lightness of its wood. These cells, in a common sized bamboo, -may be about three quarters of an inch in diameter in those joints that -are near the roots; where the wood is far more solid and compact than in -the upper parts, towards which the cells become gradually wider, and the -joints longer; thus reducing the substance of the bamboo very -considerably, as we find to be the case with reeds in general. This -variety in the several parts affords considerable convenience, their -allotment being made according as the work may require more or less -substance; and, as the whole bamboo may be split, like whale-bone, from -top to bottom, without much exertion, scope is afforded for applying it, -with great promptness, to an infinite variety of purposes. - -In their whole state, bamboos are used, not only for rafters in the -construction of _bungalows_, but as yards for the sails of the common -country craft; sometimes those of extraordinary size are selected for -top-gallant studding-sail booms, in vessels not exceeding four or five -hundred tons: their immense strength qualifying them admirably for that -situation. The smaller open boats, throughout the East, are generally -fitted with bamboo masts, selected from the lower part of the reed, the -upper being more suited, by its lightness, to be employed as yards: -thus, for three-pence, a boat of about four or five tons may be -furnished, from the same bamboo, with both mast and yard. In vessels of -greater burthen, two or more, even up to a dozen, of bamboos, are lashed -together around a stout piece of wood, which, passing through the -thatch, fits into a step on the vessel’s bottom, and is well secured by -chocks and lashings in various places. This stick, which serves as the -base of the mast, may be about fifteen feet long, and nine or ten inches -diameter: it is commonly left in a very rough state, that the bamboos -which are to surround it may be more firmly held in their places. In -this manner the mast is run up, probably to the height of forty or fifty -feet, according to the vessel’s burthen, and at every two or three feet -is bound by cords made of white hemp. The position of this -awkward-looking pile is maintained by stays innumerable; many of which, -being allowed to point forward, before the line of the mast’s -perpendicular, obstruct the bracing of the yard very considerably. The -strength of that yard must be proportioned to the sail; sometimes one -well-selected bamboo may suffice, but in vessels of great bulk, say from -sixty to ninety tons, two, or even three, stout bamboos are found -requisite. - -The sail is usually made of a very coarse kind of canvas, constructed of -a very indifferent kind of hemp, generally used for rice bags, &c., and -known by the name of _gunny_: each piece may measure six or seven feet -by thirty inches; consequently, the innumerable joinings made in a large -sail, offer a very ready means for the wind’s escape. _Blacky_ is not -very particular in this respect; with him, a sail is a sail, so long as -a bit remains adequate to giving the vessel way through still waters. - -It will naturally be asked, ‘Why is such miserable tackling in use?’ The -reasons are, _firstly_, because the native owner of a vessel will not go -to one farthing expence beyond what may be indispensably necessary, -however clumsy, or subject to mishap, to set his vessel afloat, and to -have her, as he thinks, ready for departure. _Secondly_, the materials -are probably of his own growth, or he deals in them, or, which is often -the sole motive, he finds them, in the first instance, by far cheaper -than more substantial materials; and, _thirdly_, even if other materials -of a better quality, and in every instance more appropriate, were to be -had for the same money, he would not very readily deviate from the -customs of his ancestors. Were a vessel fitted up on European principles -to be wrecked, the whole family would impute the accident to the sin -engendered by such adoption of the customs of a race held in abomination -by even the lowest _casts_, (or sects,) throughout the country. -Nevertheless, we sometimes see the _manjy_ and _dandies_ grievously put -out of their way, by some shrewd native, who resolutely breaks through -the general prejudice, and imitates that which his faculties convince -him is founded upon science. Not that he will understand the how, and -the wherefore: no; he sees the practice is good, and he adopts it: -whereas, if any regulation were to be framed to enforce his compliance -with our system, in that, or in any other particular, we should -assuredly witness his receding, if possible, from every idea of -improvement; or, if under the necessity of conforming, that his whole -deportment would betray the reluctance, and antipathy, he felt on the -occasion. - -May not this trait in the character of Asiatics in general, serve as a -hint to those who talk of coercing them to the adoption of Christianity? -May it not shew that much may be done by _suaviter in modo_, provided we -temper the _fortiter in re_?—Certainly! - -Exclusive of the bamboo, the natives have an ample resource for rafters, -as well as for posts and pillars, in the cocoa-nut tree, which grows, it -may be said wild, throughout those parts within reach either of the -sea-water, or of the sea-air. Not that it is absolutely confined to such -situations; but, in proportion as those are removed, so does the natural -growth of this tree gradually diminish; giving way to the _taul_, (or -fan-leafed palm,) which, though less umbrageous, and, in many instances, -less useful, attains a great height, and furnishes a much larger -quantity of wood. In general, few _Bengallees_ will cut down a -_nereaul_, (or cocoa-nut tree,) which supplies them with so many -requisites. Thus, the outer coating, which often weighs from one to two -pounds, when stripped off longitudinally, furnishes those fibres called -_coir_, whereof both small rigging and cables are made. This kind of -rope is particularly elastic, and buoyant; floating on the surface of -the sea, to any extent; therefore, when, owing to the strength of the -current, a boat misses a ship, it is usual to veer out a quantity of -_coir_; having previously fastened an oar, or a small cask, &c. to its -end: by this device, the boat may be easily enabled to haul up to the -ship’s stern. - -I should think, that, were a _coir_ hawser kept on board every ship in -the British marine, a great number of lives would be saved. It is, -however, peculiar, that fresh water rots _coir_ in a very short time; -corroding it in a most unaccountable manner; whereas salt water -absolutely invigorates; seeming to afford additional elasticity. This -shews that _coir_ is by no means fit to be used in running rigging, nor -as shroud-hawsers, &c., especially for vessels subject to approach low -latitudes; it being easily snapped in frosty weather. - -Nothing can equal the ease with which a ship rides at anchor when her -cables are of _coir_: as the surges approach the bows, the vessel -gradually recedes, in consequence of the cable yielding to their force; -but, so soon as they have passed, it contracts again, drawing the vessel -gently back to her first position. The lightness of the material -doubtless adds to this pleasing effect; for the cable would float, were -not the anchor sufficiently heavy to keep it perfectly down. It is to be -remarked, that a hempen-cable always makes a curve _downwards_, between -the vessel and the anchor, but a _coir_ cable makes a curve _upwards_: -therefore, if a right line were drawn from the hawse-hole, to the ring -of the anchor, it would be something like the axis of a parabolic -spindle; of which the cables would form the two elliptic segments, or -nearly so. - -A very considerable trade is carried on, from all parts of India, with -the Maldivies, and Sechelles, (very numerous clusters of islands near -the west coast of the peninsula,) for _coir_ and _cowries_; the latter -being used for inferior currency, while the former is greatly -appreciated, on account of the fibres being much larger, and firmer, -than those grown upon the continent. Not only the islands above named, -but all within the Indian seas, abound with the cocoa-nut tree; which, -in many of them, stand absolutely in the water. These owe their origin -to the growth of such nuts as, having been blown down, or dropped, when -ripe, are buried in the sands; above which their acrospires soon appear, -when the tree shoots up with greater vigor than its inland competitors. -It is said, that, about a hundred and fifty years back, the _Sechelles_ -and _Maldivies_ were known only as concealed sands, highly dangerous to -the navigator; and that, after they had, by the action of the sea, -accumulated so as to become superficial, a vessel laden with cocoa-nuts -was wrecked upon one of these banks, which speedily threw up whole -forests of that tree, in consequence of the seed thus furnished: others -attribute the first supply to the adventitious floating of nuts from the -Malabar coast. Nothing appears to discredit either of the accounts; but -the former appears by far the most probable. Be it one way or the other, -we now find that the islands in question not only produce immense -forests of cocoas, but, that they are inhabited by a people, governed -much in the same way as the other Arabian islands, (for such we may call -these, as well as Johanna, Comora, Succotra, &c.;) and whose commercial -relations may be said to consist of _coir_ and _cowries_, bartered with -their neighbours of the peninsula, and the Arabs of Museat, &c., for -cotton-cloths, rice, sugar, &c. To whatever chance it may have been -owing, the navigator now feels less anxiety when near these isles; for, -notwithstanding they are so little elevated as to remain nearly in their -former state of immersion, yet their cocoa forests, which generally -tower to the height of thirty or forty feet, being visible at the -distance of many miles, enable him to ascertain his locality with -correctness, and to avoid the numerous shoals, by a due attention to the -bearings and soundings. The natives are said to be extremely well -acquainted with their archipelago, and to pilot vessels of great burthen -with perfect security and precision. - -The next consideration with the native, respecting the cocoa-nut, is its -water, by us called cocoa-nut milk. This pleasant beverage is contained -within the shell, and, in general, may amount to three quarters of a -pint. It is purest when the nut is so young and tender as to allow the -husk and shell to be cut with about as much facility as a stringy -turnip; at which time, very little coagulum adheres to the interior of -the shell, and that little is soft, like milk barely turned by rennet. -Gradually, the water becomes rather turbid, and acquires a stronger -taste; while the coagulum encreases to about the third, or even the -half, of an inch in thickness; hardening, and becoming tough, but easily -snapped into pieces. When arrived at this state, it abounds in oil, -which, at first is remarkably sweet, though of a peculiar flavor, and is -much used by the native Portugueze, in lieu of _ghee_, in their culinary -operations. - -The mode of extracting the oil is very simple: a piece of wood, say two -feet in length, six inches broad, and two or three thick, bears at one -of its extremities a stem of iron, driven in by means of a spike: this -stem must be stout, and should measure about ten inches; but, towards -its summit, spreading into the form of an inverted crescent, somewhat -concave, and deeply jagged at its circumference. Sitting, as usual, on -the ground, the operator keeps the baton from tilting, by placing one of -his feet firmly upon it: in that position he takes the nuts, commonly -broken into two or more pieces, by a forcible stroke of some heavy -implement, or by dashing them on the floor, and, by rasping the interior -of each piece against the jagged edges of the iron, causes the coagulum -to fall, in form of a coarse powder, into a vessel placed below to -receive it. To effect this with more facility, the stem slants obliquely -from the baton; allowing room for the receiver to be put immediately -under the crescent. The raspings are now put into hot water, in which -they are well stirred and pressed with a large wooden spoon; by this -means the oil is separated; it is drawn off by opening a little hole -near its surface, as it floats upon the water. It is inconceivable how -much oil is thus obtained in a few minutes; but, both from its own -nature, and the mode of extraction, it soon becomes offensively rancid; -a state in which it is by no means objectionable to the swarthy -_Signors_, who, as well as the Hindus in general, are partial to it as -an unguent for the hair. To a fresh European, the scent of this powerful -finish to the charms of an Indian Venus is highly objectionable: of all -the stinks of which India can boast, it certainly is the worst. But, as -before observed, if used immediately after extraction, nothing can be -sweeter: it also burns remarkably well; therefore is in general use for -lamps among all the European inhabitants. The residuum, after separating -the oil, fattens poultry better than grain: the pork of swine fed upon -cocoa-nuts is delicious; as must be confessed by all who have visited -the Andamans and Nicobars. Considering the coagulum as a food for -mankind, I should by no means feel disposed to recommend it; though it -is certain that the natives eat of it freely: experience satisfies me, -that it is extremely difficult of digestion; and that, when ate as a -meal, much inconvenience, if not indisposition, will generally follow. -Nor can I recommend the water of the young nut to persons whose bowels -are not of the strongest; it being aperient, and, when used beyond a -certain quantity, extremely apt to induce dysentery: the amount of a -nut-ful may, perhaps, be drank with perfect safety. During very hot -weather, if the nuts are fresh gathered, or suffered to remain for a -while in cold water, it is not very easy to withstand the temptation. - -The shell of the cocoa-nut is always most valuable when suffered to -ripen upon the tree; it then acquires great hardness, and a fine dark -chocolate color, interveined by fine lines of a rich dun, or clay, or -perhaps striated with those tints: they then take a good polish, and -may, when tastefully mounted, be considered as ornamental to the -sideboard. But, it is to be observed, that they are rather a brittle -ware, compared with their solid appearance; and, that it requires a -great length of time to divest them wholly of a certain strong scent, -reminding those who have been accustomed to the oil, of that peculiar -and powerful rancidity it invariably acquires by long keeping, and -especially by exposure to the air. - -Previous to the introduction of lamps in the halls, passages, &c., in -the houses of Europeans, cocoa-nut oil was to be had for about -three-pence, or four-pence, per _seer_ (_i.e._ the measurement of a -_seer_, which comes very nearly to the English quart; in some places -exceeding it, but in others falling short). Since that practice has -obtained, in consequence of candles having been doubled in price, the -oil has likewise been enhanced; so that it now sells at about three and -a half, or four _seers_ per rupee; which accords with seven-pence -halfpenny of our currency per quart. No kind of animal oil is in use -among the natives of India, either as food, or in manufactories; if, -indeed, we except that most curious production, the _meemii-ke-tale_, or -oil extracted from the bodies of malefactors; who, being well fed for a -month, or more, previous to execution, for the purpose of encreasing -their fat, have large fires lighted under them while on the gibbet, and -metal vessels placed to receive the drippings. That this practice has -heretofore obtained, under the government of the native princes, does -not, I believe, admit of a doubt; but, that it is now obsolete, is -equally certain. Still _meemii-ke-tale_ (_i.e._ human oil) may be had at -many places; though not genuine, but composed of whatever materials may -form a mass resembling that originally in use. I have seen several of -these masses, which were of a dark, opaque brown, appearing something -like coagulated blood mixed with dirty jelly, and become hard by -exposure to the sun, or by inspissation: its smell was intolerably -offensive. On the whole, this celebrated extract, which is supposed to -cure all contractions, and stiffness of the joints, is a subject of -astonishment, when we consider it to be in use among a people so very -peculiar in their tenets, and professing so much humanity, not only -towards their brethren, but towards all animated nature. Had Shakespeare -been acquainted with the existence of the _meemii_, he certainly would -have given it a place in Hecate’s stir-about! - -If the natives were intent upon obtaining animal oils, the greatest -abundance could be commanded; porpoises, turtles, alligators, -dog-fishes, and sharks, all of which contain large quantities, exist in -every part where the water is brackish; some of them, indeed, become -even more numerous as their distance from the sea encreases. Whales, -likewise, are occasionally seen in the Indian Sea, and in the Mozambique -Channel are extremely common. But, to persons habituated from their -infancy to the use of high-savored viands, any sweet oil would be -insipid: such people want a _haut-goût_ in their sauces; yet it must be -confessed, they certainly manage to render even their strongest -preparations extremely palatable; but, to relish them properly, the -culinary operations must not always be witnessed. _Babachees_, or cooks, -in the employ of Europeans, are sometimes extremely filthy; far more so -than when dressing their own victuals. Few of the natives are sparing in -the use of water on such occasions, even though it should be brought -from some distance; yet, it is equally true, that whole villages are -sometimes content to use water from a pool, comparable only with that -into which Ariel ushered the surly Caliban. - -The trunk of the cocoa-nut tree not only answers, when the central pith -is scooped out, for canoes, but, when split, as it may easily be into -slips of any width, forms excellent rafters: if applied to that purpose, -all the soft part is taken entirely away, leaving only the exterior -case, which is very hard, tough, and elastic, about three inches in -thickness. A trunk of about a foot in diameter will commonly rive into -five staves, each about seven inches wide: such should be placed -edgeways on the walls, that their scantlings may be in a proper -direction. Rafters thus made, provided they be not more than twenty -feet, or thereabouts, in length, and not too heavily laden, will stand -for generations, without shewing the smallest symptom of decay. In -saying this, I am to be understood as alluding to their being under -cover; otherwise, they will not exhibit such durability, although they -may fully claim to be on a par with most of the indigenous timbers. - -The reader is to understand, that, excepting where merely temporary, -that is to say, intended for a few weeks, or months, _bungalows_ are -always built with pavilion thatches; by which construction they resist -the weather far better, while the quantity of brick-work is considerably -less than where gables are run up. The proximity of the thatches in the -_veranda_ parts, renders them far less cool, in the hot months, than the -interior, in which the thatch is so much further removed: the latter -would be rendered much cooler were flues, or ventilators, to be made for -the purpose of carrying off the rarefied air, as already suggested. -Cocoa-nuts are often sawed into two equal parts, for the purpose of -being made into ladles: to effect this, a hole is made on each side, -about half an inch from the edge, and a stick is passed through, serving -as a handle; much the same as we see in the _jets_ used by brewers for -taking liquor out of their vats. When sawed into two equal parts, across -the grain of the _coir_ coating, cocoa-nuts make excellent table -brushes, causing the planks to assume a very high polish from their -friction. As this operation requires some strength, it is proper to be -careful that the edges of the shell, if left in, (as is sometimes, -though improperly, done,) should be perfectly smooth; being once -rendered so, they will never scratch, however forcibly the brush may be -applied. A very good mode is, to strip off the _coir_, and, after -soaking it well in water, to beat it with a heavy wooden mall until the -pieces become a little pliant, when they should be firmly bound together -with an iron ring: their ends being then levelled, the implement is fit -for use. A little bees’-wax rubbed occasionally upon them, adds greatly -to the lustre of the furniture, without being clammy. - -The stem of the toddy-tree is very similar to that of the cocoa, but -grows to a much greater height, and is put to the same purposes. On -first seeing a grove of toddy-palms, one would suppose that a strong -wind must inevitably tear up the whole by their roots; which consist of -innumerable small fibres, that penetrate but a very little way, -comparatively, into the soil. When one of these trees is laid prostrate -by the wind, a very small cavity is made, rarely so much as a cubic -yard. The leaves differ very widely from those of the cocoa: the former -being rather spear-shaped, about a foot, or more, in length, by perhaps -two inches at their broadest part, and attached to each side of the rib, -which may be from ten to fourteen feet in length, and hang gracefully on -every side of the trunk; covering the nuts, which grow on very short, -stiff stems, close under the place where the leaves start from it in all -directions; a tuft of similar, but smaller, branches, grow with rather a -vertical tendency. - -The _toddy-palm_ has, on the contrary, about ten or a dozen large -leaves, radiated from their stems, arranged in folds very similar to a -lady’s fan half spread; but the outer edges are indented considerably: -the leaves form each about three-fourths of a circle, but not very -regularly so; some more, some less. These are made into _punkahs_, or -fans, of various sizes; or, when torn into strips of about two inches -wide, which may be about the medium breadth of each fold, serve the -natives in lieu of paper. The greater part of the accounts kept by -Bengallees are written on these leaves, by means of any sharp-pointed -instrument, which, marking through the glossy rind, or coating, on -either side of the leaf, remains, ever after, perfectly distinct and -legible. Those who wish to have the letters still more so, rub the -leaves, after filled with writings, with _kaujool_, or lamp-black; which -sinks into the porous parts laid open by the instrument, but easily -wipes off from that portion of the surface which has not been pierced. -Some hundreds of these leaves may be seen, secured together at one end -by a twine passed through each, like waste paper in a grocer’s shop; -thus forming a voluminous collection. The fruit of the _taul_ consists -of two, or sometimes three, _lobes_, or pods, somewhat similar to those -in a horse-chesnut, and, like them, concealed in a pithy, spherical -coating, but with a smooth exterior. Each _lobe_ is hollow, and contains -a small quantity of very clear liquor, partaking, in a very slight -degree, of the flavor of rose-water; the _lobes_ themselves are about -the size of a Chelsea-bun, are rather of a crisp, but gelatinous -substance, and pleasant to the palate: their exterior is covered with a -very thin, brown rind, like that of an almond; rather astringent, but by -no means acrid. - -The liquor, called _toddy_, is obtained by making an incision under the -head of the tree, when, a thin wedge being introduced, the _toddy_ will -gradually exude into a vessel suspended to receive it. This liquor is -very pleasing when fresh drawn, but, in a few hours, acquires a harsh -flavor, ferments, and becomes highly intoxicating. It answers admirably -as leaven, making very light dough; but if kept, as is too commonly -done, until rather sub-acid, it communicates a most unpleasant tartness -to the bread. Groves of _toddy-trees_, in some parts of the country, -yield a very handsome revenue, and great profit to the renters. Like the -cocoa-nut tree, they have within their summits a substance very like a -cabbage in flavor: this occasions mariners sometimes to fell them, with -the view of carrying that part to sea; where it will, if left within its -rind, keep for many months. I have tasted of this vegetable, but did not -feel much gratified, though it assuredly was not disagreeable: it seemed -to require much boiling. - -The stem of the _toddy-palm_ is annulated, but not very deeply: of this -the _toddy_-men take advantage, ascending to the summit, and descending -again to the plain, with wondrous agility. This is effected by a piece -of strong twine, about a yard or more in length, but doubled into a loop -of half that extent. The great toes are respectively put into the ends -of the loop, so as to keep it perfectly extended. The man first embraces -the tree, as high as he can reach, for the purpose of raising himself -from the ground; his feet being instantly carried, on opposite sides of -the trunk, as far asunder as the loop may admit. Then, sustaining -himself by means of the loop, he slides his arms upwards to take a -second spring; following, in due time, by the removal of his feet, as -much higher as he has been able to reach. In this manner, successively -stretching up his arms, and swarming with his feet, he reaches the -summit; where, while he either suspends the pot, or releases it, his -weight generally rests on the loop. The great art, both in ascending, -and descending, is to keep the loop always stretched: should it be -allowed to slacken, in all probability it would fall off. Few persons, -following this profession, require more than half a minute to mount the -highest _palmira_; by which name the _toddy-palm_ is most generally -known to Europeans. The natives designate it the _taul_ (or -_taul-gautch_). - -I believe very few kinds of wood, except those I have mentioned, ever -come within the ordinary course of domestic architecture; though, in -some few situations, the _soondry_ and _jarrool_ are employed for the -minor purposes; but, with some reserve on the part of the natives, who -hold them to be more applicable to the construction of small craft, and -to the formation of carriages of various descriptions. The _soondry_ is -a remarkably tough, heavy, and elastic wood; while the _jarrool_, though -rather harder, more resembles the beech, than any other of our -indigenous timber trees: as a material in boat-building, it ranks next -to the _teak_, hence, many of the _donies_, (or coasting vessels,) -measuring from fifty, to a hundred and fifty, tons, are principally -built therewith. When _teak_ is scarce, we occasionally see the -ship-wrights apply _jarrool_ in their repairs of the upper works of -large vessels. - -Having said thus much of the manner in which houses, and _bungalows_, -are constructed, I have only to observe, that, of late years, the -European architects have been rather prone to sacrifice comfort to -appearance. Those old houses built at a time when _punkahs_, _tatties_, -glass-sashes, &c., were not in use, certainly evince that attention was -paid to coolness, but without disregarding convenience. Now, although -building is full fifty per cent. cheaper than it was thirty years ago, -we see the walls much less substantial, and, on the whole, a want of -local fitness in the arrangement of the several apartments. I must -caution the reader, that what would appear an admirable plan for a -residence in our climate, would be found totally inconsistent with the -temperatures attendant upon the changes of season in India, and with the -several practices, and operations, peremptorily necessary towards -meeting those changes. It must never be forgotten, that, at some -seasons, and at some hours in all seasons, every door and window is -usually thrown open; likewise, that, during the continuance of the hot -winds, such apartments as cannot be kept moderately cool, by _tatties_ -applied to some apertures on that floor, whence the current of -refrigerated air may find admission, will be scarcely habitable, and, at -night in particular, will glow like ovens. - -The hot-wind commonly rises with the sun, blowing at first very gently, -but encreasing gradually, until about one or two o’clock; after which, -it subsides into a perfect calm. This is its ordinary course, but some -days remain calm throughout, while, at other times, the wind blows a -hurricane the whole night through. I have, indeed, known it to continue, -with very little change of temperature, or variation of force, for full -ten days; during which period, the nights were, if any thing, hotter -than the days; so that extra _b’heesties_ were retained to water the -_tatties_ during the night. That was, to be sure, a very singular -season, carrying with it a prodigious mortality; great numbers dying -suddenly. It was peculiar that the fit, which resembled apoplexy, -attacked all ages alike, and paid no deference to the abstemious and -temperate, any more than to the licentious and gormandizing classes. - -In describing the habitations of the lower orders of natives, I -explained, that their chief attention was paid to privacy, and to the -exclusion of the glare. The superior ranks are not less intent upon the -same objects; though many of their state apartments do not indicate, -that either the one or the other were of the smallest consideration. -Some of the _Durbars_ are uncommonly exposed; and, in consequence of the -crowd, the fastidious ceremony observed, and the constant succession of -entrances and exits, form a most uncomfortable _tout ensemble_. Yet, it -appears that the natives have made little or no variation in their -system, not only within the time we have been acquainted with them, but, -if we examine their ancient structures, not for centuries before a -British foot was placed upon their soil. We ordinarily find nearly the -same aspect given to all their buildings, especially to their places of -worship: _nimauzes_, (or open temples,) where the Mussulmans are in the -habit of offering up their prayers, invariably are made to front the -west; under the idea of their facing the shrine of Mahomed. This error -may be considered on a par with the placing of altars in our churches -always at the east end, with the view to their standing towards the -place of our Saviour’s nativity: we also inter our dead with their heads -to the west, on the same account. - -Having detailed what relates to the domestic habits, and to the -architecture of the country, I shall now proceed to describe the manner -of living among Europeans in India; observing, that there are two very -distinct classes, though perfectly on a footing; namely, the residents -of Calcutta, and those among the civil and military, who are subject to -be detached from the Presidency. Formerly, only such gentlemen as held -offices of considerable emolument, or those who were married, supported -a regular table: such might be said to keep open-house; at least, far -the greater number usually laid several spare covers, especially at -supper-time, under the hope of seeing their friends drop in to partake -of whatever might be in preparation. The dinner hour being known, (for -almost every family then dined between two and three o’clock,) it was -rarely needful to make enquiries respecting the proper moment for -repairing to the hospitable board. Little or no ceremony was required; -the host being as much pleased with the compliment paid by the visit of -a young friend, as the latter was to find a welcome among the most -opulent and respectable portion of the European community. - -Nor did the benefit accruing to the latter, confine itself within the -limits of economical saving: it was generally found, that such as became -habitually inmates of this description, were recommended to the notice -of Government, or to such situations, (if not in the Company’s service,) -as afforded the immediate means of maintenance, or eventually led to -lucrative speculations. A variety of instances could be adduced, of -young gentlemen having, from the foregoing admission within the domestic -circle of visitants, been rescued from that most unpleasant situation, -namely, a want of respectable friends; these, as Shakespeare properly -remarks, ‘had greatness thrust upon them.’ Such _was_ the state of -society when I first arrived in India, [1778] and such _was_ the fair -expectation, with which not only young gentlemen, but many ‘far advanced -upon time’s list,’ landed on the shores of the Ganges. In fact, it -required that some very substantial objection should personally exist, -to deprive any individual of an implied right to the most friendly -reception. Still, however, it must be acknowledged, that a certain -distinction, rather too fastidious, was prevalent in favor of those who -came with appointments to the Company’s service; especially in the civil -line. To a certain extent, such might have been considered reasonable, -when we reflect that future association in the same duties was to be -expected; but, the matter was doubtless carried too far; it being -distinguished by that kind of deference which stamps a superior value -upon its object, the whole amount of which is deducted from the supposed -inferior; thus, causing the former to preponderate in society in a -multiplied ratio, in the same manner as taking from one scale to put -into the other, occasions the difference to encrease in the proportion -of three to one. - -The gradual encrease of commercial transactions, and of intercourse, -with several parts of that extensive territory, which ultimately has -come under the influence, if not the control, of the British government, -served as invitations to many adventurers, who quitted Europe under -assurances of employ in the East. Their expectations were generally -confirmed by permanent establishments in various parts of the country; -whereby a complete change took place, as to the estimation in which -free-merchants, as they are generally termed, were held. - -Among this class, there have, within a few years, appeared numbers, -whose industry, and extensive concerns, rendered them conspicuous; and -it would not, perhaps, be too bold to predict, that, in the course of a -few years, the success of their efforts may prove a stimulus to such an -encrease of private traders, as cannot fail to give birth to events of -great national importance. - -It would not be in place to notice such probable results in this work, -but it may be permitted, without trespassing the bounds I have marked -out to myself, to anticipate, that the commercial society of India will, -in time, grow out of the knowledge of such as surveyed its state some -thirty years ago. We have, at the same time, to lament, that, owing to -such an augmentation of all ranks, it has been found necessary to drop -many customs suited only to a limitted society, and to adopt a certain -reserve, which may not be exactly conformable to those very sanguine -ideas entertained by persons who may have read of the ancient regime of -Oriental hospitality; the declination of which has unavoidably kept pace -with the additional imports consequent to extended commerce. There will, -however, even at this day, be found much to approve; and the mind endued -with sensibility will have to acknowledge many a civility, very nearly -akin to kindness, and sufficiently poignant to give an ample scope for -many a grateful acknowledgment. - -Morning visits are not, generally speaking, so uncommon as they were: -formerly, few went to pay visits of ceremony during the forenoon; for, -the dinner-hour being early, there was little time for such unsocial -compliments; whereas, now, that it is generally delayed until about -sun-set, that is to say, to perhaps five, or six, or even to seven -o’clock, the forenoon is more applicable to the reception of visitors; -who, if on any terms of intimacy, do not hesitate to join the family at -a little _avant-diner_ commonly called a _tiffing_, and known among us -by the name of _lunch_. This kind of refreshment (for it is not -considered a repast) usually takes place between one and two o’clock, -and consists of grilled fowls, mutton chops, cold meats, and sometimes -of _curry_ and rice. Being conducted without ceremony, and in a very -desultory style, the dropping in of friends never occasions the -slightest discontinuance, any more than the accidental arrival among an -English party here, of an intimate, while partaking of a slice of cake -and a glass of wine. The various formalities are, however, now -transferred from P. M. to A. M. and it is usual to see the town of -Calcutta thronged with _palanquins_ during the whole of what is called -the forenoon; but which commonly is made to extend to three o’clock; -about which time, especially during nine months in the year, most -persons are at home, divested of their usual dresses, and reclining, in -some cool apartment, on a bed, or a couch, for the purpose of repose, -and to prepare for that change of linen, and for those ablutions, not -forgetting the bath, which are both comfortable, and essential, in so -very sultry a climate. - -Gentlemen who purpose visiting the ladies, commonly repair to their -houses between eight and nine o’clock in the evening; ordinarily under -the expectation of being invited to stay and sup: an invitation that is -rarely declined. - -Among ladies who are intimately acquainted, morning visits are common, -but all who wish to preserve etiquette, or merely return the compliment -by way of keeping up a distant acquaintance, confine them to the -evening; when, attended by one or more gentlemen, they proceed, in their -_palanquins_, on a tour devoted entirely to this cold exchange of what -is called civility. - -Among the several justly-exploded ceremonies, we may reckon that, which -existed until within the last twenty years, of ‘SITTING UP,’ as it was -called: we must, at the same time, do the ci-devant inhabitants of -Calcutta the justice to remark, that the practice was evidently founded -on good-will and hospitality; although it bore so strong a resemblance -to the exhibition of a cargo of slaves, as to occasion many a -caricature, and many a satirical expenditure of ink. This ‘SITTING UP,’ -as it was termed, generally took place at the house of some lady of -rank, or fortune, who, for three successive nights, threw open her -mansion towards the evening, for the purpose of receiving all, both -ladies and gentlemen, who chose to pay their respects to such ladies as -might have recently arrived in the country. The fair damsels were thus -at once introduced to the whole settlement, and not unfrequently -obtained a variety of offers from men of the first consequence. Many -matches have, indeed, been concluded even before the third night of -exhibition. If we consider the fatigue attendant upon the return of -these numerous visits, (for the slightest omission would have been an -unpardonable offence,) and that the novelty of riding in a _boçhah_, (or -chair-_palanquin_,) would not be agreeable to all, we may form some idea -of what many a delicate female, melting with the heat, tight-laced, and -tormented with musquito-bites, must have undergone during the -performance of this ceremony. To the gentlemen of the settlement, it -might have been abundantly pleasing; they had nothing to do but to post -about in their _palanquins_ from one sitting up to another, and there -either to admire, or to quiz, the fair sufferers, according as their -taste, or caprice, might dictate. The throng has, in some _lovely_ -instances, been so very great, that even a fourth night has been -required for the benefit of bachelors from the interior! - -The great encrease, not only of inhabitants, but of houses, some of -which are situated at an inconvenient distance, has rendered the custom -of ‘sitting up’ nearly obsolete. The modern instances of its -continuance, are, indeed, so very few, and those few so modified, as -barely to leave room for saying that it is at all in use. In these days, -a lady is received on landing by her friends, who, generally, after a -few days of repose, and of preparation, invite their acquaintances, to -be introduced to their fair companion, who, in the course of a week, -usually returns their visits. This is merely a partial shew, compared -with what formerly took place, and is no more than would be practised in -England on a similar occasion: it is true, that, where superlative -attractions exist, many, who probably are not in the habit of visiting -the family, will often avail themselves of the opportunity to _chaperon_ -some acquaintance, merely with the intention of gaining a peep at the -goddess. - -The company rarely sit long at table after dinner, unless among those -convivial souls who deem the presence of a petticoat a perfect nuisance. -Such were formerly very numerous, but of late, the society of the sex -has been more duly appreciated, and we see the gentlemen quitting the -bottle to retire to the _chabootah_, (or terrace,) there to enjoy the -cool air of the evening, and to take a cup of tea, or to smoke their -_hookahs_; after which, those who have business to attend, proceed to -their offices, &c., while the larger portion separate to partake of a -family supper with some of their female acquaintances. Very little -ceremony is used on such occasions; the gentlemen leaving their hats in -their _palanquins_, and ordering their servants to proceed, as a matter -of course, to the houses whither their _palanquins_ are to be conveyed. -In many instances, these evening visits are paid in a very airy manner: -coats being often dispensed with; the gentlemen wearing only an upper -and an under waistcoat, both of white linen, and the former having -sleeves. Such would appear an extraordinary freedom, were it not -established by custom; though, it generally happens, that gentlemen -newly arrived from Europe, especially the officers of his Majesty’s -regiments, wear their coats, and prefer undergoing a kind of warm bath -of the most distressing description, both to themselves, and to their -neighbours; but, in the course of time, they fall in with the local -usages, and, though they may enter the room in that cumbrous habit, -rarely fail to divest themselves of it, so soon as the first ceremonies -are over, in favor of an upper waistcoat, which a servant has in -readiness. - -Supper, though enumerated among the ordinary meals of a family residing -at the Presidency, seems rather to be the means of concentrating the -party, than partaken of with that keenness we often witness in our -colder climate. Few do more than take a glass or two of wine, generally -Claret, with, perhaps, a crust, and a morsel of cheese: the appetite at -this hour, say ten, being by no means keen. After supper, the _hookah_ -is again produced, and, after sitting awhile in conversation, the lady -of the house retires: few remain long after that has taken place. On the -whole, it may be said, that at least four in five are in bed before -twelve; or, perhaps, before eleven o’clock. From this, I exempt all -concerned in card-parties, especially if the stakes run high: for such, -no measure, or calculation, exists; the whole night being occasionally -passed at tradrille, which is the favorite game, or at whist, &c. Such -exceptions fortunately are not very numerous; it would certainly be -difficult to find any city, wherein celibacy among the males is so -prevalent, as at Calcutta, that can boast of so few excesses of any -description. The European inhabitants of respectability certainly live -well; that is, they keep as good tables as the seasons may enable them -to furnish; and they drink none but the best of wines: Claret, Madeira, -and Port, are in general use. - -Of the former, there are two kinds; one called ‘English Claret,’ which -is the best wine that France produces, manufactured after its arrival in -England, with an addition of Brandy, &c., to enable its standing the hot -climate of India, and with other liquids, to give it a richer body. Such -wine generally sells at Calcutta for about thirty rupees per dozen, -equal to six shillings and threepence per bottle. - -The other kind of Claret, which is the purest that can be obtained from -the most valuable vineyards near Bourdeaux, the Coté-Roti, Chateau -Margeau, &c., can rarely be obtained, except in times of peace, when -sixteen rupees per dozen, equal to about three shillings and four-pence -per bottle, may be considered a fair price. This wine, however well -packed, and carefully treated, will not keep long: at the end of six or -seven months after arrival, it will be found rather sharp, and then -becomes extremely pernicious to the bowels. When fresh, it is remarkably -fine, and delicate, and being far lighter than the ‘English Claret,’ is -certainly best adapted to the climate. Occasionally, a few chests of -Claret are imported at Serampore, a Danish settlement, about sixteen -miles above Calcutta, but experience has proved, that, in regard to -wholesomeness, as well as to flavor, it is far inferior to either of the -former: the severe bowel-complaints its free use often occasions, are -attributed to the litharge with which it is said to be fined; hence, -what is called ‘Danish Claret’ is rarely found at any gentleman’s table. - -About thirty years back, a large quantity of Madeira used to be imported -at Calcutta, by the Company, in pipes of extra-measurement, for the use -of their servants. Sometimes nearly a thousand pipes arrived during the -course of the season; being of prime quality, and laid in by the -Company’s agents at Fonchall, it always sold well at the annual -auctions: six hundred rupees was a common average. For some time past, -the Company have, generally speaking, declined this trade, which was of -extensive convenience to the residents at Bengal, and must be supposed -to have paid them amply for their outward tonnage, while the returning -tonnage was always at liberty to receive investments for the Europe -market. The cause of this relinquishment has been attributed to various -circumstances; but, I believe, is to be found in that immense supply -which, at the close of the war in 1782, glutted the markets for some -seasons. Until that date, the Company had nearly monopolized the trade, -there being no competitors of consequence, though the speculation was -open to all; but its excellence, which seemed to offer full seventy -pounds for every pipe, that cost perhaps only twenty-five, or thirty, on -the Island of Madeira, induced the French, Portugueze, and some English -speculators, to embark on vessels under Imperial colors, and to become -rivals in a trade which could not bear extension beyond certain narrow -limits. All could not be supplied at Fonchall; therefore Teneriffe, and -other inferior wines, were substituted; whereby the depreciation even of -the best genuine Madeira was enhanced, and it fell, in consequence, full -fifty per cent. Of late years, very little of the latter has found its -way to India; the produce of the island being almost wholly required for -the Europe market; but the merchants in that quarter have found out the -way to _doctor_ the inferior wines of the neighbouring isles, so as to -sell them at a good price, under the captivating titles of ‘London -Particular,’ ‘London Choice _Particular_ Particular,’ &c. &c. - -The low price to which Madeira fell, (for, in 1781-2 it had been so high -as two thousand rupees per pipe,) made a great change in the affairs of -some adventurers, who had anticipated the golden harvest with which they -were to return to Europe. The general effects were highly beneficial, as -the greater portion of persons settled in Calcutta, &c., were enabled to -purchase large quantities; which, being kept in _godowns_, (warehouses -and cellars,) gradually improved in that hot climate, and, after a few -years, became highly valuable. Many gentlemen availed themselves of the -low state of the markets to supply themselves abundantly; some purchased -from forty to sixty pipes, and thus secured to themselves a supply of -capital wine, for many years consumption, at a certain price. - -It is no uncommon thing to see Madeira, which has been in a gentleman’s -_godown_ ten years in the wood: many have much older wine in their -possession; a few can, indeed, boast of some, which, though -inconceivably mild, and rich in flavor, is extremely potent. None will -attempt to produce, at their tables, Madeira that has not been two or -three years in the country; for the new wine is neither pleasant nor -wholesome, and may be readily distinguished from the old, -notwithstanding some venders are well skilled in the art of adding, in -the course of a few _hours_, many _years_ of age to the liquor. Among -the military, it is found best to purchase wine that is known to be of -good quality, and of a certain age; which is easily done, through the -several agency-houses; all of which have generally large quantities, of -every description, either on commission, or at command. This mode is far -preferable to the otherwise general practice of buying several pipes, -with a view to filling up the ullage, (say of four, from a fifth,) as -the contents decrease. By such management, any person settled at -Calcutta, or elsewhere, may, in the course of five or six years, become -possessed of a stock of excellent Madeira; observing, however, that, in -that time, every fifth pipe will have been drawn off, to fill up its -neighbours: therefore, in computing the value of such remaining pipes, -that of the pipe thus expended must be included. - -Nothing can injure a cargo of Madeira more than the presence of a cask -of coal-tar: it communicates to the wine a most nauseous flavor, and -scent; rendering it totally unfit for use. I recollect, about seventeen -years ago, dining with a General Officer, who had inadvertently allowed -his Madeira pipes to be smeared with coal-tar, for the purpose of -preserving them. Whether it had that effect on the wood I never took the -trouble to enquire, but it certainly _preserved the wine_; which, I -doubt not, may be in existence to this day; for it was really too -potent, even for parasitical stomachs! - -The price of good Madeira wine that has been three or four years in the -country, may be generally stated at about four hundred rupees, equal to -£50. The pipes are not so large as formerly, but will commonly run about -forty dozens; which brings the price per dozen nearly to twenty-five -shillings, or little more than two shillings per bottle. Wine of the -first quality may be about fifty, or even sixty, per cent. dearer. - -The Port-wine used in India is generally of a light kind, not unlike -what we term ‘Southampton Port:’ about ten years ago, when Claret began -to be scarce, a large quantity was sent out, and was bought up with -readiness; but, on account of its astringent, and, consequently, -heating, quality, it fell into disrepute. It is, nevertheless, highly -esteemed as a restorative, especially in a convalescent state after -obstinate bowel-complaints, and in cases of debility not proceeding from -obstructions. - -Such exceptions are, indeed, rare; for, I believe, very few of the local -diseases are exempted from such connections with obstruction: in fact, -almost every ague, which is a very common complaint in many parts of the -country, and is generally designated the ‘Hill,’ or ‘the Jungle-fever,’ -according to the situation in which it is engendered, either originates -from, or resolves into, confirmed hepatitis. - -Porter, pale-ale, and table-beer of great strength, are often drank -after meals: all these are found in the utmost perfection, for -indifferent malt-liquors do not stand the voyage; and, even should they -arrive in a sound state, would meet no sale. A temporary beverage, -suited to the very hot weather, and called ‘country-beer,’ is in rather -general use, though water, artificially cooled, is commonly drank during -the repasts: in truth, nothing can be more gratifying at such a time, -but especially after eating _curry_. Country-beer is made of about -one-fifth part porter, or beer, with a wine glass full of _toddy_, (or -_palm-wine_, which is the general substitute for yeast,) a small -quantity of brown sugar, and a little grated ginger, or the dried peel -of Seville oranges, or of limes; which are a small kind of lemon, -abounding in citric acid, and to be had very cheap. - -The great cheapness and abundance of the materials, added to the -frequent and great thirst to which Europeans are subject while resident -in India, should appear to be strong inducements toward the free use of -punch, lemonade, sangaree, negus, &c. The reverse is the case; for, I -believe, with the exception of the lowest classes, all such beverages -are totally discarded: they are deleterious; rarely failing, in the -first instance, to injure, and ultimately disgracing all who yield to -the temptation. Fortunately, that temptation is not very strong; as -liquors of a superior quality are found to be more wholesome, more -pleasant, and, in the long run, not much dearer. Besides, there is a -certain odium attaches in that quarter to all who are in the habit of -drinking spirits, whether raw or diluted. In a climate so ungenial to -European constitutions, and where, as above said, thirst is often very -distressing, the frequent recourse to ‘_brandy shrob pauny_’ (brandy and -water) never fails to produce that sottishness at all times despicable, -but peculiarly unsuited to Oriental society, in which at least the -better half are men of very liberal education, and all are gentlemen. - -In saying thus much, I barely do justice to the persons of whom mention -is made; for it may be said, without fear of refutation, that fewer -deviations from propriety are to be found in our Indian settlements, -than in one-tenth the number of inhabitants of the same classes in any -other country, whose manners and properties, either personal -observation, or respectable authors, have enabled me to estimate. - -This results, not simply from the advantage almost every individual in -the Company’s service, and in the mercantile branches, possesses, of -having been brought up in the most respectable seminaries, &c., and of -being early initiated in the walks of decorum and integrity among their -respective friends in Europe; it proceeds partially from the nature of -the climate, and from that mode of association which the duties -attendant upon each profession, as well as certain localities, seem, -imperiously indeed, to inculcate. - -I have before shewn that taverns, punch-houses, &c., are by no means -places of resort, as in Europe: there is no such thing as a coffee-room, -merely as such; unless we so consider the few mansions of certain French -and English _traiteurs_ and _restaurateurs_, who occasionally have to -accommodate committees of shipping, or town meetings, &c., and who send -out dinners to any part of the town, or its vicinity, on terms -advantageous to both parties. Therefore, under such exceptions, which -are rare, and setting apart the _civic_ operations of the beef-steak -clubs, &c., it may properly be said, that coffee-house association is -unknown in Calcutta, at least among the respectable members of the -community. Neither does any corps in the Company’s service keep a mess: -all the officers dine either at home, or in small parties, according as -their several fancies, or occasion, may lead them. It is common to hear -one or two of a party, before they retire from table, which is always -done without the least ceremony, enquire, who will dine with them the -next day? Thus, it is extremely easy to avoid any obnoxious person, be -the objection to him what it may; and as the omission of any individual, -from the ordinary course of invitations of such a description, soon -produces explanation, it is impossible that a person of unpleasant -manners, or of an indifferent character, can, for any length of time, -stand his ground; the whole circle, by degrees, drop his acquaintance, -while, in lieu of that friendly and familiar salutation which denotes -approbation, the shunned offender experiences the most distant, and most -forbidding reserve. Being once condemned, something more than ordinary -must appear to produce his re-admission: for the most part, especially -if habitual inebriation be in question, the unhappy man pursues his -career, either until the grave may receive his dropsical remains, or the -Invalid Establishment affords him an asylum against the mortifying -neglect of his late associates. - -This kind of retirement, of course, can only apply to military -characters, and certainly does infinite credit to the humanity of those -who tolerate the measure. It may, probably, be urged, that such an -institution should not be open to persons retiring merely in consequence -of indulgence in depravity; or because they are no longer acceptable -among their former associates: it may be asserted, that the admission of -such men within so honorable a pale, must be injurious both to the -character of the corps, and to the feeling of those meritorious -individuals who are compelled by wounds, &c., to accept the benefits of -that establishment. This is undeniable; but when we consider, that, -perhaps, after long service in an oppressive climate, the best of us may -be brought to that kind of conduct which disqualifies from military -service, it may not be too much to assert, that the concession and -indulgence thus granted, are at least charitable, and often -incontrovertibly merited. - -Among the gentlemen of the civil service, the society is far less -diversified than with us in Europe; therefore, much facility is afforded -towards the evasion of intercourse with persons in any way unacceptable. -It must at the same time be remarked, that, in this instance, the most -liberal consideration is very generally exhibited; and, that so long as -any hope of reform may remain, there will rarely be found a disposition -to exile a man from that converse with his countrymen, without which he -can neither preserve the appearance of respectability among the natives, -nor, in all probability, receive the approbation of Government. Hence, -what we commonly call a ‘black-sheep,’ is a most marked, and equally -forlorn character, throughout the East; and, consequently, is very -scarce. - -Many years ago, when it was customary for the Governor-General, and some -of the leading gentlemen, such as the Members of Council, &c., to have -public breakfasts weekly, persons of all characters mixed promiscuously -at table; good and bad were to be seen around the same tea-pot. This -occasioned a native of some consequence to remark, that, ‘among -Europeans, all who wore a hat and breeches were gentlemen.’ The sarcasm -was not, however, quite applicable; for, the breakfast being considered -merely the preface to a levee, it was to be expected that, on such -occasions, persons of every description would be seen, who, having -public business to transact at the levee, naturally availed themselves -of the opportunity, without reference to the opinions of others -regarding their private conduct. After the arrival of Marquis -Cornwallis, these public breakfasts were discontinued, and open levees -substituted. This was certainly pleasanter for both the Governor and the -governed. However, there are, to this day, I believe, some remains of -the former ceremony preserved, among a few of the principal gentry; who, -on certain days, expect to see their friends, and such others as may -wish to consult them. Some have two levees, if we may so designate them, -weekly; one for Europeans, and one for natives; but such cannot be -considered official. - -A breakfast in India bears a strong resemblance to the same meal in -Scotland, with the exception of whiskey; the introduction of which, (if -to be had,) or of any other spirits, would be considered both nauseous -and vulgar. The general bill of fare, at this time, consists of tea, -coffee, toast, bread, butter, eggs, rice, salt-fish, _kitchery_, (a kind -of olio,) various sweetmeats prepared in the country, especially -preserved ginger, and orange marmalade, honey, &c.; and, after hunting -or shooting, occasionally cold meat, with proper accompaniments. - -During a great portion of the year, breakfast may be considered rather a -substantial meal. The generality of European gentlemen rise about -day-break, and either proceed to the parade, to their field diversions, -or to ride on horseback, or on elephants; thus enjoying the cool air of -the morning. From the middle of March to the middle of October, the sun -is very powerful, even when the atmosphere is overcast with clouds of -great density. This induces all who ride for health, or for pleasure, to -avoid violent exercise; they proceeding, generally in small parties, -each gentleman being attended by his _syce_, who carries a whisk made of -horse-hair, fastened to a short lacquered stick, for the purpose of -driving away the flies, which are generally very troublesome both to the -horses and to their riders. It is not uncommon to see the backs of the -latter covered with these noxious parasites, which, by their buzzing, -and their attempts to alight on the face, produce extreme irritation. -During some part of the year, when scarce a leaf is in motion, and the -clouds hang very low, exercise, even so early in the morning, is often -found more injurious than refreshing: at such seasons, nothing but the -abundant perspiration which then relaxes the whole frame, and absolutely -oozes through the light cloathing in common use, could prevent the -occurrence of diseases highly inflammatory. Many feel so uneasy, in -consequence of this unpleasant exudation, as to be induced to change -their linen three or four times within the day; but, however refreshing -such a change may prove, it is by no means to be commended; experience -proving that considerable prostration of strength is the inseparable -consequence of so ill-judged an indulgence. The best plan is, to have -night apparel, and to ride out in the linen worn during the preceding -evening; changing for a clean suit on returning, so as to sit down to -breakfast in comfort. - -Those who are subject to bile cannot be too cautious in regard to their -diet; which should be rather sparing, and confined to viands dressed in -a simple manner. Many gentlemen of the faculty, in England, entertain an -opinion, that eggs, moderately boiled, are rather beneficial, than -otherwise, in bilious cases: the idea they entertain is, that the yolk -assimilates with the bile, and carries it off. But practice is better -than theory; and it is to be wished, that such as maintain the above -hypothesis could view the number of patients who may be said to owe -their pains and sorrows merely to the practice of eating eggs for -breakfast. In this climate, to a person possessing a robust -constitution, and whose stomach might vie with that of an ostrich, eggs -may be innocent; but, in the East, where relaxation weakens the powers -of digestion, they are by no means a proper article of diet. If, as -physicians assert, assimilation takes place, it assuredly is on the -wrong side of the question; for I believe all oriental practitioners -will allow, that the bile is considerably augmented, but not carried -off, by eggs. - -However grateful many of the other items, such as salt-fish, &c., may -be, they certainly cannot tend much to the preservation of health; -therefore, should be discarded from the breakfast table. I speak -feelingly; for, although I did not possess sufficient resolution to -withstand what then appeared a very alluring temptation, I have now the -candor to confess, that thirst, heat, and uneasiness were generally -attendant upon my imprudence, and no doubt occasioned me to swallow many -a nauseous dose, which might have been avoided by a moderate share of -discretion. Therefore, let me strongly recommend to those of my juvenile -readers who may be about to proceed to India, not to indulge in -breakfasts such as I have described. - -The tea used in India is generally what we call green, or hyson; very -little bohea being drank. It is very rarely that either kind can be -obtained good; indeed, the climate speedily renders tea unfit for use, -if at all exposed to the air: on this account, leaden catties of various -sizes, but generally containing from four to ten pounds, are employed -for preserving it. These catties fit in pairs, or, if large, singly, -into neat boxes provided with locks. But little tea being sold retail, -it is usual for a few friends, perhaps three or four, to club, and buy a -chest; which may be had for about 150, or even so high as 200 rupees -(£25). This, however, is not the price of the best teas, which -occasionally sell for nearly double the latter sum, unless there may be -a very large supply at market; when, as it is a very perishable -commodity, the prices sometimes fall even below prime cost. To say the -truth, it rarely matters much whether the tea be good, or bad; for it is -always made at a side-table by some menial who knows nothing of the -matter, and who never tastes it himself: hence, a cup of good tea is -really a rarity; which must appear extraordinary, when it is recollected -that many vessels import at Calcutta in five or six weeks only from -China. - -The Arabs now convey immense quantities of fine coffee from Mocha to -every part of India; but they sell it at a high price, generally from -forty to sixty rupees, or even more, per maund of 82lb.; which brings -it, at the latter rate, to 3_s._ 9_d._ per lb. in its raw state. Bourbon -and the Mauritius raise coffee, but of an inferior quality; and, within -these few years, considerable plantations have been formed at -Chittagong; but the produce, though abundant, cannot compare with even -the French coffee. - -I have often had coffee that tasted very salt, and rather bitter, the -cause of which was then unknown to me; but a gentleman, who was ‘up to -the trick,’ assured me it was occasioned by the _frazils_ (or baskets) -being immersed in seawater, in order to give the berries that greenish, -horny appearance, which is supposed to be the indication of a superior -quality. - -Sugar-candy is always used for making tea, coffee, and, indeed, for all -such purposes: it is to be had of various degrees of purity, and either -of indigenous manufacture, or imported from China. The former kind is -sold by the maund, and may be estimated at from twenty to forty rupees; -the latter in tubs made of thin deal, and other light wood, in which the -candy is packed among dried bamboo-leaves. The price of a tub is usually -about twenty rupees, (more or less, as the markets may stand,) for which -about sixty pounds weight are obtained. - -Although the sugar-cane is, by many, supposed to be indigenous in India, -yet it has only been within the last fifty years that it has been -cultivated to any great extent: since the failure which took place some -twenty years back in the West Indies, it has become a most important -article of commerce. Strange to say, the only sugar-candy used until -that time was received from China; latterly, however, many gentlemen -have speculated deeply in the manufacture, and, by serving themselves -richly, have rescued the country from a very impolitic branch of -imposition. We now see sugar-candy, of the first quality, manufactured -in various parts of Bengal, and, I believe it is at length admitted, -that the raw sugars from that quarter are pre-eminently good. I have -lately had occasion to purchase some of a very superior fineness, called -_Soonamooky_, from a place of that name in the Burdwan district, which -was as high as eleven-pence per pound. - -About thirty-two years ago, the common raw sugar, known by the name of -_g’hoor_, was to be had at three rupees per maund of 96lb. in the upper -provinces: this was about three farthings per pound; for a _Sonaut_ or -_Tersooly_ rupee then was exchanged at about two shillings, or even so -low as one shilling and ten-pence. In consequence of the great demand -for the article, it rose gradually, but in comparatively a very short -time, to eight rupees the maund of 72lb.; and it has been so high as -twelve rupees, but not, I believe, for any length of time: partial -instances could be quoted, of even fourteen rupees being given. - -The superior kind, which may often be had nearly white, at least of a -dove color, perfectly dry, and sharp grained, under the name of -_cheeny_, was formerly about seven, or eight, rupees per maund (of -96lb.); of late, it has risen to full fifteen; and has been up to -twenty. - -The sugar-candy made in India, where it is known by the name of -_miscery_, bears a price suited to its quality: some may be had at -twenty, and some up as high as forty, rupees per maund (82lb). It is -usually made in small conical pots, whence it concretes into masses, -weighing from three to six pounds each. - -For further information, I must refer my readers to Mr. Colebrooke’s -excellent Essay on the Husbandry of Bengal. - -Bread is not made of flour, but of the heart of the wheat, which is very -fine, ground into what is called _soojy_; a kind of meal, so far from -being pulverized, as to bear a strong resemblance to rather coarse sand. -_Soojy_ is kneaded the same as is done with flour, but there being no -yeast in the country, (I mean such as we know by that name,) it is -leavened by means of _toddy_; which is the juice obtained by making -incisions into the _taul_, (or palm-tree,) already described. In many -parts of India, _taul_ trees are very scarce, and are carefully -preserved for the sake of the _toddy_, which is sold to the _nonbaies_, -(or bakers,) at a high price. In Bahar these trees are peculiarly -abundant: there we often see groves, of hundreds upon hundreds, let out -to the _kulwars_, or distillers, to great advantage. These venders of -misery have the art of rendering the _toddy_ peculiarly potent, by -causing it to work upon the kernels of the _datura_, that grows wild in -every part of India, and possesses in every part, whether the stem, -root, leaf, or nut, a most deleterious property. _Toddy_, that has been -strongly impregnated with _datura_, (which is the name it bears in the -East,) acts very rapidly on the brain; producing mania, and, not -unfrequently, apoplexy, when drank to excess. - -The bread is usually made into small loaves, weighing about a pound -each; these are called ‘single-loaves’ and may generally sell from -fifteen, to twenty, for a rupee; which brings the bread to about three -half-pence, to two-pence, per pound. ‘Double loaves’ include double the -weight, and sell in proportion. A large portion, of both sizes, is baked -in tin moulds, of a brick form; these are generally preferred, on -account of their rarely scorching, and not requiring to be rasped, as -all the other bread, baked in the form of heavy cakes, generally does. - -_Soojy_, (the basis of the bread,) is frequently boiled into -‘stir-about’ for breakfast; and eaten with milk, salt, and butter; -though some of the more zealous may be seen to moisten with porter; a -curious medley, by no means to my taste! Nor is much to be said of its -qualities; as few stomachs are suited to its reception. - -The camp-oven in common use, consists merely of a very large _naud_, or -pot, capable of containing from thirty to fifty gallons, and of rather a -conical form. This vessel is prepared for the purpose, by having a hole -punched through its bottom, large enough to admit a man’s arm; it is -then placed, mouth downwards, over a corresponding cavity, dug out of -the soil, so as to fit close every way; but, in order to allow a proper -draught of air, two, or more, sloping apertures are left, passing under -the circumference of the _naud_. The vessel is next well covered with -turf, &c., and thus rendered capable of retaining considerable heat, -long enough to bake small bread. The interior being filled with chips of -wood, charcoal, _gutties_, (_i.e._ dried cow-dung,) or any other kind of -fuel that may be at hand, a strong fire is kept up in it, until the -_naud_ appears to be nearly at a red heat. The hole, which served for a -chimney, is then closed; and, the embers being withdrawn, the bread is -introduced upon pieces of iron plate, or of tin, or boards, or leaves, -&c., &c. - -I should here remark, that the natives invariably eat unleavened bread, -generally made of wheaten, or of barley-meal; which, being made into a -good dough, is flattened into cakes, called _chow-patties_, between the -hands, with very great dexterity. Such cakes are then either put at the -edges of the heated _choolah_, or fire-place, or they are baked upon a -convex plate of iron, circular, and about ten inches, or a foot, in -diameter. This plate, called a _towah_, is precisely the same as the -_girdle_ made in Scotland for baking their oaten bread, and is used in -the same manner. - -Milk is to be had in abundance throughout India, especially among the -Hindus, who venerate the cow, and follow all occupations relating to the -dairy; but, owing to the general custom of smoking the insides of -whatever vessels are allotted to its reception, will not be obtainable -in such a state as suits the palate of an European, unless a clean -pitcher, &c., be sent to the _gwallah_, or cow-keeper, that the cow may -be milked into it. - -That fuliginous taste, to us so obnoxious, is perfectly palatable, and -perhaps agreeable, to the natives; who assign, as the reason for smoking -their vessels, that it prevents the milk from turning. It, however, -becomes a question, whether or not the operation of scalding, always -performed when practicable, while the milk is warm, be not the true -preventive against acidulation. Certain it is, that sour milk is very -rarely found in India, although, for full half the year, the thermometer -is generally up between 75°, and 95°, in the shade; and, in a Bengallee -hut, frequently rising to 110°, or more! - -The milk obtained from buffaloes is certainly much richer than that from -cows; yet, the butter produced from the former is very inferior, -generally white, and brittle: it, however, possesses qualities suiting -it admirably to the climate, and occasioning the natives to give it the -preference. After being warmed to a certain degree, so as to become -rather liquified, it is kept nearly stationary in that state for a long -time; whereby it loses its aqueous particles, and is rendered fit for -keeping. When thus treated, it is called _ghee_. Others deviate from -this tedious process, and, by exposing it to a greater heat, keeping it -simmering for some time, effect the purpose more speedily, but not -without danger of burning, or, at least, of giving it a certain -empyreumatic flavor. Few of the natives will touch cow-butter, to which -they attribute many bad effects, though they will drink _ghee_ by the -quart, and pride themselves not a little in being able to afford so -luscious an enjoyment. The uncontrolled expenditure of this article, -among those whose purses will bear them out in the indulgence, though it -may tend to that obesity of which they are inordinately vain, cannot but -contribute greatly to the generation of those bilious diseases which so -often attack the more opulent natives. _Ghee_ and idleness may be said -to give birth to half their ailings. As an article of commerce, _ghee_ -possesses some claim to importance; many thousands of maunds being sent -every season from some of the grazing districts, such as _Purneah_, and -_Sircar-sarun_, to the more cultivated parts, and especially to the -western provinces. The _ghee_ is generally conveyed in _dubbahs_, or -bottles made of green hide, which, being freed from the hair, and worked -up while in a pliant state, into the form of a _caraboy_, such as we use -for spirits of turpentine, &c., will keep sweet for a long time, -provided the mouth of the vessel be well closed. In this manner it is -conveyed by water in _dubbahs_, often measuring nearly a hogshead; but a -smaller kind, containing, perhaps, from fifteen to twenty gallons each, -are made for the purpose of being slung across the backs of bullocks, by -which it is carried to places situated at a distance from navigable -streams. The price of _ghee_ varies according to the demand, and to its -quality: generally, from six to eight seers of 2lb. each may be had for -a rupee in favorable situations; otherwise, it will be from thirty to -fifty per cent. dearer. It may be supposed that buffaloes’ milk must -possess a very considerable portion of cream, when it is stated, that -milk is considered very cheap at 30 seers (or quarts) for a rupee, and -that five seers of _ghee_, equal to one-sixth of the mass of milk, may -be had for the same sum, in almost any part of the country. According to -this proportion, we find that one-sixth part of the milk turns to -butter; whereas, in this country, a cow, yielding twenty gallons of milk -within the week, will rarely produce ten pounds of butter; which is -equal to only one-eighth part of the mass of milk: it must, indeed, be a -good cow that will produce that quantity. - -The _d’hoob_ grass, which grows wild in almost every part of the -country, is peculiarly nutritious; but the food of cattle, of all -descriptions, throughout India, is more dry and solid than is offered to -cows in England. Hence, though the quantity of milk yielded by a -buffalo, may not be equal to that of an English cow of equal weight, the -produce in butter, from an equal quantity of milk, will be in favor of -the former. - -I have already stated the difficulty of getting milk devoid of the taste -of smoke; this arises from the cause already described, and is encreased -by the very small proportion of milk yielded by the cows in India, which -are, with few exceptions, white, and rarely grow larger than the -generality of yearlings, or steers, bred in England. In some grazing -districts they thrive well, attaining to full thirteen hands in height, -and weighing, when fit for the butcher, from four to five hundred -weight: but such are merely local, and not very numerous. Butter -produced from cows’ milk is very indifferent, unless carefully made from -such as are well fed. The number of gentlemen keeping dairies is -extremely confined, perhaps less than ten for all India: they certainly -obtain excellent butter, but that sold by the _muckun-wallahs_, (_i.e._ -the butter-men,) would appear, to a stranger, not to be made from the -same species of animals. Considering the price of a cow, which may be -averaged at from four rupees to eight, (_i.e._ from ten to twenty -shillings,) it is remarkably dear, as is usually the case with articles -of inferior quality: thus, we consider three pounds for a rupee to be a -fair rate, though sometimes four may be had; but such can only happen -where cattle are very abundant; for, as I have already said, buffaloes, -and not cows, are almost invariably kept by the natives for their milk, -on account of their greater produce, and because the _ghee_ made from -their butter is more appreciated. We may, therefore, estimate the pound -of cow-butter at nine-pence; whereas, _ghee_ rarely sells for more than -three-pence: a strange disproportion; to be attributed, in some measure, -to the demand for the former being confined to the Europeans. - -In speaking of the _berriarah_, or shepherd, I have already noticed, -that, for the supply of their tea-tables, gentlemen usually keep a few -goats, which afford milk of a remarkably fine quality, and are herded in -company with those store sheep intended to supply vacancies among the -fatting stock. The kids produced, generally twice in the year, by each -milch-goat, (mostly twins, and not unfrequently trins, or even four, at -a birth,) serve to keep up the number of the flock, besides yielding -occasionally a most delicate viand for the table. I know not of any meat -more sweet, or wholesome, than that of a kid allowed to suck the mother -at pleasure: it is as white, and, in proportion, as fat as any veal. -Being in general request, and admirably suited to making rich _curries_, -as also roasting remarkably well, kid-meat may be had of any butcher; -the usual price being a rupee for a whole kid, and in proportion for -halves and quarters. When of a good size, and duly fatted, an entire one -may weigh about six pounds; which brings the meat to five-pence per -pound. - -By the word butcher, we are not to understand the individual to be a -shop-keeper, exposing the several joints of various animals for sale, in -that pleasing mode of exhibition so common in our markets. On the -contrary, a fat _kussee_ (_i.e._ cut-goat,) or two, and two or three -kids, daily, with, now and then, a half-fatted ox during the cold -months, may be said to comprize the whole business of one of this -profession in full trade; indeed, a first-rate knight of the cleaver! -The greater part of the profit arising to this class, is derived from -slaughtering oxen, calves, pigs, sheep, and kids, for families; for -which labor they ordinarily receive a few annas, (or two-pences,) -according to the size of the animal: in most instances they take the -skin, pluck, and, of some, the head, as a perquisite. - -It is impossible to produce finer mutton than is served upon table in -India; nor can there be finer beef than is to be seen in most -cantonments, and among fixed residents. At some of the principal -military and civil stations, those gentlemen who keep a regular table, -usually fatten several bullocks for winter slaughtering. Some of these -are fed full two years, with that intent, on _gram_; and, exclusive of -being burthened with fat on the kidneys, &c., have their flesh -absolutely marbled by the admixture of fat among the fleshy parts. -Sometimes, the officers of a regiment club to fatten four or five head, -the joints of which are either divided according to mutual concurrence, -or drawn for by lot: this supplies fresh beef during the winter season; -very few bullocks being killed at any other time, on account of the -extreme difficulty of curing the meat. To persons inexperienced as to -the hasty strides of putrefaction in hot climates, this forbearance from -beef, for so large a portion of the year, might appear unnecessary; but -the fact is, that, during the close weather, prevalent throughout the -rains, and for a certain part of the hot season, meat, though killed -only about midnight, will often become absolutely putrid long before the -time at which it ought to be on the spit; and that, too, in spite of -every precaution! - -The markets at Calcutta are open at daybreak; when very fine meat, of -every kind, together with various sorts of choice fish, fruits, -vegetables, &c., may be had on very reasonable terms. There, indeed, -beef may sometimes be seen in the hottest weather; because, being cut up -into small joints, a bullock may be readily sold off among so many -customers; but, in general, the prime pieces, together with all the best -fish, &c., will have been bought up by sunrise: the refuse joints are -generally taken by the Portugueze, (who are the only customers for -_bazar_-pork,) and by Europeans of the lower classes, or by persons who -supply the shipping. The whole of the non-commissioned and privates, in -the several regiments of Europeans, are served with meat, rice, spirits, -and fire-wood, by contract; receiving their several quotas early in the -morning, under the inspection of their commissioned officers, who make -their reports regarding any deficiencies, either in quantity, or of -quality. - -Those gentlemen who produce pork at their tables, are extremely -particular as to the manner in which their pigs are fed. Many are so -extremely fastidious, as not to allow any to be served up unless -_educated_, as it is called, in their own sties; the very circumstance -of being _born_ elsewhere, absolutely disqualifying, and rendering of no -avail, all that change of bulk, and all that purification, derived from -perhaps a whole year of confinement to a clean stye; in which nothing -but the best corn (_gram_) is given to the grunting inhabitant. This, -certainly, is carrying daintiness to an extreme; but it must be -confessed, that swine are so offensively greedy in the indulgence of -their appetites in that part of the world, as to give occasion for many -very reasonable scruples regarding the use of _bazar_-pork; which is -indiscriminately killed from the fattest of those wanderers that -sometimes absolutely interrupt the operations of the multitude, who -resort, generally at dusk, and at day-break, to lay their offerings at -the shrine of a certain deity! - -This calls to mind a very laughable circumstance which happened at -Berhampore, in 1803. An officer, who had been many years at Gibraltar, -where a joint of meat, of any kind, was probably snapped up without any -questions being asked as to its _education_, produced at his table a -very fine corned leg of pork, of which all his guests ate with great -avidity. One of them, when the repast was over, begged leave to enquire -how the gentleman kept his pigs; what had been then on table, being of -so superior a flavor, that he presumed it was _educated_ in some very -particular manner. ‘Oh no,’ answered the host, ‘I never trouble my head -about sties; my man bought a whole side of it this morning of Neeloo the -butcher, for eight annas’ (15_d._) This untimely disclosure operated not -only like magic, but like emetic tartar; the whole company were taken -with violent sickness, and retired to give vent, both to the pork, and -to their feelings, on so dreadful an occasion. However, none died in -consequence of having been thus poisoned; but the whole station received -the tale with horror, and resolved, to a man, never to accept another -invitation from the unfortunate hero of the rock! - -Whether it be owing to the foregoing cause, or, that the time necessary -for the completion of a pig’s ‘_education_,’ be too protracted to allow -of persons, subject to removal, engaging in that branch of domestic -economy, may be difficult to determine, but certain it is, that very few -officers have piggeries; they commonly content themselves with hams and -cheeks imported to them from England. The grossness of the viand is, -however, so very inappropriate to the climate, that, even after the most -delicate course of management, pork is by no means considered a choice -dish: sucking pigs are more generally approved. - -Veal is so very seldom to be obtained in the market, of a quality fit to -be brought to table, that it is customary for four or five friends to -subscribe for the purpose of rearing calves for their own expenditure; -each taking a share of every calf that is slaughtered. The best, and -most economical plan, is to agree with some butcher, through whose means -alone it can in general be effected, to receive of him a cow and calf, -the latter being newly born, and to return him the mother, after the -calf may have been killed, together with four rupees (10_s._) By this -mode, the calf will thrive admirably, provided the cow be well fed; but -it is usual, and I have practised it with great success, to give the -little one as much scalded milk as it can drink, three times daily; -drenching it with either a horn, or a quart-bottle: from three to four -quarts, in each of which the yolk of a fresh egg is beat up, will -commonly produce the desired effect, rendering the meat very fine by the -end of a month; the usual age at which they are slaughtered. What with -the keep of the mother, the milk and eggs given to the calf, and the -necessary attendance, a gold-mohur, (£2.,) will generally be expended -upon each calf, unless several be kept together as a successive supply -for the table; in which case, about twelve rupees will be found the -average expence. In this, I reckon the out-lay upon a calf that will now -and then, perhaps one in five, prove a bad subject; and, notwithstanding -every precaution, either scour or pine. - -It is a great misfortune that, on account of the extreme antipathy the -horned cattle of India always exhibit towards Europeans, no possibility -exists for remedying many bad practices, and neglects, to which these -animals are subject, when under the care of the native servants. An -Indian ox, or cow, when at liberty, is always shunned very carefully, -lest it should indulge its savage disposition. On first entering that -country, the cattle would be supposed to be wild, instead of -domesticated; for not one in a thousand will admit the approach of an -European; nor are they always less gentle towards strangers of any -description. As to what are called _tame_ buffaloes, they are commonly -more fierce than any British bull, and, when they have calves at their -sides, make no scruple of attacking man and horse, with unbounded -ferocity. Hence, it is extremely proper to be very cautious of -approaching herds, or single cattle of either kind, even when tolerably -mounted. Sometimes, in riding through the country, and especially where -_jeels_ (lakes) are to be forded, or pools to be passed, the unwary -traveller may find himself, on a sudden, within a few yards of a whole -herd of buffaloes, which, to avoid the heat of mid-day, wallow in the -muddy water, so deep as to have, in general, only their noses and eyes -above the surface. Being, perhaps, among rushes, &c. even those parts -are not discernible, or, if in an open expanse, may be easily mistaken -for clods of mud; for the horns lie back towards the false ribs. On a -sudden, the whole herd sometimes rise, and at the least frighten the -horse, whatever the rider’s heart may be made of: such a surprize, and -from animals that, according to the old saying, ‘give but a word and a -blow, and the blow comes first,’ is far from pleasant. In such -situations, all depends on the conduct of the leading bull; if he -snorts, shakes his horns, and advances, the danger is imminent. But it -frequently happens, that, whether owing to lassitude, or the absence of -any object particularly irritating to buffaloes, of which a red coat may -be considered the extreme, the herd content themselves with rising from -their reclined postures, and, after those who rouzed them may have -passed on, again sink into the friendly pool. - -The British settlers in India are extremely indebted to the Dutch for -many essential improvements. The small town of Chinsurah, situate about -twenty-eight miles north of Calcutta, on the banks of the Hoogly river, -has, in this instance, proved serviceable to India at large. The Dutch, -to whom that place appertained before the war, were the first to -introduce the culture of that invaluable esculent, the potatoe; which -was received from their settlement at the Cape of Good Hope: they -likewise were the first to exhibit any disposition towards horticulture. -From them the British received, annually, the seeds of every kind of -vegetable useful at the table, as well as several plants of which there -appeared much need, especially various kinds of pot-herbs. They likewise -supplied us with vines, from which innumerable cuttings have been -dispensed to every part of Bengal and its upper dependencies. The whole -of the lower provinces, at least, those parts skirting the ranges of -hills that bound them, produce immense quantities of wild vines, which, -during the rains, may be seen partially to bear grapes of a red color, -and about the size of a pistol-ball. These vines tower over the high -_saul_ trees, or creep along the rocky masses, throughout the Ramghur -district especially, in all the majesty of wild luxuriance. - -Here is a field for speculation! Let us suppose, that the wines which -should be raised might not prove of the best quality, still we might -derive the most important advantages from the brandy and vinegar to -which they might be converted. As to wood for the staves, and iron for -the hoops, they are both to be had on the spot; and, in regard to -distillation, abundance of men, sufficiently skilled, may be found among -the natives. Fuel is every where abundant, indeed, a perfect nuisance. -The only impediment I could ever discover, is, that the neighbouring -streams are not generally navigable, or, perhaps, only for a few months -in the year: they might, however, be easily rendered adequate to every -purpose, there being lime-stone in various adjacent hills, while, among -the convicts, who are in a state of idleness for the most part, many -persons might be selected fully capable of constructing whatever -masonry, or timber-work, should be found necessary. - -Some years ago, I had the honor of submitting this suggestion to the -Court of Directors. The India minister of that day was forcibly struck -with the facility obviously afforded of founding an immense national -concern: and, had he remained in office, would probably have taken means -to ascertain every point contained in my memoir, with the utmost -exactitude: the result must have been perfectly satisfactory. - -When we consider, that the Company pay two lacs of rupees (£25,000.) -yearly for spirits, of a very inferior quality, for the use of the -European soldiery; and, that good vinegar cannot be had under two rupees -per gallon, (5_s._) it should seem an object, even in that limitted -view, to cultivate the vine for their own use; but, if we extend the -prospect, and shew that any quantity of brandy, if not of wine, might be -imported from Bengal, the benefits will be found so great, as to claim -every encouragement on the part of the legislature. It appears highly -probable, that full a million sterling would be annually saved to the -nation, by its adoption of this speculation; which might be began at -little or no expence, and be progressively extended, by giving -employment to the whole body of convicts, who now are a heavy burthen on -the revenue, without doing a thousandth part of the service of which -they are physically capable. If my information be correct, there are now -sold at Calcutta near four thousand pipes of Madeira, Teneriffe, &c., -annually, and about as many chests of Claret, including French and -English; the quantity of Brandy imported at that settlement is full -10,000 gallons, besides Hollands, Rum, and other liquors, of which I -shall make no account. The licences granted for the retail of spirits -are amply abundant; and the number of shops where _Toddy_, _Mowah_, -_Pariah Arrack_, &c., are served out, absolutely incalculable. - -From the best computation I have been enabled to make, full 10,000,000 -gallons of spirits are made and sold in Bengal and its dependant -provinces, the average of which may be taken at one rupee per gallon, as -it comes from the still; the retail prices will, no doubt, double that -sum; making no less than 20,000,000 of rupees, equal to £2,500,000 -expended annually by debauchees, and by the regular consumption among -the soldiery, &c. If the foregoing items be put together, they must make -a tremendous total; while we shall see, that a most ruinous intercourse -prevails, throwing money into the pockets of our rivals, and enabling -them to carry home investments in exchange for their own produce. We -shall further see, that, supposing a duty of only 25 per cent. were -imposed on all spirits sold, exclusive of the amount of licences, which -are very trivial, no less than £625,000. would annually flow into the -treasury. This may appear a very large sum, but, when it is recollected -that the manufacture of salt, monopolized by the Company, yields, on the -average of several years, the sum of £1,500,000., (after deducting about -£525,000. for the expences of boiling, &c.,) we may fairly consider the -above computation to be far within the bounds of probability. - -Rum is made in Bengal from refuse sugar, the same as in the West Indies; -its quality is by no means inferior, though it sells, when new, at the -very cheap rate of about a rupee the gallon. It is to be had, of a good -age, of the several great distillers and merchants, at a proportionate -advance. I have known it, after being six years in the _godown_, -(warehouse,) to be compared with Jamaica Rum, warranted ten years old; -when the preference was given decidedly in favor of the former. With -respect to arrack, which is in a manner peculiar to the East; the native -distillers produce excellent alcohol, which, after being properly -rectified, and kept for some years, proves an admirable spirit, supposed -to be far more wholesome than rum. - -Though, on the whole, the fish brought to the Calcutta markets, cannot -be compared with such as we see at Billingsgate, &c., there are, -nevertheless, some kinds, which might please the most dainty epicure. -The _hilsah_, (or sable fish,) which seems to be mid-way between a -mackarel and a salmon, whether for form, general appearance, or flavor, -is, perhaps, the richest fish with which any cook is acquainted. It -abounds so with fat, that most persons, after being served with a -portion, immerse it in boiling water, brought in a soup-plate; thereby -causing a large quantity of grease to float. When baked in vinegar, or -preserved in tamarinds, the _hilsah_ is remarkably fine. - -Like the salmon, these run up to the very spring-heads, seeming to -abound more and more in proportion as they approximate thereto; though -certainly they grow to the largest size, immediately within the tide’s -reach: getting beyond that, they dart up as far as possible during the -season, returning, after spawning, to the sea. They are in perfection -towards the latter end of the rains. - -The _bickty_, (or cockup,) very strongly resembles the jack, and grows -to an enormous size. I have seen one measuring more than eight feet in -length, and various others that weighed full a maund (82lb.) The average -size at which they are brought to market, may be from eighteen, to -thirty, inches in length; and their weight from two to ten, or twelve, -pounds. They flake like cod, to which also their flavor greatly -assimilates. - -_Soles_, of a diminutive size, are sometimes to be had at Calcutta: the -natives call them _kookoor jibbys_, (_i.e._ dogs’ tongues,) in allusion -to their shape. These are sometimes caught in the brackish waters, among -the _bicktys_, or cockups, or in the flat sands about Diamond-Harbour, -&c. _Prawns_ of a very good size, and very small crayfish, are to be -found in most parts of the country, as also a kind of eel, called -_baum_; which, however, bears more resemblance to the gar, or -guard-fish, of which millions may be taken in most of the fresh-water -_jeels_, (lakes,) though rarely exceeding a foot in length. - -The _rooy_, or _r’hooee_, is a species of the carp, as is also the -_meergah_. They are both abundant in the great rivers, and in all the -waters connected with them, though the former are most numerous, and -thrive greatly in ponds. The latter are of a browner color, and rarely -exceed ten pounds in weight, whereas, the former are often found of -fifty lb., and sometimes up to a maund. - -The _cutlah_ is a species of the perch, though some consider it to be of -the bream-kind: it is only found in the great rivers, is generally of a -dark color, approaching to black, and commonly weighs from ten to sixty -lbs. - -The whole of the above, viz. The _r’hooee_, the _meergah_, and the -_cutlah_, may be taken by angling; as may also the _soly_, a species of -the jack, and nearly as voracious. - -_Trouts_, about as large as smelts, are sometimes to be seen in those -small streams that have their rise among mountains, but they are not so -distinctly spotted as we see them in Europe: they are, indeed, very -scarce, and generally bear a small red, or gold, or black, spot on each -scale: the adipous fin, by which all the salmon tribe are distinguished, -is scarcely elevated above the loins. - -The fresh-water anchovy, called by the natives _çhelwar_, is to be found -in shoals on every flat sand throughout the great rivers: these are -generally scared, so as to precipitate themselves on the beach, by two -men, who, wading in the water up to their knees, gradually draw a line -of fifty or sixty feet in length, every where laden with small, colored -rags, in such manner as to enclose the _çhelwahs_ in a crescent, and -ultimately to drive them ashore. Occasionally, _mullets_, of a small -size, are found among the booty: they are remarkably sweet and firm. -Nothing can be more common than to see shoals of them struggling against -the current, especially in the cold months, with their eyes out of the -water. Their motions are very nimble, but it is not uncommon to see -several killed by a round of small shot, from a common fowling-piece: -they are not to be taken by angling. As to the _tingrah_, a kind of -freshwater gurnet, it is extremely voracious, and grows to a good size; -often weighing eight or nine lbs.; though the average may be from two to -four. They are very strong, and afford ample amusement when hooked. The -_skait_ grows to full twelve or fourteen lbs., and is common in all the -great rivers; but, it must be handled with caution, on account of its -having a dreadful spine about the centre of its tail. These two -last-mentioned fishes are rarely seen at table; nor is the _buallee_, -which is rather flat, and has a continued abdominal fin, the same as -eels. This fish is extremely coarse, but desperately rapacious; seizing -almost any bait with avidity, but affording little sport when hooked. - -The _puftah_ is of the same description, but, in lieu of weighing, as -the _buallee_ often does, from ten to fifteen lbs., seldom amounts to so -many ounces. Its flesh is remarkably rich and sweet, but, when hooked, -it is as little disposed as the former to resist. The most esteemed fish -is, that called by the natives _tupsey_, but by us ‘_mango-fish_,’ on -account of its appearing about the time that _mangoes_ first come into -season: it comes up with the tide. In appearance, it is not unlike the -smelt, though rather deeper, and with reddish fins. The flesh of this -fish is fine, but its roe is deservedly esteemed to be delicious. An -immense quantity are cured, by being slightly salted, and sun-dried; -after which, they are smoked for a short time over a fire made of chaff, -&c. - -Turtle, of about a cwt., are to be found in almost every river and -creek, as also in some of the large _jeels_; though they are very rarely -seen in standing waters, and then, perhaps, only in a state of -migration. The flesh of these is peculiarly unwholesome; and, so far -from being, like the sea-turtles, composed of parts resembling fish, -flesh, and fowl, may be aptly compared with bacon of the coarsest -description, with some tendency to rancidity. The _batchwah_, or -‘freshwater herring,’ (though it has no scales,) is one of the best -fishes the Indian rivers produce; but a general prejudice is -entertained, with much justice too, against its selection of food. The -most appropriate baits for most fishes are the _goorgoory_, (or _gryllus -monstrosus_,) and the _cockroach_ (or _blatta_). It would be endless to -recount all the kinds of fishes to be found in the streams and lakes of -India; but it may justly be stated, that, in some parts, their numbers -are so great as absolutely to corrupt the waters. With respect to the -minor species of fish, occasionally served at table, they are very -numerous, and, in most places, abundant: every creek and _jeel_ is -replete with them, and every village in their vicinity contains persons -provided with some kind of apparatus suited to catching an ample supply. -On the larger pieces of water, there are usually either canoes or -_dingies_, which, together with their owners, are subservient to the -_jemmadars_, or head-boroughs, and may also be set in motion for a very -trivial present, made ostensibly to the laborer, but commonly -transferred privately to that proud, imperious, and avaricious officer. - -POULTRY next come under consideration: of this, great variety is to be -found. Fowls, capons, ducks, geese, turkies, and pigeons, are for sale -in every city, or great station, at very moderate prices. In general, -taking an average of all places, fine chickens, called _chujahs_, may be -had at ten for a rupee (_i.e._ 3_d._ each); middle-sized, or -_meem-kabobbies_, (small roasters,) at seven or eight for a rupee (about -4_d._ each); and good-sized roasters, or _kabobbies_, at five for a -rupee (about 6_d._ each). - -Capons are only to be had in particular parts of the country; generally -they are white, and so cheap as to give ten or twelve for a rupee; -though I have purchased no less than twenty-nine for that sum, (_i.e._ -1_d._ each,) in the Tomar district, where they are produced in immense -numbers by the _Pahariahs_, or Hill people, of that mountainous -district. These people are more immediately distinguished by the -designation of _Dangahs_: they are of a small stature, very, very poor, -rather squalid, but capable of undergoing great fatigue: they are -wonderfully adroit in the exercise of the bow; and, after performing the -little labor needful for the cultivation of the vallies, generally -repair, at certain seasons, to the military and civil stations in the -neighbouring districts of Ramghur, &c., where they serve as bearers; -especially on the new-road, which is much frequented by gentlemen -travelling _dawk_, (post,) in _palanquins_, to or from the upper -stations. - -Ducks are of various prices, but may be considered at an average of four -or five for a rupee (about 7½_d._ or 6_d._ each); and geese at a rupee -each. These thrive prodigiously throughout India; but it is far -otherwise with turkies, which are extremely tender, and cannot endure -the great heats of summer, unless allowed to graze upon a plot well -watered, and generally sheltered from the sun. It is not uncommon to see -them crowding to some little verdant spot under the shade of the -lee-side, where a current of air, refrigerated by the _tatties_, passes -out from the _bungalow_, &c. Without some such restorative, they would, -to a certainty, pine away, and speedily disappoint the hopes of their -owner. Among the grass on the plots generally preserved near the -dwelling, it is common to see immense numbers of ants, of all -descriptions, which resort thither both for coolness, and for the -collection of the seeds that are perpetually falling. It is very -strange, but true, that these little depredators are not easily -deterred, by the water being laid on occasionally, from forming their -nest in such plots of grass, though they generally prefer some dry, hard -walk, or level area, along which they form little paths, by laying the -gravel, &c., aside; so that their progress is not obstructed when -robbing some store. Many of these paths may be traced for fifty or sixty -yards; occasionally, they are double; one being appropriated for the -egressors, the other for those returning laden with the booty. When the -turkies light upon such a line of march, they fall to with a famous -appetite; seeming to rival our pheasants in that particular, and -exhibiting the satisfaction they feel on receiving a supply of their -favorite food. In thus devouring the ants, they do great service; for, I -know not of any more unpleasant companions than the little tormentors in -question, whose bite is extremely keen, producing considerable -irritation. Some of these ants grow to full three-quarters of an inch in -length, and are capable of causing great pain. Many prevent their being -destroyed, under the opinion that they feed upon white-ants: this I -never could establish, though I believe they are ready enough to march -off with the body of a dead white-ant, the same as they would with any -other morsel of animal substance. - -The difficulty of rearing turkies, renders them extremely scarce; hence, -it is not uncommon to pay a gold mohur (£2.) for a well-grown, fat, -turkey-cock: few, either cocks or hens, are to be had in any part of the -country, for less than half that sum; and then chiefly from Portugueze -families, that make a livelihood by rearing them. About Bandel, a -Portugueze town, some thirty miles above Calcutta, great numbers are -reared; as are also ducks, and geese, in abundance. At all the great -stations, both civil and military; some persons of that description -generally reside, through whose industry families are supplied. Fowls -are reared by the same persons; though less an object to them, as almost -every Mahomedan family maintains a few, mostly for its own use, but -sometimes for sale. As to the Hindus, nothing could be more criminal -than such a speculation: the very touch of a fowl being considered the -acmé of pollution. From this we may judge how necessary it is to be -guarded in making changes in the dress of our native soldiers; whose -zeal and fidelity are unquestionable, but who instantly revolt at any -invasion, however slight, of their religious tenets, or of their vulgar -prejudices. Those who affect to consider such to be easily overruled, -or, who vainly talk of _coercing_ so many millions to adopt our faith, -would do well to take a trip to Bengal, and to insist on any Hindu -menials, or others, under their authority, wearing a feather in their -turban. - -As to the numerous species of wild game, such as antelopes, hog-deer, -hogs, geese, ducks, teal, snipes, ortolans, quails, partridges, -florikens, (or bustards,) pigeons of sorts, wild and tame, hares, &c., -they are generally to be had in abundance; those of my readers who wish -for a more detailed account, will find it in my ‘WILD SPORTS OF THE -EAST,’ published in folio, with colored plates, as also in quarto royal, -and imperial octavo, by Mr. Edward Orme, of Bond-street, and by Messrs. -Black and Co. Leadenhall-street. In that superb work, the details of -every branch of hunting, shooting, &c., will be found. - -There are no wild rabbits in India, but great numbers of tame ones are -to be had at Calcutta, and at some of the subordinate stations. The -prices vary according to demand, age, and condition; but we may take the -average at four for a rupee when half grown, and at double that rate -when fit for the table. It is, however, extremely difficult to preserve -them in safety from their numerous enemies the dogs, jackals, foxes, -cats, rats, bats, snakes, hawks, crows, &c. - -Having, I believe, generally discussed what relates to the supply of the -table, I shall proceed to the description of other matters relating to -the convenience and service of gentlemen resident in the East. - -The dinner table is invariably laid with two cloths; one of the usual -size, the other about large enough to cover the surface only: this last -is removed when the meat is taken off; so that the dessert is laid upon -the lower one, which has, in the mean while, been preserved by it from -stains, grease, crumbs, &c. A napkin is laid with every cover, together -with a tumbler or rummer, a long glass for Claret, and an ordinary-sized -one for Madeira. Each glass is provided with a cover, which may be -lifted off by means of a stud in its centre. In opulent families, these -covers are usually made of silver, otherwise of turned wood. It is -remarkable, that some of the common indigenous woods have the peculiar -property, when used for this purpose, of imparting a most offensive -smell, attended with a similar flavor, to water, &c., if left for a few -minutes. - -The knives and forks are all of European manufacture, though, within -these few years, some excellent imitations have appeared. I doubt if -_Blacky_ can, as yet, bring his work so low as our artizans, though he -certainly has the advantage of them in cheapness of living, and in being -generally exempt from the operation of a variety of taxes. This -deficiency on the part of the natives, proceeds from their being obliged -to perform all those operations by hand, which we both accelerate and -perfect by means of machinery. The greater part of the plate, used -throughout the country, is made by native smiths, who, in some -instances, may be seen to tread very close on the heels of our -jewellers, not only in the graceful form of the articles manufactured, -but in the patterns, whether carved or embossed. Such specimens of -perfection are, however, rare, and are produced chiefly under the -superintendence of European masters; though I have seen some pieces, -made by _sonaars_, (goldsmiths,) totally independent of such aid, or -instruction, which displayed much skill and some taste. Speaking, -however, of the common workmanship of this class, it must be put out of -all comparison with British plate, on account of its being indifferently -shaped, and rudely ornamented. Hence, such plate as is sent from this -country, as well as what is made up by Europeans settled in India, very -generally sells for full 25, or even for 50 per cent. more than what is -manufactured by the native artizans. - -The whole of the glass-ware used in India, is furnished from England, -and commonly sells at full two, if not three, hundred per cent. on the -prime cost: this is not unreasonable, when we consider how brittle the -commodity is, and that the extent of sale is not so considerable as to -render it, individually, an object of adventure. - -Table cloths and napkins are manufactured in several parts of the -country, especially at Patna, Tondah, and most of those cities where -piece-goods are made. The beauty of some fabrics of this description is -very striking; nor is their durability less conspicuous. I have by me, -at this moment, some that have been in constant use for full twelve -years, and my stock, at no time, exceeded a dozen and a half of table -cloths. The prices of such may be supposed to vary according to quality; -but a very superior bird’s eye may be generally had for about two rupees -per square yard; observing, that the cost will necessarily be somewhat -encreased in proportion to the greater extent of the piece. Others, of a -coarser texture, and of a plain diaper, are to be had extremely cheap; -perhaps as low as eight annas (15_d._) per square yard. Such are, -however, extremely flimsy, and never appear creditable. Towels are also -manufactured at various prices; some reaching so high as two rupees -(5_s._) each, while others may be obtained by the dozen for the same -money. The best for common use may be rated at about five or six rupees -per dozen. A kind, generally of mixed colored borders, wove in, is made -at Chittagong: these are rough, like what we call huckaback, and are -peculiarly well calculated for drying and cleaning the skin after -washing; but they are not so durable as the plain diapers. - -Great quantities of furniture are sent from Europe, being first taken to -pieces, and packed within a very small space. Of this description, -mahogany tables and chairs form by far the greater portion; few other -articles being shipped, though now and then we see a few bureaus, -secretaires, ecritoires, &c., among a cargo from Europe. All such -commodities would bear even a higher price than is now charged for them, -were it not that, among the natives, as well as among the European -carpenters, and joiners, settled in Calcutta, the British mechanics -experience considerable, and very successful, rivalship. - -The excellent woods, of different kinds, produced in almost every part -of India, and the facility with which they may be brought to market, -present the most favorable aids to the Indian artizans; but, owing to -the want of capital among the natives, the work done by them is rarely -found to answer: it warps dreadfully, and sometimes rives from one, to -the other, end. This is entirely owing to the deficiency of seasoning; -for we find, that whenever a gentleman is at the pains, and has the -opportunity, to saw up his own wood, and to season it properly, it will -commonly be found to answer his expectations fully; both in respect to -durability, and to the polish it may take. Although there is, in some -instances, an obvious cheapness in employing a native carpenter, it may -safely be asserted, that, on the long run, what with delay, impositions, -imperfections, &c., it is frequently found to be a very round-about way -of saving a trifle. I strongly recommend to all persons arriving in -India, to visit the several depôts of furniture to be seen at every -auction-warehouse, and generally at the _godowns_ (warehouses) of the -European shopkeepers. There is, besides, a whole street, called the -‘_china-bazar_,’ as well as various scattered boutiques, appropriated -entirely to the display of European articles, and of china-ware, of -every description; all which are sold for ready money only, by a tribe -of Hindu speculators, who, from attending at auctions, are enabled to -make cheap purchases, and become perfectly acquainted with the qualities -of every article; or, at least, with such points as give a preference in -the eye of an European. In this _bazar_, (or market,) almost every thing -an European can require, for common purposes, may be obtained: he may, -indeed, purchase an ample library, either of new, or of second-hand -books; and, generally speaking, may equip himself in such a manner as -may enable him to keep house at full thirty per cent. cheaper than among -the European shop-keepers. - -Though we may find a few trades, such as coach-making, jewellery, -cutlery, armoury, &c., perfectly distinct, and unconnected with any -other speculation, we are not to suppose that commodities, in general, -are separately classed, and exhibited in shops solely allotted to them. -On the contrary, what we call an ‘Europe-Shop,’ affords a rich display -of that heterogeneous kind of cargo imported in every merchant-ship -proceeding to that quarter. Consequently, each shop offers an -astonishing variety of wares. Liquors of all kinds, guns, pistols, glass -ware, tin and copper ware, crockery, stationary, shoes and boots, -hosiery, woollens, linens, ironmongery, hats, cheese, grocery, and an -infinity of articles of the most opposite natures, may be found in the -spacious rooms, and _godowns_, allotted to the exhibition of the -miscellaneous profusion! - -Though it is not common to see European goods, especially those which -are not immediately perishable, selling for less than thirty or forty -per cent. advance upon the _salt-water_ invoices, it sometimes happens, -that an immense importation of some few particular articles may lower -them to full fifty per cent. under prime cost. This is easily accounted -for: for instance, should hats, shoes, and boots, bear a great price at -the time a fleet is about to be despatched for Europe, all the -commanders and officers note it down, for the purpose of making those -articles bear a large proportion in their next outward-bound cargoes. -Thus, each unwittingly becomes the dupe of his own avarice; and, on the -return of those ships to India, experiences the lamentable effects of -having allowed himself to be guided by former prices. I recollect -hearing an officer on board one of the Company’s ships declare, that he -made it a rule always to lay in a good stock of those articles which -were cheap at the time he quitted India: for, that he was certain the -lowness of the prices would influence the others of his class to avoid -purchasing them for the India markets, which, by the time of his return, -he invariably found to have regained their former level. By holding back -a little while, until the Europe shop-keepers found that he was the -sole, or, at least, the principal, importer of those goods, he had never -failed to make a very profitable bargain. - -However much we, in Europe, may admire genuine china-ware, our -countrymen in the East seem, for the most part, indifferent to its -beauties; they preferring our ornamented Staffordshire ware; which, -owing to its bulk, and brittleness, necessarily sells at a very high -price in every quarter of India. What is called ‘a long set,’ by which -we mean a service equal to a table for at least thirty persons, often -sells for 500 sicca rupees, equal to £65.; and ‘short sets’ in -proportion. The disadvantage attendant upon the use of this ware, in so -remote a situation, is, that, when, owing to the numerous accidents to -which all such articles are subject, even under especial vigilance, but -particularly under the auspices of native menials, the set may be much -reduced, it is utterly impracticable to fill up the vacancies thus -occasioned. With china ware, it is very different; for it is not so easy -to distinguish between two complex patterns, if tolerably similar; and, -as there is always a very large stock on hand, among the retailers in -the _china-bazar_, a very great chance, if not a certainty, exists, of -being furnished with any number of plates, dishes, &c., that may be -required to restore the set to its complement, or even to augment it, if -necessary. It may be a proper precaution, however, not to buy a set of -china ware of any very particular pattern; but to select one from those -numerous rich patterns every where common, and annually imported. This -seems to prove, that, unless under particular orders, the Chinese -deviate but little from their established fashions; as may be further -seen in their constant manufacture of that kind of crockery we generally -term ‘dragon-china,’ which appears to have been in use among them for -centuries. - -A very expensive article of general consumption is wax-candle. The price -of wax, some years back, was about sixteen rupees per maund, (equal to -6_d._ per lb.,) but, of late years, it has more than trebled, in -consequence of the encreased demand. Here we see that want of system -which too often tends to annihilate what might, under due regulation, be -made a most advantageous concern. It is necessary to be understood, that -honey is of little value in India, the natives considering it -unwholesome, and the Hindus being particularly averse to destroying so -many lives, for the purpose of robbing their combs. These circumstances -tend to diminish the collection of wax, which, in some districts, hangs -for years neglected upon the briars in the jungles; and, added to the -jealousy of the _zemindars_, (or land-holders,) who rarely omit to exact -a very smart duty upon whatever is taken from their soil, deters those -who possess a spirit of enterprize from becoming dealers in wax. I have -not a doubt but that half a million of maunds might be annually -collected, if proper encouragement were held out, and a sale insured to -the adventurers, at any particular towns in the several districts where -bees are abundant. Within the last twenty years, a few Europeans have -established manufactories of wax-candles, which often sell for eighty -rupees per maund (82lb). This, though an excessive price, compared with -that formerly prevalent, comes to rather less than 2_s._ 6_d._ per lb.; -and, as the wax is always pure, it should seem, that, as an article of -commerce, much profit might be derived from importation. At present, -wax-candles are prohibited, although the price of raw bees’-wax is here -up to near 4_s._, and tallow at a very exorbitant height. I am greatly -mistaken, if the benefits this branch of business is capable of -yielding, both to the nation, and to individuals, are properly -understood. - -To place this in a proper point of view will require but little detail; -for, if we say that wax candles, of the first quality, can be offered -for sale at Calcutta for £13. per cwt., and that raw wax sells with us -at 3_s._ 6_d._ per lb., or £19. 12_s._ per cwt., it is obvious that the -manufactured article might be imported to us at full 50 per cent. -cheaper than the raw material can be obtained on our own soil. Let us -compute this on the large scale; comparing the manufactured articles, -and making allowances for the fair value of the raw materials in either -country. - - £ - - A ton of wax candles of Indian manufacture, even - at the high price of 80 rupees (_i.e._ £10.) per - maund of 82lb. would be 260 - - Freight, shipping, charges, and insurance, per ton 25 - - Wharfage, &c., on landing, per ton 5 - - —— - - Total 290 - - A ton of wax candles of European manufacture, at - £28. per cwt., equal to 5s. per lb. 560 - - —— - - Difference in favor of the Indian candles, per ton £270 - - —— - - Raw wax may be had at Calcutta for about forty - rupees per maund, or rather under £7. per cwt. - which brings the ton to 140 - - Freight, &c., as above 30 - - —— - - 170 - - Whereas, the raw wax produced, in England, - generally sells for about 3s. 6d. per lb. or - £19. 12s. per cwt., or, per ton 392 - - —— - - Giving a balance in favor of Indian wax, of, per - ton £222 - -I have not made any allowance for duties; but it will be seen from the -above very simple calculation, that a very heavy impost might be laid on -either the raw material, or the manufactured article, without reducing -the profit so low as to leave no encouragement to the speculator. Let -us, however, set it down at £60. per ton, which is an enormous sum, and -say, that, in consequence of the great importation, wax should fall -one-third in price. This fall would reduce the ton of candles to £380., -from which deduct the £60. duty, and there would be left £320.; so that, -after paying the £290. of cost and incidental charges, no less than £30. -would remain as the net profit on each ton. If we, in like manner, take -one third, say £132. from the £392. to result from the sale of the raw -material, and £40. more for duties, we reduce the net profits from £222. -to £50. In either way the speculation is highly interesting, and -requires only to be thoroughly examined to insure attention. I am not, -at this moment, prepared to say what may be the amount of duties -collected on wax, or of the excise on the manufacture of candles, but -apprehend that it must fall very short of what might be realized if wax -candles were more generally used in the houses of opulent persons. Some -forty years ago, when wax candles sold for three shillings per pound, -they were in great request. If, however, we calculate for the -importation of 3,000 tons of wax annually, in its raw state, paying a -duty of £40. per ton, we should find a result of no less than £120,000. - -The foregoing estimate stands entirely on the present high prices of wax -in India, but which might, by proper regulations, be reduced to -one-third. Thus, if it were stipulated that the rents of certain -districts should be payable, to a particular extent, in crude wax, at a -fixed valuation, the quantity brought to market might, I am fully -confident, be equal to what I have already stated, viz. 500,000 maunds, -or 18,750 tons, which, taken at £200. only per ton, when landed, would -give a national benefit equal to £3,750,000! and a revenue of £650,000. -arising from the duty, at £40. per ton on the raw material! - -When it is recollected how dependent we have been on other nations for a -supply of tallow; and that, on an average of peace and war, we pay -nearly £80. per ton for foreign tallow; also, that one wax candle of -equal weight will burn out two of tallow; it should seem evident, that -the importation of wax from our settlements abroad, as well as from -various Indian islands, in which it is abundantly produced, should -become an object of national consideration. The very unpleasant scent -attendant upon the use of tallow, and its great aptitude to gutter in so -hot a climate, occasion its use to be confined to those Europeans whose -circumstances may not permit them to use wax. This occasions all who -return from India, after long residence there, to be extremely -incommoded by the smell of mould candles; the smoke of which is, to -them, peculiarly offensive, and strongly calls to mind the _cheraugs_, -or oil-lamps, in common employ among the natives, and in the _zenanahs_ -of Europeans. - -The whole of the doors and windows being thrown open, during the -evenings especially, it would be impossible to prevent the current of -air, passing through every part of the interior, from extinguishing the -several lights, were it not that large glass covers, called shades, were -applied by way of preventives. Some of these shades are made to stand on -pillars, or pedestals, generally of wood, with brass ferules, and having -broad plinths, either square or circular, to prevent their being easily -overset. - -The other kind of table-shade is by no means so convenient as that just -described, it being an irregular tube, standing on its base, or broader -extremity; and, though spreading in the centre, drawing narrower toward -the upper part. This kind requires to be much longer, so as to shelter -the flame of a candle standing on a candlestick, which should not, -properly, be more than six inches in height. The inconveniences by which -this shade is attended are self-evident; as it cannot be carried about, -or lifted, _in toto_, as the pedestal shade may be. Those lights which -are affixed to the walls, either on sconces, or brackets, or that are -suspended from hooks, are generally on the same principle; with this -necessary difference, that oil is chiefly burnt in such, by means of a -small glass tumbler half filled with water, on which the oil floats, and -supports a very slight tin tube with four tin wings, to each of which a -piece of cork is affixed. During the rainy season, when insects of every -description are beyond credibility numerous, it is often absolutely -necessary to remove all lights from the supper table; otherwise moths, -flies, bugs, &c., would be attracted in such numbers as to extinguish -them altogether, but, at all events, to prove extremely obnoxious. When -the lights are retained on the table, it is customary to place the -candlesticks in soup plates, &c., filled with water: by this means, such -insects, especially the stinking-bugs, which fly with great force, are -often precipitated and drowned: it is not unusual to catch whole -platefuls in this manner, which would otherwise continue to torment the -company. Nothing can exceed the irritation produced by these bugs when -they get into the hair, or between the linen and the body! Nor are they -in themselves innocent; for, though they neither bite nor sting, such is -the acrimony they possess, that, if bruised in such manner as to leave -any moisture on the skin, great heat, and sometimes blisters, followed -by excoriations that do not quickly heal, may take place. The same -effect is produced by the urine of lizards, which frequent the interior -of houses, and may often be seen in great numbers crawling about the -walls, or on the ceiling, (if we may so term the roofs already -described,) in pursuit of the smaller and more delicate insects, which -they snap up with great dexterity and greediness. It is really amusing -to observe with what sagacity and care they approach their prey, and -with what rapidity they dart forth their long tongues armed with gluten. -With respect to frogs, toads, and, occasionally, snakes, patrolling -about the skirts of the apartments, even of the best houses in the -country, they must be put up with as matters of course; as must also the -alighting of cock-roaches on the face while at table, or at cards, &c.: -nor, indeed, must the resident in India be very squeamish in regard to -bats, which freely indulge in aëriel circuits over the heads of the -company, on which, too, they now and then find it convenient to halt -awhile, without undergoing the previous ceremony of obtaining -permission. These all appear terrible drawbacks, but are scarcely -noticed after awhile: so strong is the power of habit. Certainly a very -considerable portion of the enjoyments, which might otherwise be -indulged in, are, in a manner, proscribed by these nuisances; but, -whether it be owing to that _ennui_ generally prevalent, or to that kind -of reconciliation which takes place between the pest and its sufferer, -may be difficult to determine; we, however, see all the old residents -treat insects, frogs, toads, &c., with great indifference; though, to be -sure, when a snake, of whatever class, makes his entrée, an astonishing -degree of activity, far beyond what the former lethargic symptoms could -indicate, suddenly prevails. - -I have several times seen large snakes coiled, or rather twined, among -the Venetians of _bungalow_ windows, and have observed that the -grass-snake, which is of a beautiful green, with a reddish head, is -partial to secreting itself under the leaves of tables, and, in -situations of that description, where it may be easily dislodged, or -touched, by accident. Such a propensity is peculiarly obnoxious in a -serpent whose bite is generally fatal. This snake may occasionally be -seen twisted round the smaller boughs of trees, whence, if disturbed, it -drops with great readiness, and proceeds along the tops of the grass -with admirable celerity, and, owing to the similarity of its color, -scarcely allowing the dazzled eye to follow its course. - -The _Cunjoors_ carry a great variety of serpents about the country, -which they are in the habit of exhibiting to families for a mere trifle. -Some, such as the _adjghur_ or _boa-constrictor_, which has been known -to reach the immense length of thirty feet, destroy by the extent of -their bite, or by compression; while the lesser species seem to be -provided with poison to make up for their deficiency of bulk. The -skeleton of an _adjghur_ was found near Chittagong, about forty years -ago, having in its fauces the skeleton of a full-grown deer; the horns -of which, it was supposed, had occasioned the suffocation of its -unwieldy devourer. I have seen one of this kind that required eight men -to lift him into his basket! An operation to which, either from habit, -or fatigue, it submitted with great resignation. The _covra capella_, is -the same as the hooded-snake of America, thus designated from a peculiar -spreading of the throat when in a state of irritation, so as to give it -much resemblance to a flounder, but with a curious figure extremely -similar to a pair of spectacles, which, being under the throat, is fully -exhibited as the snake rises, as he is wont to do, nearly half his -length, before he darts upon the object of resentment. These snakes are -peculiarly venomous, and, though averaging from three to five feet, are -seen to attain a larger size. I have shot four in one day, namely, two -males, of a black, or deep bottle green; and two females, ordinarily of -a clay color; which measured from six to nine feet. A few years ago, I -saw one exhibited by the _Cunjoors_, or _Saumpareahs_, (_i.e._ -snake-men,) which actually measured about thirteen feet! The _daumeen_ -grows to a large size, perhaps eight to twelve feet, but has no venomous -teeth, or fangs. He lashes with his tail, coiling into a bow, and -awaiting the approach of dogs, men, &c., before he lashes; which he does -with such severity as often to cut the integuments very deeply. The -natives entertain an opinion that the tail of this snake is venomous; -and it might be supposed, from the almost certainly fatal effects -produced by its operation, that it were so; but I have always attributed -the mischief occasioned thereby, to that laceration produced by a very -rough scaly body, such as the tail is, proceeding with great force over -parts well known to be peculiarly irritable; occasioning a strong -tendency to that most horrible affection the _tetanus_, or locked-jaw, -from which not one in a thousand recovers. The _covra manilla_ rarely -grows to more than fifteen or eighteen inches, and is of a mottled -appearance, very indicative of its deleterious property: if I err not, -its bite is invariably fatal. The double-headed snake receives that name -from its body being nearly cylindrical, the tail terminating in a short -cone, resembling a second head. This snake is chiefly seen in hilly -countries, but is occasionally washed down by the annual floods, to the -plains, where it is found in drains and hollows, from which it does not -appear to be over-well qualified to escape. Its average length may be -from two to three feet, and its thickness, or circumference, from four -to six inches. - -It may be acceptable to my readers, while upon this subject, to be -informed of the antidote; viz. the volatile alkali, or eau de luce. A -few drops of this diluted sufficiently in a wine glass full of water, if -taken in time, and repeated every two or three hours, or even more -frequently, has been known to counteract the venom after its effects had -been so fully ascertained as to leave but little chance of recovery. I -never went out shooting without a small bottle of this, closed by a -ground stopper, in my tin box of apparatus. Fortunately, although I have -been repeatedly in imminent danger, and had snakes dancing the hayes all -around me, no occasion ever presented itself for having recourse to my -precautionary bottle! - -The following extracts, from a very interesting communication made by W. -Boag, Esq. to the Asiatic Society, will set this matter in a proper -form, and qualify any person to judge of the danger, from the several -symptoms prevalent, in ordinary cases, when the venom takes effect. It -may be proper to premise, that many who have been bitten by snakes of -the worst description have not been affected; merely owing to the -thickness of their cloathing, by which the noxious fluid has been -absorbed. - -Mr. Boag informs us, that ‘The symptoms which arise from the bite of a -serpent, are, commonly, pain, swelling, and redness in the part bitten; -great faintness, with sickness at stomach, and sometimes vomiting, -succeed; the breath becomes short and laborious; the pulse low, quick, -and interrupted: the wound, which was at first red, becomes livid, -black, and gangrenous; the skin of the wounded limb, and sometimes of -the whole body, assumes a yellowish hue; cold sweats and convulsions -come on, and the patient sinks, sometimes in a few hours, but commonly -at the end of two, three, or four days. - -‘This is the usual progress when the disease terminates fatally; but, -happily, the patient will most commonly recover; a reflection which -should moderate the fears of those who happen to be bitten by snakes, -and which, at any rate, should, as much as possible, be resisted; as the -depressing passion of fear will, in all cases, assist the operation of -the poison. - -‘The volatile alkali is the remedy mostly employed by physicians, both -in India and in Europe; but the belief which formerly prevailed, that it -possessed some specific power, which corrected the poison, seems to be -now very generally relinquished; and it is now acknowledged to have no -other action than that ascribed to it by Mr. Williams, (of Benares,) of -stimulating the vascular system to a more vigorous exertion. - -‘The calces, or, as they are more properly called, the oxyds of some -metals, as arsenic, mercury, and silver, have been made use of; the -efficacy of which, as remedies in this disease, merit a more attentive -consideration. - -‘We are indebted to FONTAUA for any knowledge we possess regarding the -use of the lunar-caustic; which is a preparation of silver in the -nitrous acid; and, considering the length of time that has elapsed since -his publication, and the advantages resulting from its use, it is -wonderful it has not excited more general attention. - -‘He first mixed the venom with the lunar-caustic, applied this mixture -to a wound, and found that the venom was rendered entirely innocent, -while the corroding power of the caustic was diminished. He next wounded -a variety of animals, with venomous teeth, scarified the wounds, and -washed them with a solution of lunar-caustic in water: by this means, -the lives of the greatest number of the animals were saved, though they -were such as he knew to be most easily killed by the poison, and the -death of others was retarded. He also tried a weak solution, of the same -remedy, internally, with remarkable success, and, upon the whole, he -congratulates himself in seeing his labors at length rewarded, by the -discovery of a true specific remedy for the bites of serpents. - -‘A ligature should, as soon as possible, be made above the part bitten, -so as to impede, but not entirely to stop, the circulation of the blood; -for the bite of a serpent is, for the most part, superficial, and the -poison is carried into circulation by the smaller vessels on the -surface; the wound should then be scarified, and washed in a solution -(rather weak) of the lunar-caustic in water.’ - -Mr. Boag recommends a warm bath for the limb bitten, and thinks the -addition of a small quantity of nitrous acid would produce excellent -effects. He speaks of it only as a suggestion, and, where time may -admit, and the means be at hand, there certainly ought to be a fair -trial made of so promising a theory: the misfortune is, that, owing to -the great heat of the climate, and the dread ever entertained of the -result, all the symptoms proceed with rapidity. That gentleman speaks of -several hours elapsing between the accident, and the fatal termination; -but my own experience satisfies me, that not one in ten of those bitten -during the hot months, and especially when at work, or heated with -travelling, &c., survive more than one hour: I have, indeed, seen -various cases, in which half that time was the utmost; and could adduce -some instances of persons dying within the _quarter_ of an hour. - -Though snakes certainly, for the most part, endeavor to avoid the human -race, they have been known to come very fiercely to the attack. No -doubt, when this has happened, some previous irritation has occurred, or -they have been pursued by the ichneumon; (_i.e._ the _benjy_, _bissy_, -or _neoule_,) which is to be seen wild in every part of India, and may, -at times, be found contending with snakes of great bulk. This active -little animal, the natural enemy of all serpents, as well as of the -smaller kinds of vermin, worries his opponent by incessant feints, as -though he were about to seize its throat, and, in time, so fatigues, as -to render it unable to resist with its primary celerity and caution. -When the snake is in that state, the ichneumon rushes forward, and, by -seizing its throat, or the back of its head, soon lays the envenomed -reptile lifeless at its command. It sometimes happens that the ichneumon -receives a bite, when he immediately relinquishes his object, and seeks -among the neighbouring verdure for some root, of which he eats, and, -after rolling himself in the soil, returns to the charge with unabated -keenness. Should the snake have retired, the little quadruped speedily -scents him out, and rarely fails to revenge himself for his past danger. -What it is the animal has recourse to, never has been ascertained; of -course, remains among our other important desiderata. The ichneumon is -not only domesticated with facility, if obtained at an early age, but -becomes extremely affectionate. Neither rats nor snakes will enter a -house in which a tame ichneumon is retained, and allowed, as is usual, -to range about at pleasure. The _Saumpareahs_, or snake-men, keep one, -or more, for the purpose of exhibiting their feats in the attack of -snakes. - -It is wonderful how accurately a _Saumpareah_ will ascertain, merely by -smelling at a hole in a wall, &c., whether a snake be within. If such -should be the case, the reptile’s fate may be considered as decided; -for, what with the music of a rude species of oboe, and the allurement -of various drugs, in which _dunneah_, a species of coriander, among -which snakes delight to bask, are prevalent, he soon comes forth, and is -either taken in a bag, or by an assistant snatching hold of his tail -with one hand, and sliding the other with great rapidity up to its -throat; which, being constricted by the grasp, occasions the fangs to be -exposed: these being extracted, the captive is added to the stock of -innocents. - -Though diminutive, in regard to corporeal extent, the musquito may be -considered a most formidable enemy to the repose of almost every thing -possessing animation, but especially to Europeans; whose manner of -living generally gives a considerable tendency to general, as well as to -local, inflammation. In this I speak relatively; for, when we compare -the habits of our countrymen with those of the natives, we shall find -that a very great difference prevails, and that, what we might in Europe -call moderation, may, in Asia, very properly be construed into excess. -This difference is so great, that, in ordinary cases, the physicians’ -first care is to lower the temperament of his British patient, thereby -to repress the usual tendency towards inflammation; especially in -persons of a plethoric habit, or lately arrived from Europe; while, on -the contrary, it generally requires some effort to keep the frugal -native from sinking under that _typhus_ to which he is most subject. - -Musquitoes generally remain inactive during the day, retiring to the -borders of some muddy pool, or stinking drain, where they deposit their -_ova_, which, in a few days, produce a noxious million, that may be seen -in their several stages, at most times of the year, and especially -during the hot season, when such puddles are often both replete with, -and covered by, young musquitoes. - -These unpleasant companions not only make a very disagreeable humming, -but thrust their trunks, the same as the common knat does his proboscis, -between the threads of a stocking, &c.; and, while sucking the blood of -their victim, cause a very smarting sensation, which does not -immediately cease; if scratched, a musquito-bite will usually rise into -a small white, hard lump; which, on further provocation, proceeds to -suppurate; frequently degenerating into very obstinate sores. Instances -have occurred of very serious consequences being entailed, by an -unguarded indulgence granted to the nails at the moment of irritation. - -Every bed, (commonly called a _cot_,) is furnished with a set of inner -curtains, made of gauze, manufactured for that purpose in several parts -of Bengal, and known by the name of _koppradool_. These curtains, being -very thin, and generally of a green color, serve not only to debar -access to the musquitoes, but, without much obstruction to the air, -offer a pleasant medium between the eye, and any glare which may either -enter directly from the exterior, or be reflected by the walls; which, -in most houses, are white, as already explained in describing the -European architecture of the East. - -It is always expedient to have these curtains put up before it is dark; -otherwise musquitoes, being then on the wing, will, if possible, find -their way to the interior; whence it is not very easy to fan them out. -Besides, by this easy precaution, it is not very practicable for snakes, -or rats, to get under the pillows, or into the bed; situations in which -they have occasionally been found. The rats are often induced to burrow -into the pillows, which are usually stuffed with the silky-cotton called -_seemul_, wherein the seeds are left, and, by their oily nature, attract -this description of vermin in particular. The females sometimes resort -to it when about to bring forth their young: hence, it is not uncommon -to find the old lady in possession of a pillow, or bolster, or, -eventually, of the mattress; especially if no person has slept on them -for a few nights. On board _budjrows_, rats are often very troublesome, -destroying boots, shoes, &c., without mercy: I have frequently felt -them, during the night, attacking the powder and pomatum at the back of -my head. Of this the cock-roach also is very fond, but the sensation it -produces is nothing more than a tickling, as though the fingers of -another person were introduced among the hair; whereas, a rat makes a -more desperate attack, often giving a strong pull, or, occasionally, -knawing at the accumulated grease, which adheres to the head itself. -Though I made it a rule always to have my bed-cloaths stripped off, and -my pillows turned over, before I got into bed, nothing of the serpent -kind was ever discovered, though many rats and mice were at times -dislodged. Other persons have not been so fortunate; my own experience -has made me acquainted with various instances of snakes being found in -beds whereon gentlemen were about to repose. A very curious circumstance -happened many years back, of a lady being called by her servant to see a -snake that lay very contentedly between two of her infants, which slept -on a small cot. It may be readily supposed their perilous situation -produced the most dreadful anxiety. With great fortitude, and presence -of mind, she directed the menial to go to one side of the bed, and to -seize one of the children by a leg and an arm, while she did the same -with the other; and thus to snatch them away. This was a bold measure, -and possibly saved the little ones from injury; but, had the mother -caused a chaffing dish to be brought into the apartment, and set thereon -some milk to boil, the smell of it would instantly have caused the snake -to creep out, for the purpose of partaking of his favorite food. Though -all snakes are peculiarly fond of a certain warm temperature, inclining -to summer heat, they will, in general, take to the water very freely, -especially when pursued. Many persons pretend to distinguish such as are -venomous, by their aversion thereto; but such is very fallacious. I have -repeatedly seen _covra capellas_ dart into puddles, and ponds, with -seeming eagerness. It is extremely dangerous to proceed along path-ways, -leading through grass covers, or _jungles_, at night; as, at that time, -numbers of snakes will quit the heavy grass for the purpose of lying in -the current of air, which necessarily proceeds along those paths whose -sides are confined, perhaps to the height of several feet, by grass and -underwood, and cause them to resemble the vistas cut through coppices, -&c. - -From what has been said above, many may be led to suppose, that, in -India, every step is attended with danger; and, that neither the day, -nor the night, offers security. This certainly is not always the case; -but I should strongly advise every person to act throughout with -caution; and to suppose these dangers I have described to be imminent. -This, though it may not be comfortable, will generally insure safety. -With regard to scorpions, centipedes, &c., too much circumspection -cannot be used. In some parts of the country they are very numerous, -capable of inflicting great pain, and of producing very severe local -inflammation. Instances have been known of serious indisposition having -been induced by the stings of scorpions in particular. The young ones -are generally of a yellowish, or dun, or clay color; as they advance in -growth, they gradually become darker, until they acquire a bottle color. -Though very rare, I have seen a few of these which measured nearly eight -inches from the mouth to the point of the sting, which much resembles a -large dark-colored thorn from a rose-bush. There are, however, two kinds -of scorpions, of which that species above described is certainly the -most formidable; fortunately, it is seldom to be seen in places much -frequented: the other kind may often be seen by dozens in the folds of a -tent, &c., laid by in a dark place among old rubbish; and, not -unfrequently, in the cracks of old mud walls. Many a poor servant, in -walking about a house at night, or in rummaging among old stores, gets -stung by the _beeçhu_ (scorpion). The part affected generally swells, -and smarts, or, rather aches, considerably: but the remedy is easy; a -rag moistened with vinegar affording speedy relief. The same application -is equally proper in case of being bitten by a _centipede_, called by -the natives _kaungoojer_; from the opinion entertained that it is apt to -creep into the ear. That such _may_ have taken place, cannot be denied; -but it would, I believe, prove extremely difficult to produce a -well-authenticated instance. The centipede is by no means calculated for -such an insinuation; he being of some breadth, and growing, rather -quickly, to such a size as must preclude the possibility of his getting -into the ear: I have seen several measuring nine and ten inches in -length; and as broad, though not above a third so thick, as a man’s -finger: we may consider half those dimensions to constitute the ordinary -bulk. - -Wasps and hornets are every where abundant during the whole year: the -latter commonly nestle in the ground, or in the hollow of a tree, or -perhaps form a small cell in some corner, or under a thatch, and there -deposit their larvæ. The former are sometimes seen in such numbers as to -occasion considerable uneasiness; they not only make their nests within -the walls of _bungalows_, if, by means of cracks, or of distances -between wood-work, they should find the opportunity, but boldly -construct their combs within the apartments; sometimes attached to a -cornice, but most generally in one of the upper corners of a window -frame, so as to have ready means of retiring. The destruction of these -intruders is not always practicable, without considerable danger. The -best mode is to cover a man well up in a blanket, and to place on his -head a pot of embers, on which a lump of sulphur is laid; so that, by -standing under the comb, the fumes may stupify, or at least expel, the -wasps; after which the comb may be removed without difficulty. The -greatest danger is when the wasps take possession of some spot very near -to the thatch; for instance, if they attach their dwelling to one of the -rafters. When it is considered, that half the thatches are extremely -decayed, and take fire like tinder, it must be obvious how delicately -the operation should be managed: in such case, a slow match, made to -contain a large portion of sulphur, and fastened to the end of a pole, -is, perhaps, the most secure device; for, if a single spark were to fly -into the thatch, it probably would, like Doctor Slop’s wig, be ‘nearly -consumed before it were well kindled!’ - -Bees are by no means so bold as wasps and hornets, but they frequently -take possession of some bush, or even of several parts of a hedge around -a garden, especially one well stocked with flowers; rendering it unsafe -to approach that quarter. The combs are sometimes large, but may, -perhaps, on the average, when full, weigh from four to ten pounds. No -bees are domesticated in India; at least I never heard of an apiary of -any description; though, from the great abundance of food to be had at -all seasons, it might prove very easy to maintain them properly. The -truth is, that wild honey is so cheap and abundant as to preclude the -necessity for taking any further pains to obtain it, than merely cutting -the combs away from their thorny defences. - -Bugs, such as infest our beds in Europe, are beyond imagination numerous -throughout the East. Every _charpoy_, (or bedstead,) of whatever size, -or description, in use among the natives, swarms with them! Hence, it is -next to impossible to prevent their getting among the furniture, and -especially into the boxes, drawers, &c., in which cloaths are kept; and -the most careful, cleanly person, may sometimes find a stray bug -crawling upon his linen, or lying concealed among the plaits. Musquito -curtains are, on this account also, very useful; but they should be -searched daily, lest any stragglers, &c., be on them. Perhaps the best -defence against these nasty tormentors, is that in general use as a -preventive against the visits of ants, centipedes, &c.; viz. causing the -four posts of a bed to stand each upon a stone, perhaps a foot in -diameter, and five or six inches deep, wherein a deep trough is cut, -which, being kept full of water, insulates each post. Some use metal -pans, which certainly have a neater appearance, and secure the carpet, -mat, &c., from being injured by the damp; which sometimes will find its -way, more or less, through stone, however hard. - -The natives rarely have posts to their bedsteads; though a few, -occasionally, affix a kind of tester, by means of a staple, at the head; -those who could afford the best furniture, and every convenience, are -more pleased when attended by a slave, or menial, who, with a small -_punkah_, (or fan,) gently agitates the air, and keeps off flies and -musquitoes. It scarcely need be pointed out how offensive such a -practice may occasionally prove, and that when the servant drops asleep -while performing his tedious office, the master generally will be -awaked. Some, of the natives especially, cannot go to sleep without -being lulled thereto, by means of an operation called by Europeans -_shampoing_. This consists in a gentle pressure of the feet and legs, as -also of the arms and hand, or, occasionally, of the body also, between -the hands of the operator, who passes either slowly, or rather rapidly, -according to the fancy of his, or her, master, from one part to another. -That considerable relief is obtained from _shampoing_, cannot be -doubted; I have repeatedly been restored surprizingly from severe -fatigue, as well as from a certain langor and watchfulness, common in -hot climates, and no doubt proceeding from indigestion, or from a -nervous affection, merely by having my feet gently pressed in this -manner. It is curious, that Captain Cook should have found this custom -to be prevalent in the Island of Tongataboo, where it is called -‘_toogey-toogey_,’ in allusion to the beating of a drum with the fists. -Now, the common small drums used in India, which are suspended in front -of the body, are called ‘_doog-doogies_,’ and, in some places, the -natives of India, _shampo_, by beating with the fists, calling the -operation, not by the common term _debounah_, (or pressing,) but -_doogaunah_. It is a question whether the latter term be a corruption, -or a derivative from the _doog-doogy_. A similar practice obtains in -Egypt, and, indeed, throughout the Turkish empire; especially at the -baths, where _shampoing_ is considered a matter of course. If my memory -be correct, Captain Cook was relieved from a severe rheumatic complaint -by an operation of this description; with this difference, that, in lieu -of soothing pressure, the parts affected were not beat gently, but -squeezed forcibly, between the hands. I have somewhere read, that -_gouty_ pains were in like manner removed; but should conclude, that -such could only be flying pains; for the tenderness of parts locally -attacked by the gout, could not, I apprehend, be invaded, without -subjecting the party to excruciating torture. - -Setting apart the benefits which may occasionally be derived from -_shampoing_, we may consider it as one of those luxuries which, like the -_hookah_, the snuff-box, the brandy-bottle, &c., become so habitual as -to plunge us into indescribable uneasiness whenever they may be out of -our reach; of course, it is prudent to avoid being _shampoed_, except -when a kind of restlessness, or watchfulness, is induced by excess, of -any description. In such case, immediate relief is often of great -importance; but it may be proper not to have recourse to the indulgence -except on emergency, since its effects are gradually lessened by -repetition, and the want of a menial to perform the operation may cause -much irritation and disquietude. - -The greatest attention is requisite to aërate every apartment in a -proper manner daily; without that precaution, all the aids of -_champoing_, of musquito-curtains, water-pots, bathing, &c., will be of -little avail, as fevers and obstructions of the liver invariably follow, -whenever the atmosphere within a chamber is allowed to become foul: I -know not, indeed, any thing more weakening, or more destructive to the -constitution, than sleeping in one that is deficient in point of -ventilation; and to continue in such, after being, in any degree, -indisposed, is little less than absolute insanity! Nothing will be found -to contribute more to health than sleeping cool; adverting, at the same -time, to the precautions already laid down, not to place the cot so that -any forcible current of air should pass over it, lest perspiration be -obstructed, and the worst consequences be induced. The winter months -will often dictate the use of one, or perhaps two, good thick blankets; -while the summer heats will cause the rejection of all bed-cloathing -above the body; occasioning the general use of long drawers, which, for -the most part, are made of thin silk, or of fine calico: some have them -made with feet, thereby effectually preventing musquitoes from biting in -that quarter, but, to me, such were always extremely unpleasant. - -During the hottest part of the year, many dispense with their shirts, -but retain their _banians_, or under-shirts, the skirts of which are -confined by the long drawers, which are usually fastened by a drawing -cord of silk. Early rising is particularly to be recommended, for the -purpose of taking exercise before breakfast. Among military persons this -salutary practice is generally inculcated _malgré lui_; and, among -civilians, ought to be so, by the additional motive of having the -forenoon devoted to office attendance, or to whatever duties may demand -notice. - -The amusements offered to Europeans in India are by no means numerous, -nor are they of any continuance; the climate, the localities, and the -occupations, of all, rendering it impossible to partake of such variety, -or in such comfort, as we enjoy in Europe. Calcutta can boast of a very -tolerable theatre, centrically situated, and spacious enough to contain -as many spectators as are generally to be found within the town. This -was built about fifty years ago, by subscription, in shares of one -thousand rupees each; but, owing to the very heavy expences incurred in -getting up plays, which formerly depended entirely on the _penchant_ of -gentlemen, who performed all the characters, both male and female, the -debts became so very heavy, that the concern fell into disrepute, and -the shares were sold for half their original value. - -It may seem strange, that, while no performers of any description were -employed, the house should get into debt; and, that since hirelings have -been engaged, it should have been in a more flourishing state. The -enigma is, however, easy of solution. Gentlemen of property, fashion, -and consequence, were not easily controlled; they would have new dresses -for every character, and were to be kept in humour by good suppers after -each rehearsal, some tickets for their friends, &c., &c., &c.; so that, -when all was reckoned up, the receipts were invariably less than the -disbursements. It is true that a gold-mohur (2 guineas) was the price of -a box admission, that the pit was half a mohur, and the gallery a -quarter of a mohur; but the house was rarely full, and there were rarely -more than ten pieces performed during the whole year, and those -generally in December, January, and February. The house had cost a lac -of rupees (_i.e._ 100,000, equal to £12,500.) in building, and fitting -up; therefore, there was a constant demand for interest, _at twelve per -cent._, equal to £1,500. yearly; that, however, was commuted into silver -tickets, which necessarily diminished the receipts; causing the shares -to sink from money speculations into mere family conveniences. - -The heavy incumbrances brought on by the above inconsiderate measures, -occasioned a necessity for letting out the theatre to any person who -would conduct the amusements in such manner as might prevent matters -from growing worse. This accordingly was done, and a spirit of -enterprize was created in the manager thus appointed by a majority of -the proprietors, whereby a great encrease took place in the -performances, which became chiefly dependant on professional persons -engaged at liberal salaries; while, at the same time, few gentlemen in -the Company’s service contributed the aid of their talents. This -secession was occasioned by the marked displeasure evinced by Marquis -Cornwallis towards all who took parts in the dramas: it threatened to -close the doors of the theatre. A competition arising about the same -time, produced an effect which accidentally sustained the speculation, -by causing an interest, indeed, a spirited party, to be formed, in favor -of the old house, which, in a very short time, triumphed, and caused the -opposition to give up. - -With respect to the merits of the gentlemen performers, much may be -said: there certainly were among them some who might have appeared -before a London audience without any fear of disapprobation. The names -of Fleetwood, Messink, Norfor, Golding, Bigger, Call, Keasberry, -Robinson, &c., &c., will long be remembered by the lovers of the drama; -nor will they be easily effaced from the memory of those in whose hearts -their merits, as members of society, were deeply impressed. The scenery -was originally furnished from England, under the auspices of Garrick, -who sent out Mr. Messink for the purpose of regulating the theatre at -its out-set. Since that time, various additions have been made by -different artists of acknowledged ability, among whom, Mr. Battle may be -noticed as possessing superior talents, both in that important branch, -and in the representation of various interesting characters. It is, -however, to be expected, that, notwithstanding the great encrease of the -European population, by whom it is almost wholly supported, the theatre -must be sold off. This, though a severe privation, where every item in -the catalogue of public amusements is highly appreciated, will not fall -heavy on the proprietors. The facility with which the edifice might be -converted into a superb suite of offices, or into a magnificent -dwelling, would insure them the re-payment of their money; especially as -the quantity of land reserved around it, for the accommodation of -_palanquins_, &c., is extremely valuable: indeed, that alone must be -worth full the aggregate amount of the shares at their ordinary value; -which has generally been about forty or fifty per cent. under par. - -The temporary theatres that have at various times been erected at the -several military stations, have always offered considerable -gratification to their several audiences. In these cheap ‘epitomes of -Roman greatness’ many a good play has been performed in an excellent -style, such as put us in mind of the mother-country, and occasioned many -a comparison by no means derogatory to the Asiatic boards. Exclusive of -the exertions of those officers who indulged themselves in this -recreation, many of the noncommissioned and privates of the European -regiments contributed richly to the catalogue of histrionic characters. -Some, though perhaps not gifted with grace, nor enriched by erudition, -nevertheless displayed an accurate discrimination of the authors’ -intentions, and commanded the applause of their audiences; among whom, a -very large portion were competent judges of dramatic excellence. - -The Calcutta race-course is situate about a mile and a half to the -southward of the town; it is by no means duly preserved, being -occasionally much injured by the carriages of gentlemen who frequent it -as a ride. It is true there is a clerk of the course; but he has no -power to enforce the observance of the rules laid down by the -Jockey-Club; he cannot, in fact, prevent the course from being miserably -defaced, and cut up; nor can he, even when the horses are running, keep -it clear from obstructions. This evil arises from a want of disposition -in the majority of those who frequent the place, to join in the sports, -or even to encourage them; hence, a want of courtesy is prevalent, and -the horses run under great disadvantages. It may be said, that, as they -run only during the cold months, when the turf is tolerably firm, little -injury is done by the carriages which travel over it; but, in answer to -this, it may be urged, that a rut, or track, made at that time, speedily -hardens, and becomes dangerous both to the horses and to their riders. -But, where few are interested, few will be considerate. - -Many horses that have started at Calcutta would make no contemptible -figure even at Newmarket: according to the distance, and the time in -which the course has been run over, I have reason to believe, that a -few, which could be mentioned, might competite with the best of the -second class of British racers. Taking into consideration, that such are -entirely the result of chance purchases, and not from any care in -breeding, it may be fairly argued that the horses of India, by which I -mean those brought from Candahar, Lahore, the Maharrattah states, &c., -possess considerable speed. Many, indeed, of that small indigenous -breed, which is usually held in contempt, especially on the turf, have -displayed very great powers, and distanced horses not only of -considerable value, but of high reputation. The race-grounds in other -parts of the country are not better preserved than that at the -Presidency; however, there is ample room for toleration, both because -there are few horses kept for running; the races, in those quarters, -being merely desultory, and the course generally marked out, _pro -tempore_, from some uncultivated spot; which, having a tolerable -surface, may answer the purpose of amusement for two or three days at -Christmas. - -Though there are _tattoo_ (_i.e._ poney) races, at Calcutta, few of that -class are brought forward, except after very full proof of their -qualifications; in fact, the poney-races are often superior to those run -by the best cattle on the clerk’s register. At the out-stations, -matches, or sweepstakes, are made solely with the view to merriment, or -from whim, frolic, or periodical elevation after a hearty regale. Here -we see cause for mirth, and, not unfrequently, find a clumsy-looking -beast, with heavy heels, and a head like a yam, taking the lead of -‘trim-built wherries,’ that seem to challenge competition. I recollect a -curious instance of this: a very shabby, heavy-looking _tattoo_, -belonging to Captain Cæsar Jones, started in this adventitious manner, -and, to the surprize of all, fairly distanced several celebrated steeds. -He was sent to Calcutta, where his uncouth appearance caused him to be -ridiculed, but there was no standing against his speed and bottom. -Hence, he acquired the name of ‘TAKE-IN;’ a designation which the -knowing ones feelingly acknowledged to be highly appropriate! The spirit -for betting at races does not run very high in India; though there have -existed some characters who devoted their whole attention to this -species of gambling: but so little encouragement offers for speculations -on the turf, that, with the exception of a few fat _pigeons_, it may be -said no money has been made by racing: the wagers rarely exceed a few -gold-mohurs. Every horse becoming so thoroughly known to all the -sporting community, little opening is left for deception or contrivance. -The smallest indication of collusion would, in that quarter, prove -instantly fatal to reputation, and cause at least a shyness, if not an -absolute estrangement, on the part of society, towards the offending -individual. In Europe this would not be so much felt, because a man may -change his quarters, and, for a long time, screen himself from public, -or general disapprobation; but, in India, when an individual is _cut_ at -one station, he will rarely experience common civility at any other; his -character generally preceding him by many a day’s journey! - -Gambling was formerly one of the most prominent vices to be seen in -Calcutta; but of late years has considerably diminished. Those who -recollect the institution of Selby’s Club, and who now contemplate the -very small portion of time dissipated, even by the younger classes, at -cards, &c., by way of ‘profit and loss,’ cannot but approve the salutary -reform introduced by Marquis Cornwallis, who, whatever may have been his -foibles, his prejudices, and his errors, in other matters, certainly was -entitled to the approbation of the Company, as well as to the gratitude -of their servants, for having checked so effectually a certain -licentious spirit, which had, till his arrival, been totally -uncontrolled, indeed, unnoticed, in any shape, by his predecessors. - -To expect that any Governor should be able totally to annihilate every -bad practice, would be to consider him as vested with supernatural -powers; but, it is assuredly within the reach of every person bearing -that high office, to chace the abandoned into their secret recesses, and -to render them at least timid, if not innocent. By removing such -characters from office, and by persevering in resolution not to give -employments of emolument to any but the most assiduous, and correct, of -the Company’s servants, much may be, much has been, done. Common sense -points out the impropriety of allowing a gambler to occupy any office in -which either great trust, or particular application, and vigilance, -might be requisite; therefore, as the generality of the posts held under -the Company are of either one or other of those descriptions, or may -perhaps blend both, it stands to reason that a man whose brains are ever -casting the dice, and whose carriage rolls upon the four aces, never can -with safety be trusted. - -Those who are partial to cards, as an amusement, may find abundance of -parties during the evenings, where, for the most part, tradrille and -whist (the favorite games) are played at such low stakes as not to be -productive of regret, or inconvenience. Quadrille is barely known in -India, nor are what we term ‘round-games’ much in use: cribbage is -played in some families, and, occasionally, loo. In all the above games, -the European inhabitants of Calcutta, as well as those dispersed over -the country, are generally proficient; far more so than we find persons -of the same description among us: a large portion are well acquainted -with chess, and back-gammon; and many excellent players at fives, -billiards, &c., are to be found in every quarter. Cricket is not much in -vogue; being confined principally to a club at Calcutta, and to some -occasional Christmas matches at the several army stations. On the whole, -though far less violent, as an exercise, than fives, it is less adapted -to the climate; the alternate successions of exertion, and of -inactivity, rendering the players liable to severe colds, and to -consequent obstructions. - -Music, it might be thought, would prove a great source of gratification -in a country where _ennui_ is so much to be dreaded; but the climate is -unfavorable to instruments of every kind, especially to pianos, and -offers a most formidable bar to the indulgence of a musical ear. No -persons can be more liberal in their purchases of instruments, or of -select music, than the ladies of India; they often giving two hundred -pounds for a good grand-piano; but the incessant apprehension of warps, -and cracks, is a tremendous draw-back on the interest they feel in the -possession of even the best of its kind. Repairs, of every sort, whether -of violins, pianos, flutes, &c., are exorbitantly dear, and, even at -Calcutta, not always practicable; either owing to dissipation, the want -of some essential article, or the quantity of work in hand. Nor is it -easy to obtain the temporary accommodation of an instrument while one is -repairing, unless at such a rate as utterly precludes all of moderate -income from availing themselves of such an opportunity, when it may -chance to offer. - -With respect to what is called ‘preparing an instrument for the -climate,’ much may certainly be done, by taking care that only the best -seasoned wood is employed, and by clamping the case with metal, both -within and without; but all this has little connection with the belly, -or sounding-board; which cannot be much strengthened without -considerably deteriorating the tone, and causing a piano to be in the -first instance condemned, for want of that richness which cannot be -given to one whose vibrations are obstructed. The only chance is, to -keep a piano well covered with blankets during the heats, as also in -very damp weather, and to uncloathe it gradually, when about to be -opened for performance. By such precautions, the instrument may remain -tolerably in tune, and not sustain much injury from the variations of -seasons: after two or three years the danger may be less; but it will be -prudent never to relax in point of prevention, lest the instrument -should suddenly fail. - -With the exception of such little parties as, in a few families, -assemble during the afternoons to enjoy the pleasures arising from the -musical talents of some lady, Calcutta has little to offer in this -captivating branch of amusement. If we cast out of the account some -accidental quartetto parties, or the solitary warblings of some -flute-player, &c., the whole may be deemed a blank. Now and then a -subscription concert, for the benefit of some professor, who lives more -by means of eleemosynary bounty, than by the encouragement of his -abilities, calls the town together, not to listen to the notes, to the -fine melodies, and rich harmonies of Haydn, &c., but to see, and to be -seen, and to talk, and be talked to. In brief, India is not the soil to -which a man of science, or of taste, should repair, under the hope of -being liberally repaid for his trouble and expences; much less of being -cherished for his genius and acquirements. One or two insulated -exceptions are not to be adduced in refutation of my assertion: I am -ready to acknowledge, that, now and then, a professor has been seen -pampering under all the influence of high and boundless patronage; but -the _per contra_ shews a numerous list of those who have lingered -through all the penalties attendant upon humble merit, until the grave -has kindly terminated their ill-fated labors. - -Assemblies, balls, routs, &c., or under whatever name dissipation, -vanity, and luxury, may arrange their concordance, are not very numerous -in India. The Governor-General, and the Members of Council, occasionally -circulate their invitations during the cold months; and, at times, some -spacious public rooms are engaged for the same purpose on speculation; -but I never understood that it proved lucrative. - -It was not until about twenty years back that the British had any -regular church in Bengal, and now they have but one, which was built -partly by private aid, and partly by the profits arising—_from a -lottery_!!! The latter was, I understand, very forcibly opposed by one -or two gentlemen, who considered it as a very unbecoming mode of raising -supplies for so holy a purpose. When we reflect that a Portugueze -merchant built one, for the use of the Catholics, from his own purse; -and that, though he was accounted a rich man, yet his property could not -be compared with what various individuals, of our own nation, resident -in India, can boast; it may be fairly quoted, as a singular instance of -parsimony against our countrymen. Not that impiety or disrespect to -public worship can be urged against the settlement; for no church can be -better attended than that in question: the liberality of the inhabitants -was partially exemplified by the institution of a free-school, where a -number of children, both of Europeans, and of native mothers, are -educated in a very sufficient manner; a circumstance of considerable -moment where education is so dear. - -This dearness should seem unreasonable, if we only take into account the -prices of provisions, which are very low; but we must carry in mind the -enormous rates of house-rent; and that, whatever may be the profession -in which persons proceeding to India engage, the return to Europe with a -comfortable independence is the main consideration. Supposing ten -thousand pounds to be gained in twenty years, by attention to his -pupils, it cannot be denied, that a pedagogue is barely rewarded for so -great a duration of slavery in such a climate, and at such a distance -from all his friends and connections. Whatever may be the merits of the -teachers, nothing could reconcile me to bringing up a child in India. -All so educated, are rendered unfit for the society of gentlemen who -have been brought up in Europe; they know nothing of the world, but, -while imitating the manners and customs of those they term their -countrymen, exercise all that craft which so peculiarly characterizes -the native youths. In a moral point of view, the detention of a child, -particularly a female, in India, is highly culpable; and when treated of -as a matter of economy, will, in the end, be found equally -objectionable. That the disadvantage under which parents labor, in -sending their children to Europe, is considerable, must be fully -admitted; and, it must also be acknowledged, that many may be able to -spare a certain monthly, or annual, sum towards education, which could -not be furnished at once. Such parents are to be pitied; because they -can rarely have a child creditably schooled at Calcutta for less than -fifty rupees (£75.) per mensem, all charges included; whereas, for about -half that sum, say for £40., a much better education could be given at -excellent schools in various parts of Britain. If we suppose £150. to be -expended in transmitting a child to Europe, and that the sum of £35. be -annually saved after arrival here, the difference, both principal and -interest, would be cleared off in about five years; while many important -advantages would be gained, and a thousand very obnoxious habits -avoided. The encrease of population has been followed by an augmentation -in the number of schools; but, if I judge correctly, the latter has been -rather beyond what the former should appear to authorize. The first -school that was set up in the vicinity of Calcutta, started about the -year 1780, under the charge of a Mrs. Hodges, who succeeded beyond the -expectations of her most sanguine patrons; and, in the course of about -twenty years, realized a very handsome fortune, with great credit to -herself; and, if marrying off at an early age be desirable, with great -advantage to numerous young ladies; who, in succession, entrapped the -hearts of sundry gay Lotharios, by whom her dancing-room was much -frequented. It would be cruel, and unjust, in the extreme, to assert -that young women brought up at such a seminary, were, in every respect, -inferior: it must be admitted, that they may dance, play the piano, work -at their needle, read, write, and cast accounts, and perhaps speak -French: all these may be done to admiration; but, alas! these are, -properly speaking, merely mechanical, and, though they may please for -awhile, never can give that zest depending solely on the enlargement of -the mind, and on some knowledge of the world. So true is this, that not -one in fifty of the girls thus brought up can hold conversation in any -way pleasing or interesting; and, which is worse, the other forty-nine -are very apt to be childish, vain, imperious, crafty, vulgar, -and—wanton! But they are, generally, well formed, pretty, active, gay, -and insinuating; therefore we must not wonder at the matches we see take -place, nor at the poverty they generally entail upon their husbands, by -a certain prolific propensity which may be said to characterize the -whole breed. - -The several schools in and about Calcutta, may be considered on nearly -the same footing as in Europe; some dear, others more reasonable; some -good, others highly exceptionable. Most of them are well situated, so -far as relates to convenience and salubrity; but it appears to me, that -more than one of the seminaries for young ladies are subject to overlook -objects by no means suited to female delicacy, and, in a great measure, -derogatory to the judgment of those who selected such sites for their -establishments. Those academies which are about two or three miles out -of town, are certainly preferable in the above respect; while, at the -same time, they are not beyond the common distance to which bearers are -in the habit of conveying their employers on visits during the forenoon. - -In a former part, I cursorily made mention of the old fort, in which -stood the Black-Hole, so famous in history. This fortress is now -converted into public-offices and warehouses, for both which purposes it -is admirably adapted, from the centrical situation it occupies, and from -the great solidity of the walls, &c. The defences are extremely simple, -and might answer well enough for the times in which they were -constructed, as well as for the prowess of the troops by which they were -likely to be attacked: being on the bank of the river Hoogly, a retreat -by water might easily be effected under the cover of shipping; and, by -the same means, supplies could generally be afforded. According to the -present system of warfare, and the probability of being attacked by an -European army, it would be unsafe to place the smallest reliance on the -old fort, further than as an immediate asylum in the event of -insurrection; in which case, many houses that now command the works must -be destroyed: this, owing to the want of cannon on the ramparts, would -not be an easy operation. The town is protected chiefly by Fort-William, -a more modern work, capable of containing at least fifteen thousand men; -the defences, indeed, require near ten thousand to man them properly. -The garrison ordinarily consists of two or three regiments of Europeans, -a battalion of artillery, with a very large establishment of artificers, -&c., attached to the arsenal, where stores of every description are -lodged in bomb-proofs. Provisions, equal to six months’ consumption, are -always kept in the fort. The native corps, intended to aid in the -defence, and of which the amount may be from four to five thousand, are -cantoned at Barrackpore, a station about sixteen miles from Calcutta, on -the banks of the river, and exactly facing the Danish town of Serampore. -Of these troops, about twelve hundred constantly do duty in the fort; -being relieved monthly in regular rotation. Fort-William is the grand -depôt of Bengal, and may be considered as the key to that part of the -Company’s possessions, if not to the whole; for it does not appear -probable that any effectual resistance could be made, if that fortress -were to fall into the hands of the enemy. Such a loss would infallibly -destroy the opinion now held of our prowess, and precipitate us from the -pinnacle of power, into an awful abyss of ruin! - -As Mr. Hastings very properly stated, ‘our power in the East depends -entirely _on opinion_.’ When we consider the immense population over -which we hold control, with comparatively an insignificant force, and, -that that force is composed chiefly of natives, it must immediately -occur to us how necessary it is to satisfy our Asiatic subjects that our -sway is mild, and that, in submitting to us, they rescue themselves from -tyranny and extortion. - -There may arise local circumstances wherein the possession of a strong -hold would be invaluable; and rescue us from the most imminent dangers. -Of this, our affair with Cheyt Sing is a most obvious and undeniable -proof: had not the fortress of Chimar, a place rather of reputed, than -of real, strength, been at hand, our force in that part must have been -annihilated; when the insurrection would infallibly have spread in every -direction. - -Without entering into particulars, I shall give a brief statement of the -Company’s forces at their several presidencies; observing, that the -number of their European regiments has been considerably diminished, -amounting, nearly, to a total reduction, for the purpose of making way -for the introduction of king’s troops. With respect to the European -strength, therefore, it must be understood that no fixed establishment -exists: but the average amount of that branch, independent of the -Company’s battalions of artillery and infantry, may be taken at about -sixteen or eighteen thousand firelocks, including the cavalry. - - —————————————+—————————————————————————————— - Presidencies.|Cavalry, Native, Regiments. - | +—————————————————————————— - | |Infantry, Native, Regiments. - | | +—————————————————————— - | | |Artillery, Battalions, European. - | | | +—————————————————— - | | | |Infantry, Battalion, European. - | | | | +—————————————— - | | | | |Marine, Battalions, Native. - —————————————+———+———+———+———+—————————————————— - Bengal | 8 |27 | 3 | 1 | 0 - Madras | 8 |25 | 2 | 1 | 0 - Bombay | 0 | 9 | 1 | 1 | 1 - —————————————+———+———+———+———+—————————————————— - -At each presidency, the native regiments are formed into two battalions, -with the same strength of European commissioned officers as are allotted -to one regiment of Europeans. A colonel commands each regiment, and -every battalion has attached to it one lieutenant-colonel, and one -major, together with a proportion of the captains and subaltern -officers. Two serjeants are allowed to each battalion, viz. one acting -as serjeant-major, the other under the quartermaster. The companies are -commanded by European officers, under whom, one _soubadar_, one -_jemmadar_, five _havildars_, five _naicks_, and ninety privates, -(_sepoys_,) are enrolled. The _soubadars_ and _jemmadars_ have -commissions, and are competent to sit on regimental, or line, -courts-martial for the trial of natives, whether in the military -service, or camp followers. The _havildars_ correspond in rank and -duties with our serjeants, and the _naicks_, with our corporals. Each -battalion has two grenadier, and eight battalion companies: no recruit -is taken whose age exceeds twenty-five, or whose stature does not reach -to five feet six inches and a half, or, more generally, to five feet -seven inches; unless on emergency, or when obvious juvenility warrants -the acceptance of an under-sized candidate; who, generally, being well -fed, and taught to stand erect, in the course of drilling over-tops the -standard of admission. - -Reference to the table of pay and allowances in the Directory, will -prove useful to those who may proceed to India, and may serve to guide -those who are not acquainted with the particulars of income in that -quarter. The usual exchange is two shillings and sixpence per _sicca_ -rupee, about five per cent. better than the _sonaut_ rupee, which is the -standard of military payments. In viewing the sum-total of an officer’s -pay, when reduced to English currency, which may be done with tolerable -correctness at the above rate of eight rupees to the pound sterling, -very considerable allowance must be made for the inevitable expences, -&c., incident, not only to military men, but to all residing in India. -This consideration will amount to a very plain, and correct, conclusion, -viz. that though a subaltern officer may live on his pay, provided his -out-set be duly allowed for, yet, that he must have more than ordinary -luck, or possess a bent towards parsimony by no means to be envied, and -rarely attaining its object, to enable his saving a few pounds within -the year. - -This is necessary to be well understood, and, when understood, ought to -be ever carried in mind by those who expect a young man on his arrival, -as a cadet, in India, to support himself without adventitious aids. That -he may do so, by arranging a proper plan with others of his class, -cannot be denied; but to effect this, not only all luxuries, but, what -in India are considered the necessaries of life, must be relinquished. -On receiving a commission, his allowances, of course, are considerably -augmented, but, on the other hand, his expences will be rather greater; -and this unavoidably, and exclusive of his equipment to join his corps. - -Therefore, let no unreasonable expectations be entertained, merely from -observing the gross sum of annual receipts; let not the parent, who can -spare a moderate sum towards his son’s comfort, deny it for the few -first years after the latter may arrive in India. The best mode of -effecting this, in a proper manner, is through some respectable -agency-house, which should have the power to afford seasonable aids, -under the injunction not to encourage, nor to tolerate, extravagance. -Those sanguine ideas too often entertained by persons not in affluent -circumstances, that their sons, brothers, &c., should remit to them, -yearly, a portion of their pay, ought to be peremptorily suppressed; the -illusion should be done away; otherwise, inconvenience at least, if not -ruin, may be entailed! - -To shew how folks, on this side the water, sometimes err, I shall relate -an anecdote which may prove serviceable to many; the circumstance -happened, within my own knowledge, to a brother subaltern with whom I -was very intimate. He had, from the day of his admission to the service, -formed the resolution of amassing a certain sum, which should be devoted -to the comfort of three sisters he had left in Scotland, and who, he -knew, would not, in the meanwhile, be destitute of support. At the end -of about his tenth year of service, his favorite object was effected, -and he remitted to them no less than twelve hundred pounds, _i.e._ four -hundreds to each, with a letter, expressing his satisfaction at being -enabled to provide them the means of improving their diet, &c.; closing -his brotherly epistle with the assurance, that, in so doing, he had -surrendered his all; and that, as it was his intention thenceforward to -lay by every spare rupee for the purpose of retiring from the service, -they were to expect no further aid until his demise. The good souls were -astonished at the receipt of so handsome a present, which they never had -expected; they put their heads together, and, after many a pleasing -_confab._, in which expectation, rather than gratitude, doubtless was -expressed, made up their minds to the full conviction that their brother -was as rich as a Jew, and that there was no occasion for economy in -future. They made their good fortune known, both by words, and by the -encrease of their establishment, &c., &c.; and, for a year or more, made -a very gay appearance on the strength of their brother’s money; but, as -that was rather ‘of a perishable nature,’ and because, as poor Richard -says, ‘going often to the meal-tub, but never putting in, will soon find -the bottom,’ bills, and demands of various kinds, began to accumulate, -and the ladies were reduced to considerable distress. In this awkward -predicament, application was made to the agent through whom the payment -had been paid in London; but he knew nothing whatever of their brother’s -concerns, nor could he venture to make them any advance upon the bills -of exchange they proposed to give him. Reduced to the last extremity by -their own imprudence, they wrote him a most extraordinary letter, which -was submitted to my perusal, wherein, among other matters, they -reproached him as having occasioned their distress ‘_by not having been -punctual in the_ ANNUAL REMITTANCE _he had led them to expect_!’ The -foregoing _fact_, I am thoroughly satisfied could be matched, if many -family occurrences, of which the public do not hear, were exposed to -view. The number of questions I have been obliged to answer, and the -evident disappointments that have resulted from my candid exposition of -the subjects in question, leave not a doubt in my mind, that the most -preposterous expectations are often (as in the above instance) formed -upon very slight grounds, or even without the smallest foundation. - -According to the regulations, every man in the service ought to be paid -monthly; but this is not always done, even in times of peace, on account -of the collections, _i.e._ the revenues, being received only at -particular periods: if nothing particular should occur to occasion the -monies being otherwise appropriated, the deputy pay-masters at the -several stations receive notice, that the amount of pay, due to the -troops attached thereto, may be received; otherwise, it sometimes -happens that two, three, or more months, elapse without any such notice -being given. It is inconceivable to what inconvenience such delays give -birth! No regimental pay-master, no regimental agent, no certain means -of obtaining a supply of cash, in general, exist. Consequently, recourse -must be had to the native money-lenders, of whom I have already made -honorable mention. When a notice arrives at the deputy pay-master’s -office, application is made by him for an escort, generally of a company -of sepoys, under the command of an European officer, which proceeds to -that civil station whence the supplies are to be derived. Sometimes, -however, the escort is detained for many days, or even for weeks; this -is usually owing to sudden calls for remittances having been received, -when, of course, the escort had better wait for fresh receipts than -return empty handed. - -Payments are made in specie, generally in silver; the _sicca_ rupees of -Lucknow, Benares, Patna, &c., being held as _sonauts_, in which the pay -of the whole army is calculated. When much gold is received at a -station, but especially at the Presidency, that coin is instantly -depreciated, to the great loss of every military man. In some instances, -payments are made to troops by means of bills of exchange, payable at -short dates: this answers very well for small sums, in situations not -authorizing the detachment of a party to escort from a considerable -distance, provided the party on whom the bill is given be a responsible -man, which is very generally the case; for, though we do sometimes hear -of a _shroff_ (_i.e._ native banker) stopping payment, very little -apprehension need be entertained as to the punctuality of those on whom -respectable firms draw, as they usually do, at fifty-one days. - -This is done with the view to induce the party who is to receive the -money, to discount with him who is to pay it; thus deriving to the -drawer of the bill a double profit. It happens sometimes, as I once -experienced, that some little pretended informality is not discovered -until the bill becomes due, when it is generally returned to be -rectified: by this device, an additional profit is exacted. I do not -apply these cases to all the _shroffs_, but notice them as being -occasionally within the sphere of an European’s disappointments, and to -caution against a too hasty acceptance of bills from any _shroff_ not -established in character, as well as in property. - -With respect to the recovery of sums advanced on bills of exchange, -extreme difficulty very generally prevails. The bankrupt laws of Britain -do not extend to her colonies, and, if they did, it could be to the -several presidencies only; beyond their immediate sites, the several -courts of judicature have no immediate authority over any but British -subjects. About thirty years back, the Supreme Court at Calcutta made an -attempt to extend its powers into the interior, and to take cognizance -of civil matters between the native inhabitants, but they were -personally opposed, and such serious consequences were apprehended, that -the enterprize was relinquished, and the judges compelled to confine -their operations to the letter of that act by which they had been sent -to India. - -Until within the last ten years, the troops in the upper -provinces received an addition to their pay, under the name of -‘double-full-batta,’ originally given by the Nabob Vizier of Oude to the -officers serving within his dominions, and by the Company to all who -served beyond their own immediate possessions: this has, however, been -abrogated, and full-batta is now the highest pay given on any occasion. -When the above allowance, _i.e._ double-full-batta, was in force, the -upper provinces were considered preferable in point of emolument; but, -on account of the great prices of liquors, and of all articles, -excepting immediate table provision, in demand among European gentlemen, -very little advantage was gained from the receipt of greater pay; except -by those who proceeded upon a plan of determined economy, and retired -from the great circle of society for the express purpose of living -within certain bounds, whatever privations they might endure. Such -persons necessarily acquired property in proportion to their receipts; -an object of great importance where the legal interest is twelve per -cent., and where abundance of government securities at ten per cent. -have been generally for sale at par, or nearly so, in the money market. -Under such favorable circumstances, the first saving was invaluable; it -was sure to accumulate, and commonly was doubled in about seven years. -Since the abolition of ‘double-full-batta,’ the Presidency is considered -the best station, so many opportunities offering of making cheap -purchases at the several daily auctions in Calcutta, only sixteen miles -from the cantonments at Barrackpore. In a gig, the distance may be -easily ran in two hours, the road being remarkably good; in a -_palanquin_, the journey may occupy about four hours, if a relay of -bearers be posted at the half-way _bungalow_. During the rains, and -especially when the tide serves, a well-manned _pulwar_, or a -_paunchway_, or _dingy_, (small boats calculated for expedition,) may -proceed from Barrackpore to Calcutta in little more than an hour; the -return is rarely very quick, except during spring-tides in the -dry-season, before the river rises. Care must be taken to start with the -first of the tide, but not before the _baun_, or _bore_, has past. - -Those who have seen the _bore_ in the Medway, and in the Severn, will at -once comprehend the dangers attendant upon that impetuous rush of the -waters, which, in the Hoogly, begins near Fultah, about forty miles -below Calcutta, and may be felt even so high as Nia-serai, full -thirty-five miles above the capital. In a work entitled ‘The Oriental -Voyager,’ by J. Johnson, Esq., Surgeon in the Royal Navy, at page 80, is -the following passage. Speaking of the Ganges, he says, ‘The tides in -this river, particularly at full and change, are rapid beyond belief, -forming what are called _boars_, or _bores_, when the stream seems -tumbling down a steep descent, doing great mischief among the boats, by -upsetting and running them over each other: ships themselves are -frequently dragged from their anchors, and dashed furiously against each -other, at these periods. They attempt to account for these torrents, by -saying they depend on the other small rivers, that open into the main -one by bars; which, at a certain time of the tide, allow the waters to -rush out, all at once, into the great stream, and thereby so much -encrease its velocity!’ - -Where Mr. Johnson got his information about these bars, I know not; nor -would it be possible, in my humble opinion, for any man to have -disguised, or confused, the fact more completely than is done in the -above paragraph: a circumstance which creates surprize, when we -consider, that the volume in question contains many remarks, inducing us -to expect the absence of so unphilosophical a description, and so -erroneous a conception. The matter lies in a nutshell, as Mr. Johnson -ought to have known: viz. Those rivers whose mouths are much expanded, -and that, after a course of several miles, during which their banks are -nearly parallel, suddenly contract, are subject to _bores_; that is, to -an immense wave which heads the flood tide. This _bore_, which is -described with justice as being very powerful, arises from the -contraction of the channel; which, while it directs the great volume of -water into a narrowed space, necessarily compels it to assume a greater -height. The successive flow drives on the leading wave, which gradually -subsides as it becomes more distant from the propelling power. But the -_bore_ rarely, if ever, occupies the whole breadth of the stream; it -ordinarily runs upon one side, until it comes to a bend, when it crosses -over, and continues its action until another turn of the river causes it -to cross again; and thus until its force is expended. The _bore_ does -not run under Calcutta, but along the opposite bank; it crosses at -Chitpore, about four miles above the fort, and ranges with great -violence past Barnagore, Duckensore, &c. Lesser rivers, whose mouths lie -embayed; as is the case with the Medway, which branches from the Thames, -and the Wye, that falls into the Severn, are subject to _bores_, in -consequence of the tide taking such a course as throws the great body of -water into them. In such small streams, the _bore_ will generally be -tremendous; because so great an expanse is suddenly thrown into so -narrow a channel: hence, the bridge at Chepstow is necessarily raised to -so great a height, and by floating made to yield to the tide’s force. - -I much fear Mr. Johnson was not very successful in his enquiries, nor -over fastidious in his acceptance of vulgar errors; for, I observe, that -at page 113, he has allowed himself to be egregiously duped regarding -_Mannacolly Point_; so called, from the village of _Mannacolly_, which -formerly stood there. Mr. Johnson tells us a long story about a lady -proceeding to India, and finding her husband a corpse at that place: -whence, ‘_Melancholy Point_.’!!! I am well aware, that the same fable -has been retailed to many others, who gaped for information; but that is -no apology for its being upheld as matter of fact: had any respectable -authority been consulted on the occasion, before the volume was -committed to press, so palpable a traditional error would not have been -offered to that public, among whom so many are equal to its refutation. - -What Mr. Johnson states respecting the injuries done to ships by the -_bore_, is at times verified, but they are rarely worthy of notice: if a -vessel be properly secured, the _bore_ will have little effect on her -safety, though the swell may cause her to pitch rather deep for a while. -During the rainy season there is no _bore_; which is to be accounted for -by the tide being so weakened at its entrance into the narrows near -Fultah, as not to be competent to form such a wave as precedes it at -other seasons; but, in exchange for this, a violent eddy, and great -agitation of the waters, takes place between Diamond-Harbour and that -place. It has been several times my lot, when proceeding with the last -of the tide from Barrackpore to Calcutta, to meet the _bore_, generally -near Chitpore; but, as its approach was indicated by the putting off of -all the small craft from that shore, along which it invariably pursued -its course, and to remain near which would be dangerous, my boat-men -always followed the example, and kept along the centre; where, though we -were tossed about famously, no danger existed. Once, indeed, in turning -Sulky Point, in a sailing boat, I was obliged to dash through the -_bore_, which I did not suppose to be so near, notwithstanding the -_dingies_, &c., were putting out. The surf assuredly appeared awful, but -we mounted over it, stem on, without difficulty, and speedily recovered -from a certain pallid complexion which had insensibly crept over our -countenances, as we approached the roaring waters. From what has been -said, it must be evident that the _bore_ travels at the same rate as the -incipient spring-tide, the velocity of which is different in various -parts, but may be taken at an average of full twenty miles within the -hour. Notwithstanding this rapidity, vessels, such as _budjrows_, and -other craft, intended for pleasure, or for burthen, ordinarily ride safe -at anchor; sustaining no injury from the _bore_, though they may perhaps -drag their anchors a few yards. But, to insure this security, care must -be taken that the broadside should not be exposed; else there will be -great danger of over-setting: this danger is not unfrequent, owing to -the _manjies_ and _dandies_ (boatmen) neglecting, especially during the -night, to swing the stern round, either by means of a spring, or a small -hawser, or by _luggies_ (bamboo-poles); so that the vessel’s head may -meet the _bore_ in its direct course. - -Those who are anxious to make the best of their way, should not delay -putting off until the tide may have fairly set in, but ought to be out -in the stream just as the _bore_ is ranging along the bank, so that they -may receive the first impulse, which is prodigiously forcible, and -endeavor, by the exertions of their boatmen, to keep up, as much as may -be practicable, with the leading waters. It is wonderful how great a -difference this sometimes makes in the start from Calcutta! Sometimes a -_budjrow_ may, by this precaution, reach beyond Bandel, and nearly to -the ultimatum of the tide’s way, after which, the current is invariably -in opposition, at various rates, according to the season of the year. -During the dry season, which includes from the end of October to the -middle of June, though sometimes the rains are of greater duration, or -set in earlier, the Hoogly river is nearly in a state of rest above -Nia-serai; but, during the rains, and especially about August and -September, not only the beds of the rivers, but the country around, -present a formidable body of water. Within the banks, the current may -average from four to eight miles an hour, according to localities, but -what is called ‘the inundation,’ rarely exceeds half a mile; and, I -believe, never moves at a full mile within that time. - -In this, due allowance must be made whether the waters are rising, or -falling: in the former instance, they will become nearly stationary -until they may overflow where nearest the sea, and thus obtain a vent; -in the latter case, such parts as may be near to great rivers, then -subsiding within their banks, must be greatly accelerated. - -As the parched soil of Egypt is refreshed by the overflowing of the -Nile, so do the waters of the Ganges, by their annual expansion and -abundance, renew the fertility of many millions of acres, and restore -the blessings of health to those industrious and peaceable peasantry -inhabiting that flat country through which they majestically wind their -course. - -At Calcutta, and Dacca, each of which is about seventy miles from the -sea, not only is the water unpalatable, from its saline impregnation, -but even the sand, taken from the beds of the rivers, is found to retain -so much moisture, notwithstanding the heat of the climate, as to -disqualify it from mixture in the cements used for building, but -especially for making tarrases, known to us here under the designation -of grist floors. - -The great tank at Calcutta, which occupies a space of about ten acres, -is not less than two hundred yards from the river. The soil is generally -a rich sandy loam near the surface, but becomes rather looser, and -inclinable to a fine gravel, after digging about ten feet. The tank may -be sixty feet from the top of its banks, (which are level with the -streets,) to its bottom; and the river is from four to seven fathoms -deep opposite its site. We should conclude that such a distance would -secure the waters of the tank from becoming brackish; but the soil -favors the communication with the river, and, during the hot season, -occasions the tank to be so strongly impregnated as to be unfit for -either culinary purposes, or for washing. What is more remarkable, the -wells in the different out-works of Fort-William, some of which are four -or five hundred yards from the river, partake equally of the moisture: -so much, indeed, as to have caused Government to be at a great expence -in forming an immense reservoir, (to be filled, if required, by rain -water,) occupying the whole of one of the bastions. - -It should be here noticed, that, during the rainy season, the rivers are -full up to their banks, and run with such force, often six or eight -miles in the hour, as to occasion the tide to be little felt, either at -Calcutta, or at Dacca; consequently, the whole of the water, both of the -rivers, and of the tanks and wells, becomes fresh and pure. On the other -hand, during the hot months, viz. March, April, May, and part of June, -when, except during a north-wester, or squall incident to the season, -not a drop of rain is to be expected, the waters are every where -proportionably low; and, as the tides come up with extreme force, we -must conclude the portion of sea-water to be very considerable. Such is -the fact; for those who visit either Calcutta, or Dacca, at that season, -and who drink even of the tank-water, are sure to feel its cathartic -effects, and, eventually, to suffer under a very troublesome kind of -itch. At Dacca, where the air is more saline, all visitors undergo the -penance of a copious eruption: some of the old residents have a return -of it every hot season; although they may be extremely careful never to -touch river water, but, like the inhabitants of Calcutta, allot a -spacious _godown_ to the reception of immense jars of earthen ware, -which, being placed side by side, in close rows, are successively filled -by the _aub-dar_, or servant whose business is confined to the care, and -to the cooling, of water for table expenditure. The water thus preserved -is caught in large vessels, placed under the several spouts that conduct -it thereto, during heavy falls of rain; the quantity varies according to -the consumption, but we may ordinarily compute that of a family at -Calcutta to amount to full sixty or seventy hogsheads within the year. -In the course of a few weeks, each vessel will be found to contain -innumerable larvæ, occasioned by musquitoes, and other insects, and -which would, in a certain time, taint the fluid. It is therefore -customary to strain the whole so soon as the larvæ are discovered, and -afterwards to plunge into each jar an immense mass of iron, made -red-hot; whereby whatever animalculæ may have escaped through the -strainer may be destroyed. This being done, some alum is dissolved in -water, and a sufficient quantity put into each vessel to fine its -contents. Some, and I think the practice should be more generally -adopted, after the foregoing operations, sprinkle a quantity of very -fine sand on the surface of the water in each jar; thereby giving, to -whatever gross particles it may contain, a tendency to precipitation. It -may, at first view, appear that, in the common course of society, -gentlemen must be subject to partake of water which may not have been so -scrupulously purified, and perhaps brought from some neighbouring tank, -or from a river, impregnated by the influx of a brackish tide. Such may, -assuredly, be the case occasionally; but it will be found, on reference -to what has been said of the duties of the _aub-dar_, or water-servant, -that purified water is carried by a bearer, in a _bangy_, or perhaps in -a _soorye_, or earthen jug, to the house at which his master is to dine. -In camp, it is a very general custom for every guest’s servant to supply -his master with water of his own purifying; which is effected either by -means of alum, or of some other astringent producing a similar effect. - -The waters in the great rivers have various sources; but, speaking -generally of the Ganges, which receives almost all the other rivers in -its course from those mountains among which it has its source, to the -Bay of Chittagong, where it empties itself into the sea in an immense -expanse, we may divide its properties according to the countries through -which it passes. Hence the various opinions that have been entertained -of its qualities; which have been generally mentioned in a very loose, -indiscriminate manner, without reference to the various soils whereby -its purity must be affected, in a country where, as in Egypt, annual -inundations prevail; or where, at least, such immense quantities of rain -fall as would astonish a person not habituated to the most impetuous -showers. - -The Ganges takes its rise at the back of the Kammow Hills, beyond -Hurdwar, where it issues forth as a narrow, but rapid stream, from among -broken rocks, and soon spreads to some extent in the fertile plains of -the Rohilcund district, which it divides from the province of Delhi. The -natives of India rarely venture beyond Hurdwar. They have, however, an -opinion that the true _Ganga_, as they term the Ganges, originates at -that spot; and, considering the cow as the greatest blessing given to -mankind, (for the Hindus venerate it with even more fervor than a -Catholic does a supposed relic of our Saviour,) emphatically term it -‘the Cow’s Mouth;’ implying thereby the purity, as well as the value, of -the waters. - -But those mountains which give birth to the Ganges, are likewise the -sources of the Barampooter; a river exceeding even the Ganges in -capacity! These two immense streams deviate at their origin to opposite -quarters; the Ganges proceeding westward, and the Barampooter eastward. -The former, after winding at the back of the Kammow and Nagrocote -Mountains, passes Hurdwar, and, proceeding in a devious track through -the plains of Oude, Allahabad, Benares, Bahar, Jungleterry, Mauldah, -Comercally, Dacca, and other subordinate districts, receives the -Luckyah, as a branch from the Barampooter, and a few miles below Dacca -unites with that river; whence, under the designation of ‘the MEGNA,’ -they pursue their course for about sixty miles to the eastern part of -the Bay of Bengal, forming by their junction a volume of water, -encreasing, from about seven, to twenty miles in width. - -In the upper country, the Ganges receives various inferior streams, such -as the Doojoorah, the Cally-Nuddy, the Goombeerah, the Gunduck, the -Mahanuddy, the Rooee, the Jumma, the Goomty, the Carimnassa, the Gogra, -(or Dewah,) the Soane, the Coosah, and various other streams not vying -in extent with the Ganges, but generally equal to the Thames at London. -The Gogra, the Soane, and the Coosah, are, indeed, rivers of the second -class; as wide as the Thames at Gravesend. - -From Sooty, which is in the Jungleterry district, the Ganges throws off -a considerable branch: this widening in a curious manner, under the name -of the Baug-Retty, passes Moorshadabad, formerly the seat of the -government of Bengal, under Sooraja Dowlah, Meer Jaffiers, and their -ancestors; at length, after a course of about 150 miles, it meets at -Nuddeah, with the Jellinghy, also detached from the Ganges, whence the -two form a large river under the name of the Hoogly, which, flowing -under Hoogly, Bandel, Chinsurah, Chandernagore, Serampore, Calcutta, and -many inferior places, empties itself into the western end of the Bay of -Bengal, having previously received the Roopnariam, and the Dummoodah. - -In its course from Bagwangolah, which stands near to Sooty, the Ganges -sends a great variety of small streams through the Jessore, and -Mahomedpore districts, which, meeting with large inlets from the sea, -form an immense labyrinth of deep waters, intersecting that wild country -called the Sunderbunds, in such various mazes as to require a pilot for -their navigation. - -Having thus detailed the courses of the rivers, I shall account for -their rise and fall; as thereon many physical points of the utmost -importance will be found to depend: the various soils through which they -pass will be described, and enable us to judge more correctly, of the -causes of that variety of character attached to the waters in various -parts. - -The Thibet Mountains, which form the north-east boundary of a long -valley, stretching from Napaul to Sirinaghur, are covered with snow all -the year. Their height must be very great; for, on a clear day, they may -be seen from the Golah at Patna, though distant little less than 300 -miles. From the north-west part of this Alpine range, the Ganges and -Barampooter derive their sources, as before described, back to back from -the same mountains. To the dissolution of a part of the snow which -cloaths their summits, we may, perhaps, safely attribute a slight -encrease that takes place about the middle of May in those rivers: -fluctuating, more or less, at intervals, until the periodical rains set -in; generally about the middle of June. Some have ascribed their rise to -heavy rains in the countries through which the streams pass; but such -cannot be considered as the true cause, for various reasons. Firstly, -those rains must be extremely heavy if they tended to swell the rivers; -the ground being parched, and requiring great moisture to saturate it. -Secondly, the encrease is not attendant with any turbid appearance; as -would indisputably result from such heavy rains, as, after saturating -the thirsty soil, could raise such large rivers, often a foot, or more. -Thirdly, there are other rivers which derive their sources from the -Kammow Hills, and from the Morungs, not so distant from the Thibet Hills -but that they might be expected to receive their share of the rains, and -to shew some encrease, which they do not; the rise being confined to the -Ganges and Barampooter, whose sources lie among the snow-clad mountains. -Fourthly, the encrease happens at the hottest time of the year, and the -water loses the genial warmth imparted by the solar ray, becomes harder, -and, in the upper country, near Annopshier, about sixty miles below the -Cow’s Mouth, is found, at that particular season, to cause acute bowel -complaints, which is not the case at other seasons. Add to this, that, -among the natives of the countries above Hurdwar, the _goiture_, or wen -in the throat, in some measure prevails: a strong symptom of the -dissolution of snow. - -The following may, generally, be considered the soils peculiar to the -several provinces through which the Ganges has its course, after leaving -Hurdwar. The west bank is generally high all the way to Benares, and -consists, with little exception, of lime, concreted into irregular -masses, much like roots of ginger, or Jerusalem artichokes, of various -sizes, some weighing perhaps five or six pounds, others scarcely an -ounce. These are of a ginger, or ash color; though some, being more -mixed with the gravelly part of the soil, are of a yellowish red. This -kind of concretion is known throughout India by the name of _kunkur_, -and, when burnt, yields a very inferior kind of cement, friable, and not -very tenacious in regard to the body whereto it is applied, nor -hardening so as to resist moisture effectually. - -All the rivers, therefore, which issue from the western bank, are, more -or less, impregnated with this kind of lime; while, on the opposite -bank, the waters partake of a strong solution of nitre, with which most -of the plains of Oude, Fyzabad, Gazypore, &c., abound. Such is the -abundance, that the Company are induced to prohibit the salt-petre -manufactured in the Nabob Vizier of Oude’s dominions, from being -imported within their own provinces; otherwise, the cheapness of the -former, which is usually sold at Furruckabad for about two shillings and -sixpence per cwt., would destroy the manufactories at Patna, where it -ordinarily sells for double that price. - -The country lying between the Ganges and the Goomty, (on the eastern -bank,) from Currah to Benares, is replete with alkali in a fossile -state, known by the name of _sudjy_. This is usually found on the -surface, at the close of the rainy season especially, when it begins to -shew itself very obviously, and is pared off with mattocks; rising in -large cellular strata from one to three inches in thickness, and much -resembling thin free-stone, though far more porous. In this state it is -carried to market, where it is purchased by the manufacturers of soap at -Allahabad, Patna, and other places; it is generally combined with oil, -and, when ready, sells at about ten shillings the maund of 80lb. At -Calcutta it is ordinarily sold at about 50 per cent. profit. It is made -in baskets, is of a dark color, and very moist. - -It is curious that the inhabitants of these countries have never turned -their thoughts to the effects produced by these substances. On the -western bank the people are subject to nephritic complaints, which they -generally express under the vague term of _kummer-ka-dook_ (or pains in -the back); while, on the eastern bank, they are troubled with the -_moormoory_, (or gripes,) with which those living inland, especially, -are severely afflicted, owing to their use of tank-water. - -During the rainy season, these powerful agents combine, and give birth -to most alarming and excruciating maladies, which, however, readily -yield to a few gentle cathartics, aided by _congee_, (or rice-water,) by -which the intestines are sheathed. The natives generally have recourse -to opiates; whereby they often fix the disease. In the dry season, that -is, from the end of October to the middle of June, the river water, -having deposited the noxious particles, is remarkably clear and -wholesome; except when the rise takes place, about the middle or end of -May, as before related. The bed of the river being invariably a coarse -sand, occasionally blended with immense sheets of _kunkur_, whereof the -banks are formed for miles in some parts, easily receives the lime and -alkali, leaving the running waters clear, and free from those -substances. - -Europeans never drink of water fresh drawn in any situation; it being -always left to stand for at least one day; during which, a copious -deposit takes place: in the rainy season, perhaps full a fourth of the -contents of the vessel. Some gentlemen are very particular in having -their water boiled. - -The low plains of the Shawabad and Buxar districts, situate on the -western bank of the Ganges, are chiefly cultivated with rice, while the -higher parts are productive of white corn, opium, sugar, &c. The swamps -near Saseram, bordering the range of hills at the western boundary, and -which come round to Chunar, are annually in a state of partial -corruption, sufficient to occasion terribly malignant diseases, about -November; when the sun’s power promotes an astonishing evaporation, -filling the air with miasma, and spreading destruction among all the -living tribes. But those waters are, in themselves, highly dangerous; -both on account of the putrefaction of the vegetables they contain, and -of the powerful coalition of various mineral streams, which, having in -the rainy season exceeded their ordinary limits, stray into the low -country, and mix with the already deleterious mass. Finding a discharge -for their redundancy, by means of the multitude of fissures, or small -channels, every where existing, these blend with the purer torrents, -occasioned by the impetuous rains, and cause a fever to prevail, which, -in addition to the lime and nitre already afloat, perform wonders in the -cause of desolation. - -This assemblage of rivulets forms that great river the Soane, which, for -the short course it has to run, not being more than sixty miles from its -numerous sources in the hills before noticed, presents an uncommon -expanse, being generally from three quarters of a mile to two miles in -breadth; but, in the dry season, contracting its stream to a very narrow -channel, winding in the most fanciful meanders, and causing, by its -waters being so dispersed in a very flat bed, more quicksands than -probably are to be found in any river in the world. It is worthy of -remark here, that several rivers in that part of the world, which have -sandy beds, appear suddenly to be lost; owing to sand banks, that, -during the stream’s violence, have been thrown up, so high as to be -above the waters when the rains have subsided: the current continues -very perceptible, but as the bar prevents the water from going forward, -it passes through the intervals of the very coarse grit which forms that -bar; and, perhaps, at the distance of half a mile lower, re-appears. The -natives, who attribute every thing that can bear the perversion to some -invisible agent, never fail to apply this as a curse upon any village -that may be opposite to such a bar, under the opinion that the waters -ceased to run in its vicinity on account of some impiety, either known, -or concealed, perpetrated by the inhabitants. - -The Gogra, or Dewah, which takes its rise in the hills north of -Gorackpore, dividing Napaul from the Company’s possessions, rolls its -impetuous course through a country nearly desolate, and bounding its -banks with most extensive forests and wildernesses. The soil is not so -impregnated with nitre as in other parts, nor are the streams that form -its volume tainted so strongly with minerals. Perhaps owing to the -length of its course, which may be about 250 miles, or more, the more -weighty particles may be deposited; for it is held that this river -contains less obnoxious mixture than any part of the Ganges. Of lime it -may certainly partake, since it runs through some tracts abounding with -_kunkur_; but its course is chiefly through clay, sand, and a species of -black potters’ marle, of which crockery is made in some parts of north -Bahar, in imitation of our Staffordshire ware; though very inferior as -to form and finish. For this, the neighbourhood of Sewan is famous. - -The province of Bahar abounds in nitre; and every petty rivulet either -takes its rise from some swamp strongly impregnated therewith, or passes -through soils which yield it profusely. Those streams that originate in -the Chittrah, Ramghur, Gyah, and Monghyr Hills, are often so very highly -saturated with deleterious substances, as to betray their bad qualities -even to the eye. The Mahana, the Mutwallah, and various mountain rivers -in that quarter, which rush into the Ganges between Patna and Boglepore, -are frequently tinged with copper, of which some small veins are to be -found. An instance occurred, while the 12th battalion of native infantry -was marching from Patna to the Ramghur station, where the whole corps -were so extremely affected by the water, as scarcely to be able to -ascend from the camp, then at Dungaie, to the summit of the Kanachitty -Pass; such was the state to which it had, by its cupreous solution, -reduced both men and beasts. Fortunately, it was very cold weather, and -the use made of the waters had been very limitted. - -Some officers from the same corps being on a shooting party, during the -next year, happened to encamp at Dungaie. The kettle had been put on; -the water, indeed, was ready for breakfast; but the gentlemen, on -alighting from their horses, as usual, had water brought them to wash; -when the contraction it occasioned in their mouths instantly reminded -them of their former escape, and thereby set them on their guard: on -enquiring, they found, that, either from want of memory, or through -indolence, their servants had taken the water from the rivulet running -at the foot of the pass, in lieu of drawing it from a well in the town, -which was at no great distance. - -Many such streams pour into the Ganges, either singly, or in conjunction -with others. As to chalybeate influence, that cannot be wanting; for the -whole range of hills, in the elevated parts of Ramghur, Rotas, Chittrah, -Tomar, Pachete, Beerboom, Ragonautpore, Midnapore, &c., may be termed -one mass of iron; lying in huge projections exposed to view, and giving -the soil a strong rust color. The natives, in those parts, fuse immense -quantities for sale. - -The country from Benares to Patna is generally fertile in the extreme, -abounding in rich plains, and affording far purer water than is to be -found above that interval. At Gazypore and Buxar the waters receive no -additional adulteration, except from the Caramnassa, which certainly is -an impure stream. Such is the opinion held by the natives regarding this -river, that, on account of its being necessary to cross it between -Saseram and Benares, a road much frequented by pilgrims and devotees; -particularly the immense hordes who repair from the Maharrattah country, -to visit the holy Hindu city of _Kassi_, which is the name they give to -Benares; that a rich man, residing so far off as Poonah, the capital of -the Maharrattah empire, near Bombay, bequeathed a large sum of money for -building a bridge, thereby to obviate the necessity pious travellers -were under of being carried over on the backs of men; who gained a -livelihood by transporting those who, from over-nice scruples, would not -wade through the stream, as they must have done through hundreds of -others, before they got so near their holy object. Unhappily for those -delicate gentry, the bridge did not, when I last saw it, about twelve -years ago, seem likely to perform its office: the soil being sandy, and -the architect understanding but little of his profession, piers had -repeatedly been raised to about seven or eight feet high, but always -gave way; so that I fear the poor itinerants must still pay their pence, -and ride across as before; unless the edifice may be entrusted to -European architects. - -The Coosah comes down from the Morungs, a wild, mountainous country, -replete with impenetrable forests, and containing some few minerals: -however, on that head little is known; the extent of the wilds being -such as to debar the possibility of exploring the supposed riches -contained in the bosom of the mountains. From this quarter, and the -continuance of the forest before described, which stretches eastward to -Assam, and westward to Peelabeet, or further, the whole of the lower -countries are supplied with _saul_ and _sissoo_ timbers, and some firs. - -Such is the country in which the Coosah has its rise; quitting which, -after a foaming course of about forty miles, it enters the extensive -plains of Purneah, through which it passes in a more tranquil state, -though ever rapid, until it joins the Ganges a little below Colgong, -which stands on the opposite bank, and where the Termahony, a small -sluggish river of about eighty or a hundred yards in breadth, blends its -waters with the great river. The Termahony is very deep, and, in the -rainy season, equally impetuous. Like the Coosah, it flows chiefly -through a flat country, during its short course, and as the soils in -this part are sabulous, there does not appear any thing remarkable in -the effects of the waters upon the inhabitants. - -The Ganges may be considered as far more pure between Raje-Mahal, in the -Jungleterry district, and Mauldah, or Bagwangolah, than for some -distance above; during the dry season, it is remarkable for the -clearness and lightness of its waters: after leaving this to proceed -southward, we find them greatly changed during the rainy season, when -the immense inundation which prevails throughout Bengal, properly so -called, and which, moving in general at a rate not exceeding half a mile -in the hour, may be considered as stagnant. - -We now lose the great body of sand that in all the upper country forms -the bed, not only of the Ganges, but of every river whose course -continues uninterrupted during the dry season; though its stream may -become insignificant. Here it should be remarked, that sandy beds -generally produce the finest beverage, and that the water will be found -more pure in proportion as the sand is coarse. Hence, the waters in the -deep parts of such streams are invariably the sweetest; for the coarse -sand will naturally find its way to the greatest depths, precipitating -the impurities with it. On the contrary, the light floating sands, which -with every little motion become agitated, will set the impurities also -in action. Such are generally found on the borders of the stream, whence -most persons derive their supplies, and where it may usually be seen in -an active state; or, if at rest, blended with slime, or fibrous -substances. - -We should ever remember the distinction between the effects of fine and -of coarse sand as strainers. Coarse sand allows heavy, or coarse bodies, -to pass through it freely, provided the particles be not adhesive, or -too gross for filtration: consequently, when such sand is deposited in -the bed of a river, the lesser particles of lime, or of minerals and -their ores, will sink, and remain fixed. Not so with fine sand; which -has a greater tendency to compactness, and which, gradually filling up -the smallest intervals, becomes firm, and resists all admixture with -heterogeneous substances; the latter must, of necessity, remain on their -surface, subject to be taken up with the water. Persons accustomed to -filtration must know, that, owing to this tendency, fine sand is by far -the best medium to filter _through_, while coarse sand is preferable for -the purposes of _precipitation_. - -The inundation which overflows Bengal, especially in the districts of -Nattore, Dacca, Jessore, the southern parts of Rungpore, and a part of -Mahomed-Shi, is, perhaps, one of the most curious of nature’s phenomena! -The wisdom of our Creator is most conspicuously shewn in the -appropriation of sustenance, both for the human and for the brute -species, suited to meet this annual visitation of the waters. However -copious the rains may be in the southern provinces, though they might -become boggy, and be partially inundated where the lands were low, yet, -without the influx of these immense streams, which, owing to the -declivity of the surface, pour down from the upper country, Bengal -would, at such seasons, be but a miry plain, or a shallow morass. The -great inundation does not, generally, take place till a month after the -period when the rains have, according to the phrase in use, ‘set in.’ -The thirsty soils of Oude, Corch, Allahabad, Benares, Gazypore, Patna, -Rungpore, Boglepore, Purneah, and all beyond the 25th degree of -latitude, require much moisture to saturate them, as do also those -parched plains into which they ultimately pour their streams, before any -part of the soil can be covered, indeed, such is the state of the -southern provinces after the cold season, that that rich friable soil in -which they abound is seen cake-dried and cracked by fissures of many -inches in breadth, as though some great convulsion of nature had been -exerted to rend the surface into innumerable divisions. - -Under the circumstances of a flood, which lasts for many months, -fluctuating from the middle or end of July to the beginning of October, -(though the water does not drain off before the middle of December in -low situations,) the inhabitants might be supposed to suffer under all -the miseries of a general ruin and subsequent scarcity. The reverse is, -however, the fact; for, provided the rains do not fall in such torrents -as to wash away their habitations, and to occasion so rapid a rise in -the fluid plain as to overwhelm the growing rice, the more ample the -_bursauty_, (_i.e._ the rains,) the more plentiful the crop, and -generally the less sickly does the season prove. The latter point will -appear self-established, when we consider that amplitude of inundation -serves, not only to divide the septic matter contained in the water, but -likewise to accelerate its action, and cause its proceeding with added -impetus to discharge itself into the bay. At this season, rivers are -only known by the currents, and consequent swells, which appear amidst -this temporary ocean! The navigation, for several months, assumes a new -appearance. Vessels of great burthen, perhaps of two thousand maunds, -(each 80lb.,) equal to nearly one hundred tons, are seen traversing the -country in all directions, principally with the wind, which is then -within a few points on either side of south. Noted cities, exalted -mosques, and populous _gunjes_, or grain-markets, on the river’s bank, -are not objects of attention. The boatman having set his enormous square -sail, proceeds by guess, or, perhaps, guided by experience, through the -fields of rice, which every where raise their tasseled heads, seeming to -invite the reaper to collect the precious grain. As to depth of water, -there is generally from ten to thirty feet, in proportion as the country -may be more or less elevated. - -It is curious to sail among these insulated towns, which, at this -season, appear almost level with the surrounding element, and hemmed in -by their numerous _dingies_, or boats, which, exclusive of the necessity -for preparing against an over-abundant inundation, are requisite for the -purposes of cutting the _paddy_: rice being so called while in the husk. - -So soon as what is considered the final secession of the inundation is -about to commence, the whole of the boats are in motion, and the _paddy_ -is cut with astonishing celerity. It is fortunate, that, owing to the -country on the borders of the sea being higher than the inundated -country, the waters cannot draw off faster than they can find vent, by -means of the rivers which discharge into the Bay of Bengal, else the -growing rice would be subjected to various fluctuations unsuited to its -nature, and occasioning the straw to bend; whereby its growth would be -injured, even if it should recover from its reclined state so as again -to assume a vigorous appearance on the surface. - -The waters of the inundation, it will be seen, are a mixture of all the -streams flowing from every part of the extensive valley formed by the -ranges of mountains stretching from Chittagong to Loll Dong, or Hurdwar, -on the east and north-east, and from Midnapore to Lahore on the west and -north-west, a course of not less than fifteen hundred miles, and -generally from two to four miles in breadth. It may be supposed, that -many impurities must be involved with these contributary streams, as -particularized in the foregoing pages: to this we must add the -offensive, and certainly not salutary, effect, induced by the Hindu -custom of consigning every corpse to the waters of the Ganges, or of any -stream flowing into it. - -The Hindu religion requires that the deceased should be burnt _to -ashes_, on the borders of the Ganges, and that those ashes, with all the -remnants of wood used in the pile, should, together with the small truck -bedstead on which the body was brought from the habitation to the river -side, be wholly committed to the stream. The wholesomeness of such a -practice, in a country where the strides of putrefaction know no bounds, -infection and its effects being prodigiously extensive and rapid, cannot -be disputed; such an ordinance may vie with the acts of any other -legislature, however enlightened. But, either the poverty, the -indolence, or the sordidness, of the people, has, in time, converted -this wholesome precaution into a perfect nuisance. From fifty to a -hundred bodies, in different stages of putrefaction, may be seen -floating past any one spot within the course of the day. These having -been placed on a scanty pile, and that not suffered to do its office, -either on account of hot, cold, or wet, weather, have been pushed, by -means of a bamboo pole, into the stream, to the great annoyance of -water-travellers, and of all persons abiding near those eddies, where -the nuisance may be kept circling for days, until forcibly removed, or -until the _pariah_ dogs swim in, and drag the carcase to the shore: -there it speedily becomes the prey of various carrion birds, and of the -indigenous village curs known by the above designation. - -Under all the circumstances of such a combination of putrid animal and -vegetable substance, of mineral adulteration, and of the miasma -naturally arising from the almost sudden exposure of an immense residuum -of slime, &c.; added to the cessation of the pure sea air, the wind -changing after the rains from the southerly to the northerly points, are -we to wonder at the malignancy of those fevers prevalent throughout the -province of Bengal Proper, from the end of September to the early part -of January, when the swamps are generally brought into narrow limits, -and the air is laden with noxious vapors? - -Although it appears, that the general sickness prevailing throughout -Bengal at the above season, is induced by nearly the same causes that, -according to our best informations, engender the yellow fever in -America, yet no symptom of that alarming complaint has ever been known -in India, nor does the bilious, or putrid fever, of Bengal at all -assimilate in regard to symptoms with the American fatality. Certainly -it is common to see whole villages in a state of jaundice, and in some -years the ravages of the disease are truly formidable; but, though it -may be classed as epidemic, we may, at the same time, annex an endemic -distinction in regard to each village separately. Except in cases of -putrid accession, or of obvious _typhus_, there does not seem any danger -of infection; and it has been proved, that the malady might, by proper -care, be wholly averted. It is a fact, that, at several civil stations, -and at some of the principal military cantonments, which were formerly -considered the emporium of fever, the inhabitants have been preserved in -an ordinary state of health merely by cutting a few drains, or by -banking up such places as formerly proved inlets to inundate plains that -now remain sufficiently free from water to allow of pasturage during the -whole of the rainy season. - -The confinement occasioned by a long term of rain, must necessarily -alter the habit, while the incumbent atmosphere, being laden with -moisture, must, at the same moment, dispose the system to the reception, -or to the generation, of disease. The poor native does not change his -diet, and very probably retains the same damp cloaths for many days. His -temperate system of living seems to be his greatest aid in case of -illness; those medicines that in him effect a great change being found -comparatively feeble when administered either to one of a debauched -conduct, or to Europeans; who, being accustomed to a more substantial -and more stimulant mode of living, are not to be acted upon but by the -more potent of the materia medica. - -It has often been asked, as a matter of surprize, how it happens that -Bengal has never been visited by the plague. The question has been -founded on the supposed affinity between that country and Egypt, in -regard to the annual inundations; and to the narrowness, as well as the -filth, of the streets in the great cities; which would, if the -conjecture were correct, induce pestilence, as the same causes are said -to do in Turkey. - -The case is widely different. In Egypt, although the lands are -inundated, rain is scarcely ever known to fall; the floods coming from -the southerly mountains. Hence, the inhabitants are under all the -disadvantages attendant upon a hot atmosphere, during eight months in -the year, and are, for the remaining four, exposed to the insalubrity -arising from the inundation, especially when it is draining off. - -In regard to the narrowness of the streets, and the filth they contain, -something may be said in alleviation. The houses in Turkey are much -higher, are built of more solid materials, and the inhabitants being -wholly of one religion, viz. followers of Mahomed, but partaking of some -of the bad habits of the neighbouring countries, being also in a more -variable climate, more pointed attention is paid to durability and to -closeness in the edifices, than is commonly shewn in India. In the -latter country, the utmost jealousy subsists between the Mussulmans and -the Hindus, but the latter are most numerous in every place, even in the -cities where Mussulman princes hold their _durbars_, or courts. This -jealousy occasions the Hindus to look upon every vestige of a Mussulman -as a contamination; and, as ablutions are enjoined even more by the -Hindu law than by the Koran, which is the Mussulman’s book of faith, we -may consider the person of a Hindu to be as clean and wholesome as -repeated washings can make it. He wears only a small lock of hair, -growing from a spot about the size of a dollar on the crown of his head. -His cloaths are washed as often as his body, and, on the whole, it -should appear almost impossible for him to carry any disease arising -from, or communicated through, a deficiency of individual cleanliness. - -The houses of the natives throughout India, if we except about one-third -of Benares, about a twentieth of Patna, the same of Moorshadabad, and a -mere trifle of the Black Town of Calcutta, are built of mats, bamboos, -and straw; in the latter, they have been, under late regulations, tiled. -The generality of village-huts are built with mud walls. On the whole, -however, whether owing to cracks in the walls, or intervals between them -and the thatches, windows, &c., the air finds a free course throughout. -Add to this, that the natives do not sleep on feather beds, flock, &c., -but generally on mats made of reeds. This, of itself, may be considered -a preventive against infection. - -The fires kept up in the houses of the natives of Turkey are in fixed -stoves, or under chimnies, which do not answer the purposes of -fumigation. Whereas, the Indian, by means of a moveable stove, -unintentionally fumigates the whole house; making the eyes of all smart -with the smoke. This fuel is not bituminous; but, in every situation, is -either wood, or the dried dung of cattle. Besides, the floor of a -Hindu’s house is, perhaps daily, washed with a thick solution of -cow-dung, whence a freshness is diffused, not perhaps very gratifying, -in point of savour, to an European’s nostrils, but assuredly -anti-septic, and answering various good purposes; especially as the -walls are, to the height of, perhaps, three or four feet, smeared with -the same mixture. The use of tobacco is common to both Turkey and India, -and may be considered as contributary to a resistance against the damps -during the rainy season, as well as against infection. - -With regard to the apprehensions arising from filth, fortunately, they -are not better founded than those just noticed as dependant on the -narrowness of the streets. This lucky evasion of disease is not, -however, to be attributed to any attention on the part of the natives -individually, or to the fostering care of the native governments. Few -towns of any importance but are built on the borders of some navigable -river, of which there are abundance throughout the country. The swarms -of vultures, kites, crows, and of a large kind of butcher bird, standing -at least six feet high, called the _argeelah_, added to the immense -numbers of _pariah_ dogs, generally roving at liberty, and -unacknowledged by any particular owner; together with the multitude of -jackalls, that patrol through the cities, as well as the plains, during -the night, all contribute to remove whatever carrion, or putrescent -matter, may be exposed to their researches. - -It would not, perhaps, be so easy to keep cities in a state of tolerable -cleanliness in such a hot climate, if the inhabitants subsisted on -butchers’ meat. The shambles alone would prove highly offensive: it is -therefore fortunate that the natives make rice and vegetables their -principal food. There being no privies attached to houses in general, is -an additional benefit; though accompanied with some small inconvenience, -it being requisite to walk to the outskirts of the city, or, eventually, -among some ruins, on all occasions. The privies of the higher orders of -natives, and of Europeans in general, are built on a plan which admits -of instantly removing the filth; a practice never neglected by a -servant, whose office consists only in that duty, and in sweeping the -house at various times of the day. - -The _argeelah_, or butcher bird, before mentioned, is to be seen -partially all the year round; but, generally speaking, comes with the -first showers in June, and stays until the cold season is far advanced; -when it retires into the heavy covers on the borders of the large -unfrequented lakes, near the mountains, to breed. This bird has been -fully described in the representation of the Ganges breaking its Banks, -in my work entitled the ‘WILD SPORTS OF INDIA,’ published by Mr. Orme, -of New Bond-street, and by Messrs. Black, Parry, and Kingsbury, of -Leadenhall-street. It is by some called the bone-eater, from its -peculiarity of digestion; it having the power of swallowing whole -joints, such as a leg of lamb, and of returning the bone after the meat -has been digested: when thus rejected, it appears as clean as though it -had been boiled for a whole day. I cannot give a better idea of the -fitness of this bird to eat of the most putrid substances, than by -stating, that I have frequently rubbed an ounce, or more, of emetic -tartar into a piece of meat, which an _argeelah_ has swallowed, without -shewing symptoms of uneasiness on the occasion, though very closely -watched for hours after. From this, it may be inferred, that ordinary -stimulants do not disagree with the stomach of this unsightly, but -innocent, and useful, animal. - -Inland towns are usually built in the vicinity of some large _jeel_, or -lake, or on some ravine, which, during the rains, forms a rapid water -course. Such as are near to hills, are often, for many days together, -impassable; owing to the torrents which, through their means, find a way -either to some expanse, or to some navigable river, - -The _jeel_, or, for want of one, the tank nearest to the town, usually -becomes the receptacle of every Hindu corpse, and, at the same time, -supplies the inhabitants with water for every purpose. One would think -this intolerable practice were, of itself, sufficient to deter men, who -pretend to the utmost delicacy and purity in all respects, from drinking -at so contaminated and corrupt a reservoir. What then shall we say, when -it is known that the borders of tanks in such situations, become places -of ease, where men, women, and children, perform their duties to the -goddess in colloquial association; and where, having got rid of their -burthens, they free themselves from its remains, by washing with those -very waters whence, probably, another person is baling into his pot, or -leather bag, for culinary purposes, or for beverage. - -Tanks and _jeels_ are, in almost every part of India, full of rushes, -and of the conferva, which, together with duck-weed, docks, &c., both -cover the surface and fill up the deeps. They are, generally, replete -with small fishes of various descriptions, and if of any extent, or -deep, either harbour, or serve as visiting places for alligators, which -infest both the running and the stagnant waters in every part of the -country. These voracious animals travel at night from one _jeel_, or -tank, to another; often announcing their presence by snapping up some -poor unsuspecting Hindu, who wades up to his middle for the purpose of -performing his ablutions, and of offering up the customary prayers on -such occasions. - -In many tanks, alligators are known to exist in numbers; nay, in some -places, they are subsisted by the eleemosynary donations of travellers, -who disburse a trifle in money, or present some provision to a -_faqueer_, (or mendicant priest,) to provide food for the alligators, -which come forth from the waters, on hearing the well-known voice of -their holy purveyor; from whom they seldom fail to receive each a small -cake of meal, or some other provision. This liberality does not, -however, occasion any qualmish scruples of gratitude; it being found, -that alligators thus handsomely treated are not a whit more reserved in -the application of their teeth to bathers, &c., than those which have -never been honored by such liberal consideration. - -The respiration and effluvia proceeding from an animal, perhaps twenty, -or twenty-five, feet in length, and from six to twelve in circumference, -must have an effect upon even a large body of water. Allowing that such -a monster should consume as much air as ten men, which, surely, is not -an unfair calculation, and that twenty gallons of water contain one of -air; as a man, on an average, consumes one gallon of air in a minute, -the alligator must consume twelve hundred gallons, equal to near twenty -hogsheads, in an hour: in twenty-four hours, the quantity of water -contaminated by one alligator would amount to four hundred and eighty -hogsheads! - -From this, we may conceive the effect produced by the presence of, -perhaps, seven or eight alligators in a tank not exceeding two acres in -measurement, and no where above twelve or fourteen feet in depth: we -must likewise take into the account abundance of fishes; for, if that -abundance did not exist, the alligators would speedily decamp. Add to -these two sufficient drawbacks, all that has been said of the impurities -added by the inhabitants, and we shall form such a nauseating and -unwholesome combination as must cause us to wonder how ever one should -be left to tell the fate of his lost friends. - -Amidst the mountains, where, of course, the inundations cannot be of any -duration, and where the waters of every description are limitted as to -extent; the streams being very small, and, excepting a few hollows -between two hills, or, eventually, a valley, in which a pool may exist, -alligators are to be seen. They are generally small, but of a very -savage species, making up, by their rapacity and activity, for the want -of that bulk which renders the alligator of the great rivers more -apparently dangerous. By the term ‘small,’ we must not conclude them to -be diminutive, but, that they rarely exceed twelve or fourteen feet in -length. Such will, however, seize a bullock when wading in a tank, or -_jeel_; stealing upon him with the utmost caution, so as not to disturb -the fluid, and even keeping the dorsal spines depressed until the very -moment of seizure; when, fastening upon the unwary animal’s leg, and -throwing his whole weight backwards; at the same time swinging round, so -forcibly as to raise the greater part of his disgusting frame above the -surface, the alligator, by one violent effort, which appears almost -instantaneous, ordinarily succeeds in dragging the poor animal into a -sufficient depth. Pain, surprize, and the unrelaxing bite of his -devourer, combine to disable him from making any adequate resistance; -being, besides, kept completely immersed by the subtle and experienced -assailant, no more is seen, except that the waters appear for about a -minute violently agitated, by the efforts of both parties: the alligator -is, however, compelled to raise his head above the surface when in the -act of deglutition. This is seen daily, even when a fish becomes the -victim. On these occasions, the stupendous animal rears in the waters, -exposing sometimes so far as his shoulders, and ordinarily biting the -fish in two, when, with the utmost ease, he swallows what would make a -hearty meal for thirty or forty men of keen appetite. I have frequently -seen an alligator thus chuck down a _rooee_, or river carp, weighing -from fifty to sixty pounds: a size by no means uncommon in the great -rivers of Bengal! - -The great use made of water by the natives in every part of India, -occasions an immense number of tanks and wells to be dug, chiefly by -persons of property, under the pretence of aiding the poorer classes, -but, in fact, with the view to become popular, or of transmitting their -names to posterity by affixing them as designations to the tank or well -in question. This takes place equally in regard to plantations, -generally of _mango_ trees; and in the building of _seraies_, for the -accommodation of travellers, such as Europeans generally understand to -be caravan _seraies_; but that term can only apply to those parts of -Arabia, &c., that furnish caravans; which are not known in the great -peninsula of India; where, on account of the extent of sea-coast, -navigation absorbs the chief part of the trade. _Seraies_ are usually -known by the name, or title, of the founder. Thus, _Maraud ka Seray_ -implies that the public accommodation for the reception of travellers -was founded by Maraud; respecting whom the people in attendance either -have some traditional account, or supply a famous history, invented for -the occasion. - -_Seraies_ are now going fast to decay; the power of the native princes -has been so much abridged, and their influence is so little felt, that, -generally speaking, were a rich or exalted character to found a _seray_, -even on the most liberal footing, it is probable his expectation of -immortal fame would not be realized. The rage is now more bent towards -_gunges_, or grain markets; _hauts_, or villages, holding periodical -markets; _maylahs_, or annual fairs; and, in fact, to such -establishments as afford a profit, or which, from becoming notorious in -the way of trade, are more likely to perpetuate the celebrity of the -institution. - -_Durgaws_, (commonly called mosques,) appertain exclusively to those of -the Mahomedan faith, and _mhuts_, which are, properly, places of Hindu -worship, also _madressahs_, or colleges, with endowments for _faqueers_, -or Hindu priests, seem to hold their ground. These, like the abbeys of -Monkish times, are ever to be found in the most beautiful and most -eligible situations: above all things having a command of excellent -water. - -The tanks in the hills, that is to say, such as have resulted from -artificial means, are generally small, full of weeds, and rarely lined -with masonry; their banks are soft, and the waters, being accessible to -cattle on every side, foul and turbid. Sometimes these become nearly dry -during the hot months, affording, if any, a most offensive and -insalubrious beverage. Nevertheless, the indolent native will often -drink thereof, rather than send half a mile to a purer spring. The -generality of these tanks have originally a regular supply from -numberless springs, fed either by a natural syphonic process from higher -lands, or by percolation of the profuse dews that, throughout the -immense jungles on the higher soils, fall during the hottest months; but -the want of proper attention to preserve the tanks from the incursions -of cattle, which, being very wild in their nature, often swim or wade -over to the opposite sides, quickly choak the springs, which, in such -open soils, easily find other vents, and expose the inhabitants to great -suffering from drought. In many instances we see wells dug in the tanks; -thereby causing a great saving of labor; as, when once a spring -discharges into the tank, in such a situation, it is not necessary to -dig the whole area to an equal depth. This is a cheap expedient, adopted -by such as have vanity enough to attract public notice, but not money -enough to do the thing completely, or to a great extent. - -From these causes, we are led to the consideration of those effects -produced in hilly countries, by the waters in common use. Nor are we -deceived in our expectation as to the results naturally arising from so -forcible an agent. We find throughout the hilly country, that, exclusive -of the diminutive features attached, all over the world, to the various -classes of mountaineers, there is an additional tendency to departure -from the ordinary bulk of the natives in the adjacent low lands, -obviously induced by the diet, and most especially by the waters in use. -It is remarkable that in Tomar, the back part of Chittrah, and Ramghur, -where the immense extent of low woods almost debars population, and -where the Hill people, known by the name of _Dhangahs_, subsist -principally on rice, wild fruits, and, occasionally, a little game, and -where they drink of water such as has just been described, collected -either in small pools, or in artificial tanks, the inhabitants are -extremely stinted in their growth, are squalid, troubled with wens, half -devoured with a kind of scurvy, herpetic eruption, and appear even at a -very early age to lose their vigor. They have, besides, a peculiar kind -of opthalmia, partly induced by an excessive passion for liquor, there -distilled in large quantities, and by their exposure to a damp, -impregnated atmosphere; while in their huts, their whole happiness seems -to consist of an intense fumigation, chiefly from green-wood, such as -would wholly suffocate one not habituated from his birth to so admirable -an imitation of the fumes of Tartarus. - -The difference between these haggard objects, and the inhabitants of the -plains from which the mountains take their rise, requires no comment. It -most forcibly arrests the traveller’s attention, causing him to doubt -whether, within the short interval of perhaps six or seven miles, he may -believe his senses, which pourtray to him a change from vigorous and -personable manhood, to a decrepid, hideous, and dwarfish, state: more -resemblant of the Weird Sisters than our imaginations can conceive, or -than our best comedians can represent. - -Some tanks, dug by the more charitable persons of property, are on a -very extensive scale, covering perhaps ten or twelve acres. Many of -these are of great antiquity, and have been very deep, perhaps thirty -feet, but, by the growth of vegetable matter, added to the heavy bodies -of sand and dust that nearly darken the air in the dry season, of which -much falls into the waters, their depth is considerably reduced: in -some, various shoals appear, indicating the accumulation of rubbish, and -in a manner reproaching those who use the element with indolence and -ingratitude. In such places fish abound, and grow to an astonishing -size, sometimes affording excellent angling, but their flavor does not -correspond with their looks; for the most part they are intolerably -muddy. The quantity of weeds, the shoals, and various posts being -generally sunk in different parts of the tank, armed with tenter-hooks, -for the purpose of preventing poachers from robbing the stock, are -insuperable bars to the use of nets. Boats are not in use in such -places, and there seems to be no attention in any respect to any thing -relating to such waters, except that the _shecarries_, or native -sportsmen, exercise much ingenuity and skill in their depredations among -the wild geese, wild ducks, teal, widgeons, &c., with which all the -waters of India are profusely stocked during the winter months; when -every unfrequented puddle is covered with wild fowl, which often alight -during the dark nights on waters situated in the very hearts of cities, -in which sometimes tanks are seen of such size, as to secure the birds, -when collected near the centre, from the reach of small shot. This, -though not to be classed with daily occurrences, is by no means -singular. - -By far the greater number of tanks, especially those by the road-side, -or contiguous to cities and populous towns, are walled in with masonry. -In such case, they have at one, or more sides, either a long slope, or a -flight of steps of excellent masonry; some, indeed, have both, the -former being intended for the use of cattle, which are either suffered -to drink there, or are employed to carry large leather bags of water for -the use of the inhabitants. Owing to the great force of the periodical -rains, and to the swelling of the soil during the season of excessive -moisture, the masonry is generally burst in various places, and for the -most part either sinks, or is prostrated into the tank. As no credit -would follow the repairs of such breaches, they are left to their fate. - -A due attention to the proper proportion of base, so as to give a -substantial talus both within and without the walls, added to the -precaution of leaving vents for the free discharge of the springs, or -the super-abundant fluid, into the tank, would most assuredly counteract -so destructive a weakness as now generally exists. I cannot call to -mind, at this time, any very old masonry that has not succombed thereto, -excepting the great _bund_, or dyke, at Juanpore; which, according to -tradition, was built about fifteen hundred years ago, and having been -made of a very obdurate kind of _kunkur_, found in those parts, blended -with excellent lime, probably burnt from the same stones, appears now a -complete mass of rock, capable of resisting the ravages of all time to -come. This _bund_, which bears all the venerable marks of antiquity, was -originally thrown up to limit the Goomty; a fine river that rises in the -Peelabeet country, and, washing Lucknow, the capital of Oude, passes -through the city of Juanpore under a very lofty bridge, built on strong -piers, terminating in gothic arches. The want of due breadth in the -arches occasions the waters to rise during the rainy season to an -immense height, creating a fall of which that at London Bridge, at its -worst, is indeed but a poor epitome! The distance between the top of the -bridge and the water below it, in the dry season, is something less than -sixty feet; yet it is on record, and in the memory of many inhabitants -of Juanpore, that the river has been so full as to run over the bridge, -which is flat from one end to the other, lying level between two high -banks, distant about three hundred and twenty yards. - -Formerly, when the waters were high, they used, according to the -tradition alluded to, to over-run the country on the left bank; forming -an immense inundation throughout the country lying east of Juanpore, and -extending down towards the fertile plains of Gazypore. The hollow, or -low land, by which they penetrated, was about two miles in width; -therefore the _bund_ was built to a suitable extent: it is now about two -miles and a half long; in most parts, about thirty feet broad at the -top, and double that width at the base. Its height varies from ten to -twenty feet. The record states it to have proved effectual in resisting -the inundation, which, however, on account of the _bund_ being at right -angles with the river, so as to occupy a favorable position, and cut off -the torrent, continued to flow annually as far as its base. In time, the -sediment deposited by the water thus rendered stagnant, filled up the -hollow, raising its surface as high as the other parts of the river’s -boundary, and creating a soil peculiarly valuable, now chiefly occupied -by indigo planters. The insalubrity occasioned by the many swamps left -by the inundation, was at the same time averted, and the dread -entertained that the Goomty would, in time, force a new channel for the -entire body of its stream, removed. Large tracts, before of little -value, acquired a deep staple of soil, which, at this date, yields -sugar, indigo, wheat, barley, &c., in abundance and perfection. - -The rage for digging tanks, has, I apprehend, in a certain measure, -subsided; for we find little of that very absurd ostentation now -prevalent, which must have actuated to such immense works, rendered -useless by their too great number, or carried to an excess in regard to -their measurement. It would be, perhaps, difficult to ascribe to any -other motive than that of unparalleled vanity, why a man should have dug -near seventy tanks, all nearly contiguous, on a plain not many miles -distant from the military station of Burragong, in the district of -Sircar Sarung, situate between the Gunduc and the Gogra. The population -did not require more than one tank; especially as a stream of tolerably -good water passes within a few hundred yards of the site of these -offsprings of ostentation. The inhabitants tell various stories as to -the person who lavished his money in this empty manner; and, (which -would, no doubt, vex the real prodigal to his very heart,) the modern -narrators differ widely even as to the name and rank of the individual! - -With respect to _seraies_, we may, at least, praise the convenience they -afford, without bestowing much admiration on the charity of their -founders. Some of these are very extensive, covering, perhaps, six or -eight acres. They generally consist of a quadrangle, built across the -road, which passes under two lofty arched gateways, having battlements, -or turrets, over them. The gates open to an extent sufficient to allow -any laden elephant, however stupendous, to pass freely. They are made of -strong wood, well bound with iron, and studded with iron spikes, of -which the points are on the outside; for the purpose of preventing -elephants from forcing them by pressure. The surrounding walls of the -quadrangle are generally about fourteen feet in height, and from two to -four in thickness, according either to the antiquity of the building, or -to the parsimony of the builder. They are lined all around with a shed, -built on pillars, and divided by mats, &c., into various apartments, all -sheltered from the sun and rain by means of doors, &c., of bamboos, -mats, grass, &c., as the country may afford; or, eventually, a part is -built up with thin brick, or with mud. - -In the central parts of the _seray_ there are generally some shops, -ranged on each side of the road, and one building appropriated to the -_cutwal_, or superintendant of the place; whose office is, properly, to -regulate all matters, and to see that travellers are duty accommodated; -that the _bytearahs_, or cooks, dress their victuals, and that the -_chokey-dars_ take due charge of the goods consigned to their care. All -this, however, is done in a slovenly way; the greatest impositions are -often practised; and the itinerant journies on from one scene of -thievish combination to another. - -Although a _seray_ may be built near to a river, or to some sufficient -stream, yet there is invariably a well, ordinarily lined with circular -tiles, or masonry, in the area. The water is drawn from such wells, for -the most part, by means of a truck-pulley, suspended between the limbs -of a forked bough cut for the purpose, and having a wooden pin through -it as an axle. Each person draws his own water, and for that purpose -carries a line, generally about twenty feet long. Few indeed travel, -even on foot, without a _lootah_, or brass water-vessel; of which there -are various sizes, from a pint, to half a gallon; a _tully_, or flat -brass plate, with a border about an inch high, nearly perpendicular; and -a _cuttorah_, or metal cup. Some even carry their _daikçhees_, or metal -boilers; though, in general, they purchase for a farthing, or, at the -utmost, for a halfpenny, a new earthen pot, capable of holding perhaps -three quarts, or a gallon, with a lid of the same, in which, if they do -not intend to employ the people of the _seray_, they dress their own -victuals; leaving the crockery, which no one else will use, it being -considered as polluted. - -The water of wells in the _seraies_, or in populous towns, is certainly -far fresher and better than is to be had, in general, from small rivers. -But much will depend on the soil, the lining of the well, its depth, -and, indeed, on its width. A quick draught necessarily insures a -plentiful flow, and prevents corruption from any impurity that may -casually fall in from above. At a certain depth there is usually found a -stratum of sand; this is remarkably fine, and, in some places, retains -such a large portion of fluid as to become a perfect quicksand. In many -parts, and especially in the Ramghur district, which, on an average, may -be a thousand feet or more above the level country, this sub-stratum -presents a most serious difficulty in the sinking of wells. - -Of this I experienced two instances in my own practice, which gave me -much trouble. Having to sink a well in the corner of a garden, and -wishing to avoid the expence and delay attendant on masonry, I cut a -square shaft, and went on admirably until I came to a tremulous body of -sand. Never having met with a quicksand at such a depth, then about -twenty-four feet from the surface, and on so elevated a table land, -there being no hills nearer than two miles, and those being separated by -deep vallies, in which were running streams, I was somewhat -disconcerted. I felt the whole of the difficulty, but necessity urged me -to proceed. The well was to be lined with logs of about seven feet long, -and about eight inches diameter; they were notched at each end, so that -two, being placed parallel at five feet distance, and two others being -laid over their ends, the four made a quadrangle, which, by means of the -notches, came nearly to a level, and locked very firmly into each other. -Having prepared abundance of these logs, I commenced my operations, by -affixing a pulley over the well for the purpose of lowering them down to -a laborer who stood on a board slung from four stakes at the brink of -the shaft; for he could not stand on the sand, which, when the surface -was broken, instantly became loose and liquid. The four first logs were -scarcely placed before their own weight began to sink them, scarcely -allowing time to put on four others before they disappeared. I perceived -my error, and immediately had the other logs all wrapped round with -straw-rope of about an inch in diameter; whereby they became more -buoyant, and resisted the liquescence of the sand more powerfully, by -their encrease of diameter. As a foundation, I pinned the four first, -forming the primary layer, strongly at their several corners; so that -they made a fixed frame. The work now went on merrily, but it was with -the utmost difficulty I could supply the logs fast enough, the sand -removed by their admission rose so very rapidly. Being determined to -overcome the difficulty, I let down full twenty rounds of logs, equal to -about seventeen feet, when I had the pleasure to see no more would sink: -the sand was excavated, and I found, that, although in one or two places -intervals of two or three inches had taken place, yet, on the whole, I -was able to boast of better success than I expected. By degrees, I got -the logs settled in their places, (a work of serious labor,) and always -had water enough for every culinary purpose, but not for a large garden, -which required ample irrigation daily during the hot season; further, a -quantity was indispensably requisite for wetting the _tatties_, or -frames applied during that season to the doors and windows, to keep my -house cool. - -My well appeared full of water up to the top of the quicksand, but it -was a perfect deception: the sand filled up the shaft in the course of -three or four days, though emptied to the very bottom, which was a hard -red clay. - -Finding that more expence was incurred by the perpetual necessity for -sending men down to empty out the sand, I resolved to adopt the old -custom of lining the well with masonry; and having got all clear to the -bed of clay, into which I sunk a stout frame, near a foot and a half -deep, I went on with spirit for a whole day, in which near two yards of -wall were built up: but, during the night, the balers went to sleep, and -I found the whole immersed in the morning. As the sand and water were -emptied, the draft was so great as to wash the lime from between the -bricks, and I was compelled to take all out again. It then occurred to -me to have bricks made in the form of the frustum of a pyramid, so as to -fit exactly in a circle of two feet and a half in diameter internally, -and of four feet externally. These were laid on the frame, which I now -buried a full yard in the clay: between the bricks I put abundance of -dry lime, rubbing them close together, and, with the clay, all the -interval between the masonry and the wooden frame was filled up. Two -workmen were employed all night; one in the well, who ladled the water -from the four corners into a bucket, which the other raised to the -surface: none worthy of notice got within the circular masonry, and I -had the satisfaction, in about a week, to see the whole completed. -Sufficient water found its way through the crevices, to keep me -supplied, and the sand gave so little trouble, that, during a whole year -that I occupied the premises, no clearance was necessary. - -This digression may appear irrelevant to the subject; but I could not -forbear giving the fact a place here, as it possibly may prove an useful -guide to others who may be under similar disadvantages. It is curious, -that a very large well, of about twelve feet diameter, was commenced at -the same time by a brother officer, within a hundred yards of mine, -which went on admirably, and was finished in a very short time. He had -no quicksand opposed to his labors; on the contrary, his great -difficulty lay in cutting through two strata of rock, from which only a -few dribblets appeared while the well was lining with masonry; but, so -soon as the rainy season set in, those rocks prevented the descent of -the moisture, which, being by them directed to the well, rushed in such -a violent manner against the masonry, as to force out many stones: -creating a fissure which, in a few weeks, proved fatal to the whole of -the work. A handsome well, with a rich spring issuing from a gravelly -bottom, was thus ruined, and the station was again subjected to much -inconvenience for what we often had in too liberal abundance. - -The natives throughout India have a great respect for such persons as -plant _mango topes_ (or woods). These are, in general, managed with -great care, the trees being set at regular distances each way, forming -parallel vistas both lengthwise and breadthwise: the width of which are -equal each way, and varying from twenty to forty feet. When first -planted, they are well enclosed with a ditch and bank, sufficient to -prevent cattle from doing mischief to the young trees, which are also -watered at intervals during the dry season, generally through the means -of a well, dug at the expence of the planter on one side of the _tope_. -If the proprietor be rich, the well is usually large, lined with -masonry, and furnished with cisterns of the same, or of hewn stone, so -that cattle may be refreshed in numbers; two pillars of masonry, or of -substantial wood, are erected; each supporting the end of a timber, -stretching across the well at about five feet above the brink. On this -timber, a shieve of wood is fixed, with one or more grooves for the -reception of the cord used in drawing water. - -The first-fruits of plantations are, with few exceptions, considered as -appertaining to the tutelary deity of the planter, and are tendered to -him as offerings on the part of the _tope_. The priests who officiate on -these august occasions, commonly find means to save the sacred character -of their invisible patron from any suspicion of gluttony, by taking upon -themselves the troublesome office of proxy, on this and every occasion -wherein mastication is needful. - -On many of the great roads, such as that leading from Benares to the -upper stations, we find very large wells, conveniently situated near -some shelter, though, perhaps, distant from any town: occasionally, a -hut or two may be erected in the vicinity, for the residence of a -_bunneah_, (or kind of chandler,) or for a vender of spirits. Some of -these wells are furnished with various sets of pillars and shieves, very -substantial in their construction; so as to bear the weight of a leather -bag, formed by stitching the edges of a whole hide, trimmed of its -superfluous angles, &c., to an iron hoop of about a foot and a half in -diameter: by means of two arched irons, rivetted at their crossing in -the middle by a swivel and loop, the bag, or _moot_, is managed in the -same way as a bucket in Europe. Many of these _moots_ are capable of -containing, at least, half a hogshead. They retain the water more -steadily in ascending, than any vessel whose sides are fixed and firm; -and, as they are drawn into a cistern, or over a bed made hollow for -their reception, above the brink of the well, no great exertion is -required in emptying them; the waters discharging voluntarily when the -_moot_ is suffered, by the slackening of the rope, to touch the bottom -of the bed, or cistern. - -It may reasonably be inferred, that such a weight of water as may be -contained in an ordinary ox or cow hide, though of small growth, must be -more than manual strength could well manage; especially as the pulley is -extremely small, rarely more than six or seven inches in diameter, -nearly as much in width, and moving on a rude piece of wood for an axis; -of which, probably, nearly half has been lost by the excessive friction -so unfinished, and ill proportioned, a piece of machinery must occasion. -Not one in a thousand ever is lubricated, but the hole in the shieve is -generally adequate to the admission of an axis treble the size of that -in use; whence the pulley must jump from one inequality to another; -creating, at every such transition, a check of some consequence to that -power whence it derives its motion. - -To draw water by means of the _moot_, two men and a pair oxen are -requisite: the size of the _moot_ being proportioned to the bulk of the -cattle, which are yoked in the ordinary manner, drawing by means of the -rope fastened round the centre of the yoke, and passing between them. -The strength of the oxen is aided very considerably, by the path they -follow being on a declivity; so that, in proceeding from the well, as -they draw up the _moot_, they descend a talus, or slope, of which the -angle may vary from fifteen to twenty-five degrees: the driver -frequently seats himself on the yoke, to encrease the weight acting in -opposition to the _moot_. - -The quantity of earth derived from the shaft of the well, rarely -suffices to give the talus sufficient slope, therefore, one half the -length of the bullock’s track (which is regulated by the length of the -rope, and may usually measure about twenty-five yards) is sunk in the -ground, and the height near the well raised with the proceeds of the -excavation. This ensures a sufficient addition to the energies of the -cattle in descending: which they do with great effect, when goaded by -the driver. Arriving at the bottom of the slope, or when the _moot_ is -raised above the surface of the well, the cattle stop, and the man in -attendance at the brink draws the _moot_ over the bed, or cistern, which -is made to project over about one-third of the well. - -Some of the wells seen at the sides of the great roads, measure fifteen -or sixteen feet in diameter, and have slopes cut out of the soil, lined -on each side with masonry, that lead to an opening in the well’s -circumference, near to the ordinary level of the water; which, in the -dry season, is generally within very narrow limits. Near the opening, we -sometimes see an iron ladle fastened by means of a chain. This -convenience is, for the most part, held sacred, and he would, in those -parts, be considered a consummate villain, that would pilfer one from -its place of security. But, from many obvious marks of violence, we must -suppose that there are men so depraved as to steal these chains and -ladles, when necessity may press them to take advantage of a fair -opportunity. - -We should naturally conclude, that wells founded on such a principle, in -a climate where excessive heats prevail for three months, at least, -would be invaluable. But they really are little used; their surfaces -are, in general, covered with duck-weed, and they rarely are deficient -of an ample colony of frogs. Where huts are built near them, their -waters being rather less stagnant, are, of course, more wholesome, as -well as more palatable: the encampment of a regiment in their -neighbourhood soon sweetens them. - -Some are rendered foul by their containing fish. It would be difficult -to account for fish being there, unless they fall with the heavy showers -attendant upon those violent squalls called north-westers, during the -hot season, when multitudes of small fry have been occasionally found, -even on the tops of houses, in various parts of the country. Some assert -that many have been found alive: I have seen some lying dead; once, in -particular, near Allahabad, after a very heavy shower of rain. It does -not appear possible, that, even if sucked up by a water-spout, and -immediately returned with the rain, they could survive the rapidity of -the ascent, and the force with which they fall. - -It is remarkable, that only three kinds of fish are ever seen in wells; -viz. the _solee_, which, in a great measure, resembles our _pike_, and -is equally ravenous; the _gurrye_, or mud-fish, very similar in form to -our _miller’s thumb_; and the _singnee_, or bayonet-fish, so called from -its having three terrible spines in its dorsal and lateral fins, the -wounds made by which are, generally, very severe. This fish has a -purplish skin, without scales, is thin like a substantial pork knife, -and has a broad flat head. Like the _gurrye_, it is found only among mud -and slime, wherein it works very nimbly. Both species can live a long -while in moist mud; as is proved by their being found in recent puddles, -where water had formerly been dried up. It is remarkable, that both the -_gurrye_ and the _singnee_ are very sweet eating, and are never muddy; -the latter in particular. - -If we except those small streams that come down from mountains -containing ores, which must, of course, impregnate the waters in those -parts, the catalogue of mineral springs, as yet discovered in Bengal, -and the subordinate stations under that presidency, will be found very -confined indeed. Possibly, numbers may exist that are not generally -known; and this I am the more apt to believe, from having myself -discovered one within a few yards of the road on the west bank of the -Mahana, a small river which rises among the hills near the -Catcumsandy-pass in the Ramghur district. The river being much swelled -by heavy rains, I was compelled to wait until it subsided sufficiently -to admit of my being conveyed over on a raft made of pots. - -The mineral water above mentioned would, very probably, have escaped my -notice, had I not been attracted by a nauseous smell, and the black -greasy appearance of the soil whence it issued. The flavor was soapy, -but strongly sulphuric; and a slight scum, which appeared to rise with -the spring, was peculiarly acrid. I do not believe it was ever analyzed, -but should conjecture it to have proceeded from a bed composed of -sulphur and bitumen; especially as coals are found within that district. - -There is a very remarkable hot-spring at a place call _Seetah-Coon_, -within three miles of the fort of _Monghyr_. This, it appears, has been -known for ages, it is about twelve or fourteen feet square, and may be -from seven to eight feet deep in the middle: that, however, must be -taken as a computation; the sides being of masonry, shelving in greatly, -and the bottom not remarkably clear of weeds, &c. The water is very hot: -it was with great difficulty I could keep my finger immersed during the -time I counted one hundred and five; and that, too, rather hastily, it -being for a wager. My finger, far from being the better for my -curiosity, was slightly blistered. I have seen an egg moderately poached -at this spring, and have heard that one was boiled in it; but, I -apprehend, not to any degree of firmness. - -The most complete proof that a large portion of caloric is contained in -this spring, may be collected from the melancholy fact, of an artillery -soldier, who, in the year 1777, attempting to swim across, was scalded -in such a manner as to expire shortly after being taken out. - -The natives, who judge by appearances, and, probably, are guided in this -particular from the encreased quantity of vapour that appears during the -winter to rise from the spring, affirm, that the water is then -considerably hotter than at any other season. The fallacy of such an -opinion is easily detected, and has, indeed, been proved: several -gentlemen have been at the trouble of keeping a register of its daily -variations, which were found to be extremely small. I could not assert -myself to be correct in stating its average degree of heat, having -mislaid my memoranda on that head; but, to the best of my memory, the -temperature lay between 140° and 160° of Fahrenheit. - -This well, of which the waters are considered remarkably wholesome, -stands on the borders of a small plantation of (I believe mango) trees; -near to three or four other wells, of which the waters are cold, and -have not any distinguishing quality. The redundant water from the hot -well affords a stream, whose section may be equal to thirty square -inches; it passes into a large marsh, of at least twenty acres, close to -the plantation, where it nourishes a great variety of aquatic plants, -that appear to grow with more than ordinary vigor. - -The same negligence in regard to botany and natural history, which -appears to operate throughout India, (if we except the labours of a few -zealous individuals, among whom, Captain T. Hardwicke, of the Bengal -Artillery; Dr. Roxburgh, Superintendant of the Botanic Garden at -Calcutta; Dr. Bruce, formerly Physician to the Nabob of Oude; and Dr. -William Hunter, of the Bengal Medical Department; are the most -conspicuous,) seems to operate against enquiry into various important -matters relating to the mineral waters; which, I doubt not, would be -found in abundance, were either the cost of research so moderate as to -permit active individuals to explore the vast regions whose very -boundaries are, as yet, scarcely known; or, were the Government of India -to defray the expence of a few capable men, whose time should be wholly -devoted to an enquiry into whatever might appertain to botany, -mineralogy, natural history, and the various branches of knowledge on -which chemistry and physic depend. The disbursement could not be felt; -while, not only would the world at large be benefitted, but, possibly, -some new articles of trade, or for manufacture, might be discovered; -whereby even the Company itself would derive those _solid_ advantages to -which, on most occasions, they direct the attention of their servants. - -Such has been the negligence shewn in regard to the hot well at Monghyr, -that, although it stands within two miles of the Ganges, is not more -than three miles from the Fort of Monghyr, (a grand depôt for stores, -garrisoned by upwards of two thousand invalids,) and is in the direct -track from Calcutta to the upper provinces; nay, although the waters of -this well are sent for from all parts of the country, and form, -frequently, a part of the stock of persons, especially ladies, going to -sea; for which purpose it is bottled in very large quantities; yet, -strange to tell, its properties have never been duly analyzed. I have -been in company with various medical men, who differed as to its basis; -some asserting it to be chalybeate, others considering it as impregnated -with soda, while some, I know not why, declared it to possess no -particular impregnation, nor any active principle. - -It must be evident, that, in a country whose soil is subject to be -parched during so many months in the year, heavy fogs and miasma must -abound; consequently, during the four months following the cessation of -the annual rains, it frequently happens that the atmosphere is laden -with mists and vapors until a very late hour in the day. In great -cities, the bad effects of these are not so perceptible, on account of -the general fumigation which takes place during the evenings, when the -bulk of the inhabitants, as if by general consent, kindle fires for the -purpose of cooking their victuals; of which they rarely eat at an -earlier hour than six or seven o’clock; the cold remains of the repast -being put by for the morning’s meal. This fortuitous circumstance tends -to purify the air, and obviates a large portion of those evils to which -the villages, which stand more exposed in the midst of the marshy -tracts, are imminently subject. In such, it is common to find a very -large portion of the inhabitants annually laid up with intermittents of -a very obstinate description, but from which they are rescued by their -moderation in regard to diet, and by a few medicinal simples every where -common, and whose application is sufficiently understood. Great numbers -are, however, swept off by the disease itself, or by the obstructions it -generally creates. Those obstructions are ever to be dreaded, even -though a perfect cure should apparently have taken place. It is by no -means uncommon to see persons, especially Europeans, who have, to -appearance, been cured of Jungle, or Hill-fevers, as they are locally -designated, and which correspond exactly with our Marsh-fever, laid up -at either the full or change of the moon, or, possibly, at both, for -years after. - -Many have affected to doubt the planetary influence on the human -constitution, but, to me, there appears every reason to accredit the -opinion. I have seen so many instances, among my own most intimate -friends, as well as a thousand ordinary cases among soldiers, -camp-followers, villagers, &c., that my mind was fully made up on the -subject long before I had the opportunity of perusing the treatise of -Dr. Francis Balfour, of the Bengal Medical Establishment; from which I -offer to the consideration of my readers the following interesting -extracts. - - OF THE PAROXYSMS OF FEVERS. - -‘In Bengal, there is no reason to doubt that the human frame is affected -by the influence connected with the relative situations of the sun and -moon. In certain states of health and vigor, this influence has not -power to shew itself by any obvious effects; and, in such cases, its -existence is often not acknowledged. But, in certain states of debility -and disease, it is able to manifest itself by exciting _febrile -paroxysms_; and the propensity, or aptitude, of the constitution to be -affected with febrile paroxysms in such cases, may be denominated _the -paroxysmal disposition_.’ - - OF PERFECT TYPES. - -‘Febrile paroxysms universally discover a tendency to appear, and to -disappear, in coincidence with those positions of the sun and moon that -regulate the rising and falling of the tides. The diurnal and nocturnal -encrease of sol-lunar power acting on constitutions, in which the -propensity of the paroxysmal disposition is complete and perfect, -produces paroxysms every twelve hours, in coincidence with the periods -of the tides; and constitute types which, on account of this regular -coincide, I denominate perfect.’ - - OF IMPERFECT TYPES. - -‘The diurnal and nocturnal encrease of sol-lunar power acting on -constitutions in which the propensity to paroxysm is incomplete, or -imperfect, has power only to produce paroxysms in coincidence with every -second, third, or fourth, period of the tides, or others, more remote; -constituting _types_, which, on account of this irregular coincidence, I -have called _imperfect_.’ - -Doctor Balfour states, in a note, that, ‘In several cases of the plague, -recorded by Dr. Patrick Russell, the febrile paroxysms returned -obviously every four hours, in coincidence with the periods of the -tides; and his predecessor and relation, the author of ’_The Natural -History of Aleppo_,‘ asserts positively, that the generality of the -fevers there, and, indeed, in almost all acute cases, are subject to -exacerbations once or twice in twenty-four hours.’ - -In Cordiner’s Description of Ceylon, I find the following -passage:—‘Medical men have discovered this swelling’ (viz. the -_elephantiasis_) ‘to be an effect of fever, _which returns on the -patients monthly_.’ (Vol. I. page 182.) - -The natives, generally in the first instance, have recourse to the -_bit-noben_ or _kala-neemuk_, (_i.e._ black-salt,) a solution of which, -though certainly very disgusting, on account of its taste, strongly -reminding us of the scent of gun washings, or of rotten eggs, proves an -excellent cathartic, and, if duly persisted in, rarely fails to rid the -patient of an immense quantity of bile. That being effected, a strong -decoction of _cherrettah_, a root about the size of slender birch twigs, -but of a redder color, and possessing some of the properties of Peruvian -bark, is frequently taken. But, the best medicine in the catalogue of -Indian simples certainly is the _lotah_, or _kaut-kullaigee_, which is -the kernel taken from the pod of a creeping kind of cow-itch. This -kernel is extremely bitter, and possesses all the virtues of the bark; -but with this advantage, that, in lieu of binding, it commonly proves -very mildly aperient when taken to the amount of two or three nuts -daily. I have often given it, with great success, during the paroxysms -of an ague; having previously cleared the stomach and intestines by -suitable means, such as ipecacuanha and calomel. - -That we are absolutely in a state of ignorance regarding the medical -properties of various plants, highly appreciated by the natives, cannot -be denied; we must not, however, yield an implicit belief to the many -marvellous stories related throughout Hindostan, of the extraordinary -cures performed by their aid: many disproofs of such fables are publicly -extant, and teach us to view the objects so highly extolled through the -medium of a _minifying_ glass; thereby to reduce their virtues to the -proper standard of estimation. So fully was that learned, and zealous -president of the Asiatic Society, Sir William Jones, impressed with an -opinion of our overlooking many of the most valuable of nature’s -vegetable productions, that, shortly after the formation of that -excellent institution, he expressed a wish, an earnest one, indeed, for -early framing a code of the botany of Hindostan in particular; and, in a -short address to the society, urged, that a ‘Treatise on the Plants of -India’ should be diligently and carefully drawn up. In that address, Sir -William says, ‘Some hundreds of plants which are yet imperfectly known -to European botanists, and, with the virtues of which we are wholly -unacquainted, grow wild on the plains, and in the forests, of India. The -‘_Amarcosh_,’ an excellent vocabulary of the Sanscrit language, -contains, in one chapter, the names of about three hundred medicinal -vegetables; the ‘_Medini_’ may comprize as many more; and the -‘_Dravyabidana_,’ or, ‘Dictionary of Natural Productions,’ includes, I -believe, a far greater number; the properties of which are distinctly -related in medical tracts of approved authority.’ - -Here I must beg leave to enter my protest against the too ready -acceptance of what the books above quoted may tender to our medical -repositories; and that for the following reason; namely, although the -natives may be sufficiently acquainted with certain properties of -certain plants, yet, owing to a total ignorance of pathology, -phisiology, nosology, and especially of the circulation of the blood, -and of chemistry as applicable to analysis and synthesis, it is utterly -impossible they should be able to act except by rote, and according to -their ideas of specifics; whereby the virtues of the medicines in -question are supposed to be applicable to all the stages, not only of -the same, but of various diseases, totally opposite in their natures. It -surely cannot require to be pointed out, how uncertain the results must -be under such circumstances, even when each simple is administered -separately, and with a patient attention to its operation: but, when we -take into account the known fact, that, on most occasions where the -native _Huckeems_, or _Hakeems_, prescribe, they rely greatly upon -compounds of herbs and minerals; each having its virtues recorded in -some popular distich, to dispute which would be considered an open -avowal of consummate ignorance; I say, under such circumstances, we may -fairly, and, in duty to ourselves should, hesitate to receive -information from so impure a source. It is not my intention to -depreciate the merits of many simples in use among the natives: I argue -against their competency to estimate them; but, at the same time, -entertain no doubt that their several books may lead us to the greatest -advantages, by giving hints, which, being properly, but guardedly -followed up, should enrich our catalogue of valuable remedies. This -cannot be done in a few days, nor even in a few years: whenever it may -be effected, I doubt not that the memory of that president, whose life -was devoted to the service, not only of his existing fellow-creatures, -but of posterity also, will be duly venerated. The Botanic Gardens -established at the several Presidencies, under the care of medical -gentlemen, duly qualified, offer the means of putting much assertion to -the tests of chemistry, and of time: the former have not, as yet, been -properly resorted to, and the latter has not run its due course, to -enable the philosophical world to decide with precision. - -In the first volume of the Asiatic Researches, the late Matthew Leslie, -Esq. very sensibly observed, that ‘there are in our Indian provinces -many animals, and many hundreds of medicinal plants, which have either -not been described at all, or, what is worse, ill described, by the -naturalists of Europe.’ In this remark there is much truth; but a -certain portion of the very extensive meaning of Mr. Leslie, who was, -assuredly, a man of considerable abilities, and who had much opportunity -for research, will be received with caution, from the consideration of -his avowed partiality towards native physicians; who, as I have just -stated, are by no means competent to guide us through the mazes of -botanical research. The state of medicine throughout India, (I mean -among the natives,) is not such as to induce the belief that we shall -obtain any valuable information among the _Huckeems_; of whom, full -ninety-nine in the hundred are self-taught, as well as self-sufficient. -What, then, is to be expected among persons thus practising a -profession, to which the old adage of ‘_ars longa, vita brevis_’ so -admirably applies, when we see not even one didactic page to which they -can resort; no public institution where knowledge is either bestowed or -received; no liberal, enlightened, patron, under whose auspices genius -may be enabled to penetrate into the mines of science? This being the -fact, shall we refrain from smiling at those of our countrymen who, -quitting the aid and guidance of their well-informed medical friends, -resort to such quacks, whose reputation they thus unjustly raise among -the gaping crowd, and who have the art to propagate the most unbounded -reliance on their nostrums? That, here and there, a simple of peculiar -efficacy may be in use among such persons, I shall not deny; but must -appeal to our more enlightened medical societies, whether, in the hands -of an ignorant man, brought up in vanity, and regardless of the minutiæ -of physical causes and of physical effects, even the most simple -medicine can be safely entrusted? The greatest part of the burlesque is, -that these highly renowned physicians, to a man, rely upon proper -conjunctions of the planets, lucky hours, &c., not only for the culling, -but for the mixing, and administration of their medicines, without -regard to those critical moments of which our silly disciples of -Hippocrates and Galen are so very watchful! - -We must, however, do the natives the justice to allow, that the -refrigerating principle lately adopted by some of our leading -physicians, owes its origin solely to the ancient practice of the -_Brahmans_, or Hindu priests; of whom the generality affect to be deeply -versed in pharmacy. I believe, that, if taken in time, few fevers would -be found to degenerate into _typhus_, and that very seldom any -determination towards the liver from acute cases would occur, were the -refrigerating course to be adopted. Often have I known my servants, when -attacked with fever, to drink cold water in abundance, and to apply wet -cloths to their heads, with great success; the former has generally -lowered the pulse considerably, by throwing out a strong perspiration, -while the latter has given immediate local relief. - -Were it not that _cast_ (_i.e._ sect) opposes a formidable barrier to -the more extensive practice of European physicians among the natives in -general, the native doctors would speedily be consigned to their merited -contempt: but such are the prejudices arising from religious tenets, -among the Hindus in particular, that, even when at the last extremity, -many would rather die than suffer any medicine prepared, or perhaps of -which the liquid part had been barely touched, by one not of their own -_cast_, to enter their mouths! Where such infatuation prevails, -ignorance will maintain her empire, until, by the gradual abolition of -vulgar errors, the light of science, and of reason, may begin to glimmer -among the people at large. It will not suffice, that a few skilful -European professors should be seen, and be admired, by a grateful few: -that has already happened; but the dread of religious anathema, and of -domestic excommunication, are too forcibly opposed to such weak -demonstrations. Unhappily, we aimed at a reform, in this particular, at -that very point to which it should have had only a remote tendency: we -peremptorily attacked the very existence of full a tenth of the whole -population, that is, of the Brahmans, or Hindu priests; and we excited, -among the people at large, suspicions such as have given scope to our -enemies for inculcating, that we are intent on subjecting their minds, -as well as their bodies. - -From this dilemma, I understand, with pleasure, we are gradually -extricating ourselves; by withdrawing those noxious publications, which, -in a moment of unguarded zeal, we had allowed our clergy to introduce to -the notice of the people of Hindostan. With respect to the motive, that -is out of the question: I am not considering the merits of one religion -opposed to another, but simply the fact, as it relates to our political -connection with the East, and the diffusion of true philosophy over that -vast region. Nor am I here censuring the measure in a religious sense; -though, on reference to history, and to my own experience of the -dispositions of the Hindus, I feel surprized that fanaticism should have -been allowed to meddle with a country over which we, in truth, have not -an efficient control, and among a race whose tenets are by no means -obnoxious to humanity; among whom apostacy is a mortal sin, who disclaim -all interference with the doctrines of other sects, and who have most -amply proved their title, at least to toleration, if not to protection. - -I have said, that we began at the wrong end; and this surely will appear -to be the case when the matter is properly understood. In lieu of -attacking that which carries with it no offence against ourselves, and -instead of endeavoring to force upon them our creed, we should have -studied to render the natives acquainted with whatever could tend to -their worldly comfort, and to the removal of errors often pregnant with -destruction. Let us suppose, for instance, that, in various parts of the -country, the Company were to establish schools, where youths of every -description might be instructed in the mathematics, botany, chemistry, -surgery, pharmacy, agriculture, mechanics, &c.; and that valuable -premiums should, at certain periods, be presented to such as might merit -the distinction. The obvious consequence would be, that, in due time, an -infinity of absurdities would vanish, and that, in proportion as science -should expand among them, the superior circles would begin to estimate -our value as an enlightened people. They would then look up to us as -their superiors; in lieu of rating us, as they now do, very low indeed -on the scale of degradation. Such a system would not only give an -effectual shake to the basis of priest-craft, but cause all the literary -stores, and the natural productions of the soil, to be laid open to our -examination: then, indeed, our medical men might enjoy a high reputation -in every quarter of the East, and the world might be benefitted, both by -the correction of many errors, and by the acquisition of most important -novelties in medicine, and in the various arts on which commerce is -dependant. Then should we have no occasion to goad the Hindus towards -Christianity: they would thirst for knowledge, and pant to be rid of -those fetters imposed upon their minds by their artful clergy. - -I have heard it said ‘the natives have no disposition for the sciences.’ -This is imposing a cruel sentence on a hundred millions of people! Allow -it to be true; and look back to the state of Britain while under the -control, in a certain measure, of the Druids; who are now well -ascertained to have been the same, in their days, as the Brahmans of -Bengal, &c., are at this time. Who can fail to admire the change? Who -could suppose it possible that such a change could have been effected -among a people, who, if we are to give credit to Cæsar, and to other -authorities, were completely barbarous, and ‘who shewed no disposition -for the sciences?’ In opposition to so absurd, and so malicious an -assertion, let me state a few facts. When Mr. Reuben Burrow was in -India, as head of the mathematical department, he was solicited by -several of the natives to instruct them in astronomy, algebra, &c. -Unhappily, although possessing pre-eminent talents, Mr. Burrow was not -exactly calculated to conciliate the good will, nor to excite the -admiration, of persons who did not, like himself, blaze at the spark of -science: in fact, he partook greatly of the character of the celebrated -Doctor Samuel Johnson, and might be termed ‘a mathematical Hottentot!’ - -This important deficiency of suavity caused the natives to quit; indeed, -it tended to disgust those of his countrymen who, being compelled by -their avocations to attend his lectures, were subjected to his caprices -and gross manners. However, one native, of mediocre opulence, was not to -be scared by what appeared a trifle, when compared with the acquirements -he hoped to possess: he bent to the storm, and, by unremitting -application, speedily rendered himself competent to converse with Mr. -Burrow on his usual topic. In time, the student became a favorite, and -was allowed to attend his preceptor when the latter was deputed on a -survey of considerable extent, and to measure a degree of latitude in -the western districts. Such was the progress made by this native under -the auspices of Mr. Burrow, that, in a few years, he qualified himself -to instruct others in the ordinary courses of the higher mathematics. -What became of him I know not; but apprehend that many others must have -derived some little benefit from his learning: unless, indeed, his -priests found a pretext for upholding him as unworthy of imitation, and -threatened to place all who might consider him to be thus ‘_civilized_,’ -or improved, under the bar of ecclesiastical censure. When I say -‘_civilized_,’ it is in deference to a British divine, who has been -pleased to represent the people of Bengal in such terms as might lead -persons who never visited India to set them down for a cruel, barbarous, -ignorant, vindictive, senseless, and sanguinary race; whose -_civilization_ is ‘devoutly to be wished.’ How far they merit such a -character, may be understood from their forbearing to massacre all the -Europeans in India; a work that might be effected by only one in -thousands of their population striking the deadly blow! - -Setting whatever relates to religion apart, and viewing our intercourse -with India as a matter merely of _meum_ and _tuum_, it is self-evident, -that to whatever extent we may instruct the natives to analyze the -produce of their soil, and to present it to us in a marketable shape, so -much must Britain be benefitted by the extension of her commerce, and by -the possession of a territory whose value would be thereby -proportionally raised. This is said with the view to encourage the -researches of our medical men; who, from their general knowledge of -chemistry, and perhaps of botany, are certainly best qualified to pursue -them with national effect. Under the present very limitted establishment -of physicians and surgeons, as well as from the _præter nihil_ benefits -derived from the Botanical Garden, when seen in this point of view, we -are not authorized to be very sanguine in our hopes that any important -advantages will result in that direction. While the Company can barely -afford a surgeon and two assistants to a regiment of 2000 men, it is not -to be supposed they could form such establishments of the above -description, as might give us a thorough command over the mineral and -vegetable productions of their territory, or tend to create a spirit of -enquiry among the natives. - -The want of printed books is, in every country, a great evil; but, in -India, is a drawback of great moment. There, all books, all -proclamations, (except such as we print at Calcutta, &c.,) all -newspapers, &c., &c., are manuscripts. It is not to be imagined how few -volumes are to be seen even of this kind. We should suppose that, where -provisions, lodging, cloathing, fuel, &c., are so remarkably cheap, -learning would become general: the reverse is, however, the case; not -one in five hundred can read, or write, even indifferently. There are -abundance of little day-schools to which children may be sent at a very -trifling expence; but there they learn very little. Generally, a bed of -sand serves for paper, and a finger, or a piece of stick, for pen and -ink; consequently, no traces of any instruction remain for the future -consideration of the pupil. The more affluent, and the more zealous, -ordinarily provide their children with a board, about a foot long, and -nine or ten inches wide, which, being painted black, and varnished, -becomes an admirable tablet, whereon the young folks are enabled to -write their lessons with a reed pen; the ink being generally chalk and -water. To these, though certainly more perfect than the former mode, the -same objection exists; namely, that they want stability, and that the -lesson is no sooner repeated by rote, and written much in the same -manner, than it is forgotten, at least it never again obtrudes on the -eye; since, in order to make way for further instruction, it is -necessarily expunged. - -The _koits_, or scribes, and the _láláhs_, or accountants, (though the -latter often confine their occupations to merely reading or -transcribing,) are nearly the same among the lower classes, especially -where the Naugry character is in question, that the _moonshies_ are -among the superior orders, who, almost invariably, use the Persian -language and character, in all public, as well as in private, matters. -So far, indeed, is this carried, that Persian is held to be both the -language of the Court, and of the Law. - -As those who study the Persian are aided by _moonshies_, so are such -persons as would acquire the Naugry character necessitated to employ -_koits_, or _láláhs_, for that purpose. The wages of these may be from -two to five rupees per month; but, in some families, the servants -contribute to the extent of a few annas, or, eventually, as far as a -rupee, in the aggregate; in consideration of which _douceur_, the -_láláh_ commonly writes letters for them to their friends, and explains -the answers, &c. Such servants as have the charge of money to be -disbursed on master’s account, commonly take care to be on good terms -with this _cullum-burdar_ (_i.e._ quill-driver); who, as has been said -of _compadores_, generally taxes all items he knows to be overcharged, -by a small deduction in his own favor. - -Persons of this class often keep little schools, such as have been -described, and then are designated _gooroos_; a term implying that kind -of respect we entertain for pastors in general. - -If we contemplate the extreme inattention prevalent throughout -Hindostan, respecting literary attainments, and the great cunning -practised by the priesthood, in their sedulous endeavors to prevent the -natives from receiving the least information regarding philosophy in -general, it must appear surprizing that so much has been done by the -artizans of Bengal towards the adaptation of their labors to the -convenience of the British residents. Our admiration of these people -cannot but be heightened, from the circumstance of particular trades -being confined to particular _casts_, or sects; for though we may, -possibly, at first view, consider that to be an advantage, inasmuch as -it should seem to perpetuate knowledge in an hereditary line, those who -have resided in the East fully know that no such heir-loom ability is to -be found: on the other hand, we immediately recognize the bar raised -against genius; which, when to be found within the _cast_, may struggle -for ever under some base, forbidding, and loathsome degradation; or, if -it should start in another sect, cannot adopt its native intention, but -must resign in favor of some other pursuit, perhaps requiring no genius; -or, eventually, one of a very different bent. Once a carpenter, always a -carpenter; once a swine-herd, always a swine-herd! - -The evil effects attendant upon the useful arts in general, from such a -system, are certainly great, but by no means to be compared with the -degradations, and consequent imbecility, inseparable from the total -suppression of every thing tending to excite emulation. When we see an -hereditary priesthood, and that, too, by no means remarkable for the -paucity of its members, we cannot but picture to ourselves the arrogance -thus privileged in the whole of that tribe, and the humiliation which -marks the actions, as well as the sentiments, of all who do not stand -within the hallowed pale. Such a contrast can exist only while one party -can deceive, and while the other deems accusation to be nothing less -than blasphemy; therefore we cannot be mistaken regarding the only means -of correction: to wit, a knowledge of the world, and of its inhabitants; -or what we, in other terms, call learning. Pour but a little of this -into the minds of a certain number; satisfy them that morality in -Europe, and morality in Asia, are the same thing; that ‘whether we do -our duties in a black skin, or in a white one,’ matters not; that men -were born to aid each other, and not to be made the slaves of party, -sect, or color; and, that he who knows most regarding the works of the -Creator, is most likely to have a proper sense of his bounty. Convince -the natives of India, or of any other nation, that such is the truth, -and that you practise, while you teach, the doctrines of Christianity, -and nothing will, in the end, be able to stand against so formidable an -attack. But if we proceed, as has been too rashly done, to attempt a -schism among them by mere declamation, or by means of creeds and -parables in which they have no belief, (merely because they know no -better,) our object will be either mistaken, or designedly -misrepresented; and we shall experience in Asia all those penalties that -formerly awaited the avowal of Lutheranism in Europe! In brief; convince -the natives that their priests are fools and knaves, and that poverty, -disgrace, and even disease, are the consequences of a mistaken bigotry, -and the whole country will prostrate itself at your feet! - -Waving every other objection, and resting solely on the very inadequate -means of instruction afforded by parents to their children, through the -medium of _koits_, _láláhs_, and _gooroos_, it seems probable that, -unless some effectual reform may take place, the natives of India are -likely to remain in darkness, _ad infinitum_. This is the more to be -regretted, when we consider how willing they are to follow such means as -may be offered them, provided those means may not oppose established -principles, nor be contrary to their ideas of sanctity and benevolence. -Nor can we but repine at such infatuations among a race whose -intellectual qualities, whatever may be said by ignorant or designing -men, are at least on a par with those of Europeans. That they are -perverted, will not be denied; but, that they are naturally imperfect, -needs little proof indeed! Set some dozens, or scores, of our youths to -bellow in unison, (with all the _ennui_ attendant upon monotonous rote,) -any particular passages from the Scripture, day after day, and year -after year; and, after some seasons, search among them for Newtons, -Lockes, Blackstones, and Solons! The result need not be told! - -In recommending to those of my readers who may be intent upon acquiring -a knowledge of the language, (by which I mean not only the Bengallee, -and the Hindui, both of which may be considered vernacular, but the -Persian also,) to purchase such translations as may be extant of the -works of Indian authors, I am far from being partial to their contents, -and disclaim the idea of affording any thing more than exercise in -translation when I do so; for there appears to me a great disposition to -trifle, or to the hyperbole, in all I have ever seen. By means of such -translations, the originals may be more readily understood, whereby the -study may be rendered both brief and pleasing; provided proper attention -be paid to all material points, and that, in reading the translation, -the student does not indulge in the erroneous opinion that he is making -himself master of the original. Almost every book written in the East is -the production of some court sycophant: a few have resulted from the -labors of men who, being disposed to meditation, have committed their -reveries to paper; and, a very small portion have displayed such -scintillations of ability, as leave us to regret they were either not -better educated, so as to enlighten their countrymen, or that they were -not born in those parts of the world where their talents might have been -fostered, and duly appreciated. With regard to ethics, numbers have -amused themselves, to all appearance, more from ostentation than from -‘being virtuous over-much.’ The facility with which scraps from the -Koran, (_i.e._ the Bible of the Mahomedans,) may be set forth in glowing -terms, in a language rich in expression, has, no doubt, induced many a -very tolerable lay-man to annoy his neighbours, by the repetition of -page after page of the most tiresome tautologies, whereon his fame has -been built: of this description abundance exist, all alike unworthy of -review. - -I have always thought the poets of India to be particularly happy in -those little tales which convey a moral, though a very worldly one, -under some alluring allegory. From this, however, I exempt the -celebrated HEETOPADES, translated by Mr. Wilkins. This, by general -consent, is allowed to be the store from whence _Pilpay’s Fables_ have -been taken; but the original can never appear in competition with their -offspring; for, while the latter are interesting, and afford a very rich -treat, by their apt application to the affairs of life, the former are -heavy, dull, tedious, and of a most motley character; the subject is -generally forced, and spun out into all the varieties garrulity could -invent! - -The Asiatic student may find, in the several works of Gilchrist, -Baillie, F. Gladwin, Sir. W. Jones, Sir William Ousely, Richardson, and -Wilkins, abundance of instruction in the several languages most current -in Hindostan; the Asiatic Researches will give him a considerable -insight into a number of interesting and important matters relating to -the natural history of the East, the manners, and the climate under -consideration; while, by means of Colebrooke’s Digest of the Hindu Laws, -and Rousseau’s Dictionary of Mahomedan Law, he may become very generally -acquainted with that important branch of knowledge. With respect to the -politics of the country, they have been so much canvassed, that various -treatises on that topic are to be had: unfortunately, all are either -devoted to partial considerations, or written to serve a party! - -In almost every country, whereof the inhabitants are either considered -by their neighbours, or deem themselves to be, civilized, the records of -the state, the several libraries, whether scholastic, traditionary, -scientific, or amusing only, are open to the inspection of persons of -all nations; and, above all, the sacred institutions are subject to -visitation, and even to research. In India, no such recreation or -benefit is ever afforded to the inquisitive traveller, who may remain, -for years, within a stone’s-throw of what, to him, would appear an -invaluable treasure, without his being able to obtain the smallest -indulgence in aid of his pursuits. Whatever may be the complaints -against our continental neighbours on the score of persecution, we must -give them credit for the most ample toleration of the million of -visitors who intrude on their several cabinets, libraries, &c.; some, -from the most laudable motives, others, actuated by the mere desire of -seeing all that is to be seen, without, in the least, regarding those -points by which the philosophic eye is naturally attracted. Though so -heavy a charge lies against the Hindus, on account of their strict -rejection of our countrymen, in general, when application has been made -for information on particular points, it must be allowed, that they -doubtless have, in a few instances, been more explicit, and furnished -information on particular topics, which, to us, has proved extremely -interesting. - -In truth, we have no exclusive right of complaint; for all nations, and -all sects, except their own, have been equally subject to denial; or, -when indulged, have been compelled to perform some ceremonies obnoxious -to their faith, or to their persons. Whether this be absolutely -necessary, or has been devised solely with the intention of deterring -the curious, may not be difficult to determine; thus much we know, that, -in order to obtain admission to a knowledge of certain forms, or to the -perusal of certain records, various operations, amounting nearly to -apostacy, though no recantation be made, must be performed. - -There is room to doubt whether any true accounts of the antiquity of the -Seek College at Benares, and of the migrations of the Hindus from the -countries bordering on Palestine, actually exists: many persons, of -considerable talents, and of great erudition, are disposed to treat the -whole of what has been delivered to us, with so much solemnity, by the -_Pundits_, or learned Brahmans, as a deception, intended to ridicule our -curiosity, and to repress, or at least to divert, it from the true -course. Circumstances may be adduced in support of this hypothesis; and -we cannot but regard the manner in which the _Pundits_ arrogate to -themselves the whole knowledge of their history, which is carefully -concealed from a large portion even of the Brahmans, as a circumstantial -proof of our having been designedly led astray, both by a fictitious -record, and by a well concerted fable, invented for the occasion: this -may be aptly compared to the whale and the tub. Fortunately, no material -point appears to rest on the antiquity, or otherwise, of the Hindu -mythology, or the records of the Seeks, regarding the origin of that -people; though it would perhaps be found, that their true exposition -might tend to afford many proofs in favor of the mission of our Saviour. - -When the immense extent of territory we hold in India is considered, -and, that perhaps no country in the world offers greater facilities, not -only for literary correspondence, but for the researches of naturalists, -the conveyance of gross articles, and the manufacture of raw materials, -which every where abound, we cannot but lament the want of such -institutions as might enable us to turn such important advantages to the -immediate benefit of Great Britain, on the most unbounded scale. We are -absolutely ignorant of a million of facts now included, either directly, -or by affinity, in our endless catalogue of desiderata, which need not -remain in that disgraceful list, provided due means were taken to -correct our errors, and to extend our resources. During the dry season, -or at least for four months in the year, scarce a part of the country -opposes the progress of a traveller; unless through those immense -wildernesses already described. It may, on the whole, be said, that one -half the country is passable at all seasons by land; though the progress -will doubtless be slow, and difficult, during the heavy falls of rain. -Intercourse is never at a stand. The _dawk_, or post, proceeds at all -seasons; and is rarely more than two days longer on its way from -Calcutta to the upper provinces, than at the favorable time of the year. -Bridges and ferries are found on all the great roads; whereby regiments -have occasionally marched on emergency with such despatch, as could -scarcely have been exceeded even during the hot season. - -The communication with Europe, overland, has been established, during -peaceable times, for full twenty years; but it was not until about -twelve years ago, that the public have been permitted to avail -themselves of so essential a means of correspondence at fixed rates, and -under particular regulations. Prior to that period, the Company used to -receive, and to despatch, packets overland, in which occasional -indulgences were granted to favored individuals. I abstract this from -the very old custom of sending intelligence, on sudden occasions, by the -despatch of some confidential person to or from India. The utility of -some permanent and certain conveyance for letters from a quarter daily -becoming more opulent, and more important, cannot be doubted; were it -only for the purpose of transmitting bills of exchange payable after -sight, the notices of bankruptcies, the information of intended -consignments, the state of the markets, &c., such a systematic -communication must be invaluable to the several merchants. To the -Government it is of the highest importance! Many complain of the heavy -rates of postage overland, and others of the severe restrictions; but -such complaints are ill founded: the expence of the posts is very heavy, -and it is indispensably necessary for Government to hold a severe check -over whatever intercourse might lead to mischief. - -The tables of postage, and of _bangy_ carriage, contained in the -Directory, will enable the reader to judge how far the charges are from -being exorbitant: he will not fail to recollect, that the sums paid in -Britain are very trifling, owing to the immense intercourse subsisting -between the several parts of the kingdom, far beyond what exists in any -part of India. Bath is the same distance from London that the -cantonments of Berhampore are from Calcutta, viz. 106 miles: the former -pays 8d. postage, the latter 4 annas, which is about the same sum: the -other charges are considerably cheaper; viz. Allahabad, which is full -five hundred miles from Calcutta, pays only 7 annas (about 13½d.); but -this is on the great road, while the other is scarcely to be considered -a thoroughfare, compared with what it was before the new road was cut -through the Ramghur district to Chunar. - -With the exception of such parts as may be infested by tigers, the post -seldom or never fails of arriving within an hour of its appointed time; -except, as has been observed, when the waters are out; in which case, -many circuitous roads must be followed, whereby the way is considerably -lengthened in the aggregate. Taking the average, a hundred miles per day -may be run over by the _dawk_, or post, in fair weather. Each mail-bag -is conveyed by an _hirkarah_, (or runner,) who is attended by one or two -_doog-doogy-wallahs_, or drummers, who keep up a kind of ‘long-roll,’ as -they pass any suspicious place. Ordinarily, two _mosaulchees_, or -link-bearers, accompany each _dawk_; and, where tigers are known to -commit depredations, one or two _teerin-dauzes_, or archers, are -supplied, under the intention of protecting the party. But such puny aid -is of no avail; for the onset of the tiger is too sudden, and too -discomfiting, to allow any effort of consequence to be timously adopted: -the very act of seizure is a death-blow, from which I never heard of any -recovery; provided the unhappy victim were not so particularly situated -as to prevent it from decidedly taking effect. - -Here it may be needful to explain, that a tiger invariably strikes his -prey with the fore paw, in so forcible a manner as often to fracture the -skull; which, generally, is the object aimed at: many oxen have had -their cheek bones shivered by the contusion. It sometimes happens, that -the marks of one or two claws are to be seen, but they are generally _en -passant_, and by no means the result of primary intention. The wrist of -a tiger being often nearly two feet in circumference, may give some idea -of the violence with which the _coup de grace_ falls on the head of a -human being! The _mosauls_, or _flambeaux_, are intended to intimidate -the tigers, as are also the _doog-doogies_, but experience has shewn -that, when hungry, tigers are not to be restrained by any such device: -indeed, instances have occurred of the _mosaulchees_ themselves being -carried off. It would, nevertheless, be presumptuous to judge from such -partial data, that many tigers are not deterred by the noise and fire -accompanying the letter-carriers; on the contrary, there should rather -seem a probability, that many young tigers, or such grown ones as may -not be hungry, nor be attended by cubs, are frequently intimidated from -those attacks they would make but for these precautions. A residence of -two years at Hazary-Bang, the station for a battalion in the Ramghur -district, enabled me to form a fair estimate of the dangers to which the -_dawk_, and travellers in general, were subject. During some seasons, -the roads were scarcely to be considered passable; day after day, for -nearly a fortnight in succession, some of the _dawk_ people were carried -off, either at Goomeah, Kannachitty, Katcumsandy, or Dungaie; four -passes in that country, all famous for the exploits of these enemies to -the human race! - -So few valuables are ever sent by the post, that thieves never attempt -any depredations on the letter-bags. _Hoondiés_ (_i.e._ banker’s drafts) -would be of no use whatever to them; and as bank notes are not in -general currency, no object is held out for enterprize of that -description. Nor do the _dawk-bangies_, or parcel-dawks, offer any -substantial inducement; for, even if any plate, or watches, or trinkets, -were to be sent by such a conveyance, the want of a market, and the -impossibility of confiding in any village jeweller, would render the act -both hazardous and unavailing. Hence, the _dawk_ generally proceeds in -perfect safety, throughout every part of the country; while the -_bangies_ maybe considered equally secure; except, indeed, in some parts -of the dominions of the Nabob Vizier of Oude, where a lawless -uncontrolled banditti subject every passenger to contribution: this evil -is fortunately on the decline, in consequence of our having assumed the -reins of government. - -It has frequently been asked why, in a country so completely under our -control, we did not establish mails, similar to those in use throughout -England. Before this can be effected, an immense revolution must take -place, not only in the minds of the natives, but in the features of the -country. At present, there appears no desire on the part of the -inhabitants to communicate by land, farther than may be necessary for -the purpose of attending _hauts_, (markets,) _maylahs_, (fairs,) or for -the resort to certain places of worship, &c. For such purposes, a -pedestrian trip suffices; or, at the utmost, a poney, worth only a few -shillings, is either borrowed or hired. The contact of various _casts_, -or sects, being considered a pollution, it is not to be supposed that a -Hindu would like to be pent up, for hours together, with a Mahomedan, -who makes no scruple of killing and eating a cow: or that the Mussulman -would, in his turn, feel comfortable under similar circumstances, with a -British _kaufur_, (unbeliever,) who, besides his condemnation of the -prophet, makes no scruple of devouring ham and bacon wholesale! -Admitting that all parties should be agreed to associate within the body -of a stage-coach, still there would not exist intercourse sufficient to -support the expences, in a quarter where horses are so dear, and where -the necessary repairs could not, in case of accident, be promptly -effected. Then, again, the roads must be suitably made, at an enormous -expence, and be afterwards supported by heavy disbursements, or by a -contribution of labor on the part of the land-holders, by no means -agreeable to their feelings. All this may, in time, pass under a -complete metamorphosis: the produce of the country will be more -generally estimable; the people will relax greatly from the vigorous -attention now paid to religious tenets; and, as their prejudices may -give way to their true interests, will extend their speculations without -fear or restriction. Those who may then inhabit India, will see roads, -mails, and inns; whereas, at present, there are only pathways and -runners, but no inns. There are, to be sure, _seraies_ and _choultries_, -for the accommodation of travellers, but these are mostly going fast to -decay; and, at the best, can be viewed only as shelter for men and -cattle; goods being usually left exposed to the weather. The -_bytearens_, or female cooks, who ply, in more than one capacity, at -such places, and who, on receiving money before-hand, buy and cook such -victuals as may be ordered, or the place may afford, cannot be -considered otherwise than as menials, and not to be classed with our -inn-keepers; no, nor even with the poorest village retailer, ‘_Lysunst -to del in T, Koffy, and Tibaky_!’ - -There is, however, a wide field for practical improvement; as may be -fully understood from the following statement. The _dawk_ rarely travels -at a less expence than twenty-five rupees per month, for each stage of -eight miles (four cosses) on the average. This sum is absorbed by a -_moonshy_ at each _chokey_, or relief at the end of a stage, who -pretends to be very scrupulous in regard to ascertaining that all the -parcels are right, but who, as I have repeatedly witnessed, is more -intent on receiving little presents of _ottah_, (meal,) spices, &c., -sent to him from the neighbouring villages, in return for letters -conveyed by the _dawk-hirkarahs_, who are sometimes laden pretty heavily -with such contributions. I speak from what I have been an eye-witness to -repeatedly; as to hear-say, much more might be asserted. It appears to -me that the above sum would carry on the system with double the speed, -and double the efficiency. In lieu of sending off four, five, and six, -men with the _dawks_, let a horseman convey the bags for about twelve -miles, on an allowance of fifteen rupees per month for man and horse; -and, during the rainy season, when the roads are deep, let a fresh horse -be allowed for the several returns, instead of causing the same man and -horse to return with the _counter-dawks_. On the above allowance a very -good steed might be kept, the celerity of the _dawk_ would be greatly -encreased, and there would be no occasion for _moonshies_, except at -such _chokies_ as might be upon diverging roads, where it would be -necessary to have the proper parcels sorted out, and delivered to the -various _branch-dawks_. - -Travelling in a _palanquin_ by _dawk_, (_i.e._ post,) is effected much -in the same manner as the despatch of the _dawks_. Bearers are stationed -at the several stages, for the purpose of relief; each station, in -general, supplying eight bearers, and a _bangy_, in all nine men, -together with one or two _mosaulchies_ for night stages. The expence of -travelling in this manner will depend greatly on the distance: if only a -short journey is to be made, such as may be compassed within eight or -ten hours, nothing more is needful than to send on a set, or two, of -bearers, who then receive their daily hire of four annas (8d.) each, -while out from home; or, if there should exist the means of so doing, a -_hirkarah_, (or messenger,) may be despatched to collect bearers at the -several stages. In this manner, the relays may be properly supplied, and -the cost will not amount to more than a rupee for three miles; equal to -ten-pence a mile; whereas, in the ordinary mode of having bearers laid -by the post-master, each mile will cost full one rupee, (_i.e._ 2_s._ -6_d._,) besides various little disbursements by way of _buxees_, or -presents, to every set of bearers in the journey: these may be fairly -estimated at two rupees for every set, or relief, which, if the -distances run by each should average ten miles, will be about twenty -rupees (£2. 10_s._) for every hundred miles. The ordinary rate of this -kind of conveyance may be rated at four miles per hour during the cold -season, three and a half during the hot season, and from two to three -during the rains, provided the waters are not much out: otherwise, no -estimate can be formed. The above includes stops. - -The establishment of _dawk-bangies_ for the conveyance of parcels, at -rates in proportion to their weights respectively, has produced -considerable convenience to those who reside at a distance from the -Presidency. Until this plan was adopted, few could send small articles, -such as trinkets, &c., to the Presidency, but under favor of some -individual who might perchance be travelling thither, and who might -possibly be some months on the way: the same inconvenience attended the -return; so that it was not uncommon for a gentleman whose watch required -inspection, to be four or five months deprived of its use. This is now -done away, and a watch, &c. may be sent from Cawnpore to Calcutta, there -undergo repair, and be returned with ease, in the course of a month, or -less. - -The same kind of convenience is, of course, afforded regarding books, -and all other articles too bulky, or too heavy, to proceed by the -_dawk_, but not of sufficient importance to induce the employment of a -boat, or of a _bangy_, to convey them: nor, indeed, could a single -bearer travel with a _bangy_ more than twenty miles within the -twenty-four hours; so that he would be full a month in going from -Calcutta to Cawnpore; whereas, the _dawk-bangies_ travel by relays of -bearers, therefore can almost keep up with the _dawk-hirkarahs_, who -carry the mail-bags suspended at the end of a stick over their -shoulders. - -The communication by water between Calcutta and the several subordinate -stations, whether civil or military, is much resorted to; during the -rainy season in particular. At that time, few are inaccessible to craft -of some description, though but for a while: those immense falls of rain -which cause the ravines to fill, and every little creek to become -navigable for boats of ten or fifteen tons, swell the Ganges, and the -other great rivers, to an astonishing height; causing them to run with -awful velocity. The rivers generally rise in May, but a few inches only, -in June, they often approach the summits of their banks, between which -they fluctuate, rising and falling until the great swell, which takes -place in August. Sometimes the river rises twice, sometimes thrice, or, -even four times, during the season; but, in general, one ample -inundation serves all the purposes of agriculture, provided the rains do -not afterwards abate too suddenly in September, before the rice is cut. -When such an untimely cessation takes place, it is attended with great -mortality: the immense expanse of slime, suddenly exposed to the -influence of the sun, then on the equinoctial, throws forth the most -destructive miasma, whereby epidemics, of the most dangerous -description, are propagated. - -The swelling of the great rivers is a matter of great uncertainty; -sometimes they rise very early, before the quantity of rain that falls -in the lower provinces could lead to the expectation of their doing so: -when this is the case, it is not uncommon to see the Cossimbazar river, -commonly called the _Baugrutty_, nearly dry at night, and full twenty -feet, or more, deep the next morning. In other seasons the waters are -very tardy; a matter of serious moment to the husbandman, who is -naturally anxious to plant his crop of rice in due time, so that it may -be securely attached to the soil before the great inundation comes on. -The growth of the rice stalk is certainly one of the most curious proofs -of nature’s adaptation of that plant to the situation in which it is -cultivated; namely, in the water: it will not thrive unless the stem be -immersed for several inches; and, owing to the formation of its stalk, -which draws out like the concentric tubes of a pocket telescope, it can -put forth many feet in the course of a few hours, so as, apparently, to -grow as fast as the water may rise, and to keep its pannicle from being -overflowed. It is by no means rare for the rice stalks to shoot forth -from five to six feet during the twenty-four hours: I have _seen_ it do -much more! - -In parts subject to the regular annual inundation, all the villages are -built on rising grounds: many stand on artificial mounds, formed by -excavations around their bases, so that they are surrounded nearly by -moats, in which their _dingies_, or small boats, are immersed during the -dry season, and affording admirable refreshment to their buffaloes -during the summer heats. But it sometimes happens, that the waters rise -to so great a height as to endanger even these elevated villages; some -of which are then completely inundated. To avoid this, most of the -houses are built upon piles, or stakes, thereby to raise their floors -from four to six feet above the ground, and open enough to permit the -waters to pass through with freedom. In the dry time of the year, the -cattle are occasionally kept within the areas thus enclosed under the -floors; but, while the inundation is at its height, so as to insulate a -village completely, all the live stock are kept in boats moored around -it, where they are fed by a species of the _doob_, or _doop-grass_, -dragged up from the bottom of the waters by means of split bamboos, made -to serve as forks: but for so providential a supply, the cattle must be -led scores of miles to some part of the country, whose elevation exempts -it from inundation. - -The mention of a country being so completely under water, cannot but -cause considerable surprize. The fact is, however, too well known to be -disputed. Even at Berhampore, which is not considered within the -ordinary verge of inundation, it is common to see boats of great -burthen, perhaps fifty tons, sailing over the plains, as through a -boundless sea. As to the country lying between the mouth of the -Jellinghy and the debouchures of the Ganges, that is always overflowed -for full three months, perhaps to the average depth of ten or twelve -feet. I have sailed over it full a hundred miles by the compass; aided, -indeed, by some remarkable villages, mosques, banks, &c., well known to -the boatmen, who, probably from their earliest days, had traversed the -same expanse during every rainy season. - -Were it not for the water being strongly colored, and the strength of -the current, it would not be easy in many places to distinguish the -great rivers which are crossed in steering through this fresh-water -ocean: the water of the inundation is generally of a bluish tinge, -derived from the quantity of vegetable matter at the bottom, of which a -certain quantity decays, and partially taints the fluid. A large portion -is concealed by the _d’haun_, (or rice,) which rises above its surface. -This, in the first instance, bears the appearance of a long grass, of a -rich green, rising above the surface, so as to be mistaken at a little -distance for _terra firma_: gradually, the pannicles shoot forth, of a -pale-dun color, turning, as they ripen, to a deep dun, or light clay. - -The grains of rice, which are called by Europeans ‘_paddy_,’ retain the -name of _d’haun_ so long as in their coats; as we often see a few grains -among the rice imported to us: these coats are peculiarly harsh to the -feel, and are fluted longitudinally, so that no water can lodge upon -them. Each grain is fastened to a short stalk, joining to a main stem, -and furnishing a very pleasing bunch of grain, not very dissimilar to an -ear of oats, but far richer, both in color, and in quantity. Rice has no -husk or chaff; therefore is easily separated from the straw, which is -eaten by cattle when no other provender can be had, and makes excellent -litter, it being very long and soft. Where the inundation prevails, the -straw is of little use: the grain being cut in boats, and the straw -settling at the bottom as the waters subside; thereby adding to the -natural fertility of the soil. In the more elevated parts, the straw is -cut the same as in the _rubbee_, or corn crops, and bundled for domestic -purposes: there, its length rarely exceeds two feet, whereas, among the -inundations, it is often seen from fifteen to eighteen feet in length. -The head, or pannicle, generally bears from a hundred and fifty, to -three hundred, grains of rice. - -Two modes of clearing rice from the shell are in use; the one performed -by the very simple process of scalding, which occasions the rice to -swell, and to burst the shell, so that the latter is removed with very -little trouble; the other is, by putting the _d’haun_ into an immense -wooden mortar, called an _ookly_, and beating it by the application of -two or more beetles, called _moosuls_, of about four feet in length, by -three inches in diameter, shod at the bottom with iron ferules, and -thinned towards their centres, so as to be grasped by the women; each -alternately impelling one, in nearly a perpendicular direction, among -the _d’haun_ in the _ookly_. After the shells have been duly separated, -the rice, now called _choul_, is separated, by winnowing either in a -strong draught of air, or by means of a kind of scoop, made of fine -wicker-work, called a _soop_, wherewith the native women can most -dexterously separate different kinds of corn, and effectually remove all -rubbish. The coat of rice is peculiarly harsh, and not much relished by -cattle: I have seen it mixed with dung for fuel with excellent effect. - -The natives, in general, make little distinction between the rice -separated by scalding, which is called _oosnah_, and that dressed by the -_ookly_, which is called _urwah_; but some of the more fastidious prefer -one or the other, according to particular prejudices handed down in -their families, or supposed to appertain to their respective sects. I -think the scalded rice generally deficient in flavor; the grains are -larger, and less compact; the beaten rice certainly boils with rather -more difficulty, but appears whiter, and drier. The scalded rice does -not immediately separate from the coat, but is usually submitted to the -operation of a machine composed of a stout beam, nearly equipoised by -means of a thorough-pin, on a fork, of wood also, fixed in the ground. - -It is inconceivable what quantities of rice, of a coarse reddish cast, -but peculiarly sweet, and large grained, are prepared, about -Backergunge, near the debouchure of the Megna, for exportation. In that -quarter fuel is cheap, and water conveyance every where at hand; so that -the immense crops raised in the inundated districts find a ready sale. -The average return from a _bigah_ of 1600 square yards, of three -_bigahs_ to our statute acre, sown with about twenty-five seers of -_d’haun_, may be taken at nine maunds. The price of the grain, when -cleared of its coat, may be from thirty to forty seers of fine rice, and -from sixty even to _a hundred and twenty seers_ (_i.e._ three maunds) of -coarse, commonly called ‘cargo-rice.’ But the demand always regulates -the value; especially when great consignments are forwarded to the coast -of Coromandel. - -Large quantities of rice are usually cleared by contract, the operator -receiving the grain at the door of the _golah_, or warehouse, where he -sets up his cauldron and machines, and returning twenty-five seers of -clean rice for every maund (forty seers) delivered to him; he finding -the fuel, and reserving the husks. In a country where labor is so very -cheap, it is not so very necessary to have recourse to mechanical -devices for the purpose of diminishing the expence of such operations; -yet it occurs to me, that, were tide wheels to be used at Backergunge -and elsewhere, or a floating mill, like that moored between Blackfriars’ -and London Bridge, to be made out of some condemned hulk, an immense -advantage would be gained in regard to time. By the proper adaptation of -machinery, whereby the rice might be hoisted in, or lowered down, either -by the force of water, or of steam, and the beetles be properly worked, -the grain might certainly be prepared for market in less time, and -infinitely less charge for _cooly_ hire, in landing, loading, &c.: -should this hint be well received by any speculating European, it might -tend to lower the prices of rice at those times, when, either from want -of laborers, or from the expediency of shipping off with as little delay -as possible, the saving of a few days might prove an object of -importance. At all events, the work might be done more regularly, more -frugally, and more independently, than by manual process. - -The rice grown in the low countries by no means equals that produced in -the uplands, where it is cultivated with great care, and subjected to -many vicissitudes in regard to the state of moisture in which its roots -are retained. In many parts of the most hilly districts _d’haun_ is to -be seen in every little narrow valley, winding among the bases of those -stupendous eminences from which the torrents of rain supply a -superabundant flow of moisture at one time, while, at others, only the -little rills proceeding from boggy springs seem to feed the artificial -pools in which the growing plants are kept in a state of semi-immersion, -by means of small embankments made of mud. In every instance the -_d’haun_ is to be kept duly watered; else it withers, and becomes -unproductive. In order to preserve the water as much as possible, the -bed, or level, nearest to the springs, is raised as high as can be -afforded, and its exterior border banked up, to about a foot and a half, -with soil: the next level may be from a foot to a yard lower, and -receives the overflow; which is again passed on to the next lower bed; -and thus, in succession, for perhaps a mile or more; the ends of the -beds requiring no embankment, on account of the land rising on either -side. Such situations afford a certain crop in ordinary seasons; and, if -the rains should fail, the dews falling on the adjacent hills, generally -covered with jungle of some kind, ordinarily afford moisture enough to -keep up the springs, thus causing sufficient dampness to prevent the -rice from perishing, before some ample showers may again float the whole -of the irrigated cultivation. Rice thus produced is commonly small in -grain, rather long and wiry, but remarkably white, and admirably suited -to the table. The natives, though they admire its appearance, are not -partial to it; they generally preferring the larger-bodied grain, with a -reddish inner rind, which does not readily separate, when new, from the -rice: this kind, as I have before expressed, is assuredly the sweetest, -and is, on that account, preferred by those who distil arrack. - -Remoteness from the sea air is said to be the reason why the up-country -rice possesses less saccharine matter than that grown near the -sea-coast, and among the inundation; but this appears an erroneous -judgment. There is, no doubt, a great encrease of saccharine matter in -plants (of the same genus) cultivated on spots well manured: now, few, -if any, of the places devoted to the cultivation of rice in the upper -country, receive much aid from manure; nor are they, in general, subject -to the reception of nutritious particles, such as are either floated -down, or are engendered and deposited by, the inundation, which may be -viewed as the grand depôt of whatever can enrich the soil. When we look -to the large tracts of plain, not subject to such an immense flow of -feculous moisture, but seeming merely as reservoirs for the retention of -local rains, we shall then see, that the superior sweetness of the rice -produced about Backergunge, Dacca, Hajygunge, Luricool, Mahomedpore, -Comercolly, Jessore, &c., is to be attributed solely to the superior -fatness of the soil, on which the most luxuriant crops of cotton, and of -esculents, are raised during the dry season. When the soil is fresh -turned up for the second crop, it is generally very offensive, and, -doubtless, by no means favorable to the health of the cultivators, who, -at that season, (commonly in November, December, and January,) are -subjected to very obstinate agues. - -Rice is very subject to the weevil, which often multiplies among it so -fast, as to threaten destruction to the whole depôt. The natives have -recourse to a very simple preventive; viz. by placing one or two live -cray-fish within the heap: their effluvia quickly expel the predatory -tribe. Here we have a question for naturalists and philosophers; a -question pregnant with interest to the agricultural world, namely, -‘Whether there is any particular, and what, property in a live -cray-fish, that produces this effect upon insects under such -circumstances?’ Whatever may be the cause, the effect is well known; -therefore the enquiry is so far forwarded as to furnish data, or at -least hints, respecting those results which might be expected both from -marine productions, and from other living bodies. The inhabitants of the -lower provinces are chiefly Hindus; therefore, owing to religious -tenets, by which they are led to consider almost every animal as -unclean, few experiments could be expected to take place among them; -otherwise, we might probably have found that any living animal, such as -a rat, a frog, &c., if confined in a small box, and placed within a heap -of rice infested by weevils, would produce a similar effect. Rice is by -no means subject to this species of depredation when in the coat, that -is, in the state called _d’haun_, but the natives are averse to -retaining it in that form, because the grains shrink considerably, and, -when beat out for sale, do not occupy so much space as when exposed to -the air. Hence, it is an object with the rice-merchants to dispose of -their crops before the month of March, unless the markets may be so -glutted as to cause that grain to sell, as it has in some years done, at -such low prices as could not fail to ruin the farmer. It has been known -so cheap as seven and eight maunds (equal to seven cwt.) for a rupee! -When this happens, such merchants as have the command of money rarely -fail to make immense fortunes. Many have been known to possess four or -five lacs of maunds! - -Rice is the most common article of food among the natives, whether -Hindus or Mussulmans, throughout the lower provinces, where it is to be -found in far greater abundance than corn of any description. The -inhabitants of the upper provinces, where wheat and barley are -cultivated to such an extent as to be sold in the retail for about a -rupee and a quarter, and a rupee, respectively, subsist chiefly on the -meals of those grains; which, being well kneaded with water, are made -into _chow-patties_, or _bannocks_, are baked at the common _choolahs_, -and are both palatable and nourishing. The natives hold an opinion that -rice is very injurious to the sight; but, I believe, whatever injury may -arise from its use proceeds entirely from eating it too hot, and in such -quantities at one meal, generally about sun-set, as can scarcely fail to -injure the stomach. Barley-meal is considered, and with great justice, -to be very nourishing, but heating; therefore most of those who prefer -_ottah_ (meal) to rice, use that made from wheat. Large quantities of -rice are carried upwards, towards the Nabob Vizier’s dominions, where it -sells to great advantage; while, on the other hand, immense consignments -of corn, chiefly wheat, barley, and _r’hur_, are made from those parts -towards the lower districts; where they are consumed by all classes of -persons. While the _Baugrutty_, (_i.e._ the Cossimbazar river,) and the -_Jellinghy_, both of which branch from the Ganges, and, uniting at -Nuddeah, form the Hoogly, which passes Calcutta, are open, boats of all -kinds proceed that way; but chiefly through the former channel, on which -Moorshadabad, Berhampore, Cossimbazar, and Jungypore, are situate. This -is the shortest line of communication by water between the Presidency -and the upper provinces; but, unfortunately, it is open only for about -six months in the year; it rarely having water before the middle of -June, and being commonly reduced to a very low ebb by the middle of -December; though, in some years, it remains navigable for small boats -for a month or six weeks longer. It may, indeed, be passed in such all -the year through, provided they be dragged over the shallows, which, -often for a mile or more, oppose the progress of whatever may draw more -than a few inches of water: in such case, the bottom of a boat should be -good, otherwise she may be strained by the immense exertions of perhaps -fifty men, who, ranging along either side, and dragging by means of -ropes, as well as by pushing and lifting behind, force her along the -shallows, and thus pass her over all the more prominent obstacles. I -have, more than once, had a very small _pulwar-budjrow_ navigated, if I -may so call it, down the _Baugrutty_, from Mohanahpore, at the mouth of -that river, as far as Berhampore; which, by land, is full forty miles, -and, by water, cannot be less than seventy. But there are so many bars, -or shoals, between Berhampore and Augah-Deep, about thirty-five miles by -land, lower down, as to render that part absolutely impassable, except -when the river has an average depth of two feet, or two feet and a half. - -During the dry months, the whole of the commodities transmitted from the -upper provinces to the Presidency, with the exception of some few -articles of small compass, which may be landed at Bagwangolah, and -proceed to Augah-Deep overland, are sent down the Ganges for the purpose -of proceeding through the _Soonderbunds_. This highly interesting, but -difficult navigation, reaches from the Megna to Calcutta, near to which -a canal offers to adventurers a safe and easy communication between the -Hoogly and the Salt-Water Lake, which lies at the back of Calcutta. The -generality of trading and passage vessels proceed by this cut, paying a -moderate toll, either on the tonnage of the former, or the number of -oars of the latter. But the salt vessels despatched from Joynaghur, &c., -with the produce of the different pans in that quarter, commonly take -the lower passages near _Chingree-Cauly_, and _Culpee_, which are by far -the most dangerous, though rather more direct. - -The _Soonderbunds_, or _Sunderbunds_, consist of an immense wilderness, -full fifty miles in depth, and in length about a hundred and eighty -miles. This wilderness, which borders the coast to the water’s edge, -forming a strong natural barrier in that quarter, occupies the whole of -what is called the Delta of the Ganges; every where intersected by great -rivers, and innumerable creeks, in which the tides are so intermixed, -that a pilot is absolutely necessary, both to thread the intricacies of -the passage, and to point out at what particular parts the currents -will, at certain times, be favorable in proceeding either to the -eastward or to the westward. In many places there is scarcely breadth -for the passing of a single boat, and even then the boughs of the -immense trees, and of the subordinate jungle, frequently are found so to -hang over, as nearly to debar the progress of ordinary trading vessels. -Fortunately, these narrow creeks are short, or, at least, have in -various parts such little bays as enable boats to pass: one or two are, -however, so limitted throughout in point of width, as to render it -expedient that musquets should be discharged before a boat proceeds, in -order that others may not enter at the opposite end of the narrow: but -for such a precaution, one of them would be compelled to put back. The -water being brackish, or rather absolutely salt, throughout the -_Sunderbunds_, it is necessary for all who navigate this passage, to -take a good stock; calculating for at least a fortnight’s service. Even -the villages, which here and there are to be found on the banks of the -great rivers, are sometimes supplied from a great distance; especially -during the dry season, when the tides are very powerful. - -The regular trading vessels, which pass through the Sunderbunds, perhaps -every month, or two, are usually provided with very large _nauds_, or -_gounlahs_, made in the form of a rather flat turnep, of a black earth -which bakes very hard. Casks are never used in India for water; all the -ships in the country trade have one or more tanks made of _teak_ wood, -rendered perfectly water tight, and containing from twenty to fifty -butts. The water is thus carried in a small compass, and remains sweet -much longer than when in casks. Even if no other reason could be -assigned, it must be obvious, that, in a tank, the surface of wood -necessary to contain fifty butts of water, will not exceed six hundred -and fifty square feet; whereas, each of the fifty butts would present a -surface of more than forty feet, whence the whole must amount to two -thousand square feet. - -Where a ship is navigated by lascars, many rules and ceremonies are -adopted for the preservation of the water from impure contact. When -native troops are on board, only particular persons are allowed to lay -it in, or to serve it out, and even under such precaution, many of the -more fastidious shew great aversion to using the tank water; often -undergoing great sufferings, both from hunger and from thirst, rather -than drink of it, or even taste of viands prepared therewith. But this -prejudice has, of late years, subsided considerably, in consequence of -the frequent occasions the British government have had to send native -troops on distant expeditions by sea. - -Casks would certainly prove obnoxious to servants, and others, -proceeding through the Soonderbunds, owing to a general opinion among -them, that we convey spirits, meat, &c., in such vessels; which, having -been once used for such a purpose, could never be viewed by them as -receptacles for beverage, without disgust and execration. - -The town of Calcutta is supplied with firewood by persons who resort to -the woods, about twenty-five miles from Calcutta, where they cut the -smaller kinds of _serress_, _jarrool_, _soondry_, _g’hob_, &c., into -junks about four feet in length, which are rived into two or four -pieces, according to their diameter, and carried to market, where such -billets are usually retailed at from twelve to fourteen rupees per -hundred maunds, delivered at the door. This is the only kind of fuel -used in the kitchens of Europeans, and forms the supply of nine-tenths -of the native population also: the remainder use the _gutties_ made of -dung. - -It is to be lamented that Government have never adopted a plan I long -ago offered, of employing the convicts in clearing away a sufficient -tract around Diamond Harbour, which is now peculiarly unhealthy, and is -the grave of full one-fourth of the crews of the India Company’s, and -other ships, that generally are moored there for months. - -I am aware that objections have been stated in regard to clearing away -the forests in the Soonderbunds, on account of their being considered a -natural defence in that quarter; but, without entering upon the policy, -or otherwise, of such a retention of that ‘wilderness of all -wildernesses,’ there does not appear to me any sound reason for -suffering the principal naval station to be backed and flanked by woods -and swamps, from which disease is poured forth amidst our unfortunate -countrymen. - -I have been assured, that, taking one year with another, full three -hundred European sailors die of diseases incident to the laying up of -ships for a while in the river, of whom, the larger portion are taken -ill at, or below, Diamond Harbour. - -Those who have occasion to pass through the Sunderbunds, which can be -done by water only, ought to be extremely careful not to venture ashore, -unless at some of the little towns, whose vicinity may afford some -security against the attacks of tigers, by the jungle having been -partially cleared away. The romantic scenery, every where inviting the -eye, should not be permitted to allure the traveller from his state of -safety; nor should the abundance of game, especially of deer, lead him -among those coverts in which danger equally abounds. - -Nor are the waters less devoid of mischief: sharks, of an uncommon size, -are every where numerous and greedy; while their competitors, the -alligators, not only infest the streams, but often lie among the grass -and low jungle, waiting for a prey, with which, so soon as seized, they -plunge into the water. - -Instances have been know, both of tigers swimming off to board boats, -and of alligators striking the _dandies_ (boatmen) out of the boats, -with their tails, and snapping their victims up with a nimbleness fully -proving the falsehood of that doctrine, which teaches to escape from the -crocodile by running out of the right line, ‘_because the animal cannot -turn to follow_!’ - -If those who either gave, or believed in, such advice, were to see with -what facility an alligator can turn about, or with what agility he can -pursue, _and catch_, the large fishes that abound in the great rivers of -India, the folly would be so self evident, as to cause an immediate -dereliction of so preposterous an opinion. - -Besides, the _koomeer_, or bull-headed alligator, which, generally -speaking, is the only kind to be seen in brackish waters, is peculiarly -fierce and active; far more so than could be supposed, at first sight, -of an amphibious animal of the _lacerta_ tribe, (for it is nothing more -than an immense lizard, or guana,) whose length has been thirty feet, -and whose girth has equalled twelve feet. - -Such is the ravenous disposition of the _koomeer_, that it will not -hesitate to seize cattle that proceed to drink of the river water where -it is fresh; but this does not often happen; the places where cattle -proceed to slake their thirst, being, for the most part, rather shallow, -so that an alligator, sufficiently formidable for such an attack, could -not lie concealed. It has fallen within my way to see some oxen that had -been seized by the head, or by the fore leg, but which had either been -rescued by their drovers, or had succeeded in escaping from their -merciless enemy: they were all so lacerated as to be completely -disfigured! - -The size of a boat may make much difference regarding the time required -to make the Soonderbund-passage: generally from ten to twelve days will -elapse in making the shortest cut in a _budjrow_ of from twelve to -sixteen oars; while a light _pulwar_, that can pass through the lesser -creeks, and make way against the tides, which are extremely intricate, -on account of the numerous channels that wind in every direction, may -perhaps get through in seven or eight days. Much will depend on the -route: if Dacca, or any part of the Megna, be the destination, full ten -days will be requisite, but if the Comercolly track, which opens into -the Ganges nearly opposite to Nattore, be followed, the great body of -the wilderness will be avoided, and the fertile districts of Jessore, -Mahomedpore, and Comercolly, will be passed through with facility and -gratification. - -It does not appear that any accurate survey has been taken of the -Soonderbunds, further than to ascertain the several channels, and to lay -down the bearings of particular shoals, which run for many miles off the -coast, presenting, on the whole, a most intricate and dangerous approach -to vessels even of small burthen; though, with proper care, ships of -great size may be carried into the Rogmungul, the Hooringattah, and the -Mutwallah rivers, where they may ride in perfect safety. - -Mr. Benjamin Lacarn, many years back, explored the passage at the back -of Saugur Island, and presented to the Government in India very accurate -draughts of the soundings and bearings; from which he enabled the Board -to judge of the practicability of resorting to that passage, with more -safety and convenience than now exists, in respect to those channels -that lie to the westward of Saugur. - -The spot selected for the reception of vessels was called New Harbour, -and the stream leading to it from Culpee was designated Channel Creek. -It is to be presumed, that, notwithstanding the plan has not been -carried into effect, although occasionally resorted to, the merits of -the suggestion must have been considerable, as the Company have thought -it but just to remunerate that gentleman’s abilities and research, by an -annuity of £600., which has been lately raised to £1000. - -Several objections have been urged against the adoption of New Harbour, -of which some may be cogent; but, from all I have ever heard on the -subject, it appears to me, that the reasons given for rejection exist at -least as formidably in the western channels, where some of the -advantages offered by New Harbour are totally wanting. - -The time will probably arrive, when Saugur Island, instead of being a -desolate waste, inhabited by various wild animals, may present a rich -expanse of agriculture, destined for the support of an industrious -population, inhabiting those shores so favorably situated for extensive -commerce, and so highly protected by nature against foreign incursion. -The channels leading past it, on either side, are narrow, and certainly -might be defended by a very small force against a powerful fleet. - -Many opinions, and some bold assertions, have been offered regarding the -Soonderbunds. Some consider the immense wilderness that borders the -coast, to be of no great antiquity, and pretend, that probably one -hundred years would be too much to allow for the duration of that soil, -whereon such stupendous forests of noble trees are now to be seen. - -That the whole of the country south of the Ganges, from Bogwangolah to -Saugur, and in the other direction to Luckypore, &c., was formerly -covered by the ocean, may be readily believed, both from the nature of -the soil in general, and from the various marine productions to be found -occasionally, when wells are dug to any considerable depth. - -The ancient city of GOUR, of which only an immense assemblage of ruins, -covering full thirty square miles, are to be seen, stood not very far -from Mauldah. - -That able geographer, Major Rennell, states it to have been the capital -of Bengal 730 years before Christ, and that it was deserted in -consequence of a pestilence; that it formerly stood on the banks of the -Ganges, from which it is now distant nearly five miles; the river -having, as is very common in that quarter, changed its course: the -Mahanuddy, which passes within two miles of it, is navigable throughout -the year. Many parts of GOUR are now full twelve miles from the Ganges. - -The following extract from Major Rennell’s Memoirs, pages 55-6, may -serve to illustrate the position I have to assume regarding the -Soonderbunds: he says, ‘Taking the extent of the ruins of GOUR at the -most reasonable calculation, it is not less than fifteen miles in -length, (extending along the old bank of the Ganges,) and from two to -three in breadth. Several villages stand on part of its site: the -remainder is either covered with thick forests, the habitations of -tigers, and other beasts of prey, or is become arable land, whose soil -is chiefly composed of brick-dust. - -‘The principal ruins are a mosque, lined with black marble, elaborately -wrought, and two gates of the citadel, which are strikingly grand and -lofty. These fabrics, and some few others, appear to owe their duration -to the nature of their materials, which are less marketable, and more -difficult to separate, than those of the ordinary brick buildings; and -are transported to Moorshadabad, Mauldah, and other places, for the -purpose of building. These bricks are of the most solid texture of any I -ever saw; and have preserved the sharpness of their edges, and the -smoothness of their surfaces, through a series of ages. - -‘The situation of Gour was highly convenient for the capital of Bengal -and Bahar, as united under one government; being nearly centrical with -respect to the populous parts of those provinces, and near the junction -of the principal rivers that compose that extraordinary inland -navigation for which those provinces are formed; and, moreover, secured -by the Ganges, and other rivers, on the only quarter from which Bengal -has any cause for apprehension.’ - -Here I feel at a loss; for the author has evidently been deficient in -that perspicuity which characterizes his work; it does not appear to me -what quarter is meant in this instance; the greater part of Bengal being -divided from GOUR by that same river, the Ganges, which is here -described as a protection to GOUR against incursions from Bahar. If this -be not the Major’s meaning, I can find no other; at all events, the -passage is incongruous. - -Setting, however, that matter at rest, as being irrelevant on this -occasion, I shall proceed to observe, that throughout the Delta of the -Ganges, which forms an area of full twenty thousand square miles, (it -being nearly a right-angled triangle, whose sides average about two -hundred miles,) we have not one vestige of remote date! - -It has, no doubt, been asserted by some travellers, and I have heard -several of the natives declare, that, in some parts of the Soonderbunds, -ruins of great extent are to be seen. These are said to be the remains -of cities which formerly flourished on the borders of the ocean, but -were abandoned in consequence of the depredations of the _Burmans_, or -_Muggs_, who inhabited the country lying south of Chittagong, and who -have, within the last fifteen years, called to our memory that such a -nation was still in existence. - -Admitting the existence of such reputed ruins, we have no right to place -them to the account of the earlier ages; we have no records of their -existence; the whole of the details that have hitherto been offered to -the world, either by native traditionists, or European surveyors, give -no account of any such fragments; while, on the other hand, every -presumption is in favor of the whole Delta being comparatively modern. - -Major Rennell, at page 347 of his Memoirs, observes in a note, that ‘a -glass of water taken out of the Ganges, when at its height, yields about -one part in four of mud. No wonder then that the subsiding waters should -quickly form a stratum of earth; or that the Delta should encroach upon -the sea.’ If we estimate the course of the Ganges, (setting apart the -Barampooter,) at fifteen hundred miles, and take its mean width at half -a mile; which is, indeed, reducing that magnificent flow of water to a -mere stream, we have then a surface of seven hundred and fifty square -miles, of which, one fourth is said to be mud, or matter light enough to -be kept suspended by the violence of the current. This should give -nearly two hundred square miles of soil. - -The foregoing computation proves the Delta to contain twenty thousand -square miles; therefore, if Major Rennell’s hypothesis be correct, the -whole of the Delta might have been formed in one hundred years; taking -the depth of the river, when at its highest, to be equal to the depth of -the soil. But, if we recollect that probably many fathoms of sea were -filled up by the encroachment that thus took place, we may be correct in -allowing ten times that period, _i.e._ a thousand years, for the -completion, or, rather, for the gradual accumulation, of so extensive an -addition to the _terra firma_ of Asia. - -At page 348, Major Rennell argues very strongly, though unintentionally, -perhaps, in support of my hypothesis, that GOUR formerly stood on the -borders of the ocean, and was, probably the Tyre of Hindostan. He says, -‘As a strong presumptive proof of _the wandering of the Ganges_, from -the one side of the Delta to the other, I must observe, that there is no -appearance of _virgin_ earth, between the Tipperah Hills on the east, -and the province of Burdwan on the west; nor on the north _till we -arrive at Dacca and Bauleah_.’ - -Uniting all these points, and agreeing with Major Rennell that the -Ganges discharges, on a medium, 180,000 cubic feet of water in a second, -we may easily imagine that the present Delta has been formed by the -sedimentary portion propelled forward in constant succession, until it -gained the highest level to which the annual inundation could raise it; -after which, the black mould on the surface must have been produced by -the constant accumulation of vegetable matter that rotted thereon. - -It is a curious, but well known, fact, that from Sooty to that part of -the Cossimbazar Island which lies nearest to the tide’s way, the whole -is obliged to be preserved from inundation by an embankment, called the -_poolbundy_, maintained at a very great and regular expence; an obvious -demonstration that the present course of the Hooghly has not been -settled many centuries; for almost all rivers, long subject to such -overflows as those we witness in Bengal, ultimately raise their banks, -by an annual deposit of matter, to such a height as afterwards prevents -their streams from passing over into the adjacent country. - -There can be little doubt, that the city of Gour stood on a spot which, -in very ancient times, was washed by the sea; and we may, without being -accused of credulity in the extreme, admit the great probability of the -Ganges having then debouched into the _sinus_, or bay, at that same -spot. - -Nor should we doubt, that those sands, which are, at this day, so -dangerous to navigation, from Balasore to Chittagong, will, at some -remote period, be encreased and raised, so as to become, in the first -instance, islands; and, ultimately, parts of the continent; the present -channels serving for the courses of future rivers, which, in so loose a -soil, may, like the Ganges in our times, be subject to changes of -locality, whenever the floods may prove so impetuous as to open new -beds, and cause the streams to be diverted into them. - -The Sunderbunds, whatever may be their date or origin, present, at this -day, a most inhospitable aspect, and give, exteriorly, a feature to the -country which by no means corresponds with the interior: they are, in -truth, a hideous belt of the most unpromising description, such as could -not fail to cause any stranger who might be wrecked on that coast, and -who should not proceed beyond the reach of the tide, to pronounce it ‘_a -country fit for the residence of neither man nor beast_.’ - -When Major Rennell remarked, ‘that they furnish an inexhaustible supply -of wood for boat building;’ he might have added, ‘of timber for ship -building.’ Many very large vessels have been launched from this quarter, -but, no pains having been taken to season the timber, it was not to be -expected they should prove so durable as they might have been rendered -by due precautions in that particular. Nor is the wood itself of the -best quality for naval architecture; for, though it is very strong, and -to be bent with facility to any necessary form, it, being extremely -subject to be worm-eaten, proves a great draw-back on its being brought -into more general use, unless for such vessels as are intended to be -coppered: for such, the _jarrool_ may answer, as may also the _soondry_; -both which abound in every part of the Sunderbunds. - -The whole coast, from Balasore to Chittagong, has at times been occupied -by a class of natives called _Molungies_, who manufacture salt from the -sea-water. The produce of the several _chokies_, or manufactories, is -immensely valuable, as has already been shewn, and suffices for the -consumption of the whole population of all the Company’s dominions, -besides what is exported into those of the Nabob Vizier, &c. About -thirty-five years ago, salt used to be sold at a rupee, or a rupee and a -half, per factory maund of 72lb.; which might average about one -half-penny per lb.; but, since the Company monopolized the manufacture, -and imposed a heavy duty, the price of salt has gradually risen to about -four rupees per maund. - -The importation of salt, by sea, is prohibited, except under partial or -temporary licences; but it is brought from the mines to the northward of -Delhi in large quantities, though not of so good a quality, it being -generally very bitter, especially the _Salumbah_, or more opaque -rock-salt, which is far less serviceable for curing meat than the -_Samber_; both these kinds are brought in small prismatic masses, and, -though in common use among the natives of the upper provinces, are -never, except from necessity, allowed to appear at the tables of -Europeans, though employed in their culinary preparations. - -Salt is also obtained, but not of a prime quality, by piling up large -quantities of the sand forming the beds of rivers, after the waters have -subsided into very narrow channels. On these heaps water is poured in -abundance, and, being afterwards drained into reservoirs, the salt -either chrystalizes by solar heat, or by being boiled in large iron -pans, similar to those used for chrystalizing sugar from the expressed -juice of the cane. - -In travelling by water, many points, totally unheeded by European -tourists, are necessarily to be attended to previous to departure. I -have already warned my readers, that no furnished house, no lodgings, no -public vehicles, no inns, and, in short, no preparation for the lodgment -or convenience of temporary sojourners, are to be expected in any part -of India; with the exception of the taverns and punch-houses already -described. Therefore, when an excursion is to be made by water, a -_budjrow_ must be hired, which may commonly be effected either by what -is called ‘_teekah_,’ or so much for the trip, according to the -distance, with some allowance for demurrage; or the vessel may be hired -at a certain monthly sum; generally taken at ten rupees per oar. -Sometimes return-_budjrows_ are to be had at a cheaper rate: whichever -way the bargain may be made, the person hiring has nothing to do with -the pay, or provision, of the several men employed in navigating the -vessel. - -The following Table of Allowances granted by the Company to officers, -and others, proceeding, according to orders, from one station to -another, will be both useful to those who may be proceeding to the East, -and serve to give a general idea of the periods required, in ordinary -seasons, taking the year round, for a boat’s reaching her destination, -and returning to the place she quitted. The allowance likewise includes -whatever may be intended for not only the _budjrow_, but for an -attendant baggage-boat, and a cook-boat. - - TABLE OF ALLOWANCE - FOR - BUDJROWS AND BOATS. - - - Sonaut Rupees - per Month. - - To a Colonel 930 - - To a Lieutenant-Colonel, Physician, General, or 630 - Chief Surgeon - - To a Major and Head Surgeon 360 - - To a Captain, Pay-Master, Deputy Pay-Master, and 180 - Regimental Surgeon - - To a Subaltern, Hospital, or Regimental Mate 100 - - To a Cadet 80 - - To a Conductor 50 - - -Officers are entitled to the allowance for _budjrows_ and boats only in -the following instances: viz. - -When posted to corps on their first joining the army. - -When ordered to proceed, by water, upon any duty. - -When removed, _without their own application_, to supply vacancies in -the corps to which they are removed. - -When water conveyance is not practicable, the difference of _batta_ is -to be drawn, calculating from the day of appointment, and allowing ten -miles for daily progress. - -Where no ascertained rate is given, officers are to draw at the rate of -ten miles against, and fourteen with, the current, for each day’s -progress. The following may be considered the general standard; by which -extraordinary cases are likewise governed. - - - From Calcutta to Berhampore is allowed for 1 - as - - Ditto to Monghyr 1½ - - Ditto to Patna, or Dinapore 2 - - Ditto to Buxar 2¼ - - Ditto to Chunar or Benares 2½ - - Ditto to Allahabad 3 - - Ditto to Cawnpore 3½ - - Ditto to Futty-Ghur 4 - - Ditto to Dacca 1 - - Ditto to Chittagong 2 - - Ditto to Midnapore ½ - - -It is proper to remark in this place, that a boat may, at most seasons -of the year, proceed to Berhampore, (provided the river be open,) in -about seven or eight days. The distance by water is nearly double that -by land, owing to the winding course of the river, which formerly could -competite with that passing under Lucknow; which, owing to the mazes of -its course, received the name of ‘_Goomty_,’ or winding. - -Within the last twelve or fifteen years, many of the narrow isthmuses -have been cut through, whereby the distance from Moorshadabad to -Calcutta has been reduced full twenty miles; some yet require the aid of -art, to perfect what the hand of time seems preparing for the still -further abbreviating the passage by water: probably, in the course of -twenty years, the river may be brought into a tolerable line; but, how -long it will remain so, is another consideration; as the soil is every -where, except about Rangamatty, (_i.e._ the red soil,) a few miles below -Berhampore, so loose as to be totally unqualified to restrain the -violent current which prevails in every part during four months in the -year. - -The passage to Chittagong can rarely be performed in a common _budjrow_, -a great part of it being across the mouth of the Megna, indeed, in an -open sea, subject, at least, to very heavy swells, if not to squalls, -such as give much trouble even to those who are on board substantial -sloops, and other vessels coming under the description of _sea-boats_. -However, during the cold months, an adventurous _manjy_ will sometimes -make the trip with his _budjrow_, provided a handsome gratuity be -offered on such a hazardous occasion. - -The best mode is to embark at Calcutta on board one of the Chittagong -traders, of which some are commonly on the point of sailing, and to make -a sea trip at once, in a secure, and tolerably pleasant manner. It is -true, this mode does not offer all the conveniences of a good large -_budjrow_; but that is balanced by the safety and celerity with which -the voyage is made. A _budjrow_ will rarely complete the trip to -Chittagong under three weeks; whereas, a coasting sloop will commonly -perform it in as many days, after quitting the pilot, either in the -northerly or southerly monsoon; the coast being east, with a very little -southing. - -After a _budjrow_ has been offered for hire, it will be but common -prudence to send a carpenter on board to search her bottom, and to place -a servant on board for a day and a night, to ascertain how much water -she may take in during that time. Some of the best, in appearance, are -extremely rotten, and can only be kept afloat by constant baling, in -consequence either of the depredations of worms, or of the number of -years they may have been built. Some are neat and clean, others are -filthy in the extreme; some are supplied with good Venetians, lockers, -curtains outside the windows, &c., &c.; while not a few, though not -totally destitute of such conveniences, offer them in a most miserable -state of wretchedness and of inutility. The roofs of nine in ten do not -keep out water. - -It will, on every occasion, be indispensably necessary to make memoranda -of the terms on which the _budjrow_, &c., may be taken; and to obtain -from the _manjy_ a written agreement; the want of which may prove -unpleasant, either in consequence of any misunderstanding, or from any -attempt that may be made to impose upon such Europeans as may not be -supposed to have sufficient knowledge of the ordinary routine of such -affairs, to secure them from depredation. - -The masts, sails, rigging, &c., of the vessel should be carefully -over-hauled; and, in particular, great care should be taken that one or -two good _ghoons_, or track ropes, of sufficient length, be on board; -since a defect in this branch of equipment will inevitably produce great -delay, and, in strong currents, subject the boat to imminent danger. - -Let it be remembered, that, whatever the number of oars paid for may be, -so many actual boatmen there ought to be, exclusive of the _manjy_, or -steersman, and the _goleah_, or bowman: it is a very common deception to -count the latter in among the rowers, because he sometimes sits to an -oar fitted out for him on the very prow of the vessel, when there is no -occasion for his standing to throw the _luggy_, or bamboo-pole, whereby -the boat is kept clear of banks, shoals, stumps, &c. - -When an engagement is made of the _teekah_, or job-kind, the _manjy_ -will, for his own sake, endeavor to get away as speedily as possible, -and will ordinarily make sure of a good crew, in order that his money -may be the sooner earned; but, when paid by the month, there will be no -end to excuses, delays, and evasions: the _dandies_ will generally be -wanting in number, and their quality be very indifferent. - -The best mode, on such occasions, is to apply to the police, which, -under proper circumstances of established criminality, will put a _peon_ -(or messenger) on board, at the expence of the delinquent, and make such -a change in the posture of affairs as cannot fail to please the -employer. This is a safe and efficacious mode of proceeding; whereas, -when justice is taken into the hands of the person hiring the boat, and -that abuse and blows are dealt out, under the hope of gaining the point, -the grounds of complaint are laid, and the _dandies_, so far from doing -their duty, will either abscond wholly, or secrete themselves in such -manner as effectually to impose an embargo. - -I do not mean to say, that sometimes a recourse to the _manual_ may not -be advisable, or even peremptorily necessary; but such must be adopted -with extreme caution, and with such a mixture of resolution and -conciliation, as may produce the desired effect, without establishing a -character for brutality, or unnecessary harshness. If, during the trip, -occasion for complaint should arise, it is best to refer the matter to -any persons in office, whether native or European, who may be within a -suitable distance. The _manjies_ have an insuperable antipathy to this -mode of proceeding, because it deprives them of all grounds for -justification, or representation; the want of which, in the hearing of -an European magistrate, speedily induces to their corporal punishment; -while, in the estimation of a _cutwal_, or chief of a village, it is -sure to subject them to some pecuniary loss, whether by fine, by -deduction from the sum to be paid as hire, or by having to maintain one -or more _peons_, according to the nature of the offence. - -Most _budjrows_ have two apartments, exclusive of an open _veranda_ in -front; the latter is on a level with the dining apartment, but the -chamber, which is more towards the stern, rises one or two steps above -their level, in consequence of the form of the vessel’s stern: beyond -all there is usually a small privy, which, being still more elevated, is -ascended by other steps. - -As the chamber contracts considerably towards the after-part of its -floor, it will be necessary to ascertain whether a small cot (_i.e._ a -bedstead) can stand in that part of the _budjrow_, without -inconvenience; as also whether the height, between the floor and the -roof, may admit of the bed-posts being erected. If the space should not -allow them to be elevated, they must be unshipped, either by taking off -their hinges, or by drawing them forth from their sockets, and the -curtains must be suspended from hooks, nails, &c., driven for that -purpose into the beams that support the roof. - -Though floating on a large river, whose waters are celebrated for their -virtues and purity by the whole population of Hindostan, it will, -nevertheless, be indispensably necessary to take on board a good large -_g’oulah_, or jar, which may be lashed to the mast, and be used as a -depot for such water as may be intended for culinary purposes, or for -beverage. In a few hours it will have settled thoroughly, and should -then be drawn off as required into smaller vessels, called -_kedjeree-pots_ by Europeans, but by the natives _gurrahs_. - -Whence the former designation originated I never could learn, but -conclude it resulted either from the supplies of crockery furnished to -our shipping at _Kedjeree_, or from the very common circumstance of that -preparation of rice, split peas, &c., called _kitchurry_, which may -often be seen boiling, wholesale, in vessels of this description, for -the supply of a dozen, or more, of _dandies_, &c. - -The forepart of every _budjrow_ is decked, and furnished with two -hatchways, with appropriate coverings: the whole of the part under the -deck, which reaches from the _veranda_ to the stern, is generally -considered by the _manjy_ as a privilege, of which he rarely fails to -avail himself, when it is possible to render the trip a trading voyage. -Against this too much precaution cannot be adopted; for not only will -the _budjrow_ be so heavily laden as to draw more water, (an object of -considerable importance,) but to track with far greater difficulty, and -to leak very abundantly. - -If any contraband trade can be carried on with tolerable safety, it is -usually in this manner; because, owing to the general deference paid by -the custom-house officers, and _chokey-peons_, in every part of the -country, to European gentlemen, and to their equipages, few, or none, -will attempt to search a _budjrow_ under hire: the facility with which -goods can be landed, is such as to obviate, almost totally, any danger -to be apprehended in the performance of that part of the adventure. - -Government has, it is true, placed a number of checks on this kind of -fraud; but, unhappily, it is out of its power to go so far into the -remedy as would put a total stop to illicit commerce, without subjecting -their own servants, of whatever rank, to the intrusive, and ultimately -insolent, researches of those natives by whom they should, on every -occasion, be treated with the utmost respect and consideration. It is -inconceivable with what secresy, and caution, the manjies act on such -occasions. An instance is within my knowledge, of a gentleman hiring a -_budjrow_ at Patna, to proceed to the Presidency, but it was in vain -that he importuned the _manjy_, day after day, and hour after hour, to -complete his crew, and to have all in readiness for embarkation: at -length, all was adjusted, and the vessel proceeded in high style. - -The gentleman was unaccountably drowsy, and often wondered at the -rapidity with which he seemed to be making his passage, but was not -displeased to find himself so speedily floated towards the place of -destination: it was in vain that he endeavored to prevent the _manjy_ -from stopping at Chandernagore, a French settlement, about twenty-two -miles from Calcutta; when, to his great surprize, he saw several boxes -of opium, which had been concealed in various parts of the _budjrow_, -and particularly under the floors, handed out to some _sircars_ who were -at the _g’haut_, or landing-place, anxiously awaiting her arrival. - -However unpleasant the above-mentioned cargo might have proved, it -cannot be compared with the truly offensive practice common among all -the boat-men of Hindostan, of cutting such fish as they may purchase, -catch, or steal, into slices, and hanging them over the quarters to -become sun-dried. This custom should never be tolerated on any account; -not only because the effluvia are cruelly distressing, but, that, -wherever it is allowed to obtain, all the rats are sure to be attracted -from whatever boats, or banks, may come in contact with the _budjrow_: -once in, Old Nick cannot get them out; except by emptying the vessel -completely, and fumigating her with sulphur; or by sinking her for a -while, so as to drown the vermin, of all descriptions, that harbour in -the numberless recesses, chinks, &c., to be found in every quarter of an -old _budjrow_. - -When a single gentleman is intent on proceeding on the most economical -and expeditious plan, he will find it best not to have even a cook-boat -in his suite; but should confine himself entirely to whatever -convenience his _budjrow_ may afford. If this plan is acted upon, the -several boxes, &c., may be arranged within the cabins, or, at the -utmost, under the deck; taking care, however, to debar the _dandies_ -from visiting that part of the vessel, by placing stout battens, or -bamboo-laths, across, by way of confining them to the fore hatchway, -down which they ordinarily keep their cloaths, fire-wood, &c., &c., and, -occasionally, make a _choolah_, or hearth and fire-place, of mud, -whereon to cook the victuals of the crew; an operation performed by one -of the _dandies_, who, on that account, is exempted from all ordinary -duties, and who is generally capable of serving up an admirably -well-savored curry. - -The after-part of the hold is commonly spacious enough to hold a tent of -ordinary dimensions; but it may become a question how far it would be -prudent to put camp equipage in the way of the rats, which would, -probably, for the sake of shelter in the vicinity of the culinary -operations, soon burrow into the hearts of the packages, and do -inconceivable damage. If, however, no other place can be allotted for -the reception of a tent, and the weather be such as not to warrant its -being stowed upon the poop, no alternative is left, and the risk of -destruction, or, at least, of very serious injury, must be met with -resignation. - -Though not indispensably necessary, a tent of some kind will be found -extremely convenient, when proceeding by water to any distant station, -especially during the hot season. As the boat-men usually come to about -sun-set, or, perhaps, a little earlier, if any favorable situation, or -the proximity of some large town, should invite, a small tent may easily -be taken ashore, and pitched on the elevated bank, where the freshness -of the air, and the wide range of prospect, prove a most comfortable -relief to a person who, during the day, may have been obliged to remain -under the heated roof of a cabin, whereof the windows were closed to -keep out the sun, hot winds, and flying sand. - -Many gentlemen have one small boat employed chiefly in going forward -with such a convenience, and which, after the bed, &c. may be shipped at -day-break on board the _budjrow_, that no delay may arise in departing, -waits to receive the baggage left on the spot, with which it proceeds at -such a rate as soon makes up for the detention: a boat of this kind is -extremely useful in many instances, but especially in procuring supplies -from an opposite bank, for going to or from shore in shoal water, for -towing a _budjrow_ in strong waters, for carrying out an anchor, or -rope, to warp by, &c., &c. - -Where only a _budjrow_ and such a small boat are employed, the latter -generally has a _choolah_, or hearth, &c., prepared within it under a -small thatch. She commonly has to carry the proper supply of dry -fire-wood; that obtained on the way being, with few exceptions, green, -and causing the viands to acquire a very smoky, unpleasant flavor. The -poultry are also usually conveyed on the thatch of the cook-boat, in -small _tappahs_, or cages, made of split bamboos: this part of the stock -may consist of a dozen of fowls, with a few ducks, and a goose or two; -and, occasionally, is accompanied by one or two milch goats, which, -being supplied with foliage cut for that purpose, during the day, and -being sent to some verdant spot when the boat comes to in the evening, -rarely fail to furnish milk enough, of a very superior quality, for the -morning and evening tea. - -The traveller must not expect to be supplied with beef, mutton, or veal, -as he may proceed, in any part of the country, except at military or -civil stations: there he may, perhaps, be enabled to purchase a -sufficient supply of meat to make some variety in his diet as he passes -from one station to another; but, unless in some very particular -situations, he must content himself with poultry of various kinds, but -chiefly chickens, and with kids, of which the meat is excellent. He may, -at some of the principal towns where Mussulmans reside, here and there -fall in with a butcher, who can furnish a joint of _kussy_ (_i.e._ -cut-goat); or he may perchance pick up a tolerable sheep, which may, at -all events, serve for gravy, and supply his pointers and spaniels with -two or three days’ substantial provision. - -The mention of cutting up a sheep for such purposes, may appear -extraordinary to the European reader, but it must be recollected, that -such sheep are rarely worth more than two shillings, that in some parts -the country swarms with them, and that their wool is not valuable, owing -to its being lank, coarse, harsh, and not of a strong fibre: it is, -indeed, more like that hair which grows upon many horses that are turned -out during the winter, and comes off by handfuls as the spring advances. - -The boats employed for carrying baggage are of two kinds; _woolachs_ and -_patellies_: the former are built in the lower provinces, with round -bottoms, and often draw much water; the latter are chiefly of up-country -build, have flat bottoms, and are clinkered; this construction suits -them admirably to the shallows, which, after the rainy season, abound in -all the rivers beyond the tide’s way, and especially at a distance from -the sea. - -Some of the _woolachs_ used by the more opulent native merchants are -capable of bearing from fifteen hundred to three thousand maunds, -(_i.e._ from eighty to a hundred and twenty tons,) but their medium may -be taken at from four to eight hundred maunds, which is also the general -measurement of _patellies_ in the common employ of grain-merchants, &c.: -many are to be seen of full two thousand maunds, but such are calculated -for the great rivers only; not but that in the channels abundant depth -of water may be found, so deep, indeed, that several ships, of five -hundred tons burthen, have been built at Patna, which is, by water, six -hundred miles from the sea; but those channels are so crooked, and the -currents so strong, as to render it very difficult for the ordinary -number of _dandies_, proportioned to the tonnage, to navigate such -unwieldy boats with safety and expertness, - -The best size for a baggage-boat to attend upon a _budjrow_, especially -in proceeding against the stream, may be from three hundred to five -hundred maunds: observing, that the _patelly_ is by far better -calculated for shallow water, and for the conveyance of horses, than a -_woolach_; but, being so low in the water, the former is rather subject -to be swamped in rough water, and, owing to its construction, is very -apt to become hog-backed, and, ultimately, to give way in the middle; an -accident which seldom or never happens to the latter. - -When horses are to be carried in boats, as is very commonly done, it -becomes necessary to make a platform, at about a foot from the bottom of -the boat, consisting of brush-wood, mats, and soil: the thwarts being -rarely a yard asunder, one must be taken out to make a stall of -sufficient width; therefore, if three or four horses are put on board -the same boat, a corresponding number of thwarts must be withdrawn. When -the animals are about to be embarked, the thatch opposite the stall must -be raised high enough to allow a horse to leap in without danger, from -the bank. - -This operation is often attended with considerable difficulty; for some -horses are extremely averse to enter upon the solid platform of a large -substantial ferry-boat, such as that at Ghyretty, even when placed on a -level therewith, by means of a fixed, or moveable pier. When, therefore, -it is considered how many obstacles seem to oppose the admission of a -horse into a covered boat, when, probably, he is standing above his -knees in water, and has to rise, under every disadvantage, over the -boat’s gunwhale, it will not appear surprizing that many hold out for -hours, notwithstanding every effort on the part of the _syces_, (or -grooms,) and that a large portion are severely lamed in the attempt. - -It is curious to observe how very quiet and temperate horses become -after embarkation! In such a situation, they seem to forget that -wonderful propensity they invariably display when on shore, to attack -each other, even when at a considerable distance; but, though parted by -only a few feet, they become so tractable while in a boat, that their -natures seem to undergo a complete change. - -Notwithstanding this periodical, or, rather, local, timidity, it will be -proper to secure that part of the boat’s side against which a horse may -be able to kick; many instances having occurred of fiery steeds driving -their hooves through the planks, which are not always very sound, and, -even if undecayed, are generally by far too thin to resist so severe an -operation: more than one _patelly_ has foundered outright, with all the -contents, in consequence of such an accident; the best mode of -preventing which, is, by fastening a quantity of _jow_ (an aquatic -species of fern,) to the inside, as a lining, whereby the planks may be -secured from injury. - -When a vessel is tracked against the stream, it is usual for the -_dandies_, or boatmen, to go ashore, each furnished with a club of -bamboo, about two feet in length, to which a piece of strong cord is -fastened at one end; at the same time, the _ghoon_, or track-rope, is -veered out from a pulley in the mast head, or from a block lashed -thereto, to as great a length as the situation may demand; commonly, -from about seventy to a hundred and fifty yards may suffice, though, in -very shoal water, mixed with deeps, or, where the ground is foul, even a -greater length may be requisite. - -The _ghoon_ is about two inches round, and is made of white rope well -laid: if made of tarred rope, it would prove too heavy, and oppose great -resistance, by its want of elasticity, to the exertions of the -_dandies_, each of whom, fixing the end of his cord to it, and resting -the bamboo club over his shoulder, so that it may act, in some measure, -as a lever, proceeds at an easy pace, his body leaning well forward, -each following at about four feet behind the other. The foremost at the -track-rope has a great advantage over his followers; he not being -subject to the numerous checks and vibrations occasioned by the frequent -impediments, whether bushes, banks, masts of other vessels, &c., which -operate very forcibly on those whose cords are attached to that part of -the rope in his rear. - -The number of _dandies_ at a track-rope may be too many, as well as too -few; except when a boat can keep close to the shore, and the _ghoon_ -makes but a very small angle from the line of her progress: then, all -the power that can be given certainly proves efficient; but, when the -angle between the boat’s direction and the rope becomes considerable, it -is evident the whole labor falls on a very few of the leading _dandies_; -in fact, all but those few are then compelled to liberate their cords -from the _ghoon_, otherwise they must be inevitably dragged out into the -stream, unless those cords were many fathoms, instead of only four or -five feet, in length. - -The greater part of the trading boats use a different apparatus for -tracking; in them, each _dandy_ is supplied with a fine cord, about as -thick as a swan’s quill, made of a fine kind of long grass called -_moonje_, which, when wetted, and twisted into this kind of tackle, -becomes firm and elastic; though it will not answer for cordage in -general. Each _dandy_ has about seventy yards of line, the inner end of -which fastens to a stout rope, reeved, the same as the _ghoon_, at the -mast-head, and long enough to be let out amply where requisite. - -The other end of the line is coiled up by each _dandy_ respectively, who -fastens his bamboo club by its cord, at such part of the _moonje_ line -as may be let out; generally a small quantity of coil being reserved, -which hangs down either over each _dandy’s_ breast or shoulder. By this -means, each man tracks separately, and cannot be idle without the -_manjy_ instantly detecting him; the several lines form so many rays -from the mast-head, and are capable, when equally strained, to bear an -immense burthen. - -Nothing can be more unpleasant than having to pass a _ghaut_ where -numbers of boats are lying: on such an occasion, a man is sent up to the -mast-head of each, in succession, for the purpose of passing the -_ghoon_; which, when liberated from one, swings on to another, causing a -severe shock to the hinder _dandy_ of the tracking party. Some use a -very simple device for passing the _ghoon_ over their mast-heads: this -consists merely of a kind of fork, made by tying the end of the _ghoon_, -of each vessel respectively, then at rest, to a long bamboo, about a -quarter of the length down. The _ghoon_ being pulled, the bamboo is -raised, and carries with it that of the boat in motion: a man then slips -the latter over the mast-head with great facility. - -It is not always that the people on board boats, laying at _ghauts_, -will turn out to pass the _ghoon_; on which occasions, words are rarely -of much avail. I always found that a _pellet-bow_, which sends -clay-balls to about a hundred yards distance with considerable force, -produced an instantaneous effect; the first shot rattling against the -matted sides of a vessel’s interior, rarely failing to cause wondrous -activity on the part of her crew; though, now and then, it has been -necessary to repeat the operation, before the desired effect could be -produced. - -I strongly recommend to all gentlemen travelling by water, that they -insist on the _manjies_ of their several boats carrying a small flag, of -some obvious distinction, at their mast-heads: this prevents them from -lying to, and concealing their vessels amidst a forest of masts, as they -are very apt to do, when intent upon a clandestine trading voyage. -Besides, as in the course of a day’s tracking, and especially when -sailing, it is very common for a _budjrow_ to get many miles a-head, -such a device then becomes a guide as to the propriety of coming to for -the night, or, intermediately, for dinner, &c. - -The number of miles which can be run over in the course of a day in a -_budjrow_, will necessarily vary according to circumstances, guided by -the quantity of water in the river, the direction and force of the wind, -and the competency of the crew. I cannot do better, in this place, than -offer the words of Major Rennell. At page 360 of his Memoirs, he says, -‘From the beginning of November, to the middle, or latter end of May, -the usual rate of going _with_ the stream, is forty miles in a day of -twelve hours; and, during the rest of the year, from fifty to seventy -miles. The current is strongest while the waters of the inundation are -draining off; which happens, in part, in August and September.’ - -In a former part, I remarked that the rivers generally rise a few inches -in May; which is to be attributed to the melting of the snow on those -hills where the Ganges and Barampooter have their source. Both those -rivers, which have their rise at the base, but on opposite sides, of the -same mountain, and, after separating to full twelve hundred miles -asunder, unite, and form that immense volume of water called the Megna, -receive a supply from the same quarter, and at the same time: we cannot, -however, expect the force of their currents to be encreased much before -the rains are fairly set in, which may be, generally, about the 10th of -June, when their waters do, indeed, roll impetuously; so much, that many -a boat has proceeded from Patna to Monghyr, a distance of one hundred -measured miles by land, and full one hundred and twenty by water, -between day-break and sun-set. - -Major Rennell adds, ‘Seventeen to twenty miles a day, according to the -ground, and the number of impediments, is the greatest distance that a -large _budjrow_ can be towed against the stream, during the fair season; -and, to accomplish this, the boat must be drawn through the water, at -the rate of four miles and a half per hour, for twelve hours. When the -waters are high, a greater progress will be made, notwithstanding the -encreased velocity of the current; because, the filling of the river-bed -gives many opportunities of cutting off angles and turnings; and, -sometimes, even large windings, by going through creeks. As the wind, at -this season, blows upwards,’ (_i.e._ against the current,) ‘in most of -the rivers, opportunities of using the sail frequently occur.’ - -It must not be supposed, from the foregoing, that the boat actually -makes a progress of four miles and a half within the hour: far from it, -the _dandies_ rarely walk more than two miles in that time, but the -velocity of the current being taken into account, would shew, that, if a -log were to be heaved, the difference between the log and the boat’s -advance would give the result alluded to by the Major, whose general -correctness cannot be too much admired. - -In using the sail, infinite changes take place; sometimes it is full, -then again close-hauled, and, perhaps, ultimately, lowered on a sudden, -according as the course of the river may change; and this some twenty or -thirty times within the day. But when the reaches lie tolerably fair, -that opportunity offers, as sometimes happens for a whole day together, -and that the wind is brisk in favor, a _budjrow_ will run off from four -to six miles within the hour. The river is often so low as to render the -navigation very tedious, even under all the above favorable -circumstances, by forcing the _manjy_ to abide by the strong deep -waters, and to wind in among the sands, which cause the channel to -change its direction very frequently. - -During the rains, and especially in the cold months, travelling by water -is extremely pleasant with the stream; but, whatever facilities may be -afforded, in any shape, I cannot say that any trip upwards, at whatever -season, afforded me the smallest gratification. What with tracking, -getting aground, remaining long among eddies, in which human carcases -were floating in all the various stages of putrefaction, the dust -flying, &c., &c., nothing but _ennui_, or impatience, can reasonably be -expected. - -Here and there a walk may be taken; but he who ventures ashore must be -watchful to embark before the _budjrow_ may be obliged to put far out -for the purpose of passing some endless shallow; otherwise, he may have -to walk under a vertical sun, through bushes, or over ploughed, or -muddy, lands, and among ravines, for many an hour, before the -opportunity many offer for getting on board: to crown the whole, he may, -perhaps, come to some _nullah_, or small stream, over which no -conveyance is to be had, either by bridge or boat! - -My zeal for bringing home a few birds, or a hare, has often decoyed me -into scrapes of this kind, and caused me to utter many an imprecation -against the river, for winding, the _manjy_, for going on, and my own -folly, for subjecting myself to such unpleasant circumstances. I must -freely confess, that, in this respect, ‘experience did _not_ give -wisdom;’ for, after full a thousand and one such disappointments, I -felt, at the last, just as eager as ever, to silence such _chuckores_ (a -species of grouse) as had the insolence to crow within my hearing! - -The navigation of the large rivers is rather more hazardous than among -those of less breadth. When it is considered, that the Ganges runs for -upwards of a thousand miles through a country nearly level, and whose -undulations are scarcely perceptible, except in a few places where the -hills come down to the water’s edge, as at Sickregully, Pointee, -Colgong, Chunar, &c., it must appear obvious that but little shelter can -be expected from these squalls, called ‘north-westers,’ which, from the -end of February until the setting in of the rains, occur almost daily, -and blow with considerable violence. Even when under a high bank, it -will require much care, and good tackle, to prevent a _budjrow_ from -being blown out into the middle, where, if she is top-heavy, as is too -often the case, and the proper means be not taken to keep her head to -the wind, she will stand a chance of being overset. - -Fortunately, the approach of a squall is always strongly indicated by -the black appearance above the horizon, and by the distant lightnings: -when such are sufficiently characterized to leave little doubt of the -storm’s passing that way, shelter should be sought in some creek, or -under some high bank, of firm appearance, where the _budjrow_ should be -well secured by hawsers, carried out, and made fast to, substantial -stakes driven into the ground by means of large malls, with all which -every boat should be amply provided. _Luggies_, (or bamboo-poles,) ought -to be carried out on the lee-side, for the purpose of resisting the -wind, and causing the upper parts of the vessel to bear up duly against -the severe gusts which commonly usher in the gale. - -If the vessel is on a lee-shore, the _luggies_ must, of course, be -between her and the bank, to prevent her from bumping against it, and -the anchor should be carried out to windward, into deep water, to keep -her from being forced ashore: a danger particularly to be apprehended on -long shelving sands; where many a well-conditioned boat has had her -bottom beat out, by the force with which the surges, coming across an -expanse of perhaps a mile, or more, have dashed her against the hard -sand. - -Such situations are peculiarly hazardous, and ought to be avoided most -carefully: the misfortune is, that, from eagerness to get forward, and -from the hope that a north-wester may be either moderate, or pass -another way, folks, in general, keep pushing on, and allow many a secure -asylum to be passed very imprudently! Those who have experienced the -effects of a violent squall about Sheerness, may be proper judges of -what is to be expected from a most furious gale, which often continues -for an hour, or more, in a river which may be said generally to flow -between banks full two miles asunder, and which are, in most parts, from -three to five, in some, full seven, miles apart! - -About Bengal, especially in the Sunderbund-passages, _decoits_, or -water-robbers, are sometimes numerous. These often assemble in fleets, -composed of long narrow boats, rowing from twelve to thirty oars, or -paddles, at pleasure, and carrying from thirty to sixty, or seventy, -men. Sometimes their fleets have been so formidable, and have so -effectually put a stop to all commerce, as to call the attention of -government, and to demand the presence of a strong establishment, backed -by liberal offers of rewards, before the rivers could be resorted to in -safety. Between Dacca and Backergunge, among the islands formed by the -several minor branches of the Ganges, and by the innumerable creeks, -with which the banditti are perfectly familiar, it has often been -impossible for any boat to make its way, even for a few miles, without -being boarded by these _decoits_. - -As to rewards, little good is to be expected from them; the system -adopted by the marauders is such as to render abortive any lures of that -description. Where all participate, all will be found faithful to the -cause, whether virtue or vice be the leader; and, where localities are -such as to afford perfect security from the common run of pursuers, and -where numbers render the association too formidable to admit any hope of -success on the part of small detachments; in such instances, rewards can -rarely produce the smallest benefit. - -Wherever a boat, or even a fleet, may come to for the night, it will be -indispensably necessary to keep a sharp look-out against thieves, who, -appertaining to the several villages in the neighbourhood, rarely fail -to assemble, during the night, under some bold chief, and to make an -attempt to plunder by main force. It is scarcely to be credited to what -a height this daring species of robbery has been, at times, carried. -Were no other occasion existing, this would amount to ample cause for -obtaining, if possible, a guard of sepoys, for the purpose of protecting -the boats; but, strange to say, it is sometimes necessary to compel the -villagers to sell their poultry, &c., to passengers, both by land and by -water, although not simply a liberal, but an exorbitant remuneration is -offered. - -This does not proceed from unwillingness to make money, nor to sell the -article in question, but merely from a spirit of opposition which -pervades a large portion of the native population, who are often too -adverse to contribute to the comfort, or, more properly, to the -existence, of Europeans. It must seem curious that our countrymen are -allowed to reside among a people of such a disposition, so far -out-numbering, and possessed of such easy means of extirpating, us, with -very little previous arrangement. - -In saying this, I do not mean to accuse the natives of India of being so -debased, so immoral, or so vindictive, as they have been represented by -many gentlemen, especially some divines who have lately returned from -the East, and whose opinions breathe by no means the spirit of that -sublime religion they would coerce the natives to adopt. Taking all -points into consideration, and viewing the nature of the country -conjointly with the nature of their laws, and of their former -government, I think we have by far more to admire than to censure, in a -race of people, who, notwithstanding some highly remarkable instances of -depravity, may be classed among the most innocent, and most industrious, -of worldly inhabitants!!! - -This is saying much, but not _too_ much, of a nation whose government -absolutely tolerates thieving as a regular profession, and which has -been known to make a very free use of the talents of its subjects for -the purposes of obtaining plunder, or of gratifying its pique and -resentment. I much fear, that, if such were the case with us, and that, -if, instead of being ruled by a virtuous king, we were placed under a -buccaneering monarch, we should by no means find so many pleas of -extenuation as the natives of Hindostan can justly boast! - -The truth of this position, in itself so reasonable, is made more fully -evident by the obvious difference subsisting between the Company’s and -the Vizier’s dominions. In the former, the depredations committed are -always nocturnal, and of that description to be expected under the -foregoing circumstances; in the latter, the speculation is infinitely -more open, more systematic, and more extensive. - -That considerable amelioration must have taken place under our -government, is to be proved, from the safety with which travellers may -proceed by land throughout the country, when compared with the extreme -danger attendant upon a journey through any part of the Vizier’s -territory; wherein almost every well presents the horrid spectacle of -the mangled bodies of those who become victims to the sanguinary hordes -of robbers that infest every part of that prince’s dominions. - -On this account, every gentleman proceeding by land, from one to another -station, should make a point of obtaining a small guard of a naik and -four, or even of two, sepoys, whose presence will generally prove a -considerable check on the adventurous disposition of the villagers in -that quarter. This precaution will not, however, alone be sufficient; -application should be made to the _jemmadar_, or head-borough, of each -village where the party may encamp, for a certain number of -_chokey-dars_, (watchmen,) proportioned to the number of tents, horses, -&c., and the whole of the property of every description should be -nominally put under the charge of the men thus furnished, observing, -that the regular pay, which may be from four to six pice, or halfpence, -for each, should be punctually paid to the _jemmadar_ when the camp -breaks up the next morning, and that every item is found to be in a -state of safety. - -When _coolies_ (_i.e._ porters) are wanted, to carry the beds, tables, -&c, of a party, application should be made, in like manner, to the -_jemmadar_; and when, after arrival at the next stage, they may be -discharged, it will be proper to be attentive to the regular payment of -every individual thus furnished; otherwise, the servants to whom it may -be entrusted to discharge them, will generally withhold a large portion, -or even the whole, of what may have been ordered. - -By thus regularly attending to matters of this description, the -villagers will come forward with more alacrity; though, it must be -confessed, they are generally very unwilling to engage as _coolies_; -which is not to be wondered at, since the _jemmadars_ generally extort -from them at least half their earnings on such occasions: the evil being -incurable, as matters now stand, must be borne as gracefully as our -feelings may allow; and we must remain content with the reflection of -doing justice ourselves, though we know for certain that our liberality, -in the end, flows into a wrong channel. - -When practicable, it is highly expedient to obtain from the European -collector’s office, or even from any of the natives under his immediate -authority, who may be deputed to, or resident at, such places as lie -near the road, a _rhahwaunah_, or pass-port, wherein it should be set -forth, that, whatever necessaries, or _coolies_, or _chokey-dars_, or -_dowraws_, (guides,) may be requisite, should be furnished by such -_jemmadars_ of villages as should be called upon for supplies of the -above description. This always ensures respect and attention, and causes -the whole of the persons, to whom it is addressed, to be vigilant in the -discharge of their duties, lest complaints should be preferred to the -collector, who would speedily summon them to his court, and punish them -in a suitable manner. - -However audacious the thieves, whether house-breakers, or collectors on -the highways, may be, they very rarely make an immediate attack on -Europeans. This, no doubt, proceeds from the sense they entertain of the -importance we attach to the safety of our countrymen, the murderer of -whom would be assuredly detected, and suffer the full sentence of the -law. Besides, all the people of Hindostan know, that, with the exception -of watches, which, for want of pawn-brokers, and accomplices skilled in -the melting of metals, are of no use to the predatory tribe, Europeans -never carry about with them any thing valuable. No gentleman ever has -money about him; though his servants sometimes have, in their waists, a -few rupees, intended for such disbursements as cannot be delayed without -inconvenience. - -Hence, the boxes, &c., of gentlemen, are generally aimed at, because the -cash and valuables are contained in them; for the same reason, the most -confidential servants are most commonly selected as objects of attack. -Your true Hindostanee robber is, in general, very active, robust, and -capable of great deception: he will patrole about a tent, during a dark -night, in the manner of a dog, or of a jackal; the howl of which he can, -perhaps, imitate so well as to deceive the sentries, and throw them -completely off their guard. - -If allowed to approach a tent, he will select that side where several -servants are asleep under the fly, or awning, and gradually insinuate -himself into the interior, either by passing under the walls, or between -the overlaps; if such cannot be easily effected, he draws his _choory_, -(knife,) which is sharpened for the occasion, and makes a slit in the -cloth, or canvas, large enough to pass his body through, when, in the -most cautious manner, and retaining his breath as much as possible, he -gropes about for those articles which, during the day-time, he had seen -deposited in some particular part of the tent, and, after making an -opening large enough for his purpose, or by opening one of the doors, he -watches the opportunity for escaping with his booty. - -The attempt to seize a thief under such circumstances, is extremely -hazardous, and ought to be strongly reprehended. Being perfectly naked, -and having the body highly lubricated with oil, it is impossible to -grasp him in any part; while, on the other hand, he must be expected to -use his knife very freely, under the determination of escaping. - -I recollect a curious circumstance that happened in 1783, at Bankypore, -when the tent of a staff-officer was entered, during the night, by a -fellow of this description, who, it being moon-light, and one part of -the tent only closed by a _cheek_, was discovered by the gentleman as he -lay in bed. Seeing his property on the move, he sprang up to disengage a -hog-spear that was tied up to that pole of the _marquee_ which was -nearest the bed; but the thief got the start of him, by seizing the -officer’s sword, which was suspended by a hook that buckled on to the -other pole. The adventurer being thus armed, prevented the gentleman -from getting possession of the spear: after one or two menacing -flourishes, he darted out of the tent, sword in hand, and was speedily -beyond the reach of pursuit. - -Another very ludicrous circumstance occurred some years antecedent to -the above. A gentleman who inhabited a small _bungalow_, on the banks of -a river, and who was very ill of that complaint ‘the liver,’ for which -he was under a course of mercury, perceived, in the dusk of the evening, -a thief prowling about the apartment in which he was sitting. The fellow -was extremely industrious: and threw a number of articles, not even -sparing the bed-linen, out at a window that stood open. The gentleman -affected to take no notice, but resolved, when the thief should follow -his booty, to take him by surprize, while in the act of collecting them -from under the window. - -This was, by no means, an imprudent resolution, as it appeared probable -that the rogue might be secured, at the same time that the property -should be recovered. At length, after having thrown out whatever was -convenient to his purpose, and having peeped out of the window, the -thief made suddenly towards the gentleman, and snatched from his head a -beautiful shawl, with which he skipped out of the window. - -This feat demanded instant action; the gentleman called lustily for his -servants, who, awaking from their slumbers, ran to obey the vociferated -summons, and were just in time to see a small _dingy_ (or boat) pulling -away to the opposite bank, with the goods, the thief, and his -accomplices, on board! - -All who travel by land, should be on their guard never to allow -jugglers, or show-men, of whatever description, to enter their tents; -which they will endeavor to do, under pretence of shewing off their -mummeries, with the intention of ascertaining the posture of whatever -moveables may be within. In this, they are sometimes mistaken; it being -usual to have all boxes, camp-baskets, &c., assembled about the foot of -the tent-pole, at night, and to secure them by means of a chain passing -through their respective handles, &c.; the ends of the chain being -furnished with a padlock. - -In fair weather, the safest mode is to have all the things moved out of -the tent, and placed in a heap, under charge of a sentry, who then need -pay little attention to any other object, as the thieves are most intent -on those trunks, &c., which they suppose to contain money, plate, &c.: -as to articles of apparel, they are of little value, and would, -probably, lead to discovery; the handles of swords, and breast-plates, -of officers, being generally of solid silver, may be placed among the -furtive desiderata, therefore, should be placed in a state of security. - -When I speak of discovery, it is not to be understood that the same -dread is entertained on that head, as prevails among the thieves of this -quarter of the world. In India, whole villages are inhabited by thieves, -who keep the country around in a state of perpetual terror and of -vigilance: hence, when a _jemmadar_ furnishes _chokey-dars_, he often -does it with great reluctance, under the apprehension of a visit from -some neighbouring gang of notoriety, who act with greater confidence, -from the consideration, that the village, at which the robbery may take -place, will be accountable for whatever property may be stolen. - -Hence, a party is always safest when encamped near a village of -professed thieves, who will, ordinarily, forbear to depredate under that -circumstance; conscious that the value put upon the several articles -stolen, must necessarily be, at least, tenfold their value to the -robbers; though not in the least exaggerated by those from whom they -were stolen. - -Here it is to be observed, that, in order to render the claim to -remuneration clear and decisive, it is proper that a requisition should -have been made to the _jemmadar_ for _chokey-dars_; otherwise, it may be -argued, that the property was not under his protection. Sometimes, by -way of cavil, a _jemmadar_, of such a description, will find fault with -the position of an encampment, and use many pleas for the purpose of -raising objections, whenever the losses sustained may be laid before the -collector, or judge of the district. If, however, he should refuse to -grant _chokey-dars_, it will be necessary to keep a very sharp look-out; -it being a strong indication of intended mischief. - -Almost every _jemmadar_ of character will reprobate the indulgence of -that kind of curiosity which leads gentlemen, on their first arrival, to -pay the smallest attention to the performances of mountebanks, jugglers, -puppet-show-men, &c.; all of whom are notorious thieves, and are -attended by numerous confederates, whose business it is to patrole about -under the semblance of country-bumkins, come to view the camp, and to -take advantage of whatever opportunities may arise, in consequence of -servants, &c., quitting their several charges, to witness the -exhibitions of the attractive portion of the gang. - -My memory supplies various instances of the success of this stratagem; a -circumstance not to be wondered at, when we consider the almost -incredible perfection to which _leger-de-main_, the _tour de -passe-passe_, and gymnastic exhibitions, are brought in India. I shall -offer a few of the feats displayed by these people, observing, that, -with regard to drawing yards of thread from the noses and ears of -spectators; cutting their turbans into pieces, and joining them again; -changing eggs to chickens, and mango-stones into growing bushes, bearing -the ripe fruit, making pigeons lay eggs, &c.; all such are considered as -mere common-place deceptions, confined to the lower orders of this class -of vagabonds. - -The passing a sword-blade, of about two feet in length, and two inches -in breadth, down the gullet, so as to be distinctly felt by the -application of a hand to the operator’s stomach, is certainly the most -extraordinary part of the exhibition. In this, there is no deception -whatever; the sword is entire, and firmly fixed to the handle; while its -solidity is such as to remove all doubt regarding pliancy or evasion in -any mode: all we can say of it is, that the practice is adopted at an -early age; and that the implement used is gradually encreased, from a -small rattan to that above described. - -As to vaulting, the number of somersets, and capers, made, with seeming -facility, while bounding over the backs of elephants, or of camels, -placed side-by-side, are truly astonishing! Throwing spears at each -other, and catching them under the arms, while in the act of mission, -mutually, cannot but cause both dread and surprize: the accuracy with -which this is constantly done, seems to preclude all admiration at the -skill of the celebrated William Tell. - -Jumping through a frame that supports several, perhaps a dozen, of -_tulwars_, (cutlasses,) of which the edges are remarkably sharp, and -which appear to preclude the passage of a man’s body through the little -interval left among their points, must be viewed with admiration; as -must also the running bare-foot along a piece of cloth, perhaps ten -yards in length, that is supported, at about a foot from the ground, by -several men, each of whom holds, under the cloth, a sharp _tulwar_, of -which the edge is turned upwards: the astonishing agility with which -this is performed, absolutely requires to be seen ere it can be duly -appreciated! - -Some curious performances in balancing are worthy of notice: of these, -the stringing, and unstringing, of eggs, is, perhaps, the most -extraordinary. A man balances, on his head, a kind of platter, -projecting, perhaps, six inches every way, of rather a conical form, -(inverted,) and furnished all around with draw-loops of, perhaps, a foot -in length, and about two inches asunder: their whole number may amount -to twenty, or more. On his left arm he bears a basket, containing as -many eggs as there are loops attached to the platter. - -Using one foot for a pivot, he keeps moving round by the aid of the -other, so as make about ten revolutions in a minute, and, while in -motion, successively takes the eggs from the basket, and, with his right -hand only, puts each into a loop, drawing it tight, so as to retain the -egg firmly in an equipoised state. - -In this manner he strings all the eggs, and again unstrings and -re-places them in the basket; he always moving the same way. When the -whole are strung, the music quickens its time considerably, and the -operator, conforming to the change, accelerates his pace in proportion, -until the velocity acquired by the eggs is such, as to occasion their -whirling on a level with the platter. - -I consider this to be the most arduous of all the exercises in that -branch which depends, principally, on delicacy and caution. If we -consider how many chances of failure exist, whether from a slip of the -foot, a want of attention to the due elevation of the elbow, the aptness -of the unemployed loops to become entangled, the giddiness to be -apprehended from turning full half an hour, with such speed, always the -same way, and the possibility of allowing a newly-laden loop to fall -into its place too suddenly, and the same in withdrawing it, when about -to take out the egg; all these are certainly points very difficult to -compass, or to avoid, and entitle the artist to unlimitted approbation. - -I observe, in Cordiner’s Description of Ceylon, some feats of the -jugglers in that island noticed as being beyond compare; but I cannot -conceive any thing more dexterous than that operation, so common in -Bengal, of balancing a bamboo ladder, about fifteen feet in length, on a -man’s chin, and allowing a well-grown lad, or a young woman, to ascend -to the summit, by winding in and out between the steps, (which barely -admit the body to pass,) and ultimately to descend, head foremost, in -the same manner, after balancing, horizontally, with extended arms and -legs, on either standard of the ladder. I have often wondered what the -man’s chin could be made of!!! - -Swarming up a stout bamboo pole, of full twenty feet long, balanced on a -man’s hip, or shoulder, and descending again, by first attaching to the -summit by the toes, and measuring a whole length downwards, the back -being against the bamboo; then turning the opposite way, and thus, in -alternate succession; always appeared to me equally dangerous and -astonishing. To perform this, a man must possess unconscionable strength -in his toes and ankles: the first slip would infallibly be the last! - -The puppet-shows, called _kaut-pootlies_, (_i.e._ wooden infants,) are -certainly superior to Mr. Punch and his wife, as exhibited by various -renowned persons throughout England. In India, there is to be seen far -greater variety, both in the subject, and in the several dramatis -personæ: there, something like a regular piece is represented, and it -rarely requires a glossary, or interpreter, to define the several -scenes; an aid, without which our artists, in general, make but little -impression on their spectators, whose imaginations are generally set on -the stretch to divine the meaning of various antics, which, though -abundantly ludicrous, seem to proceed from momentary fancy, rather than -from any regular system. - -The _kaut-pootly-wallah_, or puppet-dancer, does not confine himself to -a small centry-box-like theatre; on the contrary, when he is to display -before any respectable persons, he makes a point of paying his respects -during the day, and of soliciting the loan of either a small tent, a -_konaut_, a _satrinje_, or some such article, for the purpose of -enclosing and covering in the necessary space, so that he and his -co-adjutors may perform their parts in secresy. It is commonly made a -point that the performance should be by candle-light, and at some little -distance from the line of tents. This is almost a _sine quâ non_ with -this tribe, who, being in league with rogues of all descriptions, rarely -fail to profit by the absence of servants from the charge of their -masters’ property, and, while perhaps both master and man are grinning -at the objects presented on the _proscenium_, are employed in removing -from the tents whatever articles, of a portable description, may be -exposed to depredation. - -Sometimes the farce is concluded by a shower of clods, &c., thrown from -a distance, and the whole fly in confusion. This is a device practised -on the liberal, under the representation of the dealer in wood and -wire-work, that some of the _nutkuts_, or frolicksome youths, of the -camp, have battered the whole of the paraphernalia to pieces; in -confirmation of which, some heads and tails of _ci-devant_ kings and -queens are produced. I was once much amused with an imposition of this -kind, that was practised, with admirable address, upon a good-natured -field officer, who actually credited the representation, and, in -addition to the loss of several candle-sticks, and some other small -items, lent to the artists, compounded to pay for various fractures, -simple and compound, sustained by the inanimate heroes! - -Among the itinerant amusements of India, we must class the _nuts_, or -tumblers, a people totally distinct from all the other inhabitants of -the country, and who correspond, in a number of instances, with the -gypsies of Europe. The following extracts from a paper furnished to the -Asiatic Society by Lieutenant-Colonel D. T. Richardson, a gentleman of -acknowledged abilities, and who has been remarkably industrious in -obtaining a very complete acquaintance with the customs and languages of -Hindostan, will display this matter in the best manner, and shew that a -greater connection subsists, or at least has subsisted, between the -_nuts_ of Asia, and the gypsies of Europe, than our literati are in -general aware of. - -At page 473, of the Asiatic Researches, we have the following passage. -‘Both the gypsies, and the _nuts_, are generally a wandering race of -beings, seldom having a fixed habitation. They have each a language -peculiar to themselves. That of the gypsies is, undoubtedly, a specimen -of _Hindostanee_, and so is that of the _nuts_. In Europe, it answers -all the purposes of concealment. Here, a conversion of its syllables -becomes necessary.’ (_i.e._ in India.) - -‘The gypsies have their king; the _nuts_ their _nardar-boutah_; they are -equally formed into companies, and their peculiar employments are -exactly similar; viz. dancing, singing, music, palmistry, quackery, -dancers of monkeys, bears, and snakes. The two latter professions, from -local causes, are peculiar to the _nuts_. They are both considered as -thieves; at least, that division of the _nuts_ whose manners come -nearest those of the gypsies. In matters of religion they appear equally -indifferent; we know that neither the gypsies, nor the _budeea-nuts_, -are very choice on that particular; and, though I have not obtained any -satisfactory proof of their eating human flesh, I do not find it easy to -divest my mind of suspicions on this head. Indeed, one would think the -stomach that could receive, without nausea, a piece of putrid jackal, -could not well retain any qualms in the selection of animal food.’ - -Colonel Richardson furnishes a number of words in use among the gypsies, -which correspond immediately with others in the language of the _nuts_. -I offer a few, which appear to me best adapted to the illustration of -this point; observing, that the orthography used by the author, though -perfectly correct, would not prove satisfactory to a person unversed in -the Oriental pronunciation of the vowels. As a remedy, or rather an aid, -absolutely necessary towards giving the European reader a perfect -conception of the due intonations, I have, in this, followed my ordinary -plan of spelling the Hindostanee words, in such manner as should enable -a person totally ignorant of that language to pronounce them with -propriety. - - - GYPSEY WORDS. HINDOSTANEE SYNONYMES. ENGLISH TRANSLAT. - Apra Ooper Above - Bebee Beebee Aunt, or lady - Pownee Pawnee Water - Devus Dewus Day - Rattee Raut Night - Can Caun Ear - Dad Dada Grandfather - Valashtee Belaist Finger - Mutchee Mutchee Fish - Gur G’hur House - Shing Sing Horn - Ballow Baul Hair - Shunalee Soonaie Hearing - Liecaw Leckap Writing - Dai Dhye Nurse - Mass Mass Food - Tod Dood Milk - Boot Bote Much - Nack Nauk Nose - Booro-panee Burrah-paunee Great water - Doriove Derriow River - Lolo Loll Red - Booro-chairee Burra-choory Great knife - Roop Roopah Silver - Saup Saump Snake - Dicken Deckna To see - Loon Noon Salt - Jaw Jow Go - Kali-coe Kul-ko Yesterday - Tschor Choor Thief - Dori Doory String - Rajah Rajah A lord - Ranee Rannee Princess - Raz Raj Principality - Banduk Baundook Musket - Jammadar Jemmadar An officer - Gour Gor Grave - Mul Mool Wine - Dur Door Jar - Jungustri Angootee Ring - Paka Punk Wing - Schut Kuttah Sour - Ker G’hur House - Sapa Savon Soap - Menghna Maungna To want - Pi Pee Drink - Metchana Putchana To know - Me-dikaka My-deckata I saw - Chabben Chabna To eat - Tober Tobula An axe - Starrie Sitara Star - Rashee Rishee Priest - Bocolee Bookap Hungry - Por Poor Full - Geecoa Jee-oo-ka Life, living. - - -The foregoing will suffice to give much insight into the affinity spoken -of; especially when it is considered that the gypsey words are chiefly -taken from Grellman’s Vocabulary, wherein we are to make considerable -allowances for German intonation, especially regarding the vowel u, and -the dipthong oo, as in _dur_, and _door_; and for _dori_, and _doory_; -the slight differences between which, so far as is connected with -orthography, would probably disappear if the words were spoken by a -German gypsey, and a _nut_, respectively. Add to this, that the natives -of India use the letters L, and N, rather promiscuously: thus, they say -either _leel_, or _neel_, (for _blue_); the capital of Oude is as often -called _Nucklow_, as Lucknow, and the word _noon_, (_salt_,) is very -commonly pronounced _loon_; as in the gypsey language. - -If it is considered that the foregoing comparison did not take place at -a time when Colonel Richardson had the opportunity to examine closely -into the particulars, by having access to European gypsies, whose -familiar conversation, when explained, might have furnished numberless -instances of accordance, which, from his accurate knowledge of the -Hindostanee language, might ever have been such as to enable him to -understand a gypsey colloquy; we must admit that strong probabilities -exist, as to the _nuts_ and the _gypsies_ being branches from the same -stock. Colonel Richardson observes, very properly, ‘Should any real -Hindostanee scholars ever investigate this matter _on the spot in -Europe_, their evidence and observations will probably settle the matter -effectually, one way or other, for ever.’ He likewise remarks, that -‘Grellman, from a want of knowledge of the Hindostanee, lost many -opportunities of producing the proper word, in comparison with the -gypsey one’—and again, he forcibly remarks, that ‘It is not the -accidental coincidence of a few words, but the whole vocabulary he -(Grellman) produces, differs not so much from the common Hindostanee, as -provincial dialects of the same country usually do from each other.’ - -That _cast_, or tribe, of _nuts_, known by the name of _bauzeegurs_, -generally affect to follow the Mahomedan faith, but the _purneah -peeries_, or _budeea_ tribe, follow either that, or the doctrines of -Brahma, just as may suit their purposes, or their locality. Either sect -have so very few religious ceremonies, as to render it doubtful whether -they profess more than may serve to screen them from the imputation of -atheism; a charge which would sink them even lower in the estimation of -every inhabitant of Asia. They inter their relations in a very slovenly -manner, and may often be found lying drunk about the grave: their -marriage forms are extremely simple, the bride and bridegroom mutually -mark each other’s faces with red ochre, after which, they lock their -little fingers together, and avow their union: the ceremony is usually -concluded by a sacrifice to the muddled deity, in which all bear their -parts with great eagerness, and devotion! - -It is a rule among the _nuts_ never to go to law, nor to submit their -differences to any arbitrators, except of their own profession: owing to -the extreme jealousy of the men, and the frequent excesses of both sexes -in the use of _gaunjah_, and other intoxicating draughts, such -differences are by no means rare, and contribute partly to the support -of their rulers, who receive a fourth part of whatever is earned, or -perhaps begged, borrowed, or stolen, by the several _sets_ which ramble -over the country, according to their own fancies, or as they may be -ordered. - -Such regular debauchery, added to the violent exercise undergone during -their early years, reduce the period of life among these people to a -very short compass. Few live beyond the age of forty, and by far the -larger portion fail of attaining their thirtieth year; the women -generally fall victims after having borne four or five children. - -With respect to dancing, which is a part of the duties of a female -_nut_, much encomium cannot be justly bestowed: their style of -performance is vulgar, and they generally study that kind of lewd -display, which renders their performances too indelicate to be -described. Tumbling head-over-heels, walking upon their hands, -Catherine-wheel, &c., &c.; all come within the display afforded for a -trifling gratuity! - -The traveller will sometimes be visited by sets of _nautch-girls_, who -either reside in some of the principal towns, and make a point of -offering their services towards the amusement of _gentlemen_ traversing -the country; or who are itinerants, that pick up a livelihood by -rambling about, chiefly among the villages inhabited by Mahomedans, -whose dispositions are more prompt than those of the Hindus to receive -gratification from voluptuous exhibitions. Besides, the latter are -generally more penurious, and are so rigidly tied down, both by tenet, -and by the vigilance of their neighbours, as to have but little scope -for indulgence in those sensualities, which the followers of the -Prophet, who anxiously look forward to the enjoyment of the _houris_, -are less scrupulous to conceal. - -The greater part of the individuals composing the _taffah_, or set of -female dancers, are either attached by family connections, such as -marriage with the _oostauds_ and _surmaunjahs_, who are the instructors -and musicians; or they are slaves obtained by purchase during times of -scarcity: some, indeed, are kidnapped when very young, on account of -their promising features; these rarely are able to give any account of -their parentage, and do not always know the districts in which they were -born. - -Whatever may be their origin, or their connection, the dancers, who are -likewise vocal performers, are entirely subservient to some person, -whether male or female, who is considered the proprietor of the _set_, -and on whose application to any court of law, or to any _soubah_, or -person in power, any run-away is immediately pursued, and restored to -the _taffah_; whether the obligation be peremptory, such as in the case -of a _baundy_, or actual slave; or merely implied, as in the case of a -_paulah_, or person preserved from famine, &c., and reared in the -capacity of a menial. - -The Mahomedan law barely recognizes actual slavery, but makes a great -distinction in favor of those who purchase, or thus adopt, children that -would otherwise, in all probability, perish from want. The latter are -considered to be the property of the patron, until arrived at their full -growth, which is understood to be about the age of eighteen; but this -affords easy evitation to such proprietors of _taffahs_ as feel an -interest in the detention of any particular girls under their authority. - -To say the truth, very little cause of complaint seems to exist on such -occasions: the girls are usually well cloathed, and well fed; they are -rarely limitted in regard to paramours, and, on the whole, experience as -much comfort as their habits, and those envious traits ever to be seen -among persons of the same profession, admit. Where these _taffahs_ are -found in the vicinity of our camps, and stations, whether civil or -military, it is common to see the dancers attach themselves to some -particular European gentlemen, of whose friendship they make much boast: -the profits of such a speculation cannot be wholly reserved by any one -of the party; they are supposed to be surrendered, without diminution, -to the proprietor, for the general benefit of the _set_. - -That full surrender is not, however, always made; on the contrary, some -contrive to redeem themselves from this species of demi-slavery, by -means of sums accumulated in the course of years, and concealed, with -extreme solicitude, from the scrutinizing eye of the proprietor. When -such a redemption takes place, it is never done overtly, but by the -pretended interference of some gentleman, or opulent native, who, either -from love, or charity, feels disposed to pay the ransom: were the -possession of the property to be acknowledged by the anxious female, it -would instantly be seized as a _droit_, and she would probably undergo -that severest of Hindostanee punishments, the loss of all her _kase_, or -hair! - -It is not uncommon for persons purchasing slaves, or rearing deserted -children, to affix the badge of slavery immediately, and to cause it to -be worn by the unfortunate being, thus devoted to tyrannical authority -during life. This type of dependance consists simply of an iron ring, -similar to those on light fetters, which is worn on either of the -ankles, generally on the left: there it is rivetted in the usual manner, -with the intention of being always seen. To remove the ring, is -considered highly criminal on the part of all concerned, and should the -slave be thereby enabled to abscond, would subject the abettors to -payment of his or her value. - -In every part of India the profession of a prostitute is devoid of that -stigma annexed to it in Europe: persons following it are protected by -law in certain privileges, and their persons are far from being held in -abomination, such as we should suppose must be generated towards so -impure a character among the moralists of the East. This is entirely -owing to the profession being hereditary, the same as other sects, and -not promiscuous, or arising from vicious propensities, as we see daily -the case among us. - -It is true the term _kusbee_ is used as a reproach; but that seems -rather to refer to such as, like our wantons, degenerate in consequence -of their libidinous dispositions, and are not attached to the two great -divisions, the _meerasseens_, and the _puttareahs_, both of which have -claims on the bounty of princes, and to exemptions from certain taxes; -though, to make up for such indulgences, the _cutwals_, and other native -officers, under whose authority they may reside, not only demand their -attendance, whether to sing, dance, or what not, gratis, but impose upon -them heavy assessments, in proportion to their repute and prosperity. - -With the view to prevent the encrease of a certain disorder, which -proceeds with rapid strides in that hot climate, it is customary to -appoint a committee every month, at each great station, for the -inspection of such dulcineas as may be resident within the bounds of the -cantonments: such as appear to be diseased, are instantly confined to a -small hospital, appropriated to their reception: a salutary measure, -which doubtless prevents much mischief, and is superior to our Lock -Institution, which only offers, but does not coerce to, a proper course -of medicine. - -Such women as, being married, or living _under the protection_ of any -person, are found to indulge in variety, are designated _chinauls_, and -are held in far greater disrepute than the professed _kusbee_, or common -prostitute. As predestinarians constantly contradict, by their evasions -of danger, the main principle of their creed, so do the good folks of -Hindostan deviate widely from their system of ethics on this head; for, -although adultery, under any circumstances whatever, is held up as a -mortal sin, to be atoned for by death only; nevertheless, we find the -males of all ages particularly bent on that kind of gallantry which -comes within the letter of the law, and generally produces the contact -of two persons whose _casts_ are thereby respectively polluted. In a -former part, I explained more fully the deceptions practised by native -women retained by European gentlemen; it remains for me to add, that -such is the spirit of intrigue prevalent among the people at large, that -we may at least conclude the ladies in that quarter to keep pace with -_the most enlightened_ of our own population! - -When a native, especially a Hindu, of high _cast_, suspects that his -wife is guilty of infidelity, he generally proceeds to repudiate her in -the most public manner; but it often happens that he is saved that -trouble, either by the intervention of her father, brother, &c., who, -under pretence of conducting her home, leads the offender to some lone -spot, where, with his _tulwar_, he severs her head from her body, and -deliberately leaves both to be devoured by jackals, &c. This office is -likewise occasionally performed by the husband himself; who must, -however, be careful not to betray his intention, lest a powerful dose, -mixed among his _takorry_, (vegetable _curry_,) should prevent the -completion of his design, or, possibly, cause him to fall a sacrifice to -the lover’s resentment. - -A very curious instance of this occurred in 1789, wherein a sepoy, of my -own company, was principally concerned. He had long been in the good -graces of a woman who was married to a _sonaar_, (goldsmith,) then -absent in another part of the country. The lady’s father, who had no -other child, on learning the particulars of the intrigue from one of her -servants, remonstrated, but in vain. He then determined to sacrifice -her, and ordered that she should quit her own home, for the purpose of -being conducted to his house, which was in a village some miles distant. - -Suspecting his intention, the adultress communicated the circumstance to -her lover, who advised her to follow her father, and promised to prevent -his doing her any injury. Accordingly, she allowed her parent to precede -her, as usual, (for no woman ever walks before a man, especially if it -be her husband, or any relative,) until they arrived at a small jungle, -when, as he was about to draw his _tulwar_ to _sauf-kur_ (literally, ‘to -make clean,’ but, in the accepted sense, to kill, or destroy,) her, the -lover darted forth, and, at one blow, took off his head. - -The lady and her lover were both apprehended, and tried before the -_zemindary court_ at Benares, within whose jurisdiction the crime was -perpetrated: against the woman nothing could be urged, she was therefore -acquitted; the man was convicted, and condemned; but the woman, being -next of kin to the deceased, and having the right, according to the law, -of pardoning his murderer, instantly gave him her absolution in open -court, and, to the great surprize and mortification of the whole court, -returned homewards with her paramour, to persevere in the adulterous -intercourse. - -It was in vain that Marquis Cornwallis, on receipt of the intelligence, -used every endeavor to obtain a revision of the proceedings: the Court -were inflexible, and the parties could not, legally, be apprehended. His -Lordship was, therefore, left without that redress he thought due to the -public, and could only cause the sepoy to be dismissed from the -Company’s service, and to be banished from the Company’s dominions. - -Where the law gives so absurd a power, it might be expected that scarce -a husband would be safe; but that is not the case; for they, in general, -act very decidedly, whenever they are made acquainted with the existence -of offences against conjugal propriety. The caution used in conducting -an amour is not always very great, but there is, in fact, only one -difficulty to be overcome, viz. the obtaining admission to the interior -while the husband is absent: that being effected, detection is not very -easy, because, the immured state in which women are kept, offers the -best screen against the curiosity of prying neighbours. - -What with the dark color of the mud walls, the sombre complexion of the -people themselves, and the shade commonly cast by heavy foliages, -standing in the vicinity of villages in general, as well as by the -over-hanging thatches, &c., it is not very easy, even for a neighbour, -to ascertain, after night-fall, whether a person, having a cloth on the -head, entering the sacred enclosure, be male or female. - -About the year 1786, a laughable story was current, regarding a young -officer who had a very pretty Hindoo girl in keeping, but who, being of -a very salacious disposition, always endeavored to prevail with such -young women as came to vend fruits, or to sell _choories_, &c., to be -his inmate. One of these daily visitors held out against every -temptation, which so roused the youth’s passions, that he resolved to -obtain that by force which money could not purchase. The struggle made a -terrible discovery; the supposed damsel proving to be a young Portugueze -drummer!!! - -The ordinary mode of conveyance adopted by the generality of -_nautch-taffahs_, is the common _hackery_, called a _g’horry_, which has -two wheels, with a square body, as has been already described; in one of -these, four or five crowd together, sitting almost back to back, and -allowing their legs to hang down on every side. The generality are of -very decent behavior, but, when they get a little _majoom_ (a sweatmeat -prepared with _b’haug_) into their noddles, it is not uncommon to see -them proceed in high style, singing away in full chorus, and, -occasionally, exhibiting specimens of their profession, by attitudes -corresponding with the words of songs purely Cyprian! - -The baggage, if any, is commonly carried on some hired bullock, or in a -_hackery_; some _sets_ are, however, so opulent, as to be able to keep -one or two camels, and to purchase a tolerably good Hindostanee tent, -that is, without walls, and supported by two bamboo poles, each about -eight or nine feet long. - -The baggage of Europeans is, ordinarily carried on elephants, camels, -bullocks, _hackeries_, or _coolies_: of late years, a great improvement -has been made, by taking off the body of a gig, with its shafts, and -substituting a frame, made on such a plan as may serve to contain -several trunks and liquor chests below, while a cot, with all the -necessary bedding, having over them a painted canvas canopy, covers the -whole, and keeps every part compact and dry. Such a conveyance, with a -tolerably stout horse, is found to get on far more expeditiously than -any of the others. - -With respect to elephants, it may be said, that they are either the -best, or the worst, carriage: in the low countries, where the soil is -often soft for the greater part of the year, the elephant is certainly a -most useful animal; his feet being broad, and his power so great as to -enable his acting with decision and energy at the moment of difficulty, -qualify him, almost exclusively, for the transportation of tents, and -heavy baggage, in such parts of the country as remain heavy or swampy -during the more settled part of the year. - -Though we may suppose, that, previous to the plains of Bengal being -cultivated, they were over-ran with elephants, the same as other parts -of India, of which that animal is a native, still it should seem, that -their principal haunts must have been along that hilly wilderness in -which they are now found in a gregarious state. It is well known that -the elephant thrives best near the sea, that in its vicinity he attains -his greatest bulk, and is exempt from various diseases, especially the -opthalmia and the dropsy, both of which attack at least four in five of -such as are removed to dry soils. This circumstance, as well as the -peculiar formation and substance of the foot, appear to render the -elephant peculiarly appropriate to the use of such persons as have -occasion for carriage-cattle (_i.e._ cattle that bear burthens) in the -lower provinces. - -Endued with wonderful sagacity, the elephant will only proceed on soils -which bear him up to a certain extent: so soon as he feels a peculiar -vibration, that indicates a want of firmness below, he instantly -declines further progress, and, turning round, or receding, with more -activity than his clumsy form may indicate, hastens to quit the -apprehended danger; and, without regard to things or persons, makes the -best of his way to _terra firma_. - -Sometimes, however, this majestic animal gets bogged, and, -notwithstanding his immense strength, becomes completely incapable of -self-extrication. On such an occasion, nothing more is necessary than to -supply him with abundance of straw, or cut grass, tied in bundles; these -he forces down with his proboscis, till they are under his feet -respectively; and, by their accumulated resistance, afford the means of -gradually bearing up, and of raising him to the surface. His egress is -ensured by an ample stock of the same materials, together with faggots, -&c., thrown before him, in number sufficient to form a kind of path-way, -along which the elephant moves with wondrous caution: on such an -occasion, he should, like a mule on a mountain, be left to himself, as -he will manage with perfect prudence; whereas, if actuated by a -_mohout_, (or driver,) he might be again plunged into difficulty. - -The stature of elephants, in general, may be rated between seven and -nine feet: the former is the standard at which they are admitted upon -the Company’s establishment, at the value of five hundred sicca rupees -each (£65). Provided the animals be stout, and competent to carry a -proper burthen, such blemishes as would depreciate them considerably -among the natives, who entertain many prejudices in this particular, are -not considered. - -The principal defects, in the eye of a native merchant, are, - -1. A broken tail; or a deficiency of the forked hair at its termination. -The former arises from the habit the elephants are in, of laying hold of -their opponent’s tails with their trunks, and of twisting them so, that, -occasionally, they are absolutely snapped, or, perhaps, tumefy, and, in -the end, sphacelate. - -2d. An uneven number of claws to the feet: there should be five on each -fore, and four on each hind foot. - -3d. Bad tusks; that is, such as are decayed, or, having been broken in -contests, cannot be rendered ornamental: an elephant born with only one -tooth, or tusk, is highly prized, as being sure to overwhelm its owner -with good fortune. - -4th. Having a black, or spotted palate; either of which is supposed to -be an indication of bad health, as well as of misfortune. - -5th. Bad eyes; though sometimes we see very serviceable elephants -totally deprived of sight, which travel admirably with burthens, but are -unfit for the _howdah_; these are extremely careful to put their trunks -forward as they proceed, whereby they are warned of any hollows, &c. -Blind elephants are peculiarly attentive to the words of command given -by their drivers. - -6th. The want of hair on the forehead, lean jaws, small jagged ears, -narrow feet, thin legs, short bodies, and a contracted barrel, or -carcase, are all objectionable, and become serious objects of attention -in the purchase of this animal. An European, not accustomed to view -elephants critically, would conclude that little variety, in the above -respects, would be found; but there are certainly as many estimable, or -agreeable, points in a fine elephant, as in a fine horse; though we -rarely look so narrowly into the perfections of the former, on account -of being less in the habits of cherishing, or of driving, them in -person. - -According to the regulations, an elephant ought to be able to carry -twenty-five maunds, which is within a twenty-sixth part of being a ton; -but, although the several contractors stipulate, without hesitation, -that their elephants should be able to carry that weight at all times, -not one in a hundred of those in the service, or in the possession of -individuals, could bear it even for one day’s ordinary march, which -should not exceed eight _coss_, (sixteen miles,) all beyond that being -considered a forced march. - -The elephant is furnished with two pads, of which the under one, called -a _guddaylah_, is commonly made of red _karwah_, stuffed to the -thickness of an inch and a half with cotton, and well quilted. The upper -pad, called a _guddy_, is made of _tawt_, which is a narrow kind of very -coarse canvas, and is stuffed very hard with straw to about the -thickness of six inches. These are put on, the one over the other, and -firmly secured to the body by means of stout ropes passing round the -whole, as well as under the tail, by way of crupper. - -Such a thickness may appear too great; but it is to be considered that -an elephant ought, by the contract, to carry either four common -marquees, each weighing, when dry, 425lb., and, when wet, 597lb.; or six -private tents, each weighing, when dry, 275lb., and, when wet, 426lb. -Therefore, when I take the medium at twenty-five maunds, it is but -striking a fair balance. - -An ordinary elephant requires two servants; namely, a _mohout_, or -driver, who sits upon his back, and guides, by means of a crooked -instrument of iron, called a _haunkus_, aided by words of command, and -the application of his toes behind the animal’s ears. The other servant, -called a _cooly_, or grass-cutter, performs all the more menial offices, -such as taking the elephant out for _charrah_, _i.e._ fodder, of which -it can carry as much as will suffice for two, or, if well laden, for -three days. - -The feet of an elephant require considerable care; they being extremely -apt to chafe, and wear away, at the soles, so as to render him -completely unserviceable for a time. This generally happens where the -soil is dry and harsh, as throughout the upper country, but may be, in a -great measure, prevented by _paying_ them with astringent applications, -so that the skin may be rendered harder, and the foot, in general, -somewhat callous. - -When an elephant is chafed on the back, the part is usually rubbed with -_ghee_ and turmeric, and the pad cushioned so as to raise the spot under -which the excoriation may be: if suffered to continue in a state of -irritation, the smallest sore will speedily assume a most formidable -appearance, owing to the peculiarly cellular formation of an elephant’s -flesh. - -The mode of catching elephants for the public service is very simple, -requiring more perseverance than skill, yet attended with a heavy -expence. In those wildernesses near Chittagong, Tipperah, &c., along the -eastern boundary, some hundreds, or perhaps thousands, of villagers are -assembled, who form a circle around those herds they may find, and -gradually frighten them into a kind of trap, called a _keddah_, of which -the entrance is of a crescent form, leading to a large area, properly -enclosed by an immense trench, and by large piles well bound together. -After a while, the animals are driven, or induced, into a smaller area, -from which they are taken into a narrow passage, for the purpose of -being secured, and led away to the stands, at which they remain until -completely tamed. - -It was formerly the practice to break their spirit by privations and -severity; but, of late years, it has been found preferable to sooth as -much as possible; a change which has been attended with the most happy -results. So far has this plan succeeded, that many elephants are now -better reconciled in one month than they formerly were in four or five; -while, at the same time, many inconveniences, especially those severe -ligatures, which invariably made desperate sores about the ankles, &c., -are almost wholly avoided. - -The practice of decoying the large single males, which separate from the -herds, and are called _sauns_, or _goondahs_, is extremely curious: two -or three females are generally sent out for the purpose of inveigling -the ferocious males thus ranging about. Such female elephants, which are -called _k’hoomkies_, are highly valuable, especially if they be large, -and attached to their _mohouts_, whom they will protect to the last -moment, if accidentally discovered by their intended prize while passing -the ropes around his legs. For a particular account of this, which can -scarcely be rendered distinct but by the aid of plates, I refer my -readers to ‘THE WILD SPORTS OF THE EAST,’ published from my designs and -memoirs by Mr. Edward Orme, of Bond Street, and Messrs. Black, Parry, -and Kingsbury, of Leadenhall Street. - -Contrary to the opinion formerly current, it has been ascertained that -elephants copulate in the same manner as other quadrupeds. This has been -certified by Mr. John Corse, the resident Surgeon at Tipperah, who -established a breed of elephants at that place; whereby much insight has -been obtained regarding the natural history of this noble animal. When -Mr. Corse transmitted that account which may be seen in the third volume -of the Asiatic Researches, he had not the opportunity of ascertaining -the period of gestation, which has since been found to give an average -of about twenty-two months. - -That less time could not be required, was evident from the incipient -portion of that gentleman’s researches; as a female elephant, taken in -January, 1788, did not produce her calf, which was thirty-five inches -high at his birth, and grew four inches in as many months, until the -16th of October, 1789. - -Elephants are invariably measured at the shoulder, and not on the arch -of the back, the want of which is to be considered as indicative of age. - -Elephants are to be found along the whole extent of frontier, ranging -from the Chittagong district, to the very borders of Thibet. They become -more scarce, and are, besides, less robust, and of smaller stature, in -proportion as they recede from the sea coasts. Those sent yearly, by way -of compliment, or of tribute, from the Rajah of Napaul, are by no means -to be compared with the _coomaeeahs_, and _mooknahs_ of Tipperah, and -Chittagong, whose form and bulk certainly entitle them to superior -estimation. Some of these are, occasionally, sold for immense sums to -the native princes in the upper parts of Hindostan. Two thousand rupees -are held to be but a low price for a male of nine feet in height, -provided his teeth are large, even, and of regular curves: sometimes -elephants, of extraordinary bulk, and of remarkably fine points, have -reached to eight or ten thousand rupees. - -The expence of keeping an elephant will vary according to the situation, -and to the general services wherein it is employed: in the Dacca -district but little expence is incurred, unless hard labour is to be -performed, there being abundance of _d’hul_, (grass,) and of foliage, of -which the animal can always obtain an ample supply gratis. There, a -_mohout_ rarely receives more than three rupees monthly, and a -grass-cutter more than two. I have shewn, in describing the servants -necessary to be retained in a gentleman’s suite, that the wages of these -menials are generally much higher; which, when added to the average -charges for food, chiefly _badjra_, or millet stems, which must be paid -for, and rice, or barley, perhaps to the extent of 30lb. daily, will -cause the expence of maintaining an elephant in the upper provinces, to -amount to full thirty, or thirty-five, rupees per mensem; and that, too, -exclusive of the wear and tear of gear of all kinds. On the whole, we -may compute that an elephant, well kept, will cost full forty rupees -(£5.) monthly. When we consider that, in England, few gentlemen keep -their horses for much less, and that an elephant performs so much -essential drudgery, indeed, equal to a team of three stout cart horses, -also that the value of money in India is not half so great as with us, -we may deem the above aggregate to be very moderate: the misfortune is, -that an elephant is not, like a horse, promptly or generally useful; and -that, owing to the nature of the climate, as well as of the soil, months -often elapse before the proprietor of the former may be able to avail -himself of the valuable powers of his sable property. - -Camels are very generally kept by the officers of the army throughout -the upper provinces, that is to say, above the Delta of the Ganges, -where the soil is more appropriate to their form, than those muddy, -slippery, tracts, in which these animals are extremely subject to fall. -When such an accident happens, it is a great chance but the animal is -rendered useless; as, owing to the great length of the hind legs, and to -the want of any membranes, or muscles, calculated to prevent their easy -divergence in diametrically opposite directions, the pelvis is extremely -apt to split, and the power of extrication, or even of support itself, -is entirely lost to this very valuable quadruped. - -Though we generally attach the term ‘_camel_’ to that species of the -_camelus_ found in India, where great numbers are bred by persons who -make a very large profit from their labors, the animal under -consideration, having but one hump, or bunch, on its back, should, -properly, be called a ‘_dromedary_.’ Whatever may be the true -designation, the utility of the animal in a climate, and on a soil, to -which it is so admirably suited by nature, is indisputable; but, with -regard to its powers, as described by naturalists, or by travellers, I -must beg leave to enter a partial dissent. - -I have now before me a very respectable publication, wherein it is said, -that ‘a camel will carry a weight of 1,200lb., and will perform a -journey of three hundred leagues in eight days.’ Now, my own experience -convinces me very fully that few camels will carry more than eight -maunds, when making, on an average, stages of from fourteen, to sixteen, -or, at the very utmost, twenty miles within the day, for two months; -allowing a weekly halt. - -So sensible are the Government of India of the inability of a camel to -perform any thing like the service above described, that, in all their -contracts, in which it must have been seen they take care so to -proportion the burthens, that none but the choicest of cattle could move -under them, it is especially detailed that such camels as may be -admitted upon the Company’s establishment of carriage-cattle, should be -rated in the proportion of three camels to one elephant; which, in other -words, assigns to each a burthen composed of two private tents, the -weight of each, when dry, being 275lb., and, when wet, 426lb.; including -poles, pins, mallets, bags, &c. - -Taking the medium as a standard, _i.e._ one wet, and one dry tent, the -average burthen would be only 701lb., which will be found a greater load -than any camels, setting apart perhaps one or two of extraordinary -powers, which have come within my observation, could carry in a proper -manner, so as to answer general purposes, when marching with a regiment. - -The value of a camel varies according to size, form, age, condition, and -disposition: supposing all those points to be mediocrity, from eighty, -to a hundred and twenty, rupees may be taken as a standard; observing, -that, where no military movement is in question, the prices are often -lower, and that, in cases of emergency, they have been known to rise -even so high as to four, five, and six, hundred rupees: but such, -fortunately, is very rarely the case. - -Most gentlemen keep two or three camels, for the purpose of carrying -their tent, liquors, and cot. If on a moderate scale, two will generally -prove competent to the work, but if the tent be large, the liquors and -linen abundant, and the cot extensive, or on a heavy construction, a -third camel will be necessary. In fact, I know not of worse policy, than -that we too often see adopted, of burthening an animal with as much as -it can stand under. When the moment of difficulty comes, as it rarely -fails to do, infinite vexation, and an enormous encrease of expence, -invariably follow. Hence, it will be found advisable, though the primary -expence may be encreased, and the subsequent monthly charges be a trifle -greater, always to retain three, in preference to two camels; unless the -intended burthens be very compact, and not subject to accumulate a great -addition of weight in wet weather. - -The difference shewn to exist between tents, when wet, and when dry, -according to the Company’s standard, ascertained by actual experiments, -should prove a guide to all persons about to proceed on a march, so to -proportion the loads imposed on their cattle as not to endanger their -total failure. It should never be forgotten, that excoriations, however -trivial in the first instance, speedily rankle into wounds, not simply -painful, but generally trenching deeply on the immediate powers, as well -as on the condition, of those useful dumb animals, which submit to the -last moment to the will of their heedless employers. - -Camels, as well as elephants, lie down, so as to bring their stomachs to -the ground, while receiving or discharging their burthens. At such -moments, the former are extremely irritable; snarling, and watching the -opportunity for biting. To say the best of these animals, they are never -to be trusted, their dispositions being, for the most part, sanguinary -and treacherous, although they are not carnivorous, being fed chiefly on -_gram_, and chaff of various kinds: a camel, like the bull-dog, rarely -lets go his hold. - -The expence of maintaining a camel may be averaged at about four or five -rupees monthly, exclusive of its portion of the _surwan’s_ (_i.e._ the -driver’s) wages: the large crook saddle, with its _jolah_, or canvas -trappings, and its _saleetah_, or canvas sheet made of _tawt_, for the -purpose of lading tents, and especially for bringing in chaff, may be -averaged, for wear and tear, at about a rupee monthly. From this it will -be seen, that if a _surwan_, attending three camels, should receive six -rupees for pay, and that each of the camels should cost six more, the -whole expence, amounting to twenty-four rupees per mensem, would fall -far short of that incurred by one elephant. - -The advantages attendant upon an elephant, are, that the load is all -carried compact and entire; that he can travel in swampy districts, -where no other animal could proceed at all; and that he is serviceable -to ride upon, and to join in the line to beat hogs, and other game, out -of heavy covers. On the other hand, a camel will travel on those dry -soils which destroy an elephant’s feet, without sustaining the smallest -injury; he is more patient under heat, and the absence both of fodder -and of water; his prime cost is considerably less; his maintenance -cheaper; and, where a division of carriage becomes necessary, one camel -may be sent off, while the others are retained. But camels rarely thrive -if exposed during the rains; hence, it is customary to build sheds for -their reception during that season: this, however, is done at a very -trifling expence, and might, doubtless, be dispensed with altogether, at -least in the upper provinces, if young animals were to be purchased that -had never been so domesticated. Few gentlemen retain their camels while -serving near the Presidency, where fodder is at a most enormous price, -and where the mange commonly attacks within a few weeks after arrival. - -The heavy, awkward, and apparently slow, gait of the camel, generally -induces to a belief that its rate of travelling is disadvantageous, -inasmuch as it may denote inability to keeping up with the generality of -elephants. This, however, is a great mistake, for it is very common to -see the latter, when in the least over-burthened, or when the weather is -hot, or the road sandy, very late in arriving at their destination; -whereas, the camel, under an appropriate load, will move on at a regular -pace, generally making a distance of seven feet, as I have repeatedly -ascertained, from the centre of that spot whence it lifts a foot, to -where it again sets it down: few elephants do so much; they walk -quicker, but their strides are rarely so extensive. - -The propensity of a camel to stale, so soon as eased of his burthen, -renders it indispensably necessary to drive him to a distance so soon as -the tent is off his back; otherwise, the urinous stench attached to the -spot would render it very unpleasant, or, rather, insupportable. The -native chemists extract large quantities of ammonia from those stands -where camels have been kept for many weeks. - -The greatest inconvenience attached to a camel is his utter inability to -swim across a river, such as any other animal would consider no -impediment. It is true, that, occasionally, camels may have been seen to -swim for a few yards, but, in general, they turn upon the side, and, -unless instantly rescued, would infallibly be drowned. Perhaps this -arises from the general roundness of their bodies, which are very easily -acted upon by the super-incumbent weight of the neck and head, that -become levers, not sufficiently opposed by their almost fleshless limbs. -Some camels enter with readiness into ferry-boats, even of the rudest -construction, while others require to be urged by the display of fire in -their rear, or even by the actual cautery! When once on board, they are -generally quiet, but do not seem to entertain such a dread of their -insulated situation as horses do. - -In this particular, the elephant has a most decided superiority: he -enters the water with alacrity, and, guided by the _mohout_, who -preserves his seat on the animal’s neck, until the latter may, by way of -frolic, descend to walk on the bottom, keeping, at the same time, the -end of his proboscis above water, makes his way to the opposite bank, -though perhaps a mile distant. If there be occasional shallows, whereon -he can refresh himself, two or three miles are passed with equal -facility. - -In their wild state, elephants cross very large rivers in herds; the -young ones swimming by the sides of their mothers, which, occasionally, -support their gigantic calves by means of their trunks, either passed -under the body, or slightly hooked in with the young one’s proboscis. -When domesticated, elephants lose much of their natural energy in every -instance; and, in lieu of viewing a tiger without fear, gradually become -so timid, as to be dreadfully agitated at the sight, or smell, even of a -dead one: hence, in tiger-hunting, those elephants which are more -recently taken from the _keddahs_, provided they be sufficiently trained -to be safe in other respects, are usually best suited to the sport, and -afford their riders a better chance of success. - -Those who cannot afford, or who consider it unnecessary, to retain -either an elephant, or camels, usually purchase, or hire, bullocks, when -about to march to any station not very remote. Some, indeed, prefer them -altogether; but, after having given them more than one trial, both from -necessity, and from the persuasions of others, my mind is made up to the -full conviction, that, although rarely costing more than sixteen or -twenty rupees each, (that is, from forty to fifty shillings,) they are -the most tardy, the most troublesome, and the most expensive, of all the -beasts of burthen in question! - -Knowing, from dear-bought experience, that a bullock which can carry -five maunds is a _rara avis_ of its kind, I was much surprized to find, -in Mr. Colebrooke’s little treatise on the Husbandry of Bengal, an -assertion, that the enormous ‘load of 500lb. of cotton is generally -carried from Nagpore to Mirzapore, a distance which, by the shortest -route, exceeds four hundred miles, in journies of eight or ten miles -daily.’ That some remarkably fine cattle are bred in the Nagpore -district is well known; but I should have greatly doubted, under any -other than the highly respectable authority alluded to, whether it would -be possible to select, in all Bengal, a sufficient number of bullocks, -bred in the country, to carry on the extensive trade between Nagpore and -Mirzapore, under the circumstance of carrying 500lb. as an ordinary -load. - -I have possessed very fine bullocks, such as could not, generally, be -obtained for less than a hundred rupees the pair, and I have had -occasion to rely on their services; but found, that, whenever they were -laden beyond four maunds, (320lb.,) they became restive, and required -many extra hours to perform a march of twelve or fourteen miles, even on -excellent roads, and when in far better plight than _mahajuny_ (trading) -bullocks are commonly seen. - -But let us refer to the regulations of the Company respecting cattle to -be admitted upon their establishment; we shall there find, that one -Mirzapore bullock nearly equals three of them. ‘The standard of cattle -to be retained for, or received into, the service, is not to be less -than fifty inches for the draft-bullocks, and forty-eight inches for the -carriage-bullocks. Each carriage-bullock shall be competent to carry a -burthen of _one hundred and eighty pounds_ weight, exclusive of his -pad.’ - -Now, it is well known the Company employ excellent cattle, and take care -to have justice done them; as, indeed, they are fully entitled to -expect, when they allow no less than thirty sicca rupees for each -bullock purchased on their account; especially, as any distance beyond -sixteen miles, or when laden for more than nine hours within the -twenty-four, or when carrying more than 180lb., come under the -denomination of a forced march, and subject the Company to all risks. - -I should rather apprehend that an error has crept into Mr. Colebrooke’s -otherwise most accurate calculations, owing to a _cutcha-maund_ of five -_paseeries_, (of 10lb. each,) being in general use in that part of the -country. Five of these maunds, of 50lb. each, make a _tungy_, which is -the common load for cattle carrying iron, and other dead weights. -Therefore, if we estimate the general burthen to be in _cutcha_ (_i.e._ -small) maunds, we shall find the result to be nearer the ordinary -result, than when we take 500lb. for the amount of a load. It is a -well-known truth, that a private tent, with its poles, pins, mallets, -and bags, is an ample load for any bullock, even in its dry state, and -that, when wet, it must be a choice animal that is competent to bear it -for even a very few miles. - -In some of the very stony parts, it is usual to shoe the bullocks, the -same as is practised in many parts of England; but, in general, that is -not found necessary. The saddles and pads must be properly attended to, -and the loads should be well strapped on; otherwise, owing to the -skittishness of the cattle in India, and their disposition to lie down, -very frequently, in a day’s journey, considerable injury must be -sustained, by such articles of lading as may be subject to breakage, -from such a practice. - -However great a drawback such a propensity may appear, it is found, that -liquors may be safely trusted to be conveyed by bullocks; but, in order -to ensure the bottles from breaking, it is found necessary to pack every -one of them separate, wrapping round it a small loose band, of that soft -kind of hemp known by the name of _paut_, and stitching the several -rounds together in the same manner as Florence oil flasks, &c., are -enveloped by small bands of fine straw. - -The _paut_, above mentioned, is grown in every part of the country, but -chiefly in Bengal, where it attains to a considerable diameter, perhaps -an inch and a half in diameter, and often grows eleven or twelve feet -high. About three years ago, I presented a specimen of _paut_ to the -Bath Society, measuring more than ten feet in length: it was the -remainder of a quantity in which I had packed some bottles when quitting -Bengal, and had never been so much as put to the hackle. - -Nothing is so effectual as this material towards preserving bottles from -fracture; when properly wolded, they may either be packed in boxes, &c., -without any addition of straw, &c., or they may be advantageously put -into strong bags of _tawt_, and thus, with seeming negligence, be -carried on either side the bullock. I have several times adopted this -mode, and found it by far the safest, as well as the least expensive, -and best suited to the animal. By it, the necessity for boxes was -obviated, and a good bullock could easily carry five dozens of wine for -any length of time, and for any number of miles, a regiment would -commonly march. - -When tents are carried on oxen, it is necessary to divide the load as -equally as may be practicable; observing, that those which have to carry -the two _flies_, ought not to be encumbered with mallets, pins, &c., as -it is a great desideratum to make sure, as much as practicable, that the -flies, the pole, and a certain portion of pins, together with a mallet -or two, should arrive early; it being of less consequence if the -bullocks bearing the walls, _satrinjes_, &c., be somewhat later; since -the main part of the operation of pitching the tent, consisting of -raising the _flies_, may be performed, and shelter afforded, without the -walls, &c., being present. - -Although a very large stout bullock may, here and there, be found -capable of carrying a pair of cloaths-trunks, with a small cot above -them, such must not be generally expected. The trunks will, if properly -constructed, sit close, as they do on a camel; but the cot will -assuredly swag, so as to cause great unsteadiness of gait, and subject -the animal to chafe under the pad: besides, the disposition of most -bullocks is such, as by no means to warrant the lading them with any -article subject to great injury from a fall. - -I have already said the bullock is the worst kind of carriage used in -the army, but for draught it is essentially serviceable; in fact, -without this animal, I know not how the service could proceed in India. -A great deal, however, depends on breed; and no less on due feeding and -proper exercise. Only certain parts of the country, such as the Purneah -and Sircar-Sarun districts, are found to produce oxen of a standard and -frame suited to the ordnance department; in which, on the Bengal -Establishment alone, full five thousand head of cattle are employed, -exclusive of a large establishment of elephants and camels, allotted to -the conveyance of camp equipage. - -The proportion of bullocks allowed for the draught of field-pieces of -various calibres, with which they are expected to keep pace with the -ordinary rate at which troops march, are as follow:— - - To a 24 Pounder 24 Bullocks. - 18 Ditto 18 Ditto. - 12 Ditto 12 Ditto. - 6 Ditto 6 Ditto. - 3 Ditto 4 Ditto. - 8 Inch Howitzer 14 Ditto. - 5½ Ditto 10 Ditto. - 4⅖ Ditto 6 Ditto. - Artificer’s Cart 10 Ditto. - Tumbrel 6 Ditto. - -It may surprize those who are personally unacquainted with India, to -learn that horses are very little employed in carriages. I have already -shewn, that, with the exception of the _r’hunts_ let out for hire about -Calcutta, of which some are drawn by one, or by two _tattoos_, all the -vehicles in use among the natives, and all the laborious part of -whatever may relate to building, trade, and agriculture, are consigned -to oxen; of which the prices are, in some places, so low, that a small -pair, fit to be worked at a well in a gentleman’s garden, may usually be -had for about ten rupees (_i.e._ 25_s._); while the generality of -husbandmen rarely pay more than six rupees (15_s._) for a pair, such as -are adequate to the very insignificant tillage bestowed on the soil. - -The indigenous breed of horses, if Bengal can boast of any such, is -remarkably small, hardy, and vicious: to me, however, it has ever been a -doubt, whether this breed, called _tattoos_, be not a degenerate race -from some supply obtained, at a very remote date, from Durbungah, and -the districts ranging under the northerly frontier. That breed, -generally distinguished by the appellation of _serissahs_, is again -questionable, and may, in all probability, be traced to the _tazees_, -bred in the Maharrattah country, and in every part of the _Punjab_. - -Considering the great strength and perseverance of _tattoos_ in general, -it is rather surprizing that they are not put to more purposes, than -merely serving to carry a load on a march, or to convey some infirm, or -rather affluent, traveller, when moving from one part to another. As few -castrations take place among the males, and the sexes are allowed to -intermix without restraint, the species would multiply rapidly, were it -not that little care is taken of the pregnant mares, and less of the -progeny; which usually has to shift for itself, and to cut its own grass -wherever a scanty meal may be obtainable. If a selection were made of -the _tattoos_, male and female, fitted for breeding from, there might be -established a supply of cattle, far more useful to the peasant, than -those miserably defective oxen which, in spite of the professed -veneration of all Hindus towards those sacred animals, are often kept -toiling at the plough until nature interposes in behalf of the worn-out -deity, and compels the reluctant peasant to allow the hour of -dissolution to pass on in peace. - -The Company, with a view to obtain a certain, regular, and efficient, -supply of horses for their cavalry regiments, have, for about seventeen -years past, maintained an establishment for breeding from select mares -in North Bahar: the liberality with which this has been supported, and -the admirable selection made of persons for the management of every -branch, should give the most favorable result; especially as the spot -chosen for its site is peculiarly eligible in point of grazing. - -But it does not appear that the expected benefits have been produced. I -recollect seeing a splendid calculation, made about the year 1794, which -went so far as to demonstrate, that, by the end of the twelfth year, -full fifteen hundred horses would annually be supplied from the stud. -Seeing that an agency still exists for the purchase of cavalry horses, -and knowing that the whole strength of the light regiments of cavalry do -not exceed six thousand horses, even including the body-guard, we may -reasonably conclude, that the stud is by no means competent to furnish -one-fourth of that number within the year! - -The _tattoos_ of Bengal rarely grow to the height of twelve hands; they -are slight limbed, and cat-hammed; but carry immense burthens during a -day’s march, and are no sooner turned off, having their fore-feet -tethered, than a general war seems to be proclaimed among all of the -tribe that may be within sight or hearing. Kicking, biting, and -gallantry, are the order of the day; and woe betide the incautious wight -who should, at such a time, approach within reach of their heels! - -Few _tattoos_ ever have the _bursautty_; a peculiar breaking out about -the legs, (by no means resembling the grease,) to which horses, in -general, are extremely subject throughout the low countries; especially -if their standing be not remarkably dry, and exercise given in -proportion to their allowance of _gram_; which is a species of pulse, -growing on a low plant of the tare kind, and commonly sold at about a -rupee per maund. - -Of this _gram_, a horse will eat from three to six seers, (of 2lb. -each,) according to his size or appetite; half in the morning, and half -at night. When high fed, and but little rode, the most valuable horses, -in particular, become victims to the _bursautty_; which, though it -disappears in the spring and summer, invariably returns, generally, too, -with encreased force, during every rainy season. As yet, no cure has -been discovered for this ruinous disease, though numbers of gentlemen, -of eminent abilities, have devoted their attention towards its -eradication: its abatement has, in some instances, been effected; but, -notwithstanding the utmost skill and perseverance, the blotches have -returned, in sufficient force to satisfy all medical men, that no -decided mode of treatment, and no general specific, has, hitherto, been -established. - -The exemption of _tattoos_, for the most part, from so formidable a -distemper, seems to indicate their peculiar fitness for the climate: it -matters not whether nature first planted them on the soil, or whether, -by long continuance, they have become habituated to it, so completely as -to defy that virulence with which the climate attacks strange animals. -Wandering among all the puddles and jungles at every season; and -subsisting on the remains of temporary verdure; ultimately, indeed, -browsing, or devouring, the withered remains of long grass; these useful -animals contract no disease, save what may be engendered by such -absolute scarcity as would go nigh to starve a donkey! - -The next breed of horses, in point of strength and hardiness, is the -_tanian_, a small kind, obviously distinct from all the other breeds of -India, and peculiar to the Thibet and Bootan countries, that lie at the -back of our eastern and northern frontier, all the way from Assam to -Sirinagur: allowing for the intervention of the Nepaul Rajah’s -dominions. These horses are, with few exceptions, piebald; though a few -are seen entirely of one color. The breed may be characterized in a few -words, viz. that they are remarkably stout, hog-maned, have short bushy -tails, very short necks, and large heads. - -The Bootan merchants, who come down yearly with various articles of -manufacture, such as mats, cloths, &c., of a very peculiar kind, by no -means displeasing in their patterns, commonly lade their goods upon -_tanians_, which they dispose of ultimately for a small sum, perhaps -from twenty-five to sixty rupees each; reserving, however, a few, -whereon to transport the British woollens, and other articles they -obtain from the produce of their sales. - -Great numbers of the natives of Bengal, who are in good circumstances, -or are obliged to attend daily at particular offices, &c., ride on -_tanians_; which, though not to be termed quiet, are far more so than -_tattoos_ in general. These good folks abominate a _trot_, as being -uneasy and heating; and not one of them would so far demean himself as -to be seen gallopping! This has given rise to the general adoption of -that unnatural, but very easy, pace called the ‘amble,’ in which a horse -moves the fore and hinder feet of the same side at one time. It is -singular, that this mode of going should be so pleasant in a horse, -when, in the elephant, whose natural mode of gait it is, there should -result from it the only inconvenience with which the motion of that -animal is attended. - -_Tanians_ rarely exceed thirteen hands in height, but their powers are -wonderfully great; they are capable of enduring great fatigue, and, -though by no means sightly in a chariot, will perform journies equal to -what might be expected from larger animals. In general, they are rather -fiery, but, by gentle usage, shew sufficient coolness and temper for -most purposes. Like most mountain-bred horses, they are sure-footed, -and, when left to themselves, pick the best road with great -circumspection; proceeding at an easy pace, which they will keep up for -many hours. I know not of any breed better qualified for drawing a light -small chaise, where great speed is not wanted; but figure must be out of -the question. - -The _Serissah_, or _Durbungah-tazee_, derives its name from the places -where great numbers are bred. These horses are generally of a light -make, and, when young, promise to turn out well; but, as they approach -their full standard, lose many good points, and, for the most part, -become rather vicious. They are, however, extremely serviceable as -hacks, and generally make good hog-hunters: occasionally, valuable -horses are found among them; and it is to be hoped, that, as the -Company’s stalions are let out at low rates, to cover such good mares as -may be tendered at their stud, there will soon be effected an immense -improvement in the general stock of North Bahar. - -This, in fact, seems to be one of the prominent features in the -establishment of the stud, and promises to become very conspicuously -successful; though it is to be lamented, that the native breeders, owing -to a want of liberal ideas, and of expanded views, are too apt to adopt -that narrow policy, which prompts to the doing that badly for sixpence, -which may be well done for a penny more! Time will probably overcome -such an absurd system, and convince them that the payment of a few -rupees, or the subscribing to certain regulations, adopted for the -general improvement of property, so far from being detrimental, are the -surest means of obtaining a substantial profit, in the most speedy -manner. - -There are annual fairs, called _maylahs_, in various parts of the -country, where the horses of this breed (_i.e._ _serissahs_,) are -exhibited in immense numbers. The greater part of them are exposed -annually at Buxar, and are purchased by the natives, either for their -own use, or for re-sale in various parts. It is curious, but true, that, -some years ago, a great number of horses that had been taken from -Durbungah into the Maharrattah country, were purchased there for the -supply of the Company’s regiments. Formerly, the immense body of cavalry -paid by the Nabob Vizier of Oude, used to be mounted by horses from -North Bahar, but, since that worthless gang have been sent ‘to the right -about,’ the demand created by that establishment has been almost wholly -done away. Still, however, the prices have not, so far as I can learn, -fallen: they probably are upheld by our encreased strength of cavalry -regiments. - -The price of a _serissah_ is not to be easily defined; a very large -portion of them sell for less than one hundred, while some reach as high -as six hundred, rupees: at a medium, we may affix a hundred and fifty -rupees at a fair standard, if the purchase be made at a fair, but, if -second-hand, from a horse-dealer, from fifty to a hundred per cent, may -be added. I have known very handsome sets, of four and six, purchased at -Buxar, averaging fifteen hands and a half, that were purchased for about -two hundred rupees each, and re-sold, _to friends_, for five and six -hundred, a few weeks after! - -The horses in highest estimation are chiefly imported from the Punjab, -and from Persia, by regular dealers, who come down to our north-west -frontier annually, after the rains, accompanied by many camels, -generally of an excellent breed, which, besides conveying the tents, -&c., of the party, bear heavy burthens of shawls, dried fruits, and, -occasionally, cats of the most beautiful description. Such gentlemen as -wish for horses of great strength, ordinarily purchase _toorkies_; -which, being extremely stout, and phlegmatic, answer well for persons of -great weight, and of timid disposition. - -The Persian horses have generally a finer shoulder, and attain a better -standard, than the _toorky_, which rarely measures fifteen hands, and, -in general, may be about fourteen: both kinds are remarkable for heavy, -lob-ears, and are always well advanced in years before they are brought -for sale. Even under that great drawback, they commonly sell for eight -hundred, or a thousand, rupees, and, when of a handsome color, well -formed, and of a good size, will produce from fifteen hundred, to three -thousand, rupees. - -The _jungle-tazee_, which is bred in the Punjab, or Seik country, is, in -general, handsome, and spirited. These come at an earlier age, as does -the _majennis_, which is bred in the same quarter, and is usually the -offspring of a _jungle-tazee_ horse, with a Persian or _toorky_ mare; or -_vice versâ_. Both these kinds may be rated as rising to full fifteen -hands; and their prices are usually on a par with the _toorky_. - -It is highly necessary, when purchasing of a native dealer, to look very -accurately into every matter relating to soundness, and quietness. Those -gentry are admirable jockies, and commonly administer such doses of -opium to their vicious cattle, as cause them for a while to appear -pre-eminently passive; a circumstance easily detected, by insisting on -the animal being left under charge of the purchaser’s own _syce_, -(_i.e._ groom,) for a day or two, before the money is paid. - -When making bargains with European gentlemen, the whole of the -transactions are generally overt, and free from disguise, but, when -native is opposed to native, the affair is conducted with much assumed -mystery. A cloth is laid over the knees of the seller and purchaser, as -they squat _vis a vis_ on the ground close together; the _hookah_ is -introduced, and resorted to, whenever any little difference takes place: -at other times, the parties have each one hand, generally the right, -under the cloth, when, by means of pressures on the palms, which denote -hundreds, and of the fingers, which denote, in their due order, 20, 40, -60, and 80, speedily understand each other very fully. This affectation -is carried to such an extent, that I have seen nearly a whole day passed -in keeping up the farce, though afterwards it was divulged to me, as a -great secret, that the bargain had been made during the first five -minutes; but the seller was desirous to uphold a character for being -very tenacious of the sum originally demanded! - -Almost every light-colored horse, such as a grey, or a dun, has its tail -stained for many inches near the tip with _mindy_, (_i.e._ _hinna_,) as -used by the ladies of Hindostan: generally, a ring of the same is added -about two inches above, and of about two inches in depth. On account of -the inconvenience and heat attendant upon the retention of full manes, -which are considered indispensable towards the beauty of a horse, it is -usual to braid them with silk, or thread ties, of various colors, -chiefly red, or yellow: the practice certainly has the intended effect, -but causes a large portion of the mane to fall off. The hair of the tail -is never cut by a native, and but rarely by an European; on account of -the millions of gad-flies, which, but for such a defence, would irritate -the animal greatly, and occasion him to fall off, both from his -condition, and his food. - -The stables for horses should be amply spacious, and covered with -thatch, in preference to tiles, which throw too great heat into the -interior. The head-ropes, which commonly branch out from the head-stall -in different directions angularly forward, ought to be substantial, and -rather long than limitted. The heel-ropes ought to be full twenty feet -in length, and kept a little off the ground, by a small bar, or prop, to -prevent their being rotted by the wet. One end of each heel-rope is -furnished with a loop of rather thinner and softer rope, plaited flat, -so as not to injure the pastern, round which it loops on. But for such -preventives, the _syces_ dare not rub down their cattle; which would, -besides, fight desperately, unless thus restrained. - -Stalls of plank are by no means suited to the climate, nor would they -offer any defence against the horses of India, very few of which are -castrated. The best, but, at the same time, very insufficient, device, -is the placing of swinging bars between the horses severally; even these -are no restraint, further than limitting a horse in case he should get -loose; a circumstance instantly announced by the tremendous uproar -occasioned by such an accident, which but rarely occurs. - -On account of the extreme danger to which horses are subjected by the -frequency of fires, it is advisable that every stable, especially if -thatched, should have a range of water-pots placed along the ridge. -These should always be kept full of water, to be at the disposal of men -sent up to sprinkle the thatch, and to extinguish whatever flakes may -fall upon it; but, in case the thatch itself should accidentally take -fire, before any person can mount to distribute the water, then the pots -should be broken, by means of clods, poles, or whatever means may offer -under such emergency. - -The horse-dealers from the Punjab, and from Persia, may be said to lay -the Company’s provinces under annual contribution; since it is -ascertained, that, one year with another, they take back bills, cash, or -goods, (generally the former,) to the full amount of four lacs of rupees -(£50,000). For this they deliver from five to six hundred horses, of -which nine in ten are aged, some dried fruits, Persian cats, and shawls, -the whole intrinsic value of which, or at least the prime cost and -duties payable on the way, cannot exceed one-fourth of that sum. In -truth, the duties, which are rigorously exacted by various petty -princes, &c., through whose territories they must pass, form the greater -portion even of that share of the booty. Yet do the venerable dealers in -horse-flesh always plead poverty, and that they have made so very bad a -trip, that, on their return home, their affairs must go to ruin: -however, they make a shift to come down, year after year, though buying -and selling to so much loss! - -In selling horses, it is customary to describe their several _casts_, -the same as those of the people of India; thus, an auctioneer advertises -a _toorky_, or a _majennis_ ‘of high _cast_,’ to be sold on such a day. -The term may, however, be considered as rather technical, and at least -as arbitrary in its meaning, as when our British knights of the hammer -puff off some hovel, crammed into a corner, where no one would have -dreamt of seeing an edifice, as ‘a capital mansion, undeniably -situated!’ It must, at the same time, be acknowledged, that Asiatic -advertisements do not require to be so cautiously accepted, _cum grano -salis_, as those catch-penny notices, which not only attract the eye -directly, but are literally supported by insidious puffs interspersed -among the news of the day. - -The extravagant price to which all articles of horse furniture have at -times risen in India, operated as a considerable injury to the European -manufacturer, who rarely makes much profit on goods intended for -exportation. Within the last thirty years, numbers of persons, both -European and native, have established themselves as saddlers and -harness-makers. At first they were not much encouraged, owing to a -belief very generally prevalent, that leather tanned in India was -inferior to that exported from this country. - -That objection did not stand its ground; for it was soon ascertained -that the bark of the _baubool_ (_mimoza_) was at least equal to that of -the oak; and that the leather prepared therewith by several Europeans, -who had constructed tan-pits, on a large scale, was both equal to, and -full fifty per cent. cheaper than, what the ships conveyed to India. -Thenceforward, all the leather-work of the carriages built in India, -some of which might vie with any to be seen in Europe, was done with -country hides. Shoe-makers, both European and native, resorted to the -same means of supply, and offered both boots and shoes of the best -prepared leather, the want of which had, for a long time, caused the -very neat shoes made for about a shilling the pair, by the latter class, -to be held in little estimation. - -Saddlers and harness-makers have appeared, whose labors have proved -eminently valuable; their materials, and their work, being alike -excellent. I must here be understood to confine my approbation to the -articles manufactured from leather tanned in a regular manner, and not -that paltry brown-paper-like rubbish manufactured in pots and pans by -indigent natives, who often work up a skin within the third or fourth -day after its being stripped from some starved sheep, or goat; but which -leather may always be distinguished by a narrow streak of white, that -is, of raw hide, remaining in the middle of its thickness. - -Saddles made of such crude materials, but in every other respect by no -means to be condemned, may be had at Monghyr, where also bits and -bridles are made with singular neatness, for about ten rupees (25 -shillings); but those of superior materials, and made under the -inspection of an European, will cost full as much, or perhaps more, then -the sums ordinarily paid in London for saddles, &c., of prime quality, -and high finish. - -The climate is extremely adverse to the tanner, inasmuch as there is -great difficulty in obtaining an ample stock of raw hides; owing to the -consumption of beef and mutton being confined to the European, and to -the Mahomedan parts of the population; and to the great difficulty of -conveying the skins to the pits before incipient fermentation may become -obvious, and disqualify them for the purpose. - -That leather might, with great advantage to both countries, be sent from -India to Europe, cannot be doubted: the great difficulty would be to -furnish such a quantity as might render the trade an object. According -to the present high prices, it would almost be worth while to buy cattle -in India, for the purpose of sending their hides and tallow to market in -England. As to the benefits to arise to the state, they are too obvious -to require pointing out. - -A person who might have quitted India about thirty years ago, when the -generality of articles of almost every description in use among -Europeans, were sent from England; and when only one or two European -tailors were to be seen in all Bengal; when, also, a news-paper was -scarcely in existence, would now, on landing in that country, be -astonished at the improvements made in various branches of manufacture: -he would contemplate the advance made in the mechanical arts as the -certain fore-runner of independence; and he would view the columns of -the several news-papers published at Calcutta, in all fourteen, (besides -magazines, &c.,) whose columns teem with advertisements on a large -scale: these he would view as the paramount results of great enterprize, -founded upon extensive capitals, and backed by an almost unlimitted -credit. - -The news-papers are generally published once or twice weekly, at about a -rupee each; most days of the week bring forth two papers, in which the -price of advertising is generally eight annas, (_i.e._ half a rupee, or -15_d._,) for each line: as the type is rather large, the expence of -advertisements must, in some great houses, prove a conspicuous item -among the disbursements. - -In this particular, the Hindostanee, or rather the Persian, news-papers -are miserably deficient; as, indeed, they are in whatever should be the -contents of a publication devoted to the important purposes of -mercantile, or of political, intelligence. Far from containing a single -advertisement, or from communicating any matter relative to the arts, -these bulletins, for I can call them nothing better, are penned by -persons about the several native courts, according to the whim of a -sycophant, or to the mere tattle in the suburbs of a city; nay, they are -often manufactured hundreds of miles from the places whence they are -supposed to emanate, and contain accounts of battles and sieges, -capitulations and defeats, halts and marches, known to the fabricators -only; who, in whatever relates to invention, contradiction, and -re-contradiction, absolutely surpass those industrious wights that -supply our British news-mongers with paragraphs of the highest -importance, accidents, murders, &c., &c., at the cheap rate of ten -shillings per dozen! - -There being no presses in use among the natives, every communication, -whether private or public, must be manuscript; hence, the profession of -scribe is, in some places, no bad livelihood; especially at Delhi, -which, being the ancient seat of government, and the immediate residence -of a nominal king, commonly called ‘The Great Mogul,’ supplies every -quarter of India with _Akbars_, (_i.e._ news-papers,) written in the -Persian language and character, on long narrow slips of a paper -manufactured in India, either from bamboos, reeds, or cotton-wool. These -slips are rolled up to about an inch in width, and, being enclosed in a -small cover pasted together, are despatched, with the shew of great -importance, to the several quarters of Hindostan, under the pompous idea -of their being every where in high estimation. - -The only paper published by authority in Bengal, is the Calcutta -Gazette, which is usually replete with advertisements for the sale of -lands, printed in English, Persian, and Bengalese: as to news, or useful -essays, &c., it is uncommonly sterile. Private advertisements in this -paper are extravagantly dear, in consequence of the obligation imposed -on all collectors, &c., to take it in; whereby one copy at least is -received at every civil station, however small. - -The advertisements for the sale of lands, above alluded to, have sprung -from the adoption of what is called the _Mocurrery_ system, which -originated with Mr. Thomas Law, formerly collector of Bahar, and now -settled in America. That plan certainly wore a very specious appearance; -because it purported to be a perpetual adjustment of the rents, which -were before subject to augmentation, and held out to the land-holders -the comforting assurance of being considered on a footing with -proprietors in fee-simple, so long as they should pay the rents as -settled by the _Mocurrery_ agreement. - -While the plan was in agitation, and under the consideration of Marquis -Cornwallis, by whom it was adopted, the Board of Revenue, to which it -was, _pro forma_, submitted, made several very sensible and cogent -remarks, which, however, had not the effect of causing it to be -abandoned. Time has fully justified the objections stated by that Board, -at which the present Lord Teignmouth, then Mr. Shore, presided; and we -find, after many years of experiment, that, without reaping the smallest -advantage themselves, the Company appear bound to perpetuate a -resignation of their rights as proprietors of the soil, and of their -interests as a body rationally entitled to derive an augmentation of -rent, in proportion as the produce of the soil may become more valuable, -and more abundant. - -This discussion has led me to the consideration of a most important -topic; viz. the _Revenue of Bengal_, of which, and its manner of -collection, I shall endeavor to give a summary; first presenting my -readers with a copy of the _Mocurrery_, or permanent system. - - - BY THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL. - - ---------- - -=Proclamation.= - -_To the_ Zemindars, Independent Talookdars, _and other_ actual - Proprietors of Land, _paying Revenue to Government, in the Provinces - of_ Bengal, Bahar, _and_ Orissa. - - - ARTICLE I. - - -In the original regulations for the decennial settlement of the Public -Revenues of _Bengal_, _Bahar_, and _Orissa_, passed for these provinces -respectively, on the 18th day of September, 1789, the 25th day of -November, 1789, and the 10th day of February, 1790, it was notified to -the _proprietors of land_ with, or on behalf of, whom a settlement might -be concluded, that the jumma assessed upon their lands under those -regulations, would be continued after the expiration of the ten years, -and remain unalterable for ever, provided such continuance should meet -with the approbation of the Honorable Court of Directors for the affairs -of the East India Company, and not otherwise. - - - ARTICLE II. - - -The Marquis Cornwallis, Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, -Governor-General in Council, now notifies to all Zemindars, Talookdars, -and other actual proprietors of land, paying revenue to Government, in -the provinces of _Bengal_, _Bahar_, and _Orissa_, that he has been -empowered by the Honorable Court of Directors, for the affairs of the -East India Company, to declare the jumma which has been, or may be, -assessed upon their lands, under the regulations above mentioned, FIXED -FOR EVER. - - - ARTICLE III. - - -The Governor-General in Council accordingly declares to the Zemindars, -&c., with, or on behalf of, whom a settlement has been concluded under -the regulations above mentioned, that, at the expiration of the term of -the settlement, no alteration will be made in the assessment which they -have respectively engaged to pay; but that they, and their heirs, and -lawful successors, will be allowed to hold their estates at such an -assessment, FOR EVER. - - - ARTICLE IV. - - -The lands of some Zemindars, &c., having been held _k’has_,[A] or let in -farm, in consequence of their refusing to pay the assessment required of -them, under the regulations above mentioned, the Governor-General in -Council now notifies to the Zemindars, &c., whose lands are held -_k’has_, that they shall be restored to the management of their lands, -upon their agreeing to the payment of the assessment, which has been, or -may be, required of them, in conformity to the regulations above -mentioned, and that no alteration shall hereafter be made in that -assessment, but that they, and their heirs, and lawful successors, shall -be permitted to hold their respective estates at such an assessment FOR -EVER: and he declares to the Zemindars, &c., whose lands have been let -in farm, that they shall not regain possession of their lands before the -expiration of the period for which they have been farmed, (unless the -farmers shall voluntarily consent to make over to them the remaining -term of their lease, and the Governor-General in Council shall approve -of the transfer,) but, that, at the expiration of that period, upon -their agreeing to the payment of the assessment which may be required of -them, they shall be re-instated, and that no alteration shall afterwards -be made in the assessment; but that they, and their heirs, and lawful -successors, shall be allowed to hold their respective estates at such an -assessment FOR EVER. - - -Footnote A: - - In hand, or in trust. - - ARTICLE V. - - -In the event of the proprietary right in lands that are, or may, become -the property of Government, being transferred to individuals, such -individuals, and their heirs, and lawful successors, shall be permitted -to hold the lands, at the assessment at which they maybe transferred, -FOR EVER. - - - ARTICLE VI. - - -It is well known to the Zemindars, &c., as well as to the inhabitants of -_Bengal_, _Bahar_, and _Orissa_, in general, that, from the earliest -times to the present period, the public assessment upon the lands has -never been fixed; but, that, according to established rule and custom, -the rulers of these provinces have, from time to time, demanded an -encrease of assessment from the proprietors of land; and, that, for the -purpose of obtaining this encrease, not only frequent investigations -have been made, to ascertain the actual produce of their estates, but -that it has been the practice to deprive them of the management of their -lands, and either to let them in farm, or to appoint officers on the -part of Government, to collect the assessments immediately from the -Ryots. The Honorable Court of Directors, considering these usages and -measures to be detrimental to the prosperity of the country, have, with -a view to promote the future ease and happiness of the people, -authorized the foregoing declaration; and the Zemindars, independent -Talookdars, and other actual proprietors of land, with, or on behalf of, -whom a settlement has been made, or may be concluded, are to consider -these orders, fixing the amount of the assessments, as IRREVOCABLE, and -not liable to alteration by any persons whom the Court of Directors may -hereafter appoint to the administration of their affairs in this -country. - -The Governor-General in Council trusts that the proprietors of lands, -sensible of the benefits conferred upon them, by the public assessments -being fixed FOR EVER, will exert themselves in the cultivation of their -lands, under the certainty that they will enjoy exclusively the fruits -of their own good management and industry, and that no demand will ever -be made upon them, their heirs, or successors, by the present, or any -future, Government, for an augmentation of the public assessment, in -consequence of the improvement of their respective estates. - -To discharge the revenues at the stipulated periods, without delay or -evasion, and to conduct themselves with good faith and moderation -towards their dependant Talookdars, and Ryots, are duties at all times -indispensably required from the proprietors of land; and a strict -observance of those duties is now, more than ever, incumbent upon them, -in return for the benefits which they themselves will derive from the -orders now issued. - -The Governor-General in Council therefore expects that the proprietors -of land will not only act in this manner themselves, towards their -dependant Talookdars, but also enjoin the strictest adherence to the -same principles, in the persons whom they may appoint to collect the -rents for them. He further expects they will regularly discharge the -revenue in all seasons, and he accordingly notifies to them, that, in -future, no claims, or applications, for suspensions, or remissions, on -account of drought, inundation, or other calamity of season, will be -attended to; but, that, in the event of any Zemindar, &c., with, or on -behalf of, whom a settlement has been made, or may be concluded, on his -or her heirs, or successors, failing in the punctual discharge of the -public revenue, which has been, or may be, assessed upon their lands, -under the above-mentioned regulations, a sale of the whole of the lands -of the defaulter, or such portion of them as may be sufficient to make -good the means, will positively and invariably take place. - - - ARTICLE VII. - - -To prevent any misconstruction of the foregoing Articles, the -Governor-General in Council thinks it necessary to make the following -declarations to the Zemindars, &c. - -_First._ It being the duty of the ruling power to protect all classes of -people, and more particularly those who, from situation, are most -helpless, the Governor-General in Council will, whenever he may deem it -proper, enact such regulations as he may think necessary for the -protection and welfare of the dependant Talookdars, Ryots, and other -cultivators of the soil; and no Zemindar, &c. shall be entitled, on this -account, to make any objection to the discharge of the fixed assessment -which they have respectively agreed to pay. - -_Second._ The Governor-General in Council having, on the 28th day of -July, 1790, directed the Sayer Collections to be abolished, a full -compensation was granted to the proprietors of land, for the loss of -revenue sustained by them in consequence of that abolition; and he now -declares, that, if he should hereafter think it proper to re-establish -the Sayer Collections, or any other internal duties, and to appoint -officers on the part of Government to collect them, no proprietor of -land will be admitted to any participation thereof, or be entitled to -make any claim for remissions on that account. - -_Third._ The Governor-General in Council will impose such assessments as -he may deem equitable, on all lands at present alienated, and paying no -public revenue, which have been, or may be, proved to be held under -illegal, or invalid titles. The assessment so imposed will belong to -Government, and no proprietor of land will be entitled to any part of -it. - -_Fourth._ The jumma of those Zemindars, &c., which is declared -fixed, in the foregoing articles, is to be considered unconnected -with, and exclusive of, any allowances which have been made to them -in the adjustment of their jumma for keeping up tannahs, or -police-establishments, and also of the produce of any lands which -they may have been permitted to appropriate for the same purpose: -and the Governor-General in Council reserves to himself the option -of resuming the whole, or part, of such allowances, or produce of -such lands, according as he may think proper, in consequence of his -having exonerated the proprietors of land from the charge of keeping -the peace, and appointed officers, on the part of Government, to -superintend the police of the country. - -The Governor-General in Council, however, declares that the allowances, -or the produce of lands, which may be so resumed, will be appropriated -to no other purpose but that of defraying the expence of the police, and -that instructions will be sent to the collectors not to add such -allowance, nor the produce of such lands, to the jumma of the -proprietors of land, but to collect the amount from them separately. - -_Fifth._ Nothing contained in this Proclamation shall be construed to -render the lands of the several descriptions of disqualified -proprietors, specified in the first article of the regulations, -regarding disqualified land-holders, passed on the 15th day of July, -1791, liable to sale for any arrears which may accrue on the fixed jumma -that has been, or may be, assessed upon their lands under the above -mentioned regulations for the decennial settlement, provided that such -arrears have accrued, or may accrue, during the time that they have -been, or may be, dispossessed of the management of their lands under the -said regulations of July the 15th, 1791. - -It is to be understood, however, that, whenever all, or any, of the -descriptions of disqualified land-holders specified in the first article -of the last mentioned regulations, shall be permitted to assume, or to -retain, the management of their lands, in consequence of the ground of -their disqualification no longer existing, or of the Governor-General in -Council dispensing with, altering, or abolishing, those regulations, the -lands of such proprietors will be held responsible for the payment of -the fixed jumma that has been, or may be, assessed thereon, from the -time that the management may devolve upon them, in the same manner as -the lands of all actual proprietors of land who are declared qualified -for the management of their estates; and also of all actual proprietors -who are unqualified for such management, by natural, or other, -disabilities, but do not come within the description of unqualified -land-holders specified in the first article of the regulations of July -the 15th, 1791, are, and will be, held answerable for any arrears that -are, or may become, due from them on the fixed jumma, which they, or any -persons on their behalf, have engaged, or may engage, to pay under the -above mentioned regulations, for the decennial settlement. - - - ARTICLE VIII. - - -That no doubt may be entertained whether proprietors of land are -entitled, under the existing regulations, to dispose of their estates, -without the previous sanction of Government, the Governor-General in -Council notifies to the Zemindars, &c., that they are privileged to -transfer to whomsoever they may think proper, by sale, gift, or -otherwise, their proprietary rights in the whole, or any portion, of -their respective estates, without applying to Government for its -sanction to the transfer; and, that all such transfers will be held -valid, provided they be conformable to the Mahomedan, or to the Hindu, -Laws, [according as the religious persuasions of the parties to each -transaction may render the validity of it determinable by the former, or -the latter, code,] and that they be not repugnant to any regulations now -in force, which may have been passed by the British administration, or -to any regulations that they may enact hereafter.[B] - - -Footnote B: - - Here appears a wide field for innovation! - - ARTICLE IX. - - -From the limitation of the public demand upon the lands, the net income, -and, consequently, the value (independent of encrease obtainable by -improvements) of any landed property, for the assessments on which a -distinct engagement has been, or may be, entered into between Government -and the proprietor, or that may be separately assessed, although -included in one engagement with other estates belonging to the same -proprietor, and which may be offered for public or private sale entire, -will always be ascertainable by a comparison of the amount of the fixed -jumma assessed upon it, (which, agreeably to the foregoing declarations, -is to remain unalterable FOR EVER, to whomsoever the property may be -transferred,) with the whole of its produce, allowing for the charges of -management. - -But it is also essential, that a notification should be made of the -principles upon which the fixed assessment charged upon any such estate -will be apportioned on the several divisions of it, in the event of the -whole of it being transferred, by public or private sale, or otherwise, -in two or more lots, or of a portion of it being transferred, in one, or -two, or more lots, or of its being joint property, and a division of it -being made amongst the proprietors; otherwise, from the want of a -declared rule for estimating the proportion of the fixed jumma, with -which the several shares would be chargeable in such cases, the real -value of each share would be uncertain, and, consequently, the benefits -expected to result, from fixing the public assessment upon the lands, -would be but partially obtained. - -The Governor-General in Council has, accordingly, prescribed the -following rules for apportioning the fixed assessment in the several -cases above mentioned; but, as Government might sustain a considerable -loss of revenue by disproportionate lots of the assessment, were the -apportioning of it, in any of the cases above specified, left to the -proprietors, he requires, that all such transfers, or divisions, as may -be made by the private act of the parties themselves, be notified to the -collector of the revenue of that zillah in which the lands may be -situated, or to such other officer as Government may, in future, -prescribe, in order that the fixed jumma assessed upon the whole estate -maybe apportioned on the several shares, in the manner hereafter -directed; and that the names of the proprietors of each share, and the -jumma charged thereon, may be entered upon the public registers; and -that separate engagements, for the payment of the jumma assessed upon -each share, may be executed by the proprietors, who will thenceforward -be considered as actual proprietors of land. - -And the Governor-General in Council declares, that, if the parties to -such transfers or divisions shall omit to notify them to the collector -of the revenue of the zillah, or such other officer as may be hereafter -prescribed, for the purposes before mentioned, the whole of such estate -will be held responsible to Government for the discharge of the fixed -jumma assessed upon it, in the same manner as if no such transfer or -division had taken place. - -The Governor-General in Council thinks it necessary further to notify, -in elucidation of the declarations contained in this article, (which are -conformable to the principles of the existing regulations,) that if any -Zemindar, &c., shall dispose of a portion of his, or her, lands, as a -dependent Talook, the jumma which may be stipulated to be paid by the -dependent Talook, will not be entered upon the records of Government, -nor will the transfer exempt such lands from being answerable, in common -with the remainder of the estate, for the payment of the public revenue -assessed upon the whole of it, in the event of the proprietor, or his, -or her, successors, falling in arrear from any cause whatever; nor will -it be allowed, in any case, to affect the rights, or claims, of -Government, any more than if it had never taken place. - -_First._ In the event of the whole of the lands of a Zemindar, &c., -with, or on behalf of, whom a settlement has been, or may be, concluded -under the regulations above mentioned, being exposed to public sale, by -the order of the Governor-General in Council, for the discharge of -arrears of assessment, or in consequence of the decision of a court of -justice, in two or more lots, the assessment upon each lot shall be -fixed at an amount which shall bear the same proportion to its actual -produce, as the fixed assessment upon the whole of the lands sold may -bear to their actual produce. This produce shall be ascertained in the -mode that is, or may be, prescribed by the existing regulations, or such -other regulations as the Governor-General in Council may, hereafter, -adopt; and the purchaser, or purchasers, of such lands, and his, or -their, heirs, and lawful successors, shall hold them at the jumma at -which they may be so purchased, FOR EVER. - -_Second._ When a portion of the lands of a Zemindar, &c., with, or on -behalf of, whom a settlement has been, or may be, concluded under the -above regulations, shall be exposed to public sale, by order of the -Governor-General in Council, for the liquidation of arrears of -assessment, or pursuant to the decision of a court of justice, the -assessment upon such lands, if disposed of in one lot, shall be fixed at -an amount which shall bear the same proportion to their actual produce, -as the fixed assessment upon the whole of the lands of such proprietors, -including those disposed of, may bear to the whole of their actual -produce. - -If the lands sold shall be disposed of in two, or more, lots, the -assessment upon each lot shall be fixed at an amount which shall bear -the same proportion to its actual produce, as the fixed assessment upon -the whole of the lands of such proprietor, including those sold, may -bear to the amount of their actual produce. The actual produce of the -whole of the lands of such proprietor, whether the portion of them which -may be sold be disposed of in one, or in two, or in more, lots, shall be -ascertained in the mode that is, or may be, prescribed by the existing -regulations, or such other regulations as the Governor-General in -Council may hereafter enact, and the purchaser, or purchasers, of such -lands, and his, or her, or their, heirs, and successors, will be allowed -to hold them at the jumma at which they may be so purchased, FOR EVER; -and the remainder of the public jumma, which will consequently be -payable by the former proprietor of the whole estate, on account of the -portion of it that may be left in his, or her, possession, will continue -unalterable FOR EVER. - -_Third._ When a Zemindar, &c., with, or on behalf of, whom a settlement -has, or may be, made, shall transfer the whole of his, or her, estate, -in two, or more, distinct portions, to two, or more, persons, or a -portion thereof to one person, or to two, or more, persons in joint -property, by private sale, gift, or otherwise, the assessment upon each -distinct portion of such estate, so transferred, shall be fixed at an -amount which shall bear the same proportion to its actual produce, as -the assessment on the whole estate of the transferring proprietor, of -which the whole, or a portion, nay be so transferred, may bear to the -whole of its actual produce. This produce shall be ascertained in the -mode that is, or may be, prescribed by the existing regulations, or such -other regulations as Government may hereafter adopt; and the person, or -persons, to whom such lands may be transferred, and his, or her, or -their, heirs, and lawful successors, shall hold them at the jumma at -which they were so transferred, FOR EVER; and (where only a portion of -such estate shall be transferred) the remainder of the public jumma, -which will consequently be payable by the former proprietor of the whole -estate, on account of the lands that may remain in his, or her, -possession, shall be continued unalterable FOR EVER. - -_Fourth._ Whenever a division shall be made of lands, the settlement of -which has been, or may be, concluded with, or on behalf of, the -proprietor, or proprietors, and that are, or may become, the joint -property of two, or more, persons, the assessment upon each share shall -be fixed at an amount which shall bear the same proportion to its actual -produce, as the fixed jumma, assessed upon the whole of the estate -divided, may bear to the whole of its actual produce. This produce shall -be ascertained in the mode that is, or may be, prescribed by the -existing regulations, or such other regulations as the Governor-General -in Council may hereafter adopt; and the sharers, and their heirs, and -lawful successors, shall hold their respective shares, at the jumma at -which they may be assessed, FOR EVER. - - - ARTICLE X. - - -The following rules are prescribed respecting the adjustment of the -assessment on the lands of Zemindars, &c., whose farms are, or may be, -held _k’has_, or let in farm, in the event of their being disposed of by -public sale, or transferred by any private act of the proprietor, or of -their being joint property, and a division of them taking place among -the proprietors. - -_First._ If the whole, or a portion, of the lands of a Zemindar, &c., -who may not have agreed to the assessment proposed to him, or her, under -the regulations above mentioned, and whose lands are, or may be, held -_k’has_, or let in farm, shall be exposed to public sale, in one, or -two, or more, lots, pursuant to the decree of a court of justice, such -lands, if _k’has_, shall be disposed of at whatever assessment the -Governor-General in Council may deem equitable, and the purchaser, or -purchasers, of such lands, and his, or her, or their, lawful successors, -or heirs, shall hold the land at the assessment at which they may be so -purchased, FOR EVER. - -If the lands, at the time of their being exposed for sale, shall be held -in farm, and shall be put up in one, or two, or more, lots, they shall -be disposed of under the following conditions. The purchaser, or -purchasers, shall receive during the unexpired part of the term of the -lease of the farmer, whatever such proprietor shall have been entitled -to receive in virtue of his, or her, proprietary rights, on account of -the lands so purchased, and such purchaser, or purchasers, shall engage -to pay, at the expiration of the lease of the farmers, such assessment -on account of the lands as Government may deem equitable. The sum to be -received by the purchaser, or purchasers, during the unexpired part of -the term of the lease of the farmer, and the jumma to be paid by such -purchaser, or purchasers, after the expiration of the lease, shall be -specified at the time of sale, and such purchaser, or purchasers, and -his, or her, or their, heirs, and lawful successors, shall be allowed to -hold the lands, at the assessment at which they may be so purchased, FOR -EVER. - -_Second._ If a Zemindar, &c., whose lands are, or may be, held _k’has_, -or let in farm, shall transfer by private sale, gift, or otherwise, the -whole, or a portion, of his, or her, lands, in one, or two, or more, -lots, the person, or persons, to whom the lands may be so transferred, -shall be entitled to receive from Government, (if the lands are held -_k’has_,) or from the farmer, (if the lands are let in farm,) the -mali-connah to which the former proprietor was entitled, on account of -the lands so transferred. The purchaser, or purchasers, of such lands -will stand in the same predicament as the Zemindars, &c., mentioned in -the fourth article, whose lands are held _k’has_, or have been let in -farm, in consequence of their refusing to pay the assessment required of -them under the before mentioned regulations for the decennial -settlement, and the declarations contained in that article are to be -held applicable to them. - -_Third._ In the event of a division being made in lands that are, or may -become, the joint property of two, or more, persons, and which are, or -may be, held _k’has_, or be let in farm, the proprietors of the several -shares will stand in the same predicament, with regard to their -respective shares, as the Zemindars, &c., specified in the fourth -article, whose lands have been let in farm, or are held _k’has_, in -consequence of their having refused to pay the assessment required of -them under the before mentioned regulations of the decennial settlement, -and the declarations contained in that article are to be considered -applicable to them. - - - ARTICLE XI. - - -The Governor-General in Council avails himself of this opportunity to -notify to the Zemindars, &c., as well as to all other description of -persons, that it is his intention forthwith to establish Courts of -Justice throughout the country, upon such principles as will put it out -of the power of individuals to injure each other with impunity, and -prevent the officers of Government from infringing the rights and -property of any of the inhabitants of these provinces, by ensuring a -speedy and impartial administration of justice in all cases whatever. - -_Dated at Fort-William, the 22nd day of March, 1793, corresponding with - the 12th day of Cheyte, 1199, of the Bengal Æra, and the 9th day of - Shabaun, 1207, Higeree._ - - -In order to comprehend the foregoing more fully, it is proper to state, -that when the _mocurrery_ (or perpetual) system of revenue was -originally proposed, the Governor-General in Council (Marquis -Cornwallis) notified, that it would be tried, in the first instance, for -ten years only; whence the term ‘_decennial settlement_.’ But, whether -from an early conviction of its excellence, or that the Marquis felt -anxious to ensure to the natives, and, as he apprehended, to the Company -also, those immense benefits attendant upon a final adjustment of so -momentous, and so extensive a concern, we see that, previous to his -return to Europe, he rendered the settlement as permanent as human -ability could effect. If report be true, the satisfaction he -experienced, on concluding the settlement, was afterwards greatly -diminished, when, on his re-appointment to India, he found that a -thousand deceptions had been practised by the natives, notwithstanding -every endeavor to frustrate such litigious or deceptive intentions; that -the Company’s finances had been fettered very imprudently by that -restriction which precluded Government from availing itself of growing -resources; and that the ‘Zemindars, independent Talookdars, and other -actual proprietors of land,’ so far from considering themselves to be -under any obligation to the Company, raised their heads with no little -insolence, and, in many instances, even complained that enough had not -been conceded to them. - -The most mortifying fact was, that full one-third of the landed property -within the Company’s provinces had actually been under the hammer. This -was an evil which spoke for itself, and which no gloss, no colors, could -conceal. That, under such a government, property, to the amount of -millions upon millions, should become thus exposed to transfer, was a -reflection that could not fail to rankle in the mind of him, who had -expected to see content, prosperity, and loyalty, teeming in every -quarter! Never was the vanity of man more conspicuously displayed, or -the mortification of disappointed zeal more grievously felt. - -The abrogation of that incertitude, which not only subjected the -land-holder to imposition, but the revenue to much defalcation, was -assuredly a most serious consideration; but, in adopting those measures -which might seem to have the most desirable tendency, it was necessary -to have a full idea of the views and dispositions of the persons on whom -the most essential benefits were to be conferred. A deficiency of -experience, or of insight into their true character, could alone have -led the Marquis into an error, from which the mode of extrication is, I -believe, among the most pressing desiderata of the British government. - -Much pains have been taken to prove, that the _zemindars_, &c., were the -legitimate proprietors of the soil; but a very slight inspection of the -forms of ancient grants, made by the Emperors of Hindostan, must satisfy -the most scrupulous, that no person whatever occupied the soil, except -by tolerance of that power under which it was protected. Until our -acquisition of the _Dewany_, (_i.e._ of the government of the provinces -of Bengal, Bahar, and Orissa,) no fixed tenure, beyond the will of the -ruling despot, was known, or even claimed; to have asserted such a -right, would have been to provoke immediate castigation, and removal -from the lands. - -Even in the times of our own governors, no hesitation was made -respecting the banishment (for it virtually was one) of those who either -assumed a decided claim to the property, or who, from whatever cause, -whether rebellion, mis-management, or unwillingness to pay their rents, -fell in arrears. Such men were always displaced, and others were -appointed in their stead, as a mere matter of course. ‘_Saheb ke -koossy_,’ (its master’s pleasure,) was the patient response of the -offender; who, whatever might be his feelings, or his opinions, felt the -expediency of being perfectly passive on such an occasion. - -I believe the records will prove, that Mr. Hastings, during the ten -years he was in the chair, made a very free use of this well-understood -authority; yet, so far were the natives from thinking him unjust, or -over severe, that, when the intelligence of his being acquitted by -parliament, was received in India, such was the pleasure felt by all -classes, that addresses of congratulation were poured in from every part -of the country! This was a compliment that never had been paid by the -natives to any of our governors, even when about to return to Europe; a -period, at which it might be expected some adulatory addresses might, by -great influence, be obtained: no, it was the spontaneous flow of -gratitude, pity, and admiration; such as never would have been -forth-coming, if the ejectment of a _zemindar_ from his soil had been -considered as the expulsion from an hereditary or established right, -rather than as the removal of tenants-at-will. - -It certainly must appear curious, that we receive eleven-sixteenths of -the produce of the soil _from its proprietors_! Such is, indeed, the -case, taking all upon an average. The peasantry, in a number of -instances, pay more; especially where middle-men (a class of people by -no means scarce in India) are concerned. These are the same harpies all -over the world; never failing to reduce the industrious to distress, and -to seize upon the all of those most unfortunate beings, whom want of -experience, or of interest, may place at their mercy! - -The old system of farming out the country to particular persons, many of -whom rented of the Company to the amount of fifty lacs, (upwards of -£600,000.,) was productive of the greatest evils with which an -industrious, but indigent, population could have to contend! Under that -mode, it was impossible for Government to make certain of its rents, -which were generally remitted in part to the great farmers, lest they -should, in bad seasons, oppress the Ryots, and drive them either to -despair, or out of the country. This was intended as an act of -generosity on the part of Government, which had not the means of -enforcing arrears, otherwise than by the sale of a farmer-general’s -property, whence but a small portion could be expected to result; but, -unhappily, no alleviation of consequence was extended to the real -agriculturist; who, being subject to a very summary process, was often -compelled to embrace ruin, rather than to suffer all the penalties -inflicted by an avaricious and obdurate creditor. - -That such should have been the case under the immediate eye of -Government, may excite much surprize; but it must be considered, that, -under the farming system, the least interference would have instantly -been the signal for universal clamor, and that it would have proved -beyond the power of all the civil servants, throughout the Company’s -territories, to have even registered, much less to have heard, and -settled, all the references which would have been made. - -This difficulty could not fail to be greatly augmented, by the extreme -deficiency then existing of Company’s servants in every part of India; -for, in each of the _zillahs_, or districts, only a collector, with an -assistant, perhaps, was stationed. In one instance, I recollect passing -by a civil station, when marching from one province to another, when the -resident-surgeon was under the necessity of requesting an officer of our -corps to aid him in examining the accounts of the factory, which he had -been obliged to make out; the president and his assistant being both -absent on public business. This occurrence afforded not only much -amusement, but a wide scope for observation regarding the paucity of -Europeans employed at the out-stations. - -In those days, the collector had abundance of duty to perform; for he -was not simply to settle all accounts respecting the revenue, and, in -some instances, of manufactures provided for the Company’s homeward -cargoes, but the whole of the criminal, as well as of the civil, code of -justice, were under his control: whatever petty offences were committed, -or whatever disputes arose among the inhabitants, became equally his -province to enquire into. Fortunately, the _banian_, or _dewan_, -employed, used to take a very considerable portion of such toil off -master’s hands, and to prevent, by a kind of petty _adaulut_, or -tribunal, held in some corner of the office, or perhaps at his own -house, thousands of references to his principal. The chief renter of the -_zillah_ being often employed as _banian_ to the collector, it is easy -to imagine to which side justice, as it was called, used to incline. - -Within the last twenty years, the number of servants employed by the -Company has been greatly augmented; not only on account of their -extension of territory, but, in consequence of the separation, very -judiciously made, of two offices, incompatible to be held by the same -individual. The collector is now, except in a very few _zillahs_ of less -note, confined to the collection of the revenues, having under him one -or more assistants, according to the extent of his district. - -The whole of the judicial proceedings are under cognizance of a judge, -who, aided by his register, decides civil causes between parties -residing within his jurisdiction; while the criminal catalogue is handed -over to a court composed of natives versed in the Mahomedan and Hindu -laws, though the former are, generally, the guide. These native judges -are superintended in their proceedings by three of the Company’s -servants of long standing, having likewise under them a secretary, or -register. - -Such tribunals are established in various parts of the country, -particularly at Calcutta, Moorshadabad, Dacca, Patna, Benares, and in -the Ceded Provinces, under the designation of Provincial Courts of -Appeal and Circuit. There are, besides, judges, each having a register -and an assistant, stationed at Benares, Moorshadabad, Patna, and Dacca, -for the especial purpose of administering justice, and for the -correction of abuses within those cities respectively. - -The stations of the _zillah_ courts, and of the collectors, are as -follow:— - - - Agra, │Dacca, │Nuddeah, - - Allahabad, │Dinapore, │Purneah, - - Ally-Ghur, │Etayah, │Rajeshaye, - - Backergunge, │Furruckabad, │Ramghur, - - Bareilly, │Gorackpore, │Rungpore, - - Bahar, │Hoogly, │Sahacunpore, - - Benares, │Jessore, │Sarun, - - Beerboom, │Juanpore, │Shahabad, - - Boglepore, │Meerat, │Sylhet, - - Burdwan, │Mirzapore, │Tipperah, - - Cawnpore, │Momensing, │Tirhoot, - - Chittagong, │Moorshadabad, │Twenty-four - │ │ Pergunnahs. - - Cuttack, │Moradabad, │ - - -The stations of the commercial residents, whose duty is entirely -confined to the providing of investments for the Company’s shipping, -are, - - - Bareilly, │Goruckpore, │Mauldah, - - Bauleah, │Hurial, │Midnapore, - - Commercolly, │Hurripaul, │Patna, - - Cossimbazar, │Jungipore, │Radnagore, - - Dacca, │Keerpoy, │Rungpore, - - Etayah, │Luckypore and │Santipore, - │ Chittagong, │ - - Golagore, │ │Soonamooky. - - -Collectors of government customs, most of whom are also collectors of -town duties, are stationed at - - - Benares, │Dacca, │Moorshadabad, - Calcutta, │Furruckabad, │ and Patna. - Cawnpore, │Hoogly, │ - - -The diplomatic residents are as follow:—at - - - _Delhi._ The Court of the Emperor. - - _Hyderabad._ The Court of the Nizam. - - _Lucknow._ The Court of the Nabob Vizier of Oude. - - _Mysore._ The Court of the Rajah, (late Tippoo’s - country.) - - _Nagpore._ The Court of the Berar Maharrattahs. - - _Poonah._ The Court of the Peishwa, and with - Dowlut Row Scindeah, one of the Chiefs - of the Maharrattah League. - - -The difference that has been made by the conduct of the British -government, in the suppression of an immense number of farmers on the -large scale, and of middle-men that again stood between those farmers -and the peasants, has been immense. In many places, the lands are now in -the possession of an industrious population, holding them from the -renters, or, if I may use the term, from the proprietors of villages and -small _talooks_, consisting of, perhaps, three or four thousand -_bigahs_: the revenues are thus rendered far more easy of collection, -and, consequently, more certain; because it is now the interest of every -honest renter to be forth-coming with his rents at the office of the -collector, at the several periods when they should be paid. - -Those periods are not equi-distant, as in England; but are generally -settled in such manner as may be convenient to the tenants, according as -their several crops may be reasonably expected to become marketable. The -division is by a certain number of annas, or sixteenths, in each rupee, -being payable at particular seasons; allowance being made for the -different species of grain, &c., cultivated. There being no harvest of -grain from the beginning of November to the beginning of March, the -collections generally fall light in the intermediate months, but, about -April and May, a large portion usually becomes payable, and again, in -Bengal, after the rice is harvested: but, on the whole, the rent may be -commonly taken at four instalments, two of which are considerable, and -two of smaller portions of the rupee. - -The heavy _kists_, or collections, of Bengal, are from August to -January, in the proportion of two-thirds of the whole rent; the great -crops in that quarter being cut after the rains. The gruff _kists_, -which include the _rubbee_, or small harvest of white-corn, sugar, &c., -come in between January and the beginning of May. The fruits, fish, &c., -from April to July. In Bengal, the year begins in April; in Bahar, it -begins in September. All the collections are made in money. Mr. Grant, -formerly collector of Bhauglepore, has published a small tract on the -subject of the revenues, which I strongly recommend to my readers: the -work is, I believe, rarely to be obtained; therefore, a new edition -seems to be loudly demanded. - -It is to be feared, that, however beneficial the existing system may be, -and, however equitable the arrangements made under the _Mocurrery_ -settlement have proved themselves, still the Company are not likely to -be benefitted in proportion to the assiduity they have displayed, or to -the tenderness with which the rights of their subjects have been -regarded. - -This, however, is to be said; that, according as the enterprize of -individuals may, by degrees, give additional value to the soil, by an -immense encrease of exportation, from various parts of the country, of a -million of commodities, which, until latterly, were either unknown, or -unheeded, so will the duties collected at the several _chokies_, -(custom-house stations,) and at the several ports, together with the -demand for British manufactures, be proportionally augmented. - -It should be very generally made known, that the Company receive into -their treasury all the realized property of persons demising in India, -under letters of administration, or under the acts of executors, duly -acknowledged and certified by the supreme courts of justice at the -several presidencies. This effectually secures the interest persons in -Europe may have in the estates of friends, &c., dying in India: so -rigidly is this observed, that the relatives of any private soldier may -fully ascertain how his property, if any, has been disposed of, and -receive whatever sums may be forth-coming from the sale of his effects, -&c. - -Such a measure fully guards the principal of any sum left in the -Company’s treasury; while, at the same time, the most pleasing facility -is given to individuals, to enable them, or their attornies, to receive -the interest, either at the presidency, or in the _moofussul_, (that is, -from the collectors,) according as may be convenient: but such can only -be done under a specific power of attorney. - -The generality of traders, who resort to distant inland markets, near -which to reside, or who, in favorable situations, become conspicuous as -manufacturers, whether of indigo, cloth, sugar, &c., have invariably -some connection with one or more agency-houses at the presidency; on -these they draw their bills, generally for hypothecated cargoes, sent -from the manufactory, either to be sold by them, or to be shipped for -Europe. This, under a pure agency, is unexceptionable, provided the firm -rests on the broad basis of absolute property, and does not play with -the cash belonging to its less speculative constituents: such may be -said to be merely the bankers of those whose consignments they receive, -and pass on to this country without participating in the adventure; and -confining themselves to a stipulated per centage on the amounts of -invoices, according to the scale in common use. - -Agency-houses are not confined to British subjects; the Portugueze, the -Armenians, the Greeks, and others, form a portion of several firms of -great respectability; or, at least, of those companies which, under -different designations, insure the greater part of those vessels, which -either sail from India to Europe direct, or that traverse the Indian -seas, according to the state of the monsoons; carrying on a lucrative -trade among the several Asiatic ports. - -It must not be supposed, that persons devoting their whole attention to -the concern of others, in such a climate, where the expences are very -great, and from which it is an object with most adventurers, and -speculators, to retire with such a competency as should afford some -enjoyments during the decline of life, are to be remunerated in the same -manner as though they had merely to attend their counting-houses in -London for a very few hours daily. The Indian agent must keep a large -establishment of _sircars_, _podars_, &c., and must maintain extensive -connections in various parts of the country: nay, he is often expected -to have an apartment, or two, in his dwelling, devoted to the -accommodation of such of his country correspondents as may occasionally -visit the presidency. - -Combining all these circumstances, it will be evident, that his charges -for commission must be such as, among us, would appear extravagantly -high. The same causes operate towards raising the expences of a suit in -the supreme court of judicature equally above those of the British -courts; though the latter are certainly full high enough! - -The terms of receiving, or paying, money, in exchange with Europe, -China, or other parts, are completely arbitrary; being governed solely -by the value of money to any particular firm at the time of negociating: -I have known instances of some firms declining to offer more than two -shillings and sixpence for a sicca rupee, bills being given payable at -six months after sight in Europe, while others, whose stability appeared -equally solid, offered two shillings and nine-pence for the same -accommodation. - -In point of commerce, Calcutta may, perhaps, be properly classed with -Bristol; making this allowance, that what the former wants in the number -of vessels employed, is made up by their average tonnage being -considerable, and the value of their cargoes far superior. The length of -the voyage must likewise be taken into consideration: a vessel may, -during times of profound peace, make three voyages within twelve months, -from Bristol to America, or the West Indies, and back again, and the -same either to the Baltic, or to the Levant; whereas, few Indiamen make -more than one return to their moorings in the Thames under fifteen -months; the majority are out from fifteen to twenty months. - -Hence, all our British ports appear more crowded, taking the year round, -than Calcutta, which, from July to November, or even to January, often -presents a forest of masts; while, on the other hand, during the rest of -the year, only such vessels as may be under repair, or that have lost -their season, or that beat up the bay against the _monsoon_, are to be -seen in the river. - -I have already explained, that, during half the year, that is, from -about the middle of March to the middle of September, the wind is -southerly, but then gradually changes to the northward, from which -quarter it blows regularly for about five months, when it again -gradually veers about to the southward. This gives name to the -‘northerly and southerly _monsoons_;’ which all navigators study to take -advantage of: the difference in going with, or against the _monsoon_, -from Calcutta to Madras, or _vice versâ_, often makes the difference of -full five or six weeks, sometimes more: the trip being very commonly -made in a week with the _monsoon_; but, against it, sometimes occupying -no less than three months! - -Few ships make more than one trip between Malabar and China, within the -year, on account of the _monsoon_; but, between the intermediate ports -from Bombay to Calcutta, two trips may be considered the average. During -the wars with Hyder, and his son Tippoo, vessels have made four trips -within the year, from Bengal to Madras; but such must not be considered -a fair standard, three being considered a great exertion. - -The town of Calcutta, which is estimated at a population of a hundred -thousand souls, whereof not more than one thousand are British, is -situated very advantageously for commerce. The Hoogly, which is -navigable for ships of a thousand tons, at least thirty-five miles above -Calcutta, communicates with the Ganges, by means of the Cossimbazar -river, and has communications with the whole of the Sunderbund Passages, -either through Tolley’s Canal, the creek called Chingrah Nullah, or the -southern passage, through Channel Creek, which is adopted by the greater -part of the vessels conveying rice and salt from the Soonderbunds: these -are of a very stout construction, suited to those wide expanses of water -they have to cross in that very hazardous line of navigation. - -The average depth of water, within a stone’s throw of the eastern bank, -on which Calcutta ranges for several miles, (including the suburbs up to -the Maharrattah Ditch,) may be from six to eight fathoms when the tide -is out. At particular places, the water deepens very suddenly, but, in -most parts, a shelf, abounding with mud, runs out for sixty or seventy -yards, down to low water mark, where the bank falls off, so that ships -of any burthen may moor within a very few yards. The great front thus -given to the town, affords innumerable facilities to those concerned in -the shipping; especially as the custom-house, which is on the quay -belonging to the old fort, stands nearly centrical, in respect to the -European population. - -The _donies_, which are small craft intended for the coasting trade -carried on principally by native merchants, commonly lie higher up, -opposite the Chitpore _m’hut_, or temple; there, in tiers, much the same -as the shipping in the Thames, these _pariah_ vessels present a contrast -with the superb edifices under British management, and at once -characterize not only the ignorance, but the narrow minds of their -owners. - -Few _donies_ measure more than a hundred and fifty tons, or have more -than two masts; sloops are by far most common, and the generality are -equipped with _coir_ cordage, as well as with country-made canvas. - -The greater portion of these vessels return either in ballast, after -delivering their cargoes of rice, at various ports in the Northern -Sircars, or perhaps in the Carnatic; or they import with light cargoes, -composed chiefly of _coir_ and _cowries_, from the Sechelles and -Maldivies; to which they likewise, now and then, make a bold voyage, at -favorable seasons, with small invoices of coarse cottons, fit for the -use of those islanders. - -Here, and there, we see a _doney_ with some European on board to -navigate her; but, in general, only natives are employed; and the -Europe-ships, which arrive with crews from their respective country, are -often compelled to take a portion of lascars on board, for the purpose -of aiding those who survive the pestilential miasma, to which they are -so inconsiderately, or, more properly, inhumanly, subjected, while lying -at Diamond-Harbour, &c. Those who escape with their lives, are usually -much weakened by severe attacks of the ague, of which they rarely get -quit, until relieved by an alterative course of mercury, in conjunction -with the change of air experienced by getting out to sea. - -I shall, for the present, take leave of my readers; observing, that I am -now preparing for the press a work intended to give a full, but compact, -‘DESCRIPTION OF INDIA IN GENERAL.’ In that work, it will be my study so -to combine and arrange the several important matters coming under -consideration, as to render the whole of whatever may relate to that -interesting quarter, fully intelligible, and equally familiar. - - FINIS. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - - 1810. - - A LIST OF BOOKS ON - - =Oriental Literature,= - - _&c._ - - That will be found useful to - - _Writers, Cadets, and Gentlemen going to the East Indies_, - - SOLD BY - - BLACK, PARRY, AND KINGSBURY, - - _Booksellers to the Honorable East India Company_, - - Stationers, Map, and Chart Sellers, - - 7, LEADENHALL-STREET. - - ---------- - - _Oriental Language, &c._ - - _The following valuable Works are by J. BORTHWICK GILCHRIST, Esq. - LL. D. late Professor of Hindoostanee, at the College, - Fort-William, Calcutta._ - - £. _s._ _d._ - - Bagho Buhar, or the Entertaining Story of the Four - Friars, in Hindoostanee prose 1 0 0 - - British Indian Monitor, or the Anti-jargonist - Strangers’ Guide, and Oriental Linguist, 2 vol. 4 4 0 - - Dialogues, English and Hindoostanee, on Domestic, - Military, and Medical Subjects, &c. 0 10 0 - - Gooli Buchawalee, a celebrated Eastern Romance 0 16 0 - - Hidayet ool Islam, in Hindoostanee and Arabic, or - the Moosulman’s Common Prayer Book, vol. 1. 0 15 0 - - Hindee Arabic Mirror, or Improved Tabular View of - Arabic Words in the Hindoostanee Language 0 5 0 - - Hindee Moral Preceptor, or Persian Scholar’s - Shortest Road to the Hindoostanee Language, _et - vice versâ_ 1 0 0 - - Hindee Roman Alphabetical Prospectus 0 2 6 - - . . . . . . 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Movements, &c. of Infantry, 8vo. bds. 0 7 6 - - Smirke’s Review of a Battalion of Infantry, 8vo. 0 7 0 - - Struensee’s Fortification, 8vo. bds. 0 7 6 - - BIBLES—PRAYER BOOKS—STATIONARY, &c. - - _Where may be had, the most Esteemed Works and Modern Publications, - also the latest and most accurate Atlasses, Maps, Charts, &c._ - - - Printed by Turner and Harwood, - St. John’s Square, London. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - Transcriber’s Note - -At the top of p. 175, the line ‘Brought forward 170’ represents a -continuation of table begun on the previous page. That page break being -moot here, the line has been removed as redundant. - -The following issues should be noted, along with the resolutions. There -are frequent characters, particularly punctuation, which were not -visible in the copy upon which this text is based. Where the missing -character is obvious, it has been restored, as noted. - -Keeping in mind the vintage of the text, spelling has generally been -followed. Where obvious printer’s errors occur, they have been -corrected, as noted below. - -The city ‘Allahabad’ is printed twice, incorrectly, as ‘Allahahad’ on p. -257 and p. 327. It appears correctly elsewhere. These two instances have -been corrected. - - - p. vi brackis[h] waters Restored. - - p. 11 regularl[y] Restored. - - p. 13 compet[it]ing Corrected. - - p. 14 harder kinds of _gutty_[;] Restored. (Most - probably.) - - p. 15 in with sufficient[missing word?] to _Sic._ - heat - - p. 42 wo[o]llen Added. - - p. 47 as large as a quartern l[ao/oa]f Transposed. - - p. 93 rem[ar]kably sweet Restored. - - p. 202 The enig[n/m]a Corrected. - - p. 218 th[er/re]e Transposed. - - p. 239 is [c]onfined to the care Restored. - - p. 243 Moorshada[ba]bad Redundant. - Removed. - - p. 257 Allaha[h/b]ad Corrected. - - p. 261 either o[n] account of Restored. - - p. 263 c[o/a]ntonments Corrected. - - p. 272 ordinar[il]y Added. - - p. 277 atmosphere[;] while Restored. - - p. 288 succombed _Sic._ - - p. 328 Allaha[h/b]ad Corrected. - - p. 333 less expence tha[t/n] twenty-five rupees Corrected. - - p. 358 lie to the wes[t]ward of Saugur Added. - - p. 385 notwithstandi[n]g Added. - - [a/i]t will be proper Corrected. - - p. 395 ea[r]gerness Removed. - - p. 405 ascertain[in]g Added. - - [s]hould be placed Restored. - - p. 412 _sine [qûa/quâ] non_ Corrected. - - p. 415 Colonel Richar[sd/ds]on Transposed. - - p. 420 encomiu[n/m] Corrected. - - p. 461 the Company’s [stalions] _Sic._ - - p. 468 sad[d]lers Added. - - p. 484 pursuant to the [desicion/decision] Corrected. - - p. 496 Hyd[e]rabad Added. - - p. 505 but, in [in ]general, Line break - duplication. - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The East India Vade-Mecum, Volume 2 -(of 2), by Thomas Williamson - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK EAST INDIA VADE-MECUM, VOL 2 *** - -***** This file should be named 51472-0.txt or 51472-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/1/4/7/51472/ - -Produced by KD Weeks, deaurider and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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} - a:link { text-decoration: none; } - div.tnotes { padding-left:1em;padding-right:1em;background-color:#E3E4FA; - border:1px solid silver; margin:1em 5% 0 5%; text-align: justify;} - td.hang { padding-left: 0.50in; text-indent: -0.25in; } - sup { font-size: 0.8em; } - ul.kd1 { list-style-type: none; margin-left: 6em; padding-left: 0px; } - div.epubonly { visibility: hidden; display: none; } - .blackletter { font-family: "Old English Text MT", Gothic, serif;} - .column-container { text-align: center; clear: both; padding-left: 1em; width:100%; - } - .column { display: inline-block; text-align: left; vertical-align: middle; - width:30%;} - @media handheld { div.epubonly { visibility: visible; display: block;}} - </style> - </head> - <body> - - -<pre> - -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The East India Vade-Mecum, Volume 2 (of 2), by -Thomas Williamson - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: The East India Vade-Mecum, Volume 2 (of 2) - or, complete guide to gentlemen intended for the civil, - military, or naval service of the East India Company. - -Author: Thomas Williamson - -Release Date: March 16, 2016 [EBook #51472] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK EAST INDIA VADE-MECUM, VOL 2 *** - - - - -Produced by KD Weeks, deaurider and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div class='tnotes'> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>Transcriber’s Note:</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c001'>Minor errors, attributable to the printer, have been corrected. Please -see the transcriber’s <a href='#endnote'>note</a> at the end of this text -for details regarding the handling of any textual issues encountered -during its preparation.</p> - -<div class='epubonly'> - -<p class='c001'>The cover image has been modified to include the title, author and -publication date, and is, so modified, added to the public domain.</p> - -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_I'>I</span>THE</div> - <div class='c000'><span class='large'><em>EAST INDIA</em></span></div> - <div class='c000'><span class='xlarge'>VADE-MECUM.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div> - <h1 class='c002'>THE <br /> <em>EAST INDIA</em> <br /> VADE-MECUM;</h1> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c000'> - <div>OR,</div> - <div class='c000'><span class="blackletter">Complete Guide</span></div> - <div class='c000'><span class='small'>TO</span></div> - <div class='c000'><span class='small'>GENTLEMEN INTENDED FOR THE</span></div> - <div class='c000'><span class='large'><em>CIVIL, MILITARY, OR NAVAL SERVICE</em></span></div> - <div class='c000'><span class='small'>OF THE</span></div> - <div class='c000'>HON. EAST INDIA COMPANY.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class='c003' /> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='small'>BY</span></div> - <div class='c000'><span class='large'>CAPTAIN THOMAS WILLIAMSON,</span></div> - <div class='c000'><i>Author of ‘The Wild Sports of the East.’</i></div> - <div class='c004'>IN TWO VOLUMES.</div> - <div class='c000'><span class='large'><em>VOL. II.</em></span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class='c005' /> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><em>LONDON</em>:</div> - <div class='c000'>PRINTED FOR BLACK, PARRY, AND KINGSBURY,</div> - <div class='c000'><span class='small'>Booksellers to the Honorable East India Company,</span></div> - <div class='c000'>7,</div> - <div class='c000'><span class='small'>LEADENHALL-STREET.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class='c006' /> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>1810.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_v'>v</span> - <h2 class='c007'><span class='large'>CONTENTS</span> <br /> <span class='small'>OF</span> <br /> VOL. II.</h2> -</div> - -<table class='table0' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='83%' /> -<col width='6%' /> -<col width='3%' /> -<col width='6%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='c008'></td> - <td class='c009' colspan='3'><span class='small'>PAGES</span></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'><i>Great Heats, modes of refrigeration, general plan of building, various kinds of lime and cement, tarras floors</i></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_1'>1</a></td> - <td class='c009'>-</td> - <td class='c011'>16</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Pucka <em>and</em> Cutcha <i>houses, ancient buildings, white-ants, sleeping in the open air, floors on pots, north-westers, bungalows and out-offices, mats of sorts, satrinjes, cheeks, glass windows, talc as a substitute, Chalk-Hills, purdahs</i></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_17'>17</a></td> - <td class='c009'>-</td> - <td class='c011'>53</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'><i>Various kinds of timber, modes of floating them, prices, and uses, mango-fruit, and plantations</i></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_54'>54</a></td> - <td class='c009'>-</td> - <td class='c011'>84</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'><i>Bamboos, mode of fitting-out trading-boats, toddy-tree, coir rigging, cocoa-nuts, oil from them,</i> meemii-ke-tale, <i>writing on cocoa-tree leaves, hot winds</i></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_84'>84</a></td> - <td class='c009'>-</td> - <td class='c011'>106</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'><i>State of society among Europeans, sitting-up, meals, wines, malt liquors. Invalid Establishment, levees, sugar-candy, bread, camp-ovens, milk, ghee-butter, meats, buffaloes</i></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_107'>107</a></td> - <td class='c009'>-</td> - <td class='c011'>149</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_vi'>vi</span><i>Spirits, wines, fish, poultry, table apparatus, furniture, china-bazar, Europe-shops, wax and candles, insects, snakes of sorts, antidotes to their poison, musquitoes, and curtains to repel them, cock-roaches, scorpions, centipedes, wasps, hornets</i></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_150'>150</a></td> - <td class='c009'>-</td> - <td class='c011'>198</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'><i>Shampoing, amusements, theatres, races, gaming, music, balls,—Churches, schools, Fort-William, military establishments</i></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_198'>198</a></td> - <td class='c009'>-</td> - <td class='c011'>223</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'><i>False ideas of Indian prosperity, anecdote, depreciation of specie, the bore, brackish waters, preservation of rain-water. The several great rivers, physical properties, fossile alkali, streams impregnated with minerals, inundations, Hindu corpses, plague not known in India</i></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_223'>223</a></td> - <td class='c009'>-</td> - <td class='c011'>267</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'><i>Tanks and jeels, eleemosynary alligators, seraies, gunjes, durgaws, Hill people, bunds, quicksands, wells on great roads, hot-wells, sol-lunar influence on fevers, huckeems, state of medicine, refrigerating principle, state of learning, Koits, Láláhs, Gooroos, good books</i></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_268'>268</a></td> - <td class='c009'>-</td> - <td class='c011'>325</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'><i>Posts, and conveyance of parcels, &c., travelling in a palanquin, rice, mode of expelling weevils, meal from barley, wheat, &c., travelling by water, the Soonderbund Passage, water in jars, fire-wood, New Harbour, entrances of the Hoogly River. Opinions regarding</i> Gour, <i>and the great Delta of the Ganges</i></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_325'>325</a></td> - <td class='c009'>-</td> - <td class='c011'>366</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'><em>Salt manufacture</em></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_366'>366</a></td> - <td class='c009'>-</td> - <td class='c011'>368</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'><i>Hire of budjrows, rates and distances, precautions, contraband trade, trading and baggage-boats, tracking, Decoits, or pirates, guards requisite, Coolies, Chokeydars, and Dowraws, expert thieves, anecdotes, leger de main, puppet-shows, gymnastic feats, Nuts, or Indian gypsies, curious comparison of their language</i></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_368'>368</a></td> - <td class='c009'>-</td> - <td class='c011'>420</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_vii'>vii</span><i>Slavery, how far tolerated, Indian Lock-Hospitals, summary punishment of adultery, curious incident, dancing-girls</i></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_420'>420</a></td> - <td class='c009'>-</td> - <td class='c011'>429</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'><i>Elephants, their points, qualities, prices, &c., camels, the appropriate soils, conveying them over rivers, bullocks, the Company’s regulations, tattoos, or indigenous breed of horses, tanians, tazees, serissahs, horses imported from Persia, the Punjab, &c., stables</i></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_430'>430</a></td> - <td class='c009'>-</td> - <td class='c011'>467</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'><i>Tanning, artificers, great improvements made in most professions, newspapers, Persian Akbars, paper</i></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_468'>468</a></td> - <td class='c009'>-</td> - <td class='c011'>473</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'><i>The Mocurrery (or perpetual) System of Revenue. The periods for collection, stations of collectors, judges, commercial residents, custom masters, and diplomatic characters</i></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_474'>474</a></td> - <td class='c009'>-</td> - <td class='c011'>497</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'><i>Security afforded to private property, inland traders, agency-houses, rates of commission and remittance, trade and situation of Calcutta. Conclusion</i></td> - <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_498'>498</a></td> - <td class='c009'>-</td> - <td class='c011'>506</td> - </tr> -</table> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c012'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_1'>1</span><span class='small'>THE</span></div> - <div class='c000'><span class='large'>EAST INDIA</span></div> - <div class='c000'><span class='xlarge'>VADE-MECUM.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c013'>For some months, generally during the latter -part of the rains, the weather is so close and -sultry, that universal exudation takes place, -even while sitting quiet. The natives, as I remarked -in the outset of this subject, have, -from experience, adopted a very different mode -from that we should have expected to find in -use, under such a latitude. We should, no -doubt, have been prepared to see airy habitations, -through which the wind could pass freely -in every direction. But it is far otherwise; -and Europeans have, at length, become convinced, -that the most insupportable heats are -derived from the glare of light objects; or, in -other words, from the reflection of surfaces intensely -acted upon by a vertical sun.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Some conception may be formed of that intensity, -from the fact of meat having been broiled -<span class='pageno' id='Page_2'>2</span>on the cannon mounted upon the ramparts of -Fort-William! We, therefore, must coincide -with the habits of the natives, to a certain extent, -if we mean to retain health, or to acquire -comfort. Such, indeed, should, in every country, -be held in view: for, however absurd many -practices may at first appear, it will ordinarily -result that necessity was their parent. I do -not mean to say that we should imitate, much -less adopt, without discrimination, all we see; -but it may be considered an axiom, that, by -taking the general outline of indigenous customs -for our guide, if we err, it will be on the -safe side. Nothing can be more preposterous -than the significant sneers of gentlemen on their -first arrival in India; meaning, thereby, to ridicule, -or to despise, what they consider effeminacy, -or luxury. Thus, several may be seen -annually walking about without <em>chattahs</em>, (<em>i.e.</em> -umbrellas,) during the greatest heats; they affect -to be ashamed of requiring aid, and endeavor -to uphold, by such a display of indifference, -the great reliance placed on strength of constitution. -This unhappy infatuation rarely exceeds -a few days; at the end of that time, -sometimes only of a week, (nay, I have known -the period to be much shorter,) we too often -are called upon to attend the funeral of the -self-deluded victim! The first attack is generally -announced by cold shiverings, and bilious -<span class='pageno' id='Page_3'>3</span>vomiting; delirium speedily ensues, when putrefaction -advances with such hasty strides, as -often to render interment necessary so soon as -can possibly be effected.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The glare is certainly far more distressing -than exposure to the sun, at some seasons: but -nothing can equal the effects of both glare and -sun-shine, acting upon the human frame, during -a Midsummer’s day; when, perhaps, not a -breath of air is moving, when every leaf seems -to repose, and every bird, saving the vulture, -the adjutant, (or argeelah,) and the kite, retires -to some shady spot, to avoid the solar ray. -At such times, the peaceful Hindu confines -himself to an apartment, from which light is -generally excluded: there he sits among his -family, enjoying his pipe, refreshing himself -occasionally by bathing, drinking the pure beverage -afforded by some adjacent spring or well; -and, in general, avoiding to eat, except of ripe -fruits, especially the <em>turbooz</em>, or water-melon, -until the cool of the evening. In the meanwhile, -however, he perspires copiously, even -though in a state of inactivity, unless when -refreshed by a <em>punkah</em>, or fan, moved either by -his own hand, or by that of some menial.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The instinct of the birds above named, to -wit, the argeelah, the vulture, and the kite, all -of which are extremely numerous throughout -India, and contribute greatly to the salubrity of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_4'>4</span>the air, by carrying off astonishing quantities -of putrefactive offal, &c., is wonderful! About -mid-day, when the sun’s beams strike with -incredible force upon the earth’s surface, these -feathered scavengers ascend, perhaps to the -height of seven or eight hundred yards, so that -the largest of them, (the argeelah) is scarcely -discernible: there they soar beyond the reach -of reflection from the heated soil, enjoying the -freshness of a cooler atmosphere, and descending -only when allured by the scent of prey. -Their sense of smelling must, indeed, be acute; -for we see them, especially the vultures, flying -for miles, and from all quarters, towards some -carcase, usually that of a Hindu, floating down -the stream, or stranded upon some shelving -bank; but so situated as to render it perfectly -certain that the visual faculties could have no -concern in the discovery.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Few of the natives have <em>tatties</em> applied to their -doors, or windows; though by no means insensible -to the gratification they afford; but -penury, or, to say the least, close and parsimonious -economy, prompt to the denial of -such a comfort; a comfort without which any -constitution, not inured to the climate, would -speedily give way. It is really curious to observe -what may be effected by habit! When -we understand how fatally the sun’s rays act -upon our European frames, even while under -<span class='pageno' id='Page_5'>5</span>the shade of a thick painted umbrella, and although -our diet may be nearly similar to that -of the most abstemious Hindu, it certainly must -appear wonderful, that children, of whatever -age, whose rapid circulation, and sable color, -should, according to the estimates we form of -temperament, be highly unfavorable to such -exposure, run about at all seasons, bare-headed, -and perfectly nude; seeming to set the sun, -the wind, and the rain, alike at defiance. We see -the same individuals making long journies, in -the most torrid seasons, under nearly similar circumstances; -nay, they even carry <em>bangies</em>, containing, -on an average, full a <em>maund</em>, (82lb. avoirdupoise,) -sixteen, eighteen, twenty miles, or even -more, under such an oppressive heat as would -kill an European outright; and this, too, for a -few pence. If, in considering this point, we -urge the benefits of extreme temperance, we -urge that which often does not exist; since -many, who practise the above, may be ranked -among the most arduous votaries of Bacchus, -devouring fish, flesh, and fowl, highly spiced, -whenever their purses, or the bounty of others, -may afford them so welcome a regale. When -we see the several shop-keepers, in every city -and town, serving their customers, or, in their -absence, smoking like Vesuvius, in their little -<em>boutiques</em>, exposed to the glare, and to the -burning winds; when we see these persons, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_6'>6</span>with parched skins, and their eyes violently irritated, -and clogged, by the clouds of dust which -range along the streets, and which, occasionally -taking a whirl, nearly suffocate all within their -reach; we may then fairly admire the force of -habit, and congratulate ourselves on the blessings -of a more temperate climate!</p> - -<p class='c001'>In the same situations, we see two classes of -persons, both natives of the soil, acting in -diametric opposition to each other; and exhibiting -that powerful resistance capable of being -made by long residence, or rather by aboriginal -habitude, against that which never fails to consign -our countrymen to the grave. The former -class confine themselves, as much as their avocations -may permit, within gloomy, but cool, -chambers; living most abstemiously, yet, at -certain times, exposing themselves in the most -unequivocal manner to the severest heats: the -other, perfectly inattentive to the dictates of prudence, -yet performing what we may fairly term -wonders, in opposition to their destructive -locality. When the English first visited India, -they adopted a mode of building by no means -consistent with common sense, and displaying -a total ignorance of the most simple of nature’s -laws. We accordingly find, that all the old -buildings, such as may lay claim to a duration -of from forty to sixty years, were, like the -celebrated Black-Hole, constructed more like -<span class='pageno' id='Page_7'>7</span>ovens, than like the habitations of enlightened -beings. The doors were very small, the windows -still less, in proportion, while the roofs -were carried up many feet above both. Those -roofs were in themselves calculated to retain -heat to an extreme, being built of solid tarras, -at least a foot thick, lying horizontally upon -immense timbers, chiefly of teak, or of saul -wood. Again, when they built <em>bungalows</em>, (<em>i.e.</em> -thatched houses,) of one (ground) floor only, -the utmost care was taken to close up all the -intervals between the thatch, and the walls, on -which it rested; so as to exclude the external -air, as well as the dust: a practice religiously -observed even to the present date. The obvious -consequence of this latter construction is, that, -whatever air is retained between the thatch, -(which, in the course of the day, becomes very, -very warm,) and the upper lines of the windows -must be highly rarefied.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Thus, we invariably observe, that, towards -sun-set, when the inhabitants quit the inner -hall, &c., either to sit out on <em>chabootahs</em>, (<em>i.e.</em> -large terraces,) raised perhaps a foot or two -from the level of the area, and abundantly -watered for the occasion; or when they remove -to the windward <em>veranda</em> (or balcony); on -either of these occasions, the interior becomes -intolerably hot, on account of the rarefied air -being drawn down by that current inevitably -<span class='pageno' id='Page_8'>8</span>attendant upon the removal of all the <em>tatties</em>; -and, by the throwing open of all the doors and -windows.</p> - -<p class='c001'>In a preceding page, I have shewn, that the -French generally acted upon more philosophical -principles; they making their doors and windows -remarkably high: but, there yet remains a very -important improvement to be made; namely, -the introduction of tin ventilators, to be inserted -near the summits of the thatches. It is a fact, -that, during many months in the year, the houses -built by most Europeans, and especially their -<em>bungalows</em>, are so extremely heated, as to render -it absolutely impossible to sleep in their interior, -without the intervention of some artificial -means for keeping the air around the bed at a -proper temperature.</p> - -<p class='c001'>However faulty the first European builders in -India might have been, the moderns have by no -means made such improvements as we should -suppose experience would have led them to -adopt. Whether from economy, or from more -attention to exterior, than to comfort, scarce -a house is now built with such spacious, lofty, -and substantial <em>verandas</em>, as are to be seen on -the south side of almost every old mansion. -Some of these antiquated edifices had <em>verandas</em> -on several sides, and a few might be quoted having -them all around; as seen in the officers’ -quarters at Berhampore, and Dinapore. It can -<span class='pageno' id='Page_9'>9</span>scarcely be doubted, that such <em>verandas</em> are, -in every respect, admirably suited to the climate; -since they prevent the sun from striking -on the main wall; which, in exposed situations, -have been known to give from 8° to 10° difference -on the thermometer; under circumstances -in every other respect similar.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It is peculiar, that, until within the last -twenty-five years, the ground floors, that is, -the whole of the basements, of those fine large -houses to be seen in all quarters of Calcutta, -and in various parts of the interior, were consigned -to the reception of palanquins, gigs, -water-stores, or to be <em>wine-godowns</em>, (or cellars,) -<em>butler-connahs</em>, (or pantries,) and even, in some -instances, stables! In those days, the whole -of the family resided in, and confined themselves -to, the first floor; which was then the -summit of the habitation: leaving to their luggage, -cattle, and menials, that part which has -lately been discovered to be, in every respect, -most suitable to the accommodation of the -European population. In houses of agency, -&c., we now see the basement converted partly -into offices, and but rarely any portion of it appropriated -as above described; while, the generality -of new houses are built upon a scale such as -favors this salutary change, by giving sufficient -height to the lower apartments; thereby adapting -them to every purpose, and occasioning a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_10'>10</span>considerable reduction of the ground plan, -in consequence of the accommodations thus -gained.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The practice of building houses without -<em>verandas</em>, certainly cannot be approved; -whereas, the old mode of building them on pillars, -was highly ornamental, and, at some -seasons, not less appropriate: but, the great -art of keeping a house cool during the prevalence -of the hot-winds, rests entirely on shutting -them out, except at some few apertures -supplied with <em>tatties</em>; which, being kept constantly -moist, or, indeed, dripping wet, produce -such an immense evaporation, as to cool the -interior completely: of course, a suitable -draught must be preserved, by opening some -window, &c. on the lee-side. This is commonly -effected by means of Venetians; which allow -the air to pass, but debar the access of glare. -Without adverting to the expence, it should -seem that a <em>close-veranda</em> is by far preferable -to an open one; and, were it not for the immense -additional charges, we can hardly doubt -that the European inhabitants of Calcutta would, -in imitation of the generality of <em>bungalow</em>-residents, -have their apartments surrounded by a -<em>veranda</em>, of full fourteen feet in width; with -apertures, of a good size, in the exterior wall, -corresponding with those of the interior. This -arrangement renders the generality of <em>bungalows</em> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_11'>11</span>remarkably pleasant; but, it must be noticed, -that there is a very wide difference in the expence -incurred in rendering them so: their roofs -being of thatch, and their walls of sun-burnt -bricks, plastered with mud and chaff, offer a -great contrast in the out-lay, both as relating to -the labor, and to the materials, in a house -constructed of burnt bricks, and good lime, -whose roof is of masonry, and in which timbers -of great price are every where used. Accordingly, -we find, that, in almost every part of -India, an excellent <em>bungalow</em> may be built for -about five thousand rupees, completely fitted -with glass doors, and windows, and with all -the necessary out-offices duly tiled, or thatched, -according to their purposes; while, a house -suited to the accommodation of the same family, -in Calcutta, could not be finished for less than -ten times that sum.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The bricks form a very, very small portion of -the disbursements incident to building in India: -so cheap, indeed, are they, that most of the -made-roads about Calcutta, and in other parts, -are formed by laying broken, or even whole, -bricks regularly; giving the centre two or three -layers, gradually tapered off to the sides, and -then covering them with a coat of rubbish, or, -which is far better, coarse sand. Such roads -are extremely firm, and far more durable, than -<span class='pageno' id='Page_12'>12</span>those we make with gravel, flint, lime-stone, -&c. But great allowance must be made for the -heavy machines used among us, and carrying -such tremendous burthens; whereas, an Indian -<em>hackery</em> can rarely weigh five cwt., nor can its -load be averaged at more than fifteen cwt., -being altogether only a ton. We well know, -that our common narrow-wheeled waggons -weigh from fifteen to twenty-five cwt.; and, -that, except where weigh-bridges limit their -burthens, it is by no means uncommon to see -them carrying from two and a half, up to four, -tons. Three chaldron of coals will be found to -average about seventy cwt.; yet, are often -drawn by three horses through the streets of -London.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The lime used in Calcutta, is brought down -from the <em>Morungs</em>, and their vicinity, in large -boats, being previously slaked; though it is -sometimes imported in its quick state, or as -nearly so as accident may permit. It may -readily be concluded, that, after a passage of -from three to four hundred miles, this article is -rather deteriorated; especially as the voyage -can rarely be effected under three weeks or a -month. The prices of this kind of lime, made -from a very firm stone, called <em>gutty</em>, abundant -in some parts, vary much according to the -season, and to the demand: it has been sold as -<span class='pageno' id='Page_13'>13</span>low as six or seven rupees per hundred maunds, -but, at other times, has reached to twenty and -twenty-five.</p> - -<p class='c001'>At Madras, and indeed all along the coast of -Coromandel, as well as on some parts of the Malabar -border, an excellent kind of lime is made -from sea shells. This nearly equals what is made -in Italy, from the refuse of marble, and receives -an extraordinary fine surface, competiting even -with that of polished glass; at the same time -that it is incomparably firm, and durable. When -laid upon a wall, which is done only by way of -a finish, it is carefully freed from grit, and kept -working, and rubbing, until nearly dry; thereby -to prevent the surface from cracking, as it would -be subject to do, when acted upon by the hot -air at mid-day: when nearly dry, it is rubbed -with coarse calico cloths, until it receives a -beautiful lustre, which causes it to appear semi-diaphanous. -A few houses at Calcutta have -been finished with this kind of lime, conveyed -from Madras by shipping; but the expence, -being very considerable, has occasioned the -common <em>Morung</em> lime to be generally employed, -both for cement, and for white-washing.</p> - -<p class='c001'>In the ordinary buildings constructed in the -upper parts of the country, a weaker kind of -lime is obtained by burning a substance called -<em>kunkur</em>, which, at first, might be mistaken for -small rugged flints, slightly coated with soil. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_14'>14</span>The experiments made upon these alkaline concretions, -which abound in most parts above -Bengal Proper, and, in some places, prove extremely -troublesome to the farmer, but especially -to the horticulturist, give the following result: -calcareous earth, 41, cilicious earth, 16, calx of -iron, 3, and air, 40. <em>Kunkur</em> is not easily reduced -to a calx, it requiring a greater heat than -is necessary to burn the harder kinds of <em>gutty</em>; -it is, likewise, less durable and tenacious as a -cement; of which the color, viz. commonly what -we call fawn, is a strong indication.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Whether from want of sufficient power in their -kilns, or that the <em>kunkur</em> is so peculiarly hard, -we commonly find that, on slaking, a large portion -of the interior of each lump remains unsubdued. -These insoluble masses are often pounded -by means of a <em>dainky</em>, or foot-break, and mixed -with the perfect calx: nor is the lime burner -very scrupulous in regard to keeping out the -wood ashes, &c., remaining at the bottom of the -kiln, after the <em>kunkur</em> has been taken out; on -the contrary, he will, if not very narrowly -watched, mix as much as he can with the calx; -thereby causing the lime to be very considerably -deteriorated. This kind of lime, commonly -called <em>cutcha</em>, (<em>i.e.</em> weak,) sells for about six or -seven rupees per hundred maunds.</p> - -<p class='c001'>In all parts of India, the lime-burners proceed -on the most expensive plan; their kilns being -<span class='pageno' id='Page_15'>15</span>rarely more than four feet in diameter, nor -above that much in height: consequently, they -have not sufficient accumulation, concentration, -or reverberation of heat, to burn the stones properly; -neither do they, in general, break them -sufficiently small, but bundle them in, with very -little attention to regularity or economy. It is -the same with the brick and tile-kilns; which -are, for the most part, of a pyramidal form; the -raw bricks being laid intermediately with the -fuel, and the exterior being plastered over, perhaps -half a foot in thickness, with mud. The -best bricks I ever saw in India were made by an -engineer officer, who had some extensive public -works to carry on. He first built the whole of -the walls of a <em>bungalow</em> he required, with sun-burnt -bricks, properly cemented with mud well -filled in; taking care to arch over the door and -window openings in such way, that the frames -could be afterwards introduced. The whole interior -was then laid with bricks and fuel, while -the exterior of the veranda walls were also closed -in with sufficient to heat them thoroughly; and -a complete coating was given, in the ordinary -way. The bricks baked uncommonly well, -while the walls became a solid mass, capable of -resisting all the elements, should they unite for -its destruction. The <em>bungalow</em> proved remarkably -dry, and the plaster was found to adhere in -a surprizing manner, while rats, snakes, &c., -<span class='pageno' id='Page_16'>16</span>were all set at defiance; it being impossible for -them to burrow in so hard a substance: the -greater part of the cement, which happened to -contain cilicious particles, was nearly vitrified.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Thirty years ago, the generality of houses -were coated with the same kind of tarras as is -employed for laying the floors, and the roofs: -this was made of <em>chunam</em>, (<em>i.e.</em> white-lime,) one -third; <em>soorky</em>, (<em>i.e.</em> brick-dust,) one third; and -sand, one third; these, being mixed duly with -a large portion of cut hemp, (wool being very -scarce, and short hair not to be procured on -any terms,) together with some <em>jaggery</em>, or refuse -molasses, made a tolerably strong cement. -The surface, after a house had been duly -plastered, was washed, while yet moist, with -a strong solution of lime in water. This -would have been enough to blind every man, -woman, or child, in the place, had it not been -partially remedied, by the admixture of some -coloring matter with the finishing wash: but, -whether red, yellow, or blue, which were the -prevailing colors, it was found that the alkali -generally destroyed their appearance, and left -a motley kind of work.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The good taste of a few individuals, chiefly -gentlemen in the corps of engineers, gradually -overcame this vile imitation of Dutch and Portugueze -finery, they substituting, in their public -works, a plaster composed of river sand, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_17'>17</span>saturated with a solution of white lime, of the -consistency of cream. The addition of the usual -allowance of cut hemp, gave this simple compound, -(if I may so blend the terms,) not only -much additional durability, but a remarkably -neat appearance; especially when the body of -the building was of that fine grey, thus obtained, -and the cornices, &c. were finished of a pure -white. Houses thus exteriorly finished became -yet further neat, by the contrast of their Venetian -windows, invariably painted green: some -prefer all verdigris; others, a deep clear green -for the frame-work, with verdigris for the several -leaves, or valves.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Almost every house has folding Venetians to -each window, or outward door; these are sustained -by very strong hinges, which allow each -fold, or shutter, to open outwards, and to lie -back flat upon the exterior wall: in that position -the Venetians are kept from blowing about, -by means of hooks; in the same manner as we -see practised in England, where this kind of -shutter is in use. Sash-windows are never -made upon the European construction, but move -invariably in two folds, one to the right, the -other to the left; each opening inwardly, and -lying within the thickness of the wall, or nearly -so.</p> - -<p class='c001'>In no part of the world is more attention paid -to the foundation of a house than in India; and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_18'>18</span>that not without necessity, the rains being so -very heavy as to sap all weak buildings exposed -to their action, either above, below, or laterally. -When houses are built with what is termed -<em>cutcha</em>, that is, with sun-dried bricks cemented -with mud, and either plastered with the same, -or with mortar, the least crack in the roof, or -the smallest hollow near the foundation, will -teem with danger. The rain which, often for a -whole day, descends in streams, soon gets into -the walls, where it does incalculable mischief: -many of these houses, whose substance and -general appearance should indicate a better fate, -may annually be seen in ruins after a continued -fall of heavy, or of drizzling, but oblique, rain: -the latter is peculiarly unfavorable to such -buildings as are insecurely coated; it drifts in -under the plaster, damps the mud cement, and -brings down the heavy roofs with a most sonorous -crash. Few of these <em>cutcha</em> houses are now -to be seen with tarras roofs; such as are so -built for the sake of cheapness, being, almost -without exception, intended for thatches, and -thus becoming what we term <em>bungalows</em>. The -natives build sometimes on that kind of half -and half plan, which commonly, in the end, -cheats the contriver. Thus, I have seen some, -of a small description, built with <em>cutcha</em> (or sun-dried) -bricks for the interior, while the exterior -of the wall was made of <em>pucka</em> (or burnt) bricks; -<span class='pageno' id='Page_19'>19</span>from whose interstices the mortar was carefully -picked out, as though about to be pointed; for -the purpose of causing the exterior plastering -to get into the joints, and thus to retain its position -firmly. Admitting, and even admiring, the -ingenuity of such a system, when properly conducted, -I lament, that, in almost every case -which came within my knowledge, the whole -system was disgraced, by the house either falling -<em>in toto</em>, or by shedding its coat of mail.</p> - -<p class='c001'>There certainly did formerly exist some mode -of mixing the ingredients, or some particular -recipe giving better proportions, or better materials, -which, after a time, formed a very capital -cement: of this, many very well known edifices -furnish ample proof. The old fort, situate within -the town of Calcutta, may be an apt quotation. -The impressions made by shots, of 24 and 32lb. -fired by Admiral Watson against its western face, -when his fleet lay within three hundred yards -of it, in the year 1755, were absolutely insignificant; -the brave admiral might have battered -for a century, without bringing down the wall. -In the year 1779, when the Company’s cloth -<em>godown</em> took fire, the third regiment of European -infantry, then in garrison at Fort-William, -marched out with engines, &c. to aid towards -its extinction; yet were they utterly unable to -get the iron bars loose from the masonry; -though provided with tackles, crows, axes, &c. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_20'>20</span>This <em>godown</em>, which occupied a large part of the -northerly face of the old fort, was afterwards -converted into offices; but with incredible -labor! The masonry was as hard as rock! -When this occurrence took place, the old fort -had been built about forty years; whereas, we -find that all the Company’s, or any other, buildings -which now claim that age, are of a very -different complexion! The greater part of them, -though not in a state of absolute ruin, are kept -up at an inordinate expence; while such of -them as have given up the ghost, display a crude -mass of loose, friable, and mouldering rubbish.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Nor are the ancient terraces less obdurate -than the old walls: many of these may be seen -among the ruins of cities, and towns, of which -we have scarcely any information, absolutely -retaining their places, although the beams on -which they formerly rested have been, God -only knows how many years, removed. If -these roofs had possessed any convexity, or been -constructed according to the Syrian principle, -we should have had less cause to admire their -solidity, and toughness; but, such has never -been the case with any I have seen; and which, -though certainly of no considerable dimensions, -appeared firm enough to sustain cannon of small -calibre. I have often been one of a party to -walk on such. It may, perhaps, be in place -here to describe the manner in which roofs are -<span class='pageno' id='Page_21'>21</span>constructed in India: I mean such as are now -under consideration. The beams are rarely -more than two feet apart; and, speaking generally, -may have a scantling of ten or eleven -inches depth, by five, or six, in width; sometimes, -though but rarely, and then only when -under the eye of science, cambered to the extent -of three or four inches; according to the -length of the timber. These joists are laid -upon the bare wall, having their ends previously -well charred; and, in some cases, smeared -with <i>petroleum</i>; called by the natives, ‘earth-oil.’ -This is done to deter the white-ants from -making an attack upon the wood; which, in -time, they would certainly do, but for the above -precaution. The ends of the timbers are cased -in with masonry, so as to leave about four inches -all the way round, and at their bases: in order -that the timber may be removed, in case of -decay, without damaging the wall; the interval -is, however, filled up afterwards with <em>cutcha</em> -work; which, not being liable to adhere firmly -to the <em>pucka</em> wall, may be easily removed when -the joist is to be changed. When plastered over, -the whole appears uniform.</p> - -<p class='c001'>In some parts of the country, but especially -in the upper provinces, the natives cover in -their houses with flat roofs, made of clay, beat -very firm, and about a foot in thickness. This -mode of construction requires some care, but is -<span class='pageno' id='Page_22'>22</span>found to be extremely efficient. The walls ought -to be substantial, as should also the joists; and -the surface of the clay should be rather convex, -so as to direct the water falling on it into proper -gutters, or drains, and to prevent the building -from being damped.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Without this precaution, the heavy falls of -rain, which may be constantly expected during -three months in the year, would speedily dissolve -such tenements, with nearly as much facility -as though they were made of lump-sugar. -But when due care is taken, both to prevent, -and to stop, leaks, clay roofs are rather eligible, -than objectionable; especially in the vicinity of -<em>bazars</em>, (or markets,) and lines, in which fires -are frequent. Many gentlemen have adopted -the plan, some wholly, others partially, in their -<em>bungalows</em>, and find little or no cause to regret -their having done so.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It is, however, expedient to send up a man -now and then, to lute any cracks that may -appear in consequence of excessive heats; but, -after a season or two, the clay becomes extremely -firm, nearly equal to mortar-tarras, resisting the -various changes of temperature, and appearing -to be consolidated into a very firm mass. The -greatest inconvenience it produces, is the harbor -afforded to that inconceivably obnoxious insect, -the <em>white-ant</em>.</p> - -<p class='c001'>This little depredator rarely fails to take -<span class='pageno' id='Page_23'>23</span>advantage of whatever opportunity is offered -for the exhibition of its powers. Assembling -by the ten thousand, in a few hours they will -eat out the bottom of a deal box, perhaps an -inch in thickness, or render it a mere honeycomb. -Of fir, they are remarkably fond, as -also of mango-wood.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It seems rather peculiar that they should be -so partial to woods abounding so highly, as -these both do, in turpentine; while the presence -of a few drops of <em>petroleum</em>, which is imported -from Pegu, Ava, and the Arvean coast, under -the name of <em>mutty ke tale</em>, (earth-oil,) seems to -be a perfect preventive. Few things come amiss -to these obnoxious visitants, which every where -abound, and destroy wood, leather, cottons, -woollens, &c. Nay, a story is current, that, -some years back, they were absolutely accused -of having devoured some thousands of dollars! -Fortunately, <em>on deeper research</em>, it was discovered, -that they had only ate away the bottom -of the treasure-chest; and, like misers, had -buried the hard cash some feet under ground.</p> - -<p class='c001'>As ceilings are not in use in India, each joist -is neatly finished, having its lower edges rounded -off with a beading-plane. At right angles with -the joists, smaller battens, called <em>burgahs</em>, are -laid; three or four inches wide, by about two -or three deep, or <em>vice versâ</em>; these are nailed -down upon the joists at such parallel distances, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_24'>24</span>in general about seven or eight inches, as may -allow a large kind of tile to be laid on them. -Over the tiles they lay rubbish, rather dry, -about four or five inches deep, patting it down -gently, by the continual operation of some -dozens of men, women, and children, who, -squatting, like monkies, on their haunches, and -having batons of about a cubit in length, something -of a trowel shape, though not so obtuse, -continually beat the materials until they become -perfectly compact. The better method, which -is in more general adoption, is, instead of such -rubbish, to put on a coarser kind of mortar, -well worked up, but not very moist; which is -beat in the mode above described. After this -has been duly compacted, but before it is quite -dry, another coating of two or three inches, but -of finer materials, is put on, and beat in like -manner; then a third, perhaps only an inch -deep, of still finer materials; and, ultimately, -the whole is coated, for about half an inch -in depth, with the finest ingredients, mixed, -after being sifted through a coarse cloth, with -<em>jaggree</em>, and by some with peas-meal; which -the natives consider to be peculiarly valuable -in cement. This last coat is laid on with a -trowel, very firmly pressed, in order to compact -it the more, and to prevent cracking; -which will, nevertheless, always take place, -more or less, according as more or less pressure -<span class='pageno' id='Page_25'>25</span>and beating have been used; or, as the great -body of the tarras may be made of good or bad -materials.</p> - -<p class='c001'>All the partition-walls, dividing off the several -apartments, are necessarily of masonry; both -because the pressure from above is enormous; -and, that wood cannot be trusted, where the -white-ants could honeycomb its interior, without -being much, if at all, noticed on its surface. -These partition-walls are carried up about six -inches above the tarras roof; whereby the latter -appears to be divided into chequers, corresponding -with the several apartments. Small -channels are cut, to allow the water to pass into -the spouts, or drains; from which jars, of about -a hogshead in measurement, are filled with -water intended for table use. Some spouts are -made to extend full a yard from the wall, and, -in some instances, have canvas hoses attached, for -the purpose of leading the water into the jars; but -the more modern practice is to build pipes of -pottery within the wall, or to clamp them to it -with iron, until their lower ends, which are -crooked for the purpose, form a proper debouchure. -The latter mode, however, in very heavy -rains, subjects the walls to be damped, in consequence -of the fall of water being greater than -the pipes can instantly carry off. This may give -some idea of those deluges which at times take -place, almost instantaneously.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_26'>26</span>The tops of houses are invariably enclosed -with breast-parapets, or with balustrades; which -give a very finished appearance to these superb -buildings. With the exception of those ridges -formed by the continuation of the partition-walls, -the roofs afford a pleasant promenade at certain -seasons: some of them command most interesting -views. During the very hot weather, probably -from the end of April to the setting in of -the rains in the first or second week of June, -many gentlemen have their cots, (as the bed, -with all its apparatus, is usually called,) carried -to the tops of their houses, and sleep there -during the night. This may appear a very -hazardous proceeding; but, when it is considered, -that no dew, worthy of notice, falls at -that season, and, that the cots have generally -curtains, which would receive, and absorb, -what little might fall, we may, on the whole, -pronounce it to be less dangerous than should -at first be supposed. If, indeed, this were to -be done more to the southward, near the mouth -of the Hoogly river, where the immense -marshes, the ouze left by the returning tides, -and the jungles, which every where abound, -produce the most deleterious exhalations, we -should then be correct in exclaiming against -the practice: but few, very few, instances -could be adduced of any serious indisposition -having attended it; while, on the other hand, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_27'>27</span>it is confessed by all who have adopted it, that -the greatest refreshment ever resulted; enabling -them to rise early, divested of that most distressing -lassitude attendant upon sleeping in an -apartment absolutely communicating a febrile -sensation, and peculiarly oppressive to the -lungs.</p> - -<p class='c001'>I believe all those fatal, or injurious effects, -which have been so often adduced, by way of -caution to persons impatient of heat, have been -produced not by sleeping in an open exposure, -but in a current of air. This I cannot recommend; -on the contrary, I must vehemently censure -such a custom, as being highly dangerous: -I could quote several most melancholy cases, -arising entirely from this most injudicious conduct! -Mr. Johnson, who appears to have been -about two years in India, during which time he -was surgeon of a frigate, has published a volume, -in which there are occasionally to be found interesting -details, and sensible observations. I -shall offer to my readers some remarks he has -made, at page 269, that bear closely on the -subject under discussion. He says; ‘Europeans, -in general, on their first arrival in India, -are prepossessed with the idea, that sleeping at -night in the open air must be a very dangerous -practice; but, in the course of a short residence -on shore, they get rid of this prejudice, by observing -most of the natives, and many of the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_28'>28</span>Europeans, sleeping on open terraces, and in -<em>verandas</em>, not only with impunity, but as a -preservative against the debilitating effects of a -hot climate. But on board-ships, where they -have not an opportunity of seeing, or of reflecting -on, these circumstances, they frequently -adhere, for a considerable time after their arrival -on the station, to the established regulations, -of making every man sleep in his proper berth: -and suffering none to lie about upon the decks; -a system, in my opinion, very prejudicial to the -health of ships’ companies in India. At sea, -indeed, it is not of so much consequence, -where the watch on deck always gives sufficient -room to those below; but it is in harbours, -and road-steds, where the air is much hotter -than at sea, the impolicy of the measure becomes -manifest.’—And again, page 270, ‘We -will suppose, that every man, when he turns -into his hammock, falls fast asleep in a few -minutes; which, by the by, is not always the -case. About eleven o’clock, however, I will -venture to say, he wakes in a deluge of perspiration, -panting with the heat and rarefied air; -upon which he turns out, and goes upon deck, -for the purpose, as he terms it, of getting a -mouthful of fresh air; anathematizing, as he -ascends, the infernal heat of the climate! Under -pretence of going to the head, he gets upon the -forecastle; when the cool breeze from the shore -<span class='pageno' id='Page_29'>29</span>immediately chills him, and gives a sudden check -to his perspiration.’ All this I have personally -experienced, both on board-ship and on shore; -and I make no scruple of saying, that, in lieu of -being injured by sleeping out on a <em>chabootah</em>, in -a well-covered cot, my whole frame has been -braced, my rest has been sound and refreshing, -and I have avoided all the miseries inseparably -attendant upon seeking repose in a close, muggy -atmosphere; where thirst and irritation create -perpetual restlessness, banish sleep, and cause -that relaxation and debility which render each -subsequent day burthensome as its preceding -night has been distressing!</p> - -<p class='c001'>In a former page, I observed, that boarded -floors were almost unknown in India: various -reasons have, doubtless, combined to explode -them; firstly, the depredations of the white-ant; -secondly, the perpetual danger of their -warping; and, thirdly, the difficulty of rendering -the sounds of foot-steps less audible. This -last may appear trivial; but, where so many -menials, &c., are ever moving about in various -parts of a house, and that, too, with little ceremony, -though, it is true, they are all bare-footed, -it would prove extremely inconvenient at those -times when the family might retire to rest during -the heat of the day. About twenty-five or -thirty years back, all the stairs were of masonry; -but, of late years, wooden ones have been introduced. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_30'>30</span>These, being made to rest on strong -beams, obvious in every part, save where they -enter the walls, may be considered as tolerably -safe from the white-ants; certainly they are much -neater, and more easily kept in order. All the -joists, in every house, are either painted, or -tarred; the latter has a very unpleasant, indeed, -a mean appearance; and is not often practised: -for the most part, white, with a very slight cast -of blue, to preserve it from fading, is adopted.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Some paint the beaded, or moulded, edges of -the door pannels, also the rounded corners of -the joists, with some delicate color; such as a -very light sky-blue, a very light verdigris-green, -or a lilac; and, by way of conformity, ornament -the mouldings of the wall pannels with similar -tints. In the upper provinces, it is a very prevalent -fashion to color the pannels with some -native ochres, of beautiful hues, leaving the -mouldings, cornices, &c. white. These mouldings, -&c. are all done by means of trowels shaped -for the purpose, and not by moulds, or stamps; -of course, what with want of device, and want of -activity, such ornaments may be reckoned -among that variety of tedious labors of which -<em>Blacky</em> is extremely enamoured. Yet, in the -execution of such matters, he will display great -ingenuity, consummate patience, and, often, -great delicacy: but, with respect to design, -taste, composition, perspective, consistency, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_31'>31</span>and harmony; in all these, whether in drawing, -sculpture, or in any mode of representation, he -will prove himself to be completely <em>ignoramus</em>. -Let the former apology be pleaded; namely, -that, in every branch, the Indian mechanic is -called upon, after, perhaps, only a few days of -observation, or, at least, with so little practice -as would, among us, be considered rather an -objection than a qualification, to perform that -which we judge to be unattainable, except by -the application of several years, closely attached -to one individual intention. Therefore, in lieu -of condemning their operations, we should rather -regard them with admiration; for, I will -venture to assert, that we should not fail to -wonder at one of our own countrymen, who, -perhaps at rather an advanced age, without previous -education, without the possibility of reference -to books, or to public institutions, -should undertake to do that with a hatchet, or -any other gross implement, which persons regularly -brought up in the respective profession -should assert to be impracticable, unless duly -provided with benches, vices, and tools, of exquisite -formation, out of number. The Asiatic -has the bare soil for his bench, his toes are his -vice, and his implements usually amount to no -more than a small adze, a saw, with, perhaps, a -chisel, and a pair of uncouth pincers!</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_32'>32</span>The same operations which I have described -to be necessary for the construction of a tarras -roof, are equally so for the floors in every part of -the house; but, unless the basement stands very -high, so as to allow of water houses, &c. underneath -the ground-floor, it is usual to have the -latter flued, by means of narrow channels, or -air-conduits, of about four inches deep, and as -many wide; so as to be covered with bricks of -an ordinary size: these flues are made in parallel -lines, at, perhaps, a foot or more asunder, and -pass entirely under the house, in both directions, -having their several apertures covered by small -iron grates, for the purpose of keeping out rats, -snakes, &c.; which would else find admirable -asylums within these intersecting channels. -The lower tarrases are thus kept thoroughly dry -by the flues, which, of course, give ventilation -to every part under the floor. Where bricks -are scarce, which is often the case, on account -of their never being made for general sale, except -at public stations and great cities, and then -of a very small size, it is common to build the -ground tarras upon inverted pots; each being -capable of containing about three pecks, or a -bushel. These pots may be had, in any quantity, -all over the country; generally at the low rate of -a farthing, or, at the utmost, a halfpenny, each.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The pots are ranged upon the ground, within -<span class='pageno' id='Page_33'>33</span>the area formed by the walls, side by side, but -not quite in contact, each resting on its mouth, -which consists generally of a rim, projecting -about three or four inches from the body of the -vessel, which is nearly spherical. The loosest -sand that can be had, or, in its absence, any -dry rubbish, is then thrown in, so as to fill up -all the intervals, and to cover the pots, about -four inches in depth. This surface being levelled, -another stratum of pots is added, if judged -necessary; the whole process of filling up is -similar in both, and the tarras is laid in the -usual manner on the levelled surface.</p> - -<p class='c001'>By far the greater portion of the subsoil -throughout Bengal, at least, in that wide expanse -reaching from Gogra to Dacca, on the -north-east, and from the Soane, along the plains -at the foot of the hills, to the debouchure of the -Hoogly, (which, together, form the limits of -our richest, and most populous, <em>purgunnahs</em>, -or districts,) is a loose, gritty sand, very like -what farmers term a <em>lush</em>; which, in a few -places, receives a strong red tint from the ferruginous -mountains, every where to be seen -along either boundary. This extreme looseness -of the subsoil creates a most peremptory necessity -for securing the foundations of weighty -buildings, by every possible means; and, in the -sinking of wells, is often found to present the -most formidable obstacles.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_34'>34</span>Under such circumstances, it must appear -self-evident, that those large mansions forming -the bulk of Calcutta, by which I mean that portion -raised, and inhabited, by Europeans; together -with the several garden-houses, and the -numerous edifices on a large scale erected by -the natives, especially their places of worship, -which are most ponderously constructed; all -these necessarily require to be very firmly -founded: nor can too much attention be paid to -carrying off the water, which pours down from -the tops of the houses; lest the bases should be -sapped, and very serious injury be entailed.</p> - -<p class='c001'>With this intention, almost every <em>compound</em>, -or enclosed area, is either laid with pan-tiles, -or is well coated with <em>soorky</em>, in the same manner -as the roads; while, in many instances, the -junction of the wall with the level of the area is -concealed, and secured, by a <em>talus</em>, blending -with the building, at about a foot or more above -that level.</p> - -<p class='c001'>With respect to <em>bungalows</em>, or any other buildings -coming under the designation of ‘temporary,’ -their foundations are usually very shallow. -These are, for the most part, raised a foot or -two from the surrounding level; and, as their -inner walls, that often run from sixteen to twenty -feet in height, are well secured by the <em>verandas</em>, -which likewise preserve the precinct, for -full twelve or fourteen feet, from being softened -<span class='pageno' id='Page_35'>35</span>by the rains, very shallow foundations are -deemed sufficient. The surrounding parapet -which limits, while it raises, the <em>veranda</em>, is -usually of burnt-brick, cemented with good -mortar, and plastered over with the same; but -the whole of the residue of bricklayers’ work is -such as has been already explained. The -<em>verandas</em> of <em>bungalows</em> are sustained either by -strong wooden posts, or by pillars of masonry; -their intervals are filled up with <em>jaumps</em>, before -described, which may be raised at pleasure, to -any angle, including about 10°, or 15°, above -the horizontal; or they may be suffered to hang -perpendicularly against the exterior faces of the -pillars. In tempestuous weather, and especially -during those violent squalls called ‘<em>north-westers</em>,’ -in consequence of their usually either commencing -on, or veering round to, that quarter, -it will be found necessary to place the bamboo -props, whereby the <em>jaumps</em> are usually elevated, -against their exterior sides; by which means -the <em>jaump</em> is pressed to the pillar, and becomes -greatly exempted from the danger of being blown -away; which, nevertheless, frequently is its fate, -although its weight may be full a cwt. and a half, -or even two cwt.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The force of these <em>north-westers</em> is next to -incredible! I recollect one in particular, which, -in November 1787, tore up an immense tree, -called the ‘Barrackpore Beacon,’ on account of its -<span class='pageno' id='Page_36'>36</span>being situated at a point where it could be seen -from Duckansore, along a beautiful reach of the -Hoogly river. This fine piece of timber measured -nearly twenty feet in girth, and branched -out in the most luxuriant manner, reaching to -full seventy or eighty feet in height: it was torn -up by its roots, though some of the ramifications -were much thicker than my own body, leaving -an excavation of not less than 15,000 cubic -feet.</p> - -<p class='c001'>When stationed at <em>Hazary-Bang</em>, in the -Ramghur district, my <em>bungalow</em> was, I firmly -believe, saved from falling by mere accident. -It had become fashionable to construct fire places -in our halls, running up the chimnies, so as to -pierce the thatches immediately below the summit -of that wall in which the fire-place was -made, and which served as the front face of the -chimney. Cutting through the wall, to make a -proper opening wherein to set the grate, I found -that, in lieu of being firm, as it should have been, -the whole cut like so much butter. In consequence -of this discovery, I hastened the finishing -of the stove, which, in a short time, aired the -room, and completely dried the walls; but, not -before they began to display very unequivocal -tokens of what would have taken place, but -for my very fortunate adoption of the whim then -in vogue.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It is remarkable, that the <em>bungalow</em> stood on -<span class='pageno' id='Page_37'>37</span>a gentle declivity, from which the superficial -water was well drained; but, the soil was proverbially -spongy, and retained every shower, -much the same as chalk, but without its good -qualities: thus, notwithstanding the floors, (or -tarrases,) were full two feet above the surrounding -level, my habitation would, I am well convinced, -have subsided; burying every inhabitant -under its ruins! Probably, that fatal -moment would have accorded with the height -of some <em>north-wester</em>; to whose fury the catastrophe -would, though erroneously, have been -imputed.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The <em>verandas</em> of <em>bungalows</em> are generally -allotted to the accommodation of servants of all -descriptions; and, except where, as in Calcutta, -a separate lodging-room is provided, serve for -the home of whatever <em>cahars</em>, or bearers, may -be employed. These have each their mat, on -which they sleep, forming a pillow of any <em>g’hettry</em>, -or bundle of cloaths, and covering themselves -with their quilts, &c.: blankets being -but very little in use among domestics of any -description. When a gentleman has company, -the side-board is usually set out in the <em>veranda</em>, -where also the several guests’ <em>hookahs</em> are prepared; -and, in rainy weather, their water -cooled. All servants come upon being called -only; there being no bells hung in any part of -the country, and very, very few even of hand-bells -<span class='pageno' id='Page_38'>38</span>to be seen. The common call, <em>Qui hi</em>? -(meaning ‘who is there?’) often rouzes a dozen -of the slumbering crew, though it is occasionally -repeated, with some vociferation too, -before one will stir. Although to many <em>bungalows</em> -there are abundance of out-offices, some of -which may have been built for the reception of -palanquins, and especially of a gig, (there called -a <em>buggy</em>,) few persons allow either their <em>mahanahs</em>, -or their <em>boçhahs</em>, to be kept in such places, -as they would be subject to various unpleasant -purposes, whereby their interior especially would -often be soiled: this objection acts likewise in -some measure towards the common practice of -retaining the gig, as well as the palanquin, within -the <em>veranda</em>; the latter is easily lifted in and out -by the bearers, but the former requires that a -<em>ramp</em>, or slope, should be made, up and down -which the <em>syce</em> (or groom) draws it with facility. -All conveyances, when housed, are covered -with a double cloth, usually made of <em>karwah</em>.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Throughout Calcutta the doors are pannelled, -and have, generally, handsome brass mountings, -with mortice locks; the windows are well -glazed; and, in many instances, the rooms are -laid with superb carpets, either of European, -Persian, or Mirzapore manufacture: the two -latter are generally made of silk; exhibiting not -only rich patterns, but the most brilliant colors, -at least equal to any made at our manufactories. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_39'>39</span>The floors, or, more properly speaking, the tarrases, -are almost invariably covered with a matting -made of a species of rush, which possesses -considerable firmness and pliancy. This, after -being duly cleansed from fibres, &c. is made up -into bundles, about a cubit in length, and nearly -the same in girth, in which state it is well soaked: -from these bundles the mat-makers, who -are usually of the <em>Cunjoor</em> tribe, weave the mats -upon a kind of woof made of twine, but perfectly -concealed by the rushes. Some of these -mats are made plain; while others are in various -stripes, or in chequers. With this manufacture -a room of any size may be fitted; the work being -either done on the spot, or at the houses of the -persons employed; the color is generally that of -faded straw; though, sometimes, red or black -rushes, dyed for the purpose, are introduced. -For the accommodation of persons residing in -parts where they cannot have floors fitted with -entire mats, long strips, of about a yard wide, -and four or five yards long, are sold in almost -every great <em>bazar</em> (or market). These require to -be sewed side by side, the same as our Scotch -carpeting; but, exclusive of that disadvantage, -are not so eligible; both because they are less -carefully made, and that, in almost every instance, -they are manufactured from refuse materials.</p> - -<p class='c001'>In the upper provinces, where the <em>kudjoor</em> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_40'>40</span>(or date-tree) abounds, a very passable kind of -matting is made of its leaves; it is true, this -is not so durable, nor so handsome, nor so even, -as that sort just described; owing to the coarseness -of the materials, it is rather subject to catch -the feet of chairs; add to this, the danger of -fire from <em>hookahs</em>, &c.: all these circumstances -limit the use of the <em>kudjoor</em> mats to very ordinary -purposes; or, at the least, to laying down -in such rooms as are to be wholly or partially -carpeted.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Mats are likewise made, in every part of the -country, from green bamboos; which, being -split into very thin laths, of about half an inch, -or less, in width, answer the same purpose as -the foregoing; these are, however, very uncomfortable, -and harbour centipedes by the hundred: -the <em>kudjoor</em> mats partake of that objection, -but not to the same extent. Mats, if we -may so call them, are likewise made by laying -down rattans, and stringing them together with -strips of their own bark, the same as is done in -making the <em>seerky</em> used in thatching; but this -species is very rare: indeed, I believe only a few -were ever seen in Calcutta, and they were said -to have been brought by the Dutch from Malacca, -whence great numbers of rattans are yearly -imported. The price of the best rush-mats may -be taken at about a rupee per square yard; that -of the mats in strips at from four annas (8½ <em>d.</em>) to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_41'>41</span>eight annas (17<em>d.</em>); but the <em>kudjoor</em>, and bamboo -kinds, can only be computed by the demand -for materials, and the prices of labor, locally: -probably, taking all things into consideration, -we may estimate a square yard of either at two -annas, or about 4¼<em>d.</em> A very beautiful species -of mat is made in some parts of the country, but -especially in the south-eastern districts, about -Dacca and Luckypore, from a kind of reedy -grass, of which the rind, being pared off very -thin, and trimmed to about the eighth of an inch -in width, is wove into mats, rarely exceeding -seven or eight feet in length, by about four feet -in width. These are peculiarly slippery, whence -they are designated ‘<em>seekul-putty</em>,’ (<em>i.e.</em> polished -sheets); their color resembles that of common -horn, and their prices are generally from two to -six rupees per piece; according to their fineness, -and to the state of the markets. The principal -uses of the <em>seekul-putty</em>, are, to be laid under the -lower sheet of a bed, thereby to keep the body -cool; which is certainly effected to a great degree -by this device, by its remarkably slippery -surface: some few pillows for couches are likewise -covered therewith, and I have seen it employed -in making covers for mahogany tables; -to which it is well adapted, on account of its -repelling dust: in such case, it ought to have -all the joinings well taped, and to be lined with -blanket, or with <em>karwah</em>, &c. properly quilted.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_42'>42</span>Exclusive of the carpets before mentioned, -and which are very high priced, a manufacture -of <em>satrinjes</em> is carried on at Mirzapore, and in -many other parts. These serve all the purposes -of carpets, but have no plush; being in that -particular very similar to our Scotch carpeting, -but, at the same time, very dissimilar in respect -to pattern. The <em>satrinje</em> is nothing more than -a very large colored sheet, in which, except for -about a cubit’s breadth all around, the whole -is divided into bars, or stripes, usually from two -to six inches wide, proportioned to the extent -of the fabric. The principal colors in these -carpets are crimson for a ground, with bars of -deep, or light red; or blue grounds, with white, -yellow, or tawny bars; or green grounds, with -deeper, or lighter green, or crimson, or orange -bars; or any of these, <em>vice versâ</em>. The common -price of a woollen <em>satrinje</em>, may be from twelve -annas (<em>i.e.</em> 3/4 of a rupee) to three rupees per -square yard; according to fineness, substance, -color, demand, &c.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Of cotton <em>satrinjes</em>, the price rarely exceeds a -rupee, or a rupee and a quarter, for the same -extent; these, however, wash admirably. It is -no uncommon thing to see a <em>satrinje</em> of full -twenty by thirty feet; and this, too, made upon -nothing more than a bamboo roller, round which -the work gradually collects, as the threads are -crossed, by passing the warp-lines, alternately -<span class='pageno' id='Page_43'>43</span>over and under the woof-lines, in regular -changes!</p> - -<p class='c001'><em>Cheeks</em>, or screens, to keep out the glare, -are made in a similar manner. These simple, -yet most comfortable, addenda to our Indian -habitations, are formed of bamboo wires, (if I -may use the term,) from four to six feet in -length, and about the thickness of a very large -knitting-needle, or, perhaps, of a crow-quill. A -thin, clean-worked lath, of the same material, -is put at the top and bottom.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Many <em>cheeks</em> are made of bamboo wires, previously -painted either green, or reddish brown, -but generally the former. These require no -particular care, further than keeping them separate, -as they dry; which is usually effected -by laying them upon two rows of bricks, or -against a wall, or upon scattered straw, when -the weather is calm. When <em>cheeks</em> are intended -to represent any pattern, such as -birds on branches, or Indian deities, &c., the -whole of the wires are laid with their respective -ends on two boards, over which two others are -placed perfectly parallel, and even, so as to -press the ends of the wires, and to prevent their -being easily displaced. A pattern, being cut -out on paper of the required size, is fastened -down upon the wires, and its outline every -where distinctly marked upon them; after which -it is worked in on the former ground, say a green, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_44'>44</span>with brown for branches, a deeper green for -the leaves, and red, yellow, &c., for the birds: -the whole is then left to dry. When ready for -use, the <em>cheek-wallah</em> (or maker) fixes his apparatus -close to the top, and, taking each wire -in succession, fastens it down in its proper place, -being guided by two lateral lines, as they are -handed to him by an urchin, perhaps not more -than three or four years of age! In this way -the representation is preserved.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The neatest patterned <em>cheeks</em> come from China; -but the Bengallee artist is getting fast forward, -and bids fair to put a stop to the importation: -it is usual to have the whole <em>cheek</em> bound, all -around, either with a light cotton tape, of about -three or four inches broad, or with red, or blue, -<em>karwah</em>. At the top of each <em>cheek</em>, generally, -a piece of circular leather is attached, two being -sewed together, though on different sides of -the wires; to these the cotton cords, usually -white, or red and white, or blue and white, -about an inch in circumference, and each a full -yard in length, are sewed: their use is, to tie -up the <em>cheek</em>, when rolled towards the door-plate, -at such times as it is not wanted. Each -end of the top lath has similar pieces of leather -sewed on, for the cords by which the -<em>cheek</em> is to be suspended.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It is understood, that white <em>cheeks</em> are preferable; -both because they keep out the glare -<span class='pageno' id='Page_45'>45</span>much better, and as they render the interior -less distinguishable to any spectator from without: -consequently, they contribute most to -coolness, and to privacy.</p> - -<p class='c001'>I believe it would be impossible to find any -house inhabited by an European of respectability, -in any part of Calcutta, which should -prove to be destitute of proper doors, of pannelled -wood, or of windows, at least, furnished -with Venetians, if not with glass sashes. Whether -for appearance, convenience, or real utility, -certainly there cannot be any thing equal to -glass, the use of which is now become so general, -that almost every <em>bungalow</em> in the upper -provinces, unless merely built as a shelter for a -few months, is provided with glass; some, perhaps, -only partially, but a great majority throughout. -Were it not that this most agreeable improvement -were attainable on what may be -called very moderate terms, the great number -of serious drawbacks it has to encounter, would -assuredly cause its exportation to the East to -be very limitted. The principal objections to -its use, are, 1stly, the difficulty of getting glass -cut to fit the sashes; 2dly, the aptness of even -the best seasoned wood to warp, so as to cause -the panes to fly; 3dly, the difficulty which frequently -exists of getting glass at all; especially -of the larger sizes.</p> - -<p class='c001'>As a balance to this, we find, that this brittle -<span class='pageno' id='Page_46'>46</span>commodity, after undergoing all the risques -attendant upon shipping, and landing, together -with all the dangers of the seas, and much occasional -rough usage after being consigned to -the up-country trader, can usually be sold at -Futty-Ghur, or Lucknow, which are each distant -about a thousand miles, by water, from -Calcutta, at the following prices: panes of 8 -by 11 inches, at about twenty rupees per <em>coorge</em>, -(or score,); 10 by 14, at about twenty-six rupees; -of 12 by 16, at about thirty-two; of 15 -by 20, at about forty; of 18 by 26, at about -fifty; and of 20 by 30, at about sixty rupees. -These prices give little more than cent. per cent. -upon the wholesale prices of London. What -with the necessity for making those panes and -sashes, which are exposed to the sun, very firm, -as well as from a due attention to economy in -so expensive an article, we generally see, in the -upper provinces, the panes laid transversely, instead -of upright; and only one row of such -panes in each frame; the wood-work being made -very broad, so as to occupy a large space. The -light thus admitted, is found fully adequate to -every common purpose; the atmosphere being, -for full eight months out of the twelve, perfectly -clear; and there being rarely any buildings -to debar the full enjoyment of that blessing: -besides, that great exposure to an unclouded -sky, which may in England be deemed highly -<span class='pageno' id='Page_47'>47</span>advantageous, would, in India, prove objectionable; -by admitting so forcible a glare as must -give more uneasiness than pleasure.</p> - -<p class='c001'>When glass either cannot be had; or, that, -owing to some speculator having monopolized, -the price is considered too high, it is not uncommon -to see windows furnished with plates -of <em>talc</em>; which may be obtained, in almost any -quantity, at the several cities, especially towards -the frontiers; very extensive dealings -being carried on in this article, by persons resident -chiefly at Lucknow, Benares, and -Patna, who import it from Thibet, and the -countries on the north of the Punjab, or Seik -territory, in masses, often as large as a quartern -loaf. The principal intention of such traffic is -for the supply of that fine powder, used in the -Hindu holiday, called <em>hooly</em>, which may generally -be viewed as the carnival of that sect.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The masses of <em>talc</em> commonly sell for about a -rupee and a half, or even up to two rupees per -seer (of about two pounds avoirdupoise): when -good, it is of a pure pearl color, but it has, ordinarily, -either a yellowish, or a faint blue cast: -by means of proper tools, this mineral may be -split into very thin leaves, which often present -smooth surfaces, but are apt to have little scaly -blisters, that greatly deteriorate their value. -However, a seer of <em>talc</em>, that splits well, will -sometimes yield a dozen or more panes, of about -<span class='pageno' id='Page_48'>48</span>12 inches by 9, or of 10 by 10; and thus, according -to the form of the lump; which can -only be split in the direction of its laminæ. -These panes are so far diaphanous as to allow -ordinary objects to be seen at about twenty or -thirty yards tolerably distinct; and, of course, -present an excellent substitute for glass.</p> - -<p class='c001'>I am surprized that the very simple process -whereby <em>talc</em> may be vitrified, has not encouraged -some ingenious person to establish a manufactory -for that purpose. When combined with -alkaline salt, (every where attainable in India,) -it is fusible in a strong heat, and forms a transparent, -handsome, greenish-yellow glass. If -equal portions of <em>talc</em> and of chalk be melted -together, with one-fourth part of borax, (the -<em>soohaugah</em>, or tincal, so abundant throughout -the East,) the mixture will produce a fine pellucid, -greenish glass, of considerable lustre and -hardness; gypsous earths, (which, though not -brought into use, are supposed to abound in -some parts of Bahar, and of the upper provinces,) -may be advantageously substituted for chalk, -whence the result will be a rich, pellucid, yellow -glass, of equal brightness and durability.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Speaking of chalk, I must remark, that very -large quantities are occasionally sent to India, -notwithstanding some of the hills at the back of -Raje Mahal abound therewith. I understood, -many years ago, from an old friend, who was -<span class='pageno' id='Page_49'>49</span>quarter-master of a regiment stationed at Monghyr, -distant about forty miles from the former -place, that, in consequence of a scarcity of musquet -flints, he had sent people to the Chalk Hills -of Raje Mahal, whence he had obtained a boat-load -that answered admirably. In reply to my -questions regarding the chalk, he informed me it -was very coarse. But he forgot, that, by dissolving -it in a large quantity of water, and allowing -the rubbish to sink, the finer particles would be -for a while suspended; and, on being poured -off, would, after repeated washings in this manner, -yield the purest whiting. It really appears -surprizing, that those chalk hills should remain -unnoticed; and, that even the lime-burners -should neglect to take advantage of their being -so advantageously situated among wildernesses -of fuel, and within a mile of the great channel -of the Ganges! That the Company should -ever send out whiting, or put themselves to the -expence of millions upon millions of gun and -pistol flints, when they possess such a quarry, -(of which the extent is not known,) appears -highly inconsistent with that economy so much -and so properly studied. If it be argued, -that some impolicy might exist in shewing the -natives how to provide themselves with flints; -the answer is very easy; for the gun-smiths of -<em>Monghyr</em> are fully apprized of the whole process. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_50'>50</span>But, surely the chalk cannot be accused of the -same dangerous tendency! To say the least, -government might, with great advantage, cause -all the lime required for their own works to be -made from it; imposing a price upon all that -might be dug by merchants, or others; as they -do at their stone quarries, near <em>Chunar-Ghur</em>, -&c. My readers will, at all events, discover -that a very useful glass might be made in India, -the duty on which would produce a much -larger sum than the whole amount of profits -accruing to our exporters. It is, indeed, a well-known -fact, that the captains of Indiamen take -out window glass more with the view to making -up a general assortment, than from any -great advantage arising from its sale to the European -shop-keepers, &c. In time of peace -they are invariably undersold by foreign traders; -who carry out glass of an inferior quality, which -sells to a certain extent; and is often rather -sought, than rejected, on account of its greenish -hue, which is found to soften the light -considerably; especially in exposed situations.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The natives do, occasionally, make a weak, -greenish, and blistered glass into <em>caraboys</em>, or -great bottles for rose-water, and into lesser ones, -such as the <em>gundies</em>, or itinerant perfumers, use; -but this is on a very small scale, and chiefly -supplied from broken tumblers, shades, &c., of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_51'>51</span>European manufacture. There are persons at -Patna, who have men constantly employed in -purchasing broken glass, of every description, -from the servants of Europeans, and in collecting -such fragments as may be thrown out among the -ordinary rubbish.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It must occasionally happen, that neither glass, -nor <em>talc</em>, can be readily obtained; in which case, -the best mode is to make light frames, and to -pannel, or fill them up with wax-cloth, neatly -nailed on. This is an admirable substitute, not -only keeping out wind, rain, and dust, but, in -the cold season, preserving the warmth of rooms, -yet admitting sufficient light for ordinary purposes: -I have very frequently resorted to this -expedient, and even to frames of oiled paper; all -I had to regret was, that they debarred my seeing -what passed abroad. To a person just arrived -from Europe, such would appear a most distressing -privation; but, after experiencing a few seasons -behind <em>tatties</em>, without being able to enjoy -the light during the whole day, and that for -months together, such recluseness would scarcely -be considered worthy of notice: so true it is, -that we gradually become habituated to the loss -of ordinary enjoyments, of faculties, and even -of civil and religious liberty!!!</p> - -<p class='c001'>Although <em>bungalows</em> have not any ceilings of -plaster, they are rendered inconceivably neat -<span class='pageno' id='Page_52'>52</span>within, by means of a double sheet, made of -very coarse cotton cloth, called <em>guzzy</em>; of which -tents are usually constructed. These sheets are -fitted to the several apartments respectively, are -bound with strong tape around, and have, besides, -various tapes forming an union cross of eight -limbs, or rays, all meeting in the centre. As -the cornices commonly project near a foot, -abundance of space is left for lacing the sheet -(called the <em>chandny</em>,) to battens, nailed to pegs -built in the wall: these battens being firmly -secured all the way round, about an inch above -the cornice, admit the sheet to be strained very -tight, so as to bag very little, if at all, in the -centre. Some white-wash their <em>chandnies</em>, and -take so much pains in establishing a firm appearance, -as to render them very similar to well -made ceilings. Without this last mode of preparation, -music has no effect in a <em>bungalow</em>; -indeed, at the best, the most powerful instrument -is heard under very great disadvantages, -owing to the number of apertures, the <em>satringes</em>, -mats, couch and table covers, &c., all which -deaden the tones considerably.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Those who are very particular in whatever -relates to their furniture, &c., have their <em>verandas</em> -lined in the same manner as their apartments, -giving them a finished appearance; but, -in such exposed situations the cloths are apt to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_53'>53</span>collect considerable quantities of dust, which is -perpetually set in motion by the shaking of the -cloths when acted upon by the wind: on this -account <em>seerky</em> appears to me far preferable as a -lining for <em>verandas</em>.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The usual expedient, when doors of any -description are not made, is to provide <em>purdahs</em>, -made of <em>karwah</em>, (or <em>guzzy</em>,) or both mixed in -perpendicular stripes of eight or ten inches wide -each: some, especially those who are stationary, -make their <em>purdahs</em> of shalloon, perpet, or very -coarse broad-cloth, in the following manner. -The cloth is made into two sheets of equal -dimensions, say nine feet by six, and having -strong tapes, perhaps five or seven in number, -inserted cross-wise between them: these tapes -are double. The whole circumference of the -<em>purdah</em> is then sewed very neatly, and bound -with tape, corresponding with the color of the -cloth, and the ends of the tapes are also bound -by means of leather, covered with the same -materials. Between every pair of tapes, a bamboo, -of a small kind, but very tough, is introduced; -or, perhaps, a stout lath made from a -bamboo of the large sort. These sticks, or laths, -serve to keep the cloth stretched out, and when -the <em>purdah</em> is suspended, much in the same -manner as has been explained for the mounting -of a <em>cheek</em>, lie horizontally; thus preventing -the wind from blowing in the <em>purdah</em>.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_54'>54</span>It is observed as a general rule, always to -make a <em>purdah</em> full a foot wider on each side -than the door way it is to conceal; also to carry -it a foot above the door plate, and to have a -portion, about a foot in depth, without any lath, -at the bottom, so as to trail a little on the -ground. Those <em>purdahs</em> which are made of -<em>karwah</em>, or other cotton stuff, are generally -quilted with cotton, or are composed of many -folds, or have coarse blankets inlaid between -their outer coatings. The last is by far the -most effectual, most neat, and most durable -mode of construction; but, at the best, <em>purdahs</em> -are a very indifferent make-shift; and, though -often, from necessity, applied to windows, are by -no means answerable to their intention. Their -best use is certainly to deaden sounds; hence, -they are advantageously suspended outside the -doors of sleeping, or other retired apartments; -when, by closing the doors, privacy and -quiet may usually be effected. The presence -of a <em>purdah</em> usually indicates the exclusion of -males; and that the apartments, within that -entrance, are devoted to the accommodation of -ladies; except when rolled up, and tied, as -has been explained in regard to <em>cheeks</em>.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The best timber for building, in whatever -branch, is the <em>sygwam</em>, or <em>teak</em>; but its dearness -prevents its general use, especially since naval -architecture has been so much an object of speculation -<span class='pageno' id='Page_55'>55</span>at Calcutta. However, it can generally -be purchased at about a rupee, or a rupee and a -quarter, per foot: making its utmost price about -three shillings and three-pence. Those who -build houses of the first class, rarely fail to lay -all their tarrases upon <em>teak</em> joists; both because -they possess superior strength, and that they -are far less likely to be attacked by the white-ants. -This has been attributed to the quantity -of tannin contained in <em>teak</em>-wood, which some -have asserted to be a perfect preventive, or antidote; -but, after having seen those noxious -insects devouring shoes and boots by wholesale, -I can never bring myself to accord with such an -opinion. There is, in <em>teak</em>-wood, evidently -some property, hitherto occult, that repels the -white-ant, at least for some years, but which is -doubtless diminished by exposure to the air; as -we find that very old <em>teak</em>-timbers become -rather more subject to depredation, than new -ones. The greater part of the <em>teak</em> used in Bengal, -and at Madras, is imported from the Pegu -coast, in immense beams, and in spars, planks, -&c., of all sizes. It is by no means unusual to -see the squared timbers measuring from forty, -to fifty, feet in length, and averaging from -fifteen to twenty inches in diameter. Here is -food for our dock-yards!</p> - -<p class='c001'>It would certainly be attended with considerable -<span class='pageno' id='Page_56'>56</span>benefit to the public, if that occult principle, -or matter, which apparently exists in the -<em>teak</em>-wood, enabling it to resist both the white-ant, -and the river-worm, could be ascertained; -it might be possible to impregnate, or to saturate, -other timber in a similar manner. This is -the more essential, because we have abundant -proofs that mere hardness does not deter those -voracious insects, which are found at times -even upon the lignum vitæ! But the principal -object, so far as relates to naval purposes, is, -that the <em>teak</em>-wood certainly is, in a great measure, -devoid of the gallic, or any other, acid; or, -if such is present, it assuredly must be in a very -limitted portion; since the nails driven into -<em>teak</em>-wood are never corroded so as to decay the -surrounding wood, and to liberate it from confinement. -To this decay, called ‘iron-sickness,’ -are attributed many losses of ships, supposed to -have foundered at sea, in consequence of planks -starting; which must often happen when the -wood embracing a nail is destroyed by the acid, -or by the action of salt water upon the iron. -In repairing ships built of oak, many nails are -found perfectly insulated, by the wood having -been rotted, and fallen away; which has never -been the case with vessels built of <em>teak</em>.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The generality of apartments being large, -the halls measuring perhaps from thirty to forty -<span class='pageno' id='Page_57'>57</span>feet in length, and from sixteen to twenty-four -in width, and other rooms in proportion, it is -evident that very substantial, as well as long, -timbers must be requisite to support their flat -roofs; for, with a few exceptions, truss-roofs are -not in use. The mode introduced by Mr. Lyon, -the Company’s architect, at Berhampore, certainly -contributed greatly to reduce the quantity -of timber in a roof, but it rendered it absolutely -necessary that every timber should be perfectly -sound. That gentleman, whose professional -skill, and excellent social qualities, demand an -ample tribute, exploded <em>burgahs</em>, (or smaller -battens,) from the roofs he constructed; and, -in their stead, threw arches from the centre of -one to the centre of the other timber; so that -the intervals between the timbers were to appearance -grooved, or fluted, longitudinally. This, -however, was barely distinguishable, the arches -being very elliptic; rarely, indeed, including -more than an angle of six degrees, on a circle -having full ten feet of radius.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Hence, it will be seen, that the joists were -tolerably close, but their diameters admitted -of considerable reduction, on account of the -continuity of such a series of arches, which -gave great solidity; and, by their mutual pressure, -admitted that a joist should be freely -removed, without in the least affecting the -roof.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_58'>58</span>The houses built and inhabited by the natives, -invariably have flat roofs. In these the apartments -are, for the most part, extremely narrow, -and dark. The <em>verandas</em>, where any are made, -consist of arcaded fronts, invariably indented -gothic; and have pillars, either of an hexagonal, -or of an octagonal, form, resting on short pedestals, -while the arch may be seen to break off -rather too suddenly from the shaft, which continues -up to <em>baisez-mur</em>, (or <em>bassimere</em>, as our -architects vulgarly call it,) and divides the upper -part into various compartments, all of which are -ornamented with a profusion of carved work. -In almost every Hindostanee building, of this -description, there will be seen an odd number -of arches, to which others in the main part of -the edifice generally correspond. The chambers, -if so we may call them, are taken off from the -ends of the halls, by similar arcades; each of -which, as well as those of the exterior, is furnished -with a <em>purdah</em>. These narrow slips have -no windows, or, at the best, only small loop -holes. The intention of such oven-like recesses -would perplex an European unacquainted with -Asiatic customs, but he would soon find that, in -the cold season, such are peculiarly warm, and -that, during those months in which the glare is -obnoxious, they remain cooler than such as -admit more light. Almost every house is furnished -with some means of ascending to the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_59'>59</span><em>chut</em>, (or flat tarras-roof,) whereon the natives -often pass the evening, causing the heat to be -first abated, by means of several pots of water, -which throw up a steam fully indicating the -temperature at which the tarras had arrived. -The natives are not partial to upper-roomed -houses in general; though they affect to pride -themselves greatly in the possession of <em>doomaulahs</em>, -that is, of houses having a second -floor: it seems that ostentation is the reason of -this predilection in favor of ground floors, -whereon all their attendants, &c., may be seen -from the level of their <em>compounds</em> (or enclosed -areas). The stairs, where any exist, (for sometimes -a very mean boarded ladder is made to -answer that intention,) are narrow, steep, and -unsafe: these are almost always built of solid -masonry, as far up as the first turn, (or landing -place,) after which they commonly consist of -small bricks laid edgeways in lime mortar, -supported by stout timbers, placed at a proper -angle, and resting on the proximate joist of -the upper floor. In every Hindostanee house, -the doors are very low, and often are made -to open into a long arcaded <em>veranda</em>, running -the whole length of the interior, much the -same as in our inns; while, in the front, or -towards the road, a hanging balcony is sometimes -made, supported on continuations of the -joists, of which the extremities are carved -<span class='pageno' id='Page_60'>60</span>into grotesque forms; such as the heads of -alligators, or of tigers, or of serpents, and not -infrequently of little human figures, whose size -and squat position strongly put us in mind of a -<em>fœtus in utero</em>.</p> - -<p class='c001'><em>Saul-wood</em> is used to an immense extent, both -in buildings, and in the construction of ships, -but is not to be compared, either for toughness, -strength, resistance against insects, or durability, -with <em>teak</em>. Its price is much in favor of general -service, to which its great size, and admirable -straightness, are considerable, and valuable recommendations; -but it is extremely apt to -crack, though not to snap; especially when exposed -to the weather. There is something very -peculiar in <em>saul-wood</em>; since it is seen to warp, -even after having been employed in bulk for -many years, riving into large fissures longitudinally: -the white-ants also devour it with avidity. -Mr. Lyon, already noticed, when he was building -the General Hospital at Berhampore, caused -an immense copper trough to be made, in which -he boiled the beams intended for that edifice: -some were boiled in pure water, others with -tannin, and some with arsenic; under the hope -both of seasoning the timber, and of giving it a -repellant, or preservative quality. This ingenious, -and highly praise-worthy experiment, was -by no means successful; for, although, in the -first instance, the timbers seemed to defy the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_61'>61</span>white-ant, especially those boiled in the solution -of arsenic, still they were not completely secured -from depredation; while, on the other hand, -nine in ten rived so dangerously as to demand -immediate props, and ultimate removal.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Many authors have recommended the boiling -of timber, planks, &c., with a view to extract -the sap, and thus to season them out of hand; but -they have invariably neglected to furnish us with -the results. Now, I have ever held it necessary, -that medical practitioners should keep a register -of the obituary, as well as of the convalescent -department, in order that we may know how to -<em>avoid</em> certain systems; which, doubtless, for want -of such a guide, or caution, have been repeatedly -resorted to by various medical characters, -who, insensible of those fatal effects that -had attended former experiments, thus consign -many patients to their graves! So should all -experiments, such as that above recorded, be -fully laid before the public, and their results -be candidly detailed. It is evident, that where -we see only the suggestion, without the proofs -of its failure, we must frequently be induced to -adopt hints of a most pernicious tendency.</p> - -<p class='c001'><em>Saul</em> timber, when used in buildings, ought -always to have its ends completely open to inspection; -both to prevent the white-ant from -preying upon it under cover, and to insure its -being duly aerated; without which, however -<span class='pageno' id='Page_62'>62</span>charred and tarred it may be, rottenness will -speedily take place. This arises from being -bedded in masonry, which, during the rainy -season, even under the best roofs, will absord a -large portion of moisture, that will, infallibly, -in time, penetrate into the timber. It must be -recollected, that not one in hundreds of the -houses in Calcutta, or that are built on their -plan, contains a fire-place: hence, during some -months in the year, the walls will exhibit various -indications of moisture, even to their very -cornices; though this will often depend upon -the proper selection of sand for mixing in the -plaster. It is now well known, though not -long since discovered, that all sand, taken up -within the flowing of the tides, is strongly impregnated -with salt, which will keep the mortar -wherein it is mixed eternally subject to damps; -notwithstanding the tarrases may be flued, or -be founded upon pots. I have known several, -otherwise highly eligible, houses rendered untenable, -merely by this incautious use of river -sand; which occasioned whatever mats, or carpets, -were laid down, to be speedily rotted. -The fault was at first imputed to the vicinity of -the river, whence it was suspected the damps -were received; but it was ascertained, that such -tarrases, and mortar, as were compounded of -pit-sand, remained dry, and free from so obnoxious -a defect. Nevertheless, the greater part -<span class='pageno' id='Page_63'>63</span>of the buildings, in and about Calcutta, receive -a certain portion of river-sand, taken up within -the reach of brackish water: while this practice -is allowed, the walls and tarrases will remain -subject to occasional moisture; and, as we daily -see in that city, the plastering will blister, or, -indeed, become mottled, and obviously unsound.</p> - -<p class='c001'><em>Saul-timbers</em> are found in all the forests, ranging -under the hills, branching our possessions -from Assam up to Hurdwar; they are more -abundant in some parts than in others, but no -where scarce. Many of these forests present -thousands upon thousands of acres, whereon -the <em>saul</em>, <em>sissoo</em>, and other useful timbers grow -spontaneously; offering to us an inexhaustible -depôt! The only consideration is, that water-carriage -should be at hand. The Indian wood-feller, -who pays not more than sixpence, or a -shilling, for each tree he may choose, and -which may, perhaps, contain from sixty to a -hundred feet of timber, considers it a bad -speculation, if some river be not within a -stone’s throw of the selected wood: his object -is to lop and bark as fast as he can, and then -to launch the tree into the river, there to be -fastened to others, intended to form a raft, or -float, which, being secured to a boat, may glide -down with the current to some established market. -His expences are very trifling; for, with -the exception of some duties, most injudiciously -<span class='pageno' id='Page_64'>64</span>imposed, his adventure will not cost more than -two-pence per foot, when arrived at the place of -destination; where it may commonly be sold, -without risk or delay, for full three times that -sum. Few <em>saul-timbers</em> measuring a ton, or -even a load, (<em>i.e.</em> forty, or fifty, cubic feet,) -stand the owner in more than three rupees when -landed at Patna; where such always meet with -a very ready sale, in whole rafts, at nine, ten, -and sometimes up to fifteen, rupees per stick, -(or timber;) and this, notwithstanding the -number of competitors in the trade. Those -competitors rarely prove injurious to each other, -while they render great service to the public, -by preventing the whole trade from falling into a -few hands. Thus, the prices of <em>saul-timber</em> are -not only kept down, but, in general, owing to -occasional gluts, seasoned timbers may be, to -any amount, purchased at the several <em>ghauts</em>, or -wharfs.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The mode of floating timber being so very -different from that in use with us, I offer a -description of it, under the hope of its affording -at least some variety, if not some useful information. -A common <em>pulwar</em>, (or <em>paunchway</em>,) -of perhaps thirty feet in length, and six or seven -in width, is equipped with two sticks of <em>saul</em>, -say forty feet long, and two feet in girth: these -are placed across her gunwales, at right angles -with her length, and about six feet from her -<span class='pageno' id='Page_65'>65</span>centre, and very firmly lashed down. The boat, -being in about three feet water, has a tree brought -up to each of her sides, where they are respectively -lashed to the cross timbers, and thus, in -succession, until she is judged incapable of receiving -more burthen. In the centre of the boat, -a small cabin is generally made, either of thatch, -or of arched bamboo laths, covered with <em>durmah</em> -mats: in this the crew are sheltered at night. It -is highly expedient to avoid launching such -rafts when the river is at the fullest, or the current -any way prone to deviate from the deepest -channels, as it must do in great floods, on -account of the waters finding, for a while, -passages along hollows among the inland parts; -that is, beyond their limits in ordinary seasons. -When a float of timber once gets over the river’s -bank, it must be the result of great good fortune, -if the channel is ever regained. Hence, when -the waters are falling, it is common to see very -large pinnaces, <em>budjrows</em>, and boats of burthen, -left upon some sand, on which they had struck, -but which the rapid ebbing of the floods prevented -them from quitting! In such cases, -some are allowed to remain until the ensuing -year, when the floods lift them; others are unladen, -and, by means of the joint efforts of hundreds -of villagers, are pushed along the sands to -the deep water; while those which appear -<span class='pageno' id='Page_66'>66</span>unequal to such a severe operation, are generally -broken up, and sold for various purposes.</p> - -<p class='c001'>When a float of timber becomes thus situated, -the best way is to cut the ropes of at least half -the exterior sticks on each side, and so to -lighten the boat, that she may be carried into a -depth suited to receiving them again: but this -operation, which, on paper, appears very simple, -requires great exertion, and no less despatch; -as the strength of the current, which -often runs six or seven miles within the hour, -renders it extremely difficult to manage such -immense logs; especially as they are very apt to -sink into the sands. We commonly see several -floats in company, proceeding, when the reaches -are straight, and the waters deep, with great -regularity; the boatmen, in such situations, -having little to do, sit smoking their <em>nereauls</em>, -with great composure: sometimes a sail is -hoisted, but, for the most part, it is deemed -expedient to check, rather than to accelerate, the -progress. Almost every float, or, at least, every -company of floats, has a canoe attached to it; -which, in doubtful waters, precedes, and directs -the men in charge of the respective vessels, -who, by means of <em>luggies</em>, (or bamboo-poles, -from twenty even to fifty feet in length,) fend off -the floats from banks, or guide them along the -deep water: without such pilotage, they would -<span class='pageno' id='Page_67'>67</span>be in perpetual danger of grounding, the inconveniences -of which are, as above shewn, by no -means inconsiderable.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Floats of timber cannot well come to an anchor, -except in very still water; hence, they -are usually brought-to under steep banks, where -there is great depth; and where, in case the -river should fall during the night, they would -not be left high and dry.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The greatest danger to which a timber float -can be exposed, is that of running upon a -sunken tree, which, having been washed away, -by the bank whereon it stood being undermined -by the strong currents, is hurled away into deep -water, where it probably lies exposed to view -for the first year. During the hot season, when -the waters are low, the boughs are often cut -away by persons in want of fuel; or, perhaps, -they are torn off by the succeeding rains, so far -as to cause their being concealed a foot or two -under the surface. When thus situated, they -throw up a deal of water, so that their locality -may be ascertained at some distance; but, owing -to heavy mists, and especially to clouds of sand, -they frequently are not discovered by the boatmen, -until it becomes impossible to avoid them.</p> - -<p class='c001'>If the <em>pulwar</em>, <em>i.e.</em> the supporting boat, strikes -upon one of the branches, her bottom will infallibly -be staved in; and, in all probability, -the immense body of water bearing upon the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_68'>68</span>timbers, will either tear them away from the -<em>pulwar</em>, or carry off her upper works, leaving -her bottom entangled. In either case, the situation -of the boatmen becomes highly critical; -but, as they generally are expert swimmers, -(though, strange to say, some <em>dandies</em>, have, -like Falstaff, ‘a wonderful alacrity at sinking,’) -few are drowned on such occasions. The timbers, -however, rarely fail to find the bottom, -so soon as their buoyant companion is wrecked.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The great number of trees thus immersed, -some of which equal our largest oaks, render -it extremely dangerous to go down with the -stream during the night: in some strong waters, -such impediments are numerous, and render -the navigation very hazardous, even during the -day time; especially should a <em>goon</em>, or track -rope, give way just after getting a boat above -them; when this misfortune happens, the -chances of escape are comparatively small indeed.</p> - -<p class='c001'>When boats, heavily laden, strike upon a tree, -they sometimes go to pieces, in consequence -of the water’s rapidity; but, when so entangled -as to be pierced in several parts, they very -generally remain entire, presenting, as the waters -subside, the very curious spectacle of a -vessel, perhaps carrying twelve or fifteen hundred -maunds, sitting, as it were, among the -boughs, often ten or twelve feet above the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_69'>69</span>surface of the stream. It is by no means unusual, -in the course of a week’s travelling, to -see one, or more, of these disastrous elevations; -more especially about the month of October. -The misfortune is, that, though the cargo may, -perhaps, be saved, if not of a perishable nature, -such as sugar, salt-petre, &c.; yet, that the -vessel, however expeditiously emptied, can never -be got off; consequently, she must be broken -up.</p> - -<p class='c001'>With respect to the prices of <em>saul</em> timbers, -we generally find them to be nearly the same, -year after year, at the same places; provided a -sufficient number, but not a great glut, should -arrive within the proper season. On an average, -near Patna, the cubic foot will cost about sixpence, -at Moorshadabad, about a shilling, and, at -Calcutta, about two shillings, or even half-a-crown. -An extra price is, of course, put on -timbers of superior dimensions, while the smaller -kinds, called <em>bautties</em>, which rarely contain more -than eight or ten feet, are, in an opposite degree, -depreciated. The <em>saul</em> is a very solid -wood, at least equally so as elm, but has not -its pliancy, nor is it quite so apt to split: its -grain usually runs tolerably even; it is likewise -heavy, yet by no means so ponderous as <em>teak</em>: -both, like many of our firmer woods, sink in -fresh water.</p> - -<p class='c001'>In the upper provinces, some very fine oak -<span class='pageno' id='Page_70'>70</span>timbers are occasionally to be seen: these are -chiefly of a peculiar kind, nearly approaching -to chocolate color, extremely difficult to cut -up, and, consequently, very heavy: this last -characteristic gives them the name of <em>seesah</em>, or, -lead-wood. The prices of these trees, which -generally measure about the same as the <em>saul</em>, -from the same forests, (namely, from the neighbourhood -of <em>Peelabeet</em>,) rather exceed those of -the latter description; and would probably be -greatly enhanced, if the natives stood in need -of such very substantial wood for any of their -buildings, or manufactures. The fact is, that -the carpenters generally endeavor to dissuade -their employers from purchasing oak, by representing -it as subject to many defects; though -the true reason is, that its hardness infallibly -causes more grinding of, than working with, -their tools; which are almost always either too -much, or too little tempered. At Futty-Ghur, -<em>saul</em> timbers commonly sell for full eighteen-pence -the foot, and oaks for about two shillings. -I recollect buying some of the former, that -measured thirty feet in length, with an average -squaring of fourteen inches, for twenty-eight -rupees each; and oaks of the same -dimensions, or nearly so, at thirty-five: but -wood was then extremely scarce, and at full -twenty per cent. above the ordinary rates.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The great aptness of <em>saul</em>-wood to warp, we -<span class='pageno' id='Page_71'>71</span>should suppose, might have favored the importation -of oak, notwithstanding the outcry -against its flinty hardness: and such would -doubtless have been the case, had not another -kind of wood, possessing a very fine grain, and -rather handsomely veined, been abundant. -This, which is called the <em>sissoo</em>, grows in most -of the great forests, intermixed with the <em>saul</em>; -but, in lieu of towering up with a straight stem, -seems partial to crooked forms, such as suit it -admirably for the knees of ships, and for such -parts as require the grain to follow some particular -curve. This wood is extremely hard, and -heavy, of a dark brown, inclining to a purple -tint when polished; after being properly seasoned, -it rarely cracks, or warps; nor is it so -subject as <em>saul</em> to be destroyed by either white-ants, -or river-worms. The domestic uses of -<em>sissoo</em> are chiefly confined to the construction of -furniture, especially chairs, tables, tepoys, (or -tripods,) bureaus, book-cases, ecritoires, &c. -&c. for all which purposes it is peculiarly appropriate, -with the exception of its being very -ponderous. This objection is, however, counter-balanced -by its great durability, and by the -extraordinary toughness of the tenons, dovetails, -&c. necessarily made by the cabinet-maker, -or joiner. <em>Sissoo</em> is, of late, more employed -than formerly for the frame, ribs, knees, &c. of -ships, especially those of great burthen: for -<span class='pageno' id='Page_72'>72</span>such, it is found to be fully as tough and as -durable as the best oak. When timbers can be -had of this wood long enough for the purpose, it -is often applied for bends, and, indeed, for a -portion of the planking, or casing; but it is very -rarely that a plank of ten feet can be had free -from curve. Though admirably suited for stern -and head-work, it is neither long enough for -keels in general, nor sufficiently uniform in its -diameter for the supply of stern-posts. Some -<em>sissoo-trees</em> grow to a great weight; but, unluckily, -the devious directions of their boughs -render it necessary to lop them away for minor -purposes: if, instead of dividing into several -large branches, at perhaps only ten or twelve -feet from the ground, one large stem were to -rise, however crooked, to double that height, -there would be a great encrease of substance; as -it is, however, we may account it an excellent -timber indeed that measures a ton (<em>i.e.</em> forty -cubic feet).</p> - -<p class='c001'>This inconvenience is greatly augmented by -the slovenly manner in which trees are felled -throughout India. There, it is common to see -the axe (for no saws are used on such occasions) -laid to the stem often at a yard or more from the -soil; while, at the same time, full a cubit in -depth is destroyed in widening the orifice, so as -to penetrate into the heart: this creates considerable -loss, which is frequently rendered still -<span class='pageno' id='Page_73'>73</span>greater by the irregular manner in which the -butt rends when in the act of quitting the root, -or stool. If this wood were more scarce, probably -greater pains would be taken to make the -most of its length; as it is, we see, that, even -those ship-builders who occasionally send their -agents into the <em>Morungs</em>, or great forests to the -north of <em>Bahar</em> and <em>Purneah</em>, allow the same loss -to take place; thus disqualifying the timbers -from more general, as well as more important, -adaptation. The price of <em>sissoo</em>, for the most -part, runs about twenty-five, or even to forty -per cent. above that of <em>saul</em>; but, in many places, -up the country especially, where naval architecture -is not in view, their values are generally -about equal. In such situations, it is less an -object of import; since its utility is greatly circumscribed, -and, in a great variety of instances, -superseded, by the <em>baubool</em>, (a species of <em>mimosa</em>, -generally growing wild,) whose crooked -billets are deservedly in great estimation, and -whose bark is considered to be, if any thing, -superior to that of oak for the tanners’ use.</p> - -<p class='c001'>I should have remarked, that, in some parts -of the country, especially along the western -frontier, a small kind of <em>saul</em> grows wild: this -rarely exceeds six inches in diameter, and is -commonly used entire, in lieu of bamboos, for -enclosures, rafters of <em>bungalows</em>, &c. It is very -peculiar that this wood cannot be trusted for any -<span class='pageno' id='Page_74'>74</span>length of time, even under a thatch; it being -subject to the depredations of a very small insect, -called the <em>g’hoon</em>, which perforates it in a thousand -places, depositing its eggs, which are very -numerous, and absolutely rendering the rafter a -mere honey-comb. During the day, these mischievous -little devils are commonly quiet, but, -after night-fall, when all else is still, may be -heard in every quarter! A person unaccustomed -to the sounds, would suppose that a very -heavy shower of hail were falling on the thatch. -In the course of two or three seasons, sometimes -in much less, the rafters will be found to give -way; on examination, they appear as though -pierced with large awls; and, when struck -forcibly with a hammer, yield a cloud of yellowish -powder, resulting no doubt from the labors -of the multitude of inhabitants. The <em>g’hoon</em>, -which rarely exceeds the sixth of an inch in -length, is of a chocolate color, very hard about -the head, has firm exterior coats over its wings, -and terminates abruptly behind, giving the -exact appearance of its rump having been burnt -off. Those timbers which are used immediately -after being felled, as usually happens, are certainly -the first to be attacked by the <em>g’hoon</em>; but, -so far as my own observations went, and according -to the experience of two years, in a quarter -where we used scarcely any other kind of wood -for rafters, even a year’s seasoning did not afford -<span class='pageno' id='Page_75'>75</span>security against, though it obviously retarded, -their attacks. Possibly, if all of this description -of <em>saul</em> trees intended for rafters, were to be -immersed in some of the very numerous puddles -every where abounding in their vicinity, and of -which a great majority are strongly impregnated -with minerals, particularly iron, copper, and -sulphur, the <em>g’hoons</em> might be altogether repelled: -the immersion should continue for a year or two; -the trees being previously allowed to season -standing, by cutting away a circle of bark, -about six inches wide, near the ground, that -the flow of sap might be discontinued. We -find no mode to answer so well as this for our -climate; in India, the advantages would be still -more extensive, in consequence of the regularity, -and particular effects of the three great seasons, -into which the year is there naturally divided. -It is curious, but true, that the <em>g’hoon</em> acts less -upon such timbers as have been squared, than -on such as have only been deprived of their bark; -and, that in the large species of <em>saul</em>, that is, -such as is used in most parts of the country for -great buildings, &c., it either is unable, or not -disposed, to burrow.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Intermixed with the smaller species of <em>saul</em>, -though by no means abundant, we find another -tree, bearing, in common with the oak, the -designation of <em>seesah</em>; and that, too, owing to -the great specific gravity of its wood: this, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_76'>76</span>however, does not grow to any size, but appears -admirably suited to many of those purposes -for which lignum vitæ, and ebony, are now -used.</p> - -<p class='c001'>In the same jungles with the foregoing, a -most remarkable tree is sometimes found, of -which the interior is of a very dark color, nearly -approaching to black: hence, the natives call it -the ‘<em>cowah</em>’ (or ‘crow-tree’); but, from the -hardness of its wood, it certainly might, with -propriety, be termed the ‘<em>iron-tree</em>.’ The carpenters -seem to view it much in the same light -with the black-oak of <em>Peelabeet</em>; and, doubtless, -tremble for their tools, whenever the <em>cowah</em> is -to become subject to their labors.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Although such <em>bungalows</em> as are built with a -view to duration, are sometimes built of the -best materials, and have every part of their roofs -sustained by rafters of the best <em>saul</em>, by far the -majority of such buildings, and nearly all at the -military stations, are constructed on a much -cheaper scale, having only <em>mango-wood</em> rafters, -door-plates, &c. The great abundance of <em>mango</em> -trees, added to their being easily worked, and -their growing in general with stems sufficiently -straight to furnish beams, of perhaps two feet -square, and from fifteen to thirty feet long, give -them a decided preference over every other kind -of wood brought from any distance. Formerly, -a gentleman could send out his servant, with -<span class='pageno' id='Page_77'>77</span>wood-cutters, sawyers, &c., to fell whatever -trees might be found suitable to his intentions, -without any questions being asked; but of late, -and especially since the introduction of the -<em>Mocurrery</em> settlement, (which will be hereafter -explained,) the <em>zemindars</em>, (or land-holders,) -and the <em>raiuts</em>, (or peasants,) have set a value -upon every twig that grows, and invariably -demand from one to four rupees, for such <em>mango</em> -trees as may be felled for the use of any European; -especially in the military. As to a -Company’s civil servant, either the hope of his -favor, or the fear of his resentment, generally is -found to seal the mouth of the pretended proprietor -of the soil; who even is assiduous in -furnishing workmen and conveyance on most -occasions of this description. I must caution -my readers against entertaining any sentiment -unfavorable to the gentlemen alluded to: the -adulation in question results entirely from that -servile, abject, and crafty disposition, for -which the <em>zemindars</em> are notorious where their -interests are any way implicated. They judge -of our collectors, magistrates, &c., as they -would of their own; at least, so far as to suppose -that courtesy will secure their good-will; -but, they are, at the same time, thoroughly -sensible, that in all public, as well as in all private, -intercourse, the Company’s servants act -with the most conscientious propriety, and with -<span class='pageno' id='Page_78'>78</span>the most undeviating attention to justice. It -matters not that this character may be repugnant -to some proofs existing of former rapacity, -and extortion; which may now be deemed -obsolete, or, at the utmost, only existing to -such extent as must be expected under every -form of government, and among every race of -people, in spite of the utmost vigilance.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The wood of the <em>mango</em> is much like that of -the <em>plane-tree</em>, but rather more tough, and its -fibres rather coarser: nevertheless, it is in very -general use for rafters, door and wall-plates, -frames for windows and doors, especially of out-offices, -pannelled and plain doors, floorings of -factories, and drying-rooms; likewise for wine -chests, indigo boxes, roofs of <em>budjrows</em>, and a -thousand other purposes, both of individual convenience, -and of mercantile service. It is, however, -particularly subject to the <em>white-ant</em>; and, -unless carefully preserved from damp, will -speedily decay: its being very light, and easy to -work, are points much in its favor. Though -we consider a <em>mango-plank</em> to be at least at par, -when it measures twenty inches, or two feet, in -width, yet great numbers may be had, by -research, of double that breadth. My carpenters -once felled a tree, which proved too large for any -saw I could obtain in that quarter.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Sometimes we see very old tables made of -<em>mango-wood</em>, which exhibit some beautiful veins, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_79'>79</span>and acquire a substantial polish; but, such can -only attend a very careful choice of planks, -which must likewise be seasoned, and be worked -to great advantage: otherwise, a <em>mango-wood</em> -table will appear singularly coarse and mean.</p> - -<p class='c001'>As to the tree itself, much may be said in its -favor, though, owing to the stiffness of the leaves, -it cannot be termed graceful: its deep green, -contrasted with the white spindling blossoms, -(much resembling those of the horse-chesnut,) -and its abundant foliage, give it a richness, and -render it peculiarly gratifying to the eye; -especially as it is in its greatest beauty during -the early part of the hot season, when the grass -begins to parch, and the surface of the soil -changes from that agreeable verdure produced -by the rains, and, in some degree, cherished by -the succeeding cold months, to a very sombre -russet! The fruit does not run much risque -after the blossoms have once fairly set; though, -sometimes, severe blights occur, which render -the whole abortive; when about the size of a -very large gooseberry, the young <em>mangoes</em> make -excellent pies; not unlike those containing -apples, but with a certain terebinthinic flavor, -which does not always please in the first instance, -but soon becomes palatable. When about half -grown, that is, beyond the size of a large walnut, -they are in good order for pickling. This fruit -is also preserved in common <em>mosaul-oil</em>; in this -<span class='pageno' id='Page_80'>80</span>instance, they are allowed to remain about a -month in the vinegar pickle, before they are -immersed in the oil. Many persons are very -partial to the pickle thus made; but, in my -humble opinion, nothing can be more rank; -especially when the rinds are not pared off. -<em>Mangoes</em> likewise make a very rich preserve, -provided they are prepared before the stones are -suffered to harden; else they will be very fibrous, -and cut with peculiar harshness. With respect -to the ripe fruit, it is impossible to describe the -flavor; since, even on the same tree, various -kinds will often be found. A stranger would -conclude, on seeing <em>mangoes</em> of different colors, -different scents, and different shapes, ripening -on the same tree, that they had been grafted; -but such is not the fact: there seems to be some -very peculiar property, that causes it to shoot -out with such different bearings, which remain -on distinct boughs; as though the tree were -composed of various twigs, all proceeding from -the same stem. What can be said of a fruit -varying in flavor, from the finest apricot, down -to a very bad carrot? Such, however, is known -to be common: it is true, that, for the most -part, the whole crop of a tree will be pretty -similar, both in shape, and flavor; but such -is not always the case. As for the produce of -trees resulting from the kernels of the same kind -of <em>mango</em>, that is quite a lottery; for, like -<span class='pageno' id='Page_81'>81</span>potatoes raised from seed, there will generally be -found a great variety.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The Chinese have produced considerable amelioration -in <em>mangoes</em>, by a very simple process. -They select some healthy branches on a good -tree, and, having pricked the bark through with -a sharp awl, surround the part with a lump of -wet clay, or loam; which they secure by means -of a piece of canvas, bound lightly with hempen -bands. Above each part thus treated, a large -pot of water is suspended, having in its bottom -a small hole; which, being partially stopped -with a piece of rag, allows the water to drip, -whereby the clay is kept constantly moist. In -about three months, small fibres shoot out -through the punctured bark; which, on the -branch being cut off, and the canvas being removed, -strike into the soil, and become roots. -It is highly curious, that the fruit produced by -branches thus treated, becomes more fleshy, -while the stone diminishes considerably; it being -more flat, and rarely so firm as that of the common -<em>mango</em>. By persevering in the operation, -that is, by repeating it on the branches of a tree -thus cultivated, for some generations, the kernel -becomes so reduced as scarcely to be noticeable, -while the skin also loses much of that -highly acrid quality, arising from the abundance -of turpentine it contains.</p> - -<p class='c001'><em>Mangoes</em> are peculiarly stimulant, rarely failing -<span class='pageno' id='Page_82'>82</span>to cause those who eat of them freely to -break out with boils of considerable size, and -often very tedious in their cure. It is absolutely -necessary to treat these as critical abscesses; -for, were any repellent to be applied, serious -consequences would inevitably follow. Persons -lately arrived in the country, often devour -this luscious fruit, until checked either by a -dozen or two of these most distressing companions, -or, perhaps, in consequence of that -kind of bowel-complaint prevalent in all hot climates, -and which, though generally not very -difficult to remedy when properly treated in its -first stage, soon turns to dysentery, carrying off -a large portion of those whose constitutions are -not remarkably sound. When eaten in moderation, -<em>mangoes</em> are gently aperient; but if, notwithstanding -its acrid taste and effects, the rind -should be incautiously swallowed, the stomach -will be considerably disordered. The <em>gland</em>, or -kernel, which in shape is something like a very -large, flat, Windsor-bean, is unpleasant to the -palate, its flavor being very similar to that of the -acorn. Swine, especially of the wild tribes, -which often take shelter, during the season, in -<em>topes</em>, or forests, of wild <em>mangoes</em>, eat the entire -fruit, as it falls from the trees, with great avidity, -and thrive amazingly.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The generality of <em>mango-topes</em> owe their origin -to religious institutions, or to bequests, or to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_83'>83</span>charitable donations. To plant one, it is necessary -that the land should be purchased in fee-simple; -when, the trees being set out, perhaps -thirty feet, or more, asunder, in rows, so as to -form regular square intervals, the whole are -fenced by means of a deep ditch; from which -the excavated soil is thrown inwards, and either -planted with <em>baubool</em>, (<em>mimosa</em>,) or sown with -that tall kind of grass which bears a very large -tassel, and is known by the name of <em>surput</em>: of -this grass notice has already been taken in describing -the <em>seerky</em> used in thatching <em>bungalows</em>. -Some <em>topes</em> are endowed with small sums for the -purpose of maintaining a priest, for whom a -<em>comfortable</em> residence, and a substantial <em>durgaw</em>, -(or temple,) are erected. The sale of the fruit, -(which generally proves a full crop in four or five -years, the trees being then as large as a well-grown -walnut-tree,) furnishes the means of sinking -a well, cased with masonry. But it is more -common for the person who causes the <em>tope</em> to -be planted, to sink the well also; and to celebrate -the marriage of the former with the latter, -in a manner suitable to his rank or property. On -such occasions, the well, being supposed to -possess the fecundatory powers, is considered -the husband; the <em>tope</em> being typified as feminine, -by the fruit it produces. However much -we may be disposed to smile at a custom generally -attended with much ceremony, and expence, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_84'>84</span>we cannot but admire its effects; -which, in a tropical climate, are highly beneficial, -both to the weary traveller, and to the -thirsty soil. Hence, the sight of a <em>mango-tope</em> -is generally attended with the most pleasing -anticipations!</p> - -<p class='c001'>Although <em>mango-topes</em> abound in every part of -the lower provinces, their wood, except in <em>bungalows</em>, -is rarely employed in European architecture; -nor do the natives make much use of -it as a timber: large quantities are every year -cut up for planks, intended chiefly for very ordinary -purposes, where great strength and durability -are not essentials. The immense quantities -of fine bamboos, which ordinarily grow very -straight to the height of sixty feet, or more, -though rarely measuring more than five inches -diameter near the root, and gradually tapering -off as they ascend, supply the contented native -with rafters, joists, posts, pillars, laths, and a -great variety of et ceteras, all tending either to -his shelter, or to his convenience. The ordinary -price of these invaluable reeds (for they are of -the <em>arundo</em> tribe) may be from three-pence to -five-pence each; that is, generally from seven -to twelve for a rupee, according to size and demand. -Millions of them are annually brought -to Calcutta, both by water, and on <em>hackeries</em>; -in the former instance, they, being remarkably -buoyant, are floated in clumps, or, perhaps, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_85'>85</span>are made into rafts, on which <em>boossah</em>, (or -chaff,) and even corn, are laden; or they are -tied to the sides of very large boats, which -also carry from five hundred, to as many -thousands, as a cargo. The buoyancy of the -bamboo is occasioned as much by its various -cells, as by the lightness of its wood. These -cells, in a common sized bamboo, may be about -three quarters of an inch in diameter in those -joints that are near the roots; where the wood -is far more solid and compact than in the upper -parts, towards which the cells become gradually -wider, and the joints longer; thus reducing the -substance of the bamboo very considerably, as -we find to be the case with reeds in general. -This variety in the several parts affords considerable -convenience, their allotment being made -according as the work may require more or less -substance; and, as the whole bamboo may be -split, like whale-bone, from top to bottom, -without much exertion, scope is afforded for -applying it, with great promptness, to an infinite -variety of purposes.</p> - -<p class='c001'>In their whole state, bamboos are used, not -only for rafters in the construction of <em>bungalows</em>, -but as yards for the sails of the common country -craft; sometimes those of extraordinary size -are selected for top-gallant studding-sail booms, -in vessels not exceeding four or five hundred -tons: their immense strength qualifying them -<span class='pageno' id='Page_86'>86</span>admirably for that situation. The smaller open -boats, throughout the East, are generally fitted -with bamboo masts, selected from the lower part -of the reed, the upper being more suited, by its -lightness, to be employed as yards: thus, for -three-pence, a boat of about four or five tons -may be furnished, from the same bamboo, with -both mast and yard. In vessels of greater burthen, -two or more, even up to a dozen, of bamboos, -are lashed together around a stout piece of -wood, which, passing through the thatch, fits -into a step on the vessel’s bottom, and is well -secured by chocks and lashings in various places. -This stick, which serves as the base of the mast, -may be about fifteen feet long, and nine or ten -inches diameter: it is commonly left in a very -rough state, that the bamboos which are to surround -it may be more firmly held in their places. -In this manner the mast is run up, probably to -the height of forty or fifty feet, according to the -vessel’s burthen, and at every two or three feet -is bound by cords made of white hemp. The -position of this awkward-looking pile is maintained -by stays innumerable; many of which, -being allowed to point forward, before the line -of the mast’s perpendicular, obstruct the bracing -of the yard very considerably. The strength of -that yard must be proportioned to the sail; -sometimes one well-selected bamboo may suffice, -but in vessels of great bulk, say from sixty to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_87'>87</span>ninety tons, two, or even three, stout bamboos -are found requisite.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The sail is usually made of a very coarse kind -of canvas, constructed of a very indifferent kind -of hemp, generally used for rice bags, &c., and -known by the name of <em>gunny</em>: each piece may -measure six or seven feet by thirty inches; consequently, -the innumerable joinings made in a -large sail, offer a very ready means for the wind’s -escape. <em>Blacky</em> is not very particular in this -respect; with him, a sail is a sail, so long as a -bit remains adequate to giving the vessel way -through still waters.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It will naturally be asked, ‘Why is such miserable -tackling in use?’ The reasons are, <em>firstly</em>, -because the native owner of a vessel will not go -to one farthing expence beyond what may be indispensably -necessary, however clumsy, or subject -to mishap, to set his vessel afloat, and to have -her, as he thinks, ready for departure. <em>Secondly</em>, -the materials are probably of his own growth, -or he deals in them, or, which is often the sole -motive, he finds them, in the first instance, by -far cheaper than more substantial materials; and, -<em>thirdly</em>, even if other materials of a better quality, -and in every instance more appropriate, were -to be had for the same money, he would not -very readily deviate from the customs of his -ancestors. Were a vessel fitted up on European -principles to be wrecked, the whole family -<span class='pageno' id='Page_88'>88</span>would impute the accident to the sin engendered -by such adoption of the customs of a race held -in abomination by even the lowest <em>casts</em>, (or -sects,) throughout the country. Nevertheless, -we sometimes see the <em>manjy</em> and <em>dandies</em> grievously -put out of their way, by some shrewd -native, who resolutely breaks through the -general prejudice, and imitates that which his -faculties convince him is founded upon science. -Not that he will understand the how, and the -wherefore: no; he sees the practice is good, -and he adopts it: whereas, if any regulation -were to be framed to enforce his compliance with -our system, in that, or in any other particular, -we should assuredly witness his receding, if -possible, from every idea of improvement; or, -if under the necessity of conforming, that his -whole deportment would betray the reluctance, -and antipathy, he felt on the occasion.</p> - -<p class='c001'>May not this trait in the character of Asiatics -in general, serve as a hint to those who talk of -coercing them to the adoption of Christianity? -May it not shew that much may be done by -<em>suaviter in modo</em>, provided we temper the <em>fortiter -in re</em>?—Certainly!</p> - -<p class='c001'>Exclusive of the bamboo, the natives have -an ample resource for rafters, as well as for posts -and pillars, in the cocoa-nut tree, which grows, -it may be said wild, throughout those parts within -reach either of the sea-water, or of the sea-air. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_89'>89</span>Not that it is absolutely confined to such -situations; but, in proportion as those are -removed, so does the natural growth of this tree -gradually diminish; giving way to the <em>taul</em>, (or -fan-leafed palm,) which, though less umbrageous, -and, in many instances, less useful, attains a -great height, and furnishes a much larger quantity -of wood. In general, few <em>Bengallees</em> will -cut down a <em>nereaul</em>, (or cocoa-nut tree,) which -supplies them with so many requisites. Thus, -the outer coating, which often weighs from one -to two pounds, when stripped off longitudinally, -furnishes those fibres called <em>coir</em>, whereof both -small rigging and cables are made. This kind -of rope is particularly elastic, and buoyant; -floating on the surface of the sea, to any extent; -therefore, when, owing to the strength of the -current, a boat misses a ship, it is usual to veer -out a quantity of <em>coir</em>; having previously -fastened an oar, or a small cask, &c. to its end: -by this device, the boat may be easily enabled -to haul up to the ship’s stern.</p> - -<p class='c001'>I should think, that, were a <em>coir</em> hawser kept -on board every ship in the British marine, a -great number of lives would be saved. It is, -however, peculiar, that fresh water rots <em>coir</em> in -a very short time; corroding it in a most unaccountable -manner; whereas salt water absolutely -invigorates; seeming to afford additional elasticity. -This shews that <em>coir</em> is by no means fit -<span class='pageno' id='Page_90'>90</span>to be used in running rigging, nor as shroud-hawsers, -&c., especially for vessels subject to -approach low latitudes; it being easily snapped -in frosty weather.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Nothing can equal the ease with which a -ship rides at anchor when her cables are of <em>coir</em>: -as the surges approach the bows, the vessel -gradually recedes, in consequence of the cable -yielding to their force; but, so soon as they -have passed, it contracts again, drawing the -vessel gently back to her first position. The -lightness of the material doubtless adds to this -pleasing effect; for the cable would float, were -not the anchor sufficiently heavy to keep it perfectly -down. It is to be remarked, that a -hempen-cable always makes a curve <em>downwards</em>, -between the vessel and the anchor, but a <em>coir</em> -cable makes a curve <em>upwards</em>: therefore, if a -right line were drawn from the hawse-hole, to -the ring of the anchor, it would be something -like the axis of a parabolic spindle; of which -the cables would form the two elliptic segments, -or nearly so.</p> - -<p class='c001'>A very considerable trade is carried on, from -all parts of India, with the Maldivies, and -Sechelles, (very numerous clusters of islands -near the west coast of the peninsula,) for <em>coir</em> -and <em>cowries</em>; the latter being used for inferior -currency, while the former is greatly appreciated, -on account of the fibres being much larger, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_91'>91</span>firmer, than those grown upon the continent. -Not only the islands above named, but all -within the Indian seas, abound with the cocoa-nut -tree; which, in many of them, stand absolutely -in the water. These owe their origin to -the growth of such nuts as, having been blown -down, or dropped, when ripe, are buried in the -sands; above which their acrospires soon appear, -when the tree shoots up with greater vigor than -its inland competitors. It is said, that, about -a hundred and fifty years back, the <em>Sechelles</em> and -<em>Maldivies</em> were known only as concealed sands, -highly dangerous to the navigator; and that, after -they had, by the action of the sea, accumulated -so as to become superficial, a vessel laden with -cocoa-nuts was wrecked upon one of these banks, -which speedily threw up whole forests of that -tree, in consequence of the seed thus furnished: -others attribute the first supply to the adventitious -floating of nuts from the Malabar coast. -Nothing appears to discredit either of the accounts; -but the former appears by far the most -probable. Be it one way or the other, we now -find that the islands in question not only produce -immense forests of cocoas, but, that they -are inhabited by a people, governed much in the -same way as the other Arabian islands, (for such -we may call these, as well as Johanna, Comora, -Succotra, &c.;) and whose commercial relations -may be said to consist of <em>coir</em> and <em>cowries</em>, bartered -<span class='pageno' id='Page_92'>92</span>with their neighbours of the peninsula, -and the Arabs of Museat, &c., for cotton-cloths, -rice, sugar, &c. To whatever chance it may -have been owing, the navigator now feels less -anxiety when near these isles; for, notwithstanding -they are so little elevated as to remain nearly -in their former state of immersion, yet their -cocoa forests, which generally tower to the -height of thirty or forty feet, being visible at the -distance of many miles, enable him to ascertain -his locality with correctness, and to avoid the -numerous shoals, by a due attention to the -bearings and soundings. The natives are said to -be extremely well acquainted with their archipelago, -and to pilot vessels of great burthen with -perfect security and precision.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The next consideration with the native, respecting -the cocoa-nut, is its water, by us called -cocoa-nut milk. This pleasant beverage is contained -within the shell, and, in general, may -amount to three quarters of a pint. It is purest -when the nut is so young and tender as to allow -the husk and shell to be cut with about as much -facility as a stringy turnip; at which time, very -little coagulum adheres to the interior of the -shell, and that little is soft, like milk barely -turned by rennet. Gradually, the water becomes -rather turbid, and acquires a stronger -taste; while the coagulum encreases to about -the third, or even the half, of an inch in thickness; -<span class='pageno' id='Page_93'>93</span>hardening, and becoming tough, but -easily snapped into pieces. When arrived at -this state, it abounds in oil, which, at first is -remarkably sweet, though of a peculiar flavor, -and is much used by the native Portugueze, in -lieu of <em>ghee</em>, in their culinary operations.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The mode of extracting the oil is very simple: -a piece of wood, say two feet in length, six -inches broad, and two or three thick, bears at -one of its extremities a stem of iron, driven in -by means of a spike: this stem must be stout, -and should measure about ten inches; but, -towards its summit, spreading into the form of -an inverted crescent, somewhat concave, and -deeply jagged at its circumference. Sitting, as -usual, on the ground, the operator keeps the -baton from tilting, by placing one of his feet -firmly upon it: in that position he takes the -nuts, commonly broken into two or more pieces, -by a forcible stroke of some heavy implement, -or by dashing them on the floor, and, by rasping -the interior of each piece against the jagged -edges of the iron, causes the coagulum to fall, in -form of a coarse powder, into a vessel placed -below to receive it. To effect this with more -facility, the stem slants obliquely from the baton; -allowing room for the receiver to be put immediately -under the crescent. The raspings are -now put into hot water, in which they are well -stirred and pressed with a large wooden spoon; -<span class='pageno' id='Page_94'>94</span>by this means the oil is separated; it is drawn -off by opening a little hole near its surface, as it -floats upon the water. It is inconceivable how -much oil is thus obtained in a few minutes; -but, both from its own nature, and the mode of -extraction, it soon becomes offensively rancid; -a state in which it is by no means objectionable -to the swarthy <em>Signors</em>, who, as well as the Hindus -in general, are partial to it as an unguent for -the hair. To a fresh European, the scent of this -powerful finish to the charms of an Indian Venus -is highly objectionable: of all the stinks of -which India can boast, it certainly is the worst. -But, as before observed, if used immediately after -extraction, nothing can be sweeter: it also burns -remarkably well; therefore is in general use for -lamps among all the European inhabitants. The -residuum, after separating the oil, fattens poultry -better than grain: the pork of swine fed upon -cocoa-nuts is delicious; as must be confessed by -all who have visited the Andamans and Nicobars. -Considering the coagulum as a food for -mankind, I should by no means feel disposed to -recommend it; though it is certain that the -natives eat of it freely: experience satisfies me, -that it is extremely difficult of digestion; and -that, when ate as a meal, much inconvenience, -if not indisposition, will generally follow. Nor -can I recommend the water of the young nut to -persons whose bowels are not of the strongest; -<span class='pageno' id='Page_95'>95</span>it being aperient, and, when used beyond a certain -quantity, extremely apt to induce dysentery: -the amount of a nut-ful may, perhaps, be -drank with perfect safety. During very hot -weather, if the nuts are fresh gathered, or suffered -to remain for a while in cold water, it is not -very easy to withstand the temptation.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The shell of the cocoa-nut is always most -valuable when suffered to ripen upon the tree; -it then acquires great hardness, and a fine dark -chocolate color, interveined by fine lines of a -rich dun, or clay, or perhaps striated with those -tints: they then take a good polish, and may, -when tastefully mounted, be considered as ornamental -to the sideboard. But, it is to be observed, -that they are rather a brittle ware, compared -with their solid appearance; and, that it -requires a great length of time to divest them -wholly of a certain strong scent, reminding those -who have been accustomed to the oil, of that -peculiar and powerful rancidity it invariably -acquires by long keeping, and especially by -exposure to the air.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Previous to the introduction of lamps in the -halls, passages, &c., in the houses of Europeans, -cocoa-nut oil was to be had for about three-pence, -or four-pence, per <em>seer</em> (<em>i.e.</em> the measurement -of a <em>seer</em>, which comes very nearly to -the English quart; in some places exceeding it, -but in others falling short). Since that practice -<span class='pageno' id='Page_96'>96</span>has obtained, in consequence of candles having -been doubled in price, the oil has likewise been -enhanced; so that it now sells at about three and -a half, or four <em>seers</em> per rupee; which accords -with seven-pence halfpenny of our currency per -quart. No kind of animal oil is in use among -the natives of India, either as food, or in manufactories; -if, indeed, we except that most curious -production, the <em>meemii-ke-tale</em>, or oil extracted -from the bodies of malefactors; who, -being well fed for a month, or more, previous to -execution, for the purpose of encreasing their -fat, have large fires lighted under them while on -the gibbet, and metal vessels placed to receive -the drippings. That this practice has heretofore -obtained, under the government of the native -princes, does not, I believe, admit of a doubt; -but, that it is now obsolete, is equally certain. -Still <em>meemii-ke-tale</em> (<em>i.e.</em> human oil) may be had -at many places; though not genuine, but composed -of whatever materials may form a mass -resembling that originally in use. I have seen -several of these masses, which were of a dark, -opaque brown, appearing something like coagulated -blood mixed with dirty jelly, and become -hard by exposure to the sun, or by inspissation: -its smell was intolerably offensive. On the -whole, this celebrated extract, which is supposed -to cure all contractions, and stiffness of -the joints, is a subject of astonishment, when -<span class='pageno' id='Page_97'>97</span>we consider it to be in use among a people so -very peculiar in their tenets, and professing so -much humanity, not only towards their brethren, -but towards all animated nature. Had -Shakespeare been acquainted with the existence -of the <em>meemii</em>, he certainly would have given it -a place in Hecate’s stir-about!</p> - -<p class='c001'>If the natives were intent upon obtaining animal -oils, the greatest abundance could be commanded; -porpoises, turtles, alligators, dog-fishes, -and sharks, all of which contain large -quantities, exist in every part where the water -is brackish; some of them, indeed, become even -more numerous as their distance from the sea -encreases. Whales, likewise, are occasionally -seen in the Indian Sea, and in the Mozambique -Channel are extremely common. But, to persons -habituated from their infancy to the use of -high-savored viands, any sweet oil would be -insipid: such people want a <em>haut-goût</em> in their -sauces; yet it must be confessed, they certainly -manage to render even their strongest preparations -extremely palatable; but, to relish them -properly, the culinary operations must not -always be witnessed. <em>Babachees</em>, or cooks, in -the employ of Europeans, are sometimes extremely -filthy; far more so than when dressing -their own victuals. Few of the natives are sparing -in the use of water on such occasions, even -though it should be brought from some distance; -<span class='pageno' id='Page_98'>98</span>yet, it is equally true, that whole villages are -sometimes content to use water from a pool, -comparable only with that into which Ariel -ushered the surly Caliban.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The trunk of the cocoa-nut tree not only answers, -when the central pith is scooped out, for -canoes, but, when split, as it may easily be -into slips of any width, forms excellent rafters: -if applied to that purpose, all the soft part is -taken entirely away, leaving only the exterior -case, which is very hard, tough, and elastic, -about three inches in thickness. A trunk of -about a foot in diameter will commonly rive into -five staves, each about seven inches wide: such -should be placed edgeways on the walls, that -their scantlings may be in a proper direction. -Rafters thus made, provided they be not more -than twenty feet, or thereabouts, in length, and -not too heavily laden, will stand for generations, -without shewing the smallest symptom of decay. -In saying this, I am to be understood as alluding -to their being under cover; otherwise, they -will not exhibit such durability, although they -may fully claim to be on a par with most of the -indigenous timbers.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The reader is to understand, that, excepting -where merely temporary, that is to say, intended -for a few weeks, or months, <em>bungalows</em> are always -built with pavilion thatches; by which construction -they resist the weather far better, while -<span class='pageno' id='Page_99'>99</span>the quantity of brick-work is considerably less -than where gables are run up. The proximity -of the thatches in the <em>veranda</em> parts, renders -them far less cool, in the hot months, than the -interior, in which the thatch is so much further -removed: the latter would be rendered much -cooler were flues, or ventilators, to be made for -the purpose of carrying off the rarefied air, as -already suggested. Cocoa-nuts are often sawed -into two equal parts, for the purpose of being -made into ladles: to effect this, a hole is made -on each side, about half an inch from the edge, -and a stick is passed through, serving as a handle; -much the same as we see in the <em>jets</em> used -by brewers for taking liquor out of their vats. -When sawed into two equal parts, across the -grain of the <em>coir</em> coating, cocoa-nuts make excellent -table brushes, causing the planks to assume -a very high polish from their friction. As -this operation requires some strength, it is proper -to be careful that the edges of the shell, if -left in, (as is sometimes, though improperly, -done,) should be perfectly smooth; being once -rendered so, they will never scratch, however -forcibly the brush may be applied. A very good -mode is, to strip off the <em>coir</em>, and, after soaking -it well in water, to beat it with a heavy wooden -mall until the pieces become a little pliant, when -they should be firmly bound together with an -iron ring: their ends being then levelled, the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_100'>100</span>implement is fit for use. A little bees’-wax -rubbed occasionally upon them, adds greatly -to the lustre of the furniture, without being -clammy.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The stem of the toddy-tree is very similar to -that of the cocoa, but grows to a much greater -height, and is put to the same purposes. On first -seeing a grove of toddy-palms, one would suppose -that a strong wind must inevitably tear up -the whole by their roots; which consist of innumerable -small fibres, that penetrate but a very -little way, comparatively, into the soil. When -one of these trees is laid prostrate by the wind, -a very small cavity is made, rarely so much as a -cubic yard. The leaves differ very widely from -those of the cocoa: the former being rather -spear-shaped, about a foot, or more, in length, -by perhaps two inches at their broadest part, and -attached to each side of the rib, which may be -from ten to fourteen feet in length, and hang -gracefully on every side of the trunk; covering -the nuts, which grow on very short, stiff stems, -close under the place where the leaves start from -it in all directions; a tuft of similar, but smaller, -branches, grow with rather a vertical tendency.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The <em>toddy-palm</em> has, on the contrary, about -ten or a dozen large leaves, radiated from their -stems, arranged in folds very similar to a lady’s -fan half spread; but the outer edges are indented -considerably: the leaves form each about three-fourths -<span class='pageno' id='Page_101'>101</span>of a circle, but not very regularly so; -some more, some less. These are made into -<em>punkahs</em>, or fans, of various sizes; or, when torn -into strips of about two inches wide, which may -be about the medium breadth of each fold, serve -the natives in lieu of paper. The greater part of -the accounts kept by Bengallees are written on -these leaves, by means of any sharp-pointed -instrument, which, marking through the glossy -rind, or coating, on either side of the leaf, remains, -ever after, perfectly distinct and legible. -Those who wish to have the letters still more so, -rub the leaves, after filled with writings, with -<em>kaujool</em>, or lamp-black; which sinks into the -porous parts laid open by the instrument, but -easily wipes off from that portion of the surface -which has not been pierced. Some hundreds of -these leaves may be seen, secured together at -one end by a twine passed through each, like -waste paper in a grocer’s shop; thus forming a -voluminous collection. The fruit of the <em>taul</em> -consists of two, or sometimes three, <em>lobes</em>, or -pods, somewhat similar to those in a horse-chesnut, -and, like them, concealed in a pithy, -spherical coating, but with a smooth exterior. -Each <em>lobe</em> is hollow, and contains a small quantity -of very clear liquor, partaking, in a very -slight degree, of the flavor of rose-water; the -<em>lobes</em> themselves are about the size of a Chelsea-bun, -are rather of a crisp, but gelatinous substance, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_102'>102</span>and pleasant to the palate: their exterior -is covered with a very thin, brown rind, like that -of an almond; rather astringent, but by no -means acrid.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The liquor, called <em>toddy</em>, is obtained by making -an incision under the head of the tree, when, -a thin wedge being introduced, the <em>toddy</em> will -gradually exude into a vessel suspended to receive -it. This liquor is very pleasing when fresh -drawn, but, in a few hours, acquires a harsh flavor, -ferments, and becomes highly intoxicating. -It answers admirably as leaven, making very -light dough; but if kept, as is too commonly -done, until rather sub-acid, it communicates a -most unpleasant tartness to the bread. Groves -of <em>toddy-trees</em>, in some parts of the country, yield -a very handsome revenue, and great profit to -the renters. Like the cocoa-nut tree, they have -within their summits a substance very like a -cabbage in flavor: this occasions mariners sometimes -to fell them, with the view of carrying -that part to sea; where it will, if left within its -rind, keep for many months. I have tasted of -this vegetable, but did not feel much gratified, -though it assuredly was not disagreeable: it -seemed to require much boiling.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The stem of the <em>toddy-palm</em> is annulated, -but not very deeply: of this the <em>toddy</em>-men -take advantage, ascending to the summit, and -descending again to the plain, with wondrous -<span class='pageno' id='Page_103'>103</span>agility. This is effected by a piece of strong -twine, about a yard or more in length, but -doubled into a loop of half that extent. The -great toes are respectively put into the ends -of the loop, so as to keep it perfectly extended. -The man first embraces the tree, as high as he -can reach, for the purpose of raising himself -from the ground; his feet being instantly carried, -on opposite sides of the trunk, as far asunder as -the loop may admit. Then, sustaining himself -by means of the loop, he slides his arms upwards -to take a second spring; following, in due -time, by the removal of his feet, as much -higher as he has been able to reach. In this -manner, successively stretching up his arms, -and swarming with his feet, he reaches the -summit; where, while he either suspends the -pot, or releases it, his weight generally rests on -the loop. The great art, both in ascending, and -descending, is to keep the loop always stretched: -should it be allowed to slacken, in all probability -it would fall off. Few persons, following this -profession, require more than half a minute to -mount the highest <em>palmira</em>; by which name -the <em>toddy-palm</em> is most generally known to Europeans. -The natives designate it the <em>taul</em> (or -<em>taul-gautch</em>).</p> - -<p class='c001'>I believe very few kinds of wood, except -those I have mentioned, ever come within the -ordinary course of domestic architecture; though, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_104'>104</span>in some few situations, the <em>soondry</em> and <em>jarrool</em> -are employed for the minor purposes; but, with -some reserve on the part of the natives, who -hold them to be more applicable to the construction -of small craft, and to the formation of -carriages of various descriptions. The <em>soondry</em> -is a remarkably tough, heavy, and elastic -wood; while the <em>jarrool</em>, though rather harder, -more resembles the beech, than any other of our -indigenous timber trees: as a material in boat-building, -it ranks next to the <em>teak</em>, hence, many -of the <em>donies</em>, (or coasting vessels,) measuring -from fifty, to a hundred and fifty, tons, are -principally built therewith. When <em>teak</em> is scarce, -we occasionally see the ship-wrights apply <em>jarrool</em> -in their repairs of the upper works of large -vessels.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Having said thus much of the manner in -which houses, and <em>bungalows</em>, are constructed, -I have only to observe, that, of late years, the -European architects have been rather prone to -sacrifice comfort to appearance. Those old -houses built at a time when <em>punkahs</em>, <em>tatties</em>, -glass-sashes, &c., were not in use, certainly -evince that attention was paid to coolness, but -without disregarding convenience. Now, -although building is full fifty per cent. cheaper -than it was thirty years ago, we see the walls -much less substantial, and, on the whole, a -want of local fitness in the arrangement of the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_105'>105</span>several apartments. I must caution the reader, -that what would appear an admirable plan for a -residence in our climate, would be found totally -inconsistent with the temperatures attendant -upon the changes of season in India, and with -the several practices, and operations, peremptorily -necessary towards meeting those changes. -It must never be forgotten, that, at some seasons, -and at some hours in all seasons, every door and -window is usually thrown open; likewise, that, -during the continuance of the hot winds, such -apartments as cannot be kept moderately cool, -by <em>tatties</em> applied to some apertures on that floor, -whence the current of refrigerated air may find -admission, will be scarcely habitable, and, at -night in particular, will glow like ovens.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The hot-wind commonly rises with the sun, -blowing at first very gently, but encreasing -gradually, until about one or two o’clock; after -which, it subsides into a perfect calm. This is -its ordinary course, but some days remain calm -throughout, while, at other times, the wind blows -a hurricane the whole night through. I have, -indeed, known it to continue, with very little -change of temperature, or variation of force, for -full ten days; during which period, the nights -were, if any thing, hotter than the days; so -that extra <em>b’heesties</em> were retained to water the -<em>tatties</em> during the night. That was, to be sure, -a very singular season, carrying with it a prodigious -<span class='pageno' id='Page_106'>106</span>mortality; great numbers dying suddenly. -It was peculiar that the fit, which resembled -apoplexy, attacked all ages alike, and paid no -deference to the abstemious and temperate, any -more than to the licentious and gormandizing -classes.</p> - -<p class='c001'>In describing the habitations of the lower -orders of natives, I explained, that their chief -attention was paid to privacy, and to the exclusion -of the glare. The superior ranks are not -less intent upon the same objects; though many -of their state apartments do not indicate, that -either the one or the other were of the smallest -consideration. Some of the <em>Durbars</em> are uncommonly -exposed; and, in consequence of the -crowd, the fastidious ceremony observed, and -the constant succession of entrances and exits, -form a most uncomfortable <em>tout ensemble</em>. Yet, -it appears that the natives have made little or no -variation in their system, not only within the -time we have been acquainted with them, but, -if we examine their ancient structures, not -for centuries before a British foot was placed -upon their soil. We ordinarily find nearly the -same aspect given to all their buildings, especially -to their places of worship: <em>nimauzes</em>, (or -open temples,) where the Mussulmans are in the -habit of offering up their prayers, invariably are -made to front the west; under the idea of their -facing the shrine of Mahomed. This error may -<span class='pageno' id='Page_107'>107</span>be considered on a par with the placing of altars -in our churches always at the east end, with the -view to their standing towards the place of our -Saviour’s nativity: we also inter our dead with -their heads to the west, on the same account.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Having detailed what relates to the domestic -habits, and to the architecture of the country, I -shall now proceed to describe the manner of living -among Europeans in India; observing, that -there are two very distinct classes, though perfectly -on a footing; namely, the residents of -Calcutta, and those among the civil and military, -who are subject to be detached from the Presidency. -Formerly, only such gentlemen as held -offices of considerable emolument, or those who -were married, supported a regular table: such -might be said to keep open-house; at least, far -the greater number usually laid several spare -covers, especially at supper-time, under the -hope of seeing their friends drop in to partake -of whatever might be in preparation. The dinner -hour being known, (for almost every family -then dined between two and three o’clock,) it -was rarely needful to make enquiries respecting -the proper moment for repairing to the hospitable -board. Little or no ceremony was required; the -host being as much pleased with the compliment -paid by the visit of a young friend, as the latter -was to find a welcome among the most opulent -<span class='pageno' id='Page_108'>108</span>and respectable portion of the European community.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Nor did the benefit accruing to the latter, -confine itself within the limits of economical -saving: it was generally found, that such as -became habitually inmates of this description, -were recommended to the notice of Government, -or to such situations, (if not in the Company’s -service,) as afforded the immediate means -of maintenance, or eventually led to lucrative -speculations. A variety of instances could be -adduced, of young gentlemen having, from the -foregoing admission within the domestic circle -of visitants, been rescued from that most unpleasant -situation, namely, a want of respectable -friends; these, as Shakespeare properly remarks, -‘had greatness thrust upon them.’ Such <em>was</em> -the state of society when I first arrived in India, -[1778] and such <em>was</em> the fair expectation, with -which not only young gentlemen, but many -‘far advanced upon time’s list,’ landed on the -shores of the Ganges. In fact, it required that -some very substantial objection should personally -exist, to deprive any individual of an implied -right to the most friendly reception. Still, however, -it must be acknowledged, that a certain -distinction, rather too fastidious, was prevalent -in favor of those who came with appointments -to the Company’s service; especially in the civil -<span class='pageno' id='Page_109'>109</span>line. To a certain extent, such might have -been considered reasonable, when we reflect -that future association in the same duties was to -be expected; but, the matter was doubtless -carried too far; it being distinguished by that -kind of deference which stamps a superior value -upon its object, the whole amount of which is -deducted from the supposed inferior; thus, -causing the former to preponderate in society in -a multiplied ratio, in the same manner as taking -from one scale to put into the other, occasions -the difference to encrease in the proportion of -three to one.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The gradual encrease of commercial transactions, -and of intercourse, with several parts of -that extensive territory, which ultimately has -come under the influence, if not the control, of -the British government, served as invitations to -many adventurers, who quitted Europe under -assurances of employ in the East. Their expectations -were generally confirmed by permanent -establishments in various parts of the country; -whereby a complete change took place, as to -the estimation in which free-merchants, as they -are generally termed, were held.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Among this class, there have, within a few -years, appeared numbers, whose industry, and -extensive concerns, rendered them conspicuous; -and it would not, perhaps, be too bold to predict, -that, in the course of a few years, the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_110'>110</span>success of their efforts may prove a stimulus to -such an encrease of private traders, as cannot -fail to give birth to events of great national -importance.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It would not be in place to notice such probable -results in this work, but it may be permitted, -without trespassing the bounds I have -marked out to myself, to anticipate, that the -commercial society of India will, in time, grow -out of the knowledge of such as surveyed its -state some thirty years ago. We have, at the -same time, to lament, that, owing to such an -augmentation of all ranks, it has been found -necessary to drop many customs suited only to -a limitted society, and to adopt a certain reserve, -which may not be exactly conformable to those -very sanguine ideas entertained by persons who -may have read of the ancient regime of Oriental -hospitality; the declination of which has unavoidably -kept pace with the additional imports -consequent to extended commerce. There will, -however, even at this day, be found much to -approve; and the mind endued with sensibility -will have to acknowledge many a civility, very -nearly akin to kindness, and sufficiently poignant -to give an ample scope for many a grateful -acknowledgment.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Morning visits are not, generally speaking, so -uncommon as they were: formerly, few went to -pay visits of ceremony during the forenoon; for, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_111'>111</span>the dinner-hour being early, there was little time -for such unsocial compliments; whereas, now, -that it is generally delayed until about sun-set, -that is to say, to perhaps five, or six, or even to -seven o’clock, the forenoon is more applicable to -the reception of visitors; who, if on any terms -of intimacy, do not hesitate to join the family at -a little <em>avant-diner</em> commonly called a <em>tiffing</em>, -and known among us by the name of <em>lunch</em>. -This kind of refreshment (for it is not considered -a repast) usually takes place between one and -two o’clock, and consists of grilled fowls, mutton -chops, cold meats, and sometimes of <em>curry</em> -and rice. Being conducted without ceremony, -and in a very desultory style, the dropping in of -friends never occasions the slightest discontinuance, -any more than the accidental arrival among -an English party here, of an intimate, while partaking -of a slice of cake and a glass of wine. The -various formalities are, however, now transferred -from P. M. to A. M. and it is usual to see the -town of Calcutta thronged with <em>palanquins</em> during -the whole of what is called the forenoon; -but which commonly is made to extend to three -o’clock; about which time, especially during nine -months in the year, most persons are at home, -divested of their usual dresses, and reclining, in -some cool apartment, on a bed, or a couch, for -the purpose of repose, and to prepare for that -change of linen, and for those ablutions, not -<span class='pageno' id='Page_112'>112</span>forgetting the bath, which are both comfortable, -and essential, in so very sultry a climate.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Gentlemen who purpose visiting the ladies, -commonly repair to their houses between eight -and nine o’clock in the evening; ordinarily under -the expectation of being invited to stay and sup: -an invitation that is rarely declined.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Among ladies who are intimately acquainted, -morning visits are common, but all who wish to -preserve etiquette, or merely return the compliment -by way of keeping up a distant acquaintance, -confine them to the evening; when, attended -by one or more gentlemen, they proceed, -in their <em>palanquins</em>, on a tour devoted entirely -to this cold exchange of what is called civility.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Among the several justly-exploded ceremonies, -we may reckon that, which existed until -within the last twenty years, of ‘<span class='fss'>SITTING UP</span>,’ -as it was called: we must, at the same time, do -the ci-devant inhabitants of Calcutta the justice -to remark, that the practice was evidently founded -on good-will and hospitality; although it bore so -strong a resemblance to the exhibition of a cargo -of slaves, as to occasion many a caricature, and -many a satirical expenditure of ink. This ‘<span class='fss'>SITTING -UP</span>,’ as it was termed, generally took place -at the house of some lady of rank, or fortune, -who, for three successive nights, threw open her -mansion towards the evening, for the purpose of -receiving all, both ladies and gentlemen, who -<span class='pageno' id='Page_113'>113</span>chose to pay their respects to such ladies as -might have recently arrived in the country. The -fair damsels were thus at once introduced to the -whole settlement, and not unfrequently obtained -a variety of offers from men of the first consequence. -Many matches have, indeed, been concluded -even before the third night of exhibition. -If we consider the fatigue attendant upon the -return of these numerous visits, (for the slightest -omission would have been an unpardonable -offence,) and that the novelty of riding in a -<em>boçhah</em>, (or chair-<em>palanquin</em>,) would not be -agreeable to all, we may form some idea of what -many a delicate female, melting with the heat, -tight-laced, and tormented with musquito-bites, -must have undergone during the performance of -this ceremony. To the gentlemen of the settlement, -it might have been abundantly pleasing; -they had nothing to do but to post about in their -<em>palanquins</em> from one sitting up to another, and -there either to admire, or to quiz, the fair sufferers, -according as their taste, or caprice, might -dictate. The throng has, in some <em>lovely</em> instances, -been so very great, that even a fourth night has -been required for the benefit of bachelors from -the interior!</p> - -<p class='c001'>The great encrease, not only of inhabitants, -but of houses, some of which are situated at an -inconvenient distance, has rendered the custom -of ‘sitting up’ nearly obsolete. The modern -<span class='pageno' id='Page_114'>114</span>instances of its continuance, are, indeed, so very -few, and those few so modified, as barely to -leave room for saying that it is at all in use. In -these days, a lady is received on landing by her -friends, who, generally, after a few days of repose, -and of preparation, invite their acquaintances, -to be introduced to their fair companion, who, in -the course of a week, usually returns their visits. -This is merely a partial shew, compared with -what formerly took place, and is no more than -would be practised in England on a similar occasion: -it is true, that, where superlative attractions -exist, many, who probably are not in the -habit of visiting the family, will often avail -themselves of the opportunity to <em>chaperon</em> some -acquaintance, merely with the intention of gaining -a peep at the goddess.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The company rarely sit long at table after -dinner, unless among those convivial souls who -deem the presence of a petticoat a perfect nuisance. -Such were formerly very numerous, but -of late, the society of the sex has been more -duly appreciated, and we see the gentlemen -quitting the bottle to retire to the <em>chabootah</em>, (or -terrace,) there to enjoy the cool air of the evening, -and to take a cup of tea, or to smoke their -<em>hookahs</em>; after which, those who have business -to attend, proceed to their offices, &c., while -the larger portion separate to partake of a family -supper with some of their female acquaintances. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_115'>115</span>Very little ceremony is used on such occasions; -the gentlemen leaving their hats in their <em>palanquins</em>, -and ordering their servants to proceed, as a -matter of course, to the houses whither their <em>palanquins</em> -are to be conveyed. In many instances, -these evening visits are paid in a very airy -manner: coats being often dispensed with; the -gentlemen wearing only an upper and an under -waistcoat, both of white linen, and the former -having sleeves. Such would appear an extraordinary -freedom, were it not established by custom; -though, it generally happens, that gentlemen -newly arrived from Europe, especially the -officers of his Majesty’s regiments, wear their -coats, and prefer undergoing a kind of warm -bath of the most distressing description, both to -themselves, and to their neighbours; but, in the -course of time, they fall in with the local usages, -and, though they may enter the room in that -cumbrous habit, rarely fail to divest themselves -of it, so soon as the first ceremonies are over, -in favor of an upper waistcoat, which a servant -has in readiness.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Supper, though enumerated among the ordinary -meals of a family residing at the Presidency, -seems rather to be the means of concentrating -the party, than partaken of with that keenness -we often witness in our colder climate. Few do -more than take a glass or two of wine, generally -Claret, with, perhaps, a crust, and a morsel of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_116'>116</span>cheese: the appetite at this hour, say ten, -being by no means keen. After supper, the -<em>hookah</em> is again produced, and, after sitting awhile -in conversation, the lady of the house -retires: few remain long after that has taken -place. On the whole, it may be said, that at -least four in five are in bed before twelve; or, -perhaps, before eleven o’clock. From this, I -exempt all concerned in card-parties, especially -if the stakes run high: for such, no measure, or -calculation, exists; the whole night being occasionally -passed at tradrille, which is the favorite -game, or at whist, &c. Such exceptions fortunately -are not very numerous; it would certainly -be difficult to find any city, wherein -celibacy among the males is so prevalent, as at -Calcutta, that can boast of so few excesses of -any description. The European inhabitants of -respectability certainly live well; that is, they -keep as good tables as the seasons may enable -them to furnish; and they drink none but the -best of wines: Claret, Madeira, and Port, are -in general use.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Of the former, there are two kinds; one -called ‘English Claret,’ which is the best wine -that France produces, manufactured after its -arrival in England, with an addition of Brandy, -&c., to enable its standing the hot climate of -India, and with other liquids, to give it a -richer body. Such wine generally sells at Calcutta -<span class='pageno' id='Page_117'>117</span>for about thirty rupees per dozen, -equal to six shillings and threepence per -bottle.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The other kind of Claret, which is the purest -that can be obtained from the most valuable -vineyards near Bourdeaux, the Coté-Roti, -Chateau Margeau, &c., can rarely be obtained, -except in times of peace, when sixteen -rupees per dozen, equal to about three shillings -and four-pence per bottle, may be considered a -fair price. This wine, however well packed, -and carefully treated, will not keep long: at -the end of six or seven months after arrival, it -will be found rather sharp, and then becomes -extremely pernicious to the bowels. When -fresh, it is remarkably fine, and delicate, and -being far lighter than the ‘English Claret,’ is -certainly best adapted to the climate. Occasionally, -a few chests of Claret are imported at -Serampore, a Danish settlement, about sixteen -miles above Calcutta, but experience has proved, -that, in regard to wholesomeness, as well as to -flavor, it is far inferior to either of the former: -the severe bowel-complaints its free use often -occasions, are attributed to the litharge with -which it is said to be fined; hence, what is -called ‘Danish Claret’ is rarely found at any -gentleman’s table.</p> - -<p class='c001'>About thirty years back, a large quantity of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_118'>118</span>Madeira used to be imported at Calcutta, by the -Company, in pipes of extra-measurement, for -the use of their servants. Sometimes nearly a -thousand pipes arrived during the course of the -season; being of prime quality, and laid in by -the Company’s agents at Fonchall, it always -sold well at the annual auctions: six hundred -rupees was a common average. For some time -past, the Company have, generally speaking, -declined this trade, which was of extensive convenience -to the residents at Bengal, and must -be supposed to have paid them amply for their -outward tonnage, while the returning tonnage -was always at liberty to receive investments for -the Europe market. The cause of this relinquishment -has been attributed to various -circumstances; but, I believe, is to be found in -that immense supply which, at the close of the -war in 1782, glutted the markets for some seasons. -Until that date, the Company had nearly -monopolized the trade, there being no competitors -of consequence, though the speculation -was open to all; but its excellence, which -seemed to offer full seventy pounds for every -pipe, that cost perhaps only twenty-five, or -thirty, on the Island of Madeira, induced the -French, Portugueze, and some English speculators, -to embark on vessels under Imperial -colors, and to become rivals in a trade which -<span class='pageno' id='Page_119'>119</span>could not bear extension beyond certain narrow -limits. All could not be supplied at Fonchall; -therefore Teneriffe, and other inferior wines, -were substituted; whereby the depreciation -even of the best genuine Madeira was enhanced, -and it fell, in consequence, full fifty per cent. -Of late years, very little of the latter has found -its way to India; the produce of the island -being almost wholly required for the Europe -market; but the merchants in that quarter have -found out the way to <em>doctor</em> the inferior wines of -the neighbouring isles, so as to sell them at a -good price, under the captivating titles of -‘London Particular,’ ‘London Choice <em>Particular</em> -Particular,’ &c. &c.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The low price to which Madeira fell, (for, in -1781-2 it had been so high as two thousand -rupees per pipe,) made a great change in the -affairs of some adventurers, who had anticipated -the golden harvest with which they were to return -to Europe. The general effects were highly -beneficial, as the greater portion of persons settled -in Calcutta, &c., were enabled to purchase -large quantities; which, being kept in <em>godowns</em>, -(warehouses and cellars,) gradually improved in -that hot climate, and, after a few years, became -highly valuable. Many gentlemen availed themselves -of the low state of the markets to supply -themselves abundantly; some purchased from -forty to sixty pipes, and thus secured to themselves -<span class='pageno' id='Page_120'>120</span>a supply of capital wine, for many years -consumption, at a certain price.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It is no uncommon thing to see Madeira, which -has been in a gentleman’s <em>godown</em> ten years in -the wood: many have much older wine in their -possession; a few can, indeed, boast of some, -which, though inconceivably mild, and rich in -flavor, is extremely potent. None will attempt -to produce, at their tables, Madeira that has not -been two or three years in the country; for the -new wine is neither pleasant nor wholesome, -and may be readily distinguished from the old, -notwithstanding some venders are well skilled -in the art of adding, in the course of a few <em>hours</em>, -many <em>years</em> of age to the liquor. Among the -military, it is found best to purchase wine that is -known to be of good quality, and of a certain -age; which is easily done, through the several -agency-houses; all of which have generally large -quantities, of every description, either on commission, -or at command. This mode is far preferable -to the otherwise general practice of buying -several pipes, with a view to filling up the -ullage, (say of four, from a fifth,) as the contents -decrease. By such management, any -person settled at Calcutta, or elsewhere, may, -in the course of five or six years, become possessed -of a stock of excellent Madeira; observing, -however, that, in that time, every fifth -pipe will have been drawn off, to fill up its -<span class='pageno' id='Page_121'>121</span>neighbours: therefore, in computing the value -of such remaining pipes, that of the pipe thus -expended must be included.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Nothing can injure a cargo of Madeira more -than the presence of a cask of coal-tar: it communicates -to the wine a most nauseous flavor, -and scent; rendering it totally unfit for use. -I recollect, about seventeen years ago, dining -with a General Officer, who had inadvertently -allowed his Madeira pipes to be smeared with -coal-tar, for the purpose of preserving them. -Whether it had that effect on the wood I never -took the trouble to enquire, but it certainly -<em>preserved the wine</em>; which, I doubt not, may -be in existence to this day; for it was really too -potent, even for parasitical stomachs!</p> - -<p class='c001'>The price of good Madeira wine that has been -three or four years in the country, may be generally -stated at about four hundred rupees, equal -to £50. The pipes are not so large as formerly, -but will commonly run about forty dozens; -which brings the price per dozen nearly to -twenty-five shillings, or little more than two -shillings per bottle. Wine of the first quality -may be about fifty, or even sixty, per cent. -dearer.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The Port-wine used in India is generally of a -light kind, not unlike what we term ‘Southampton -Port:’ about ten years ago, when Claret -began to be scarce, a large quantity was sent -<span class='pageno' id='Page_122'>122</span>out, and was bought up with readiness; but, on -account of its astringent, and, consequently, -heating, quality, it fell into disrepute. It is, -nevertheless, highly esteemed as a restorative, -especially in a convalescent state after obstinate -bowel-complaints, and in cases of debility not -proceeding from obstructions.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Such exceptions are, indeed, rare; for, I believe, -very few of the local diseases are -exempted from such connections with obstruction: -in fact, almost every ague, which is a very -common complaint in many parts of the country, -and is generally designated the ‘Hill,’ or -‘the Jungle-fever,’ according to the situation in -which it is engendered, either originates from, -or resolves into, confirmed hepatitis.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Porter, pale-ale, and table-beer of great -strength, are often drank after meals: all these -are found in the utmost perfection, for indifferent -malt-liquors do not stand the voyage; and, even -should they arrive in a sound state, would meet -no sale. A temporary beverage, suited to the -very hot weather, and called ‘country-beer,’ is -in rather general use, though water, artificially -cooled, is commonly drank during the repasts: -in truth, nothing can be more gratifying at such -a time, but especially after eating <em>curry</em>. Country-beer -is made of about one-fifth part porter, or -beer, with a wine glass full of <em>toddy</em>, (or <em>palm-wine</em>, -which is the general substitute for yeast,) a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_123'>123</span>small quantity of brown sugar, and a little grated -ginger, or the dried peel of Seville oranges, or of -limes; which are a small kind of lemon, abounding -in citric acid, and to be had very cheap.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The great cheapness and abundance of the -materials, added to the frequent and great thirst -to which Europeans are subject while resident -in India, should appear to be strong inducements -toward the free use of punch, lemonade, sangaree, -negus, &c. The reverse is the case; for, -I believe, with the exception of the lowest -classes, all such beverages are totally discarded: -they are deleterious; rarely failing, in the first -instance, to injure, and ultimately disgracing all -who yield to the temptation. Fortunately, that -temptation is not very strong; as liquors of a -superior quality are found to be more wholesome, -more pleasant, and, in the long run, not -much dearer. Besides, there is a certain odium -attaches in that quarter to all who are in -the habit of drinking spirits, whether raw or -diluted. In a climate so ungenial to European -constitutions, and where, as above said, thirst is -often very distressing, the frequent recourse to -‘<em>brandy shrob pauny</em>’ (brandy and water) never -fails to produce that sottishness at all times -despicable, but peculiarly unsuited to Oriental -society, in which at least the better half are men -of very liberal education, and all are gentlemen.</p> - -<p class='c001'>In saying thus much, I barely do justice to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_124'>124</span>the persons of whom mention is made; for it -may be said, without fear of refutation, that -fewer deviations from propriety are to be found -in our Indian settlements, than in one-tenth the -number of inhabitants of the same classes in -any other country, whose manners and properties, -either personal observation, or respectable -authors, have enabled me to estimate.</p> - -<p class='c001'>This results, not simply from the advantage -almost every individual in the Company’s service, -and in the mercantile branches, possesses, -of having been brought up in the most respectable -seminaries, &c., and of being early -initiated in the walks of decorum and integrity -among their respective friends in Europe; it -proceeds partially from the nature of the climate, -and from that mode of association which -the duties attendant upon each profession, as -well as certain localities, seem, imperiously indeed, -to inculcate.</p> - -<p class='c001'>I have before shewn that taverns, punch-houses, -&c., are by no means places of resort, as -in Europe: there is no such thing as a coffee-room, -merely as such; unless we so consider -the few mansions of certain French and English -<em>traiteurs</em> and <em>restaurateurs</em>, who occasionally have -to accommodate committees of shipping, or -town meetings, &c., and who send out dinners -to any part of the town, or its vicinity, on terms -advantageous to both parties. Therefore, under -<span class='pageno' id='Page_125'>125</span>such exceptions, which are rare, and setting -apart the <em>civic</em> operations of the beef-steak -clubs, &c., it may properly be said, that coffee-house -association is unknown in Calcutta, -at least among the respectable members of the -community. Neither does any corps in the Company’s -service keep a mess: all the officers dine -either at home, or in small parties, according as -their several fancies, or occasion, may lead them. -It is common to hear one or two of a party, before -they retire from table, which is always done -without the least ceremony, enquire, who will -dine with them the next day? Thus, it is -extremely easy to avoid any obnoxious person, -be the objection to him what it may; and as the -omission of any individual, from the ordinary -course of invitations of such a description, soon -produces explanation, it is impossible that a -person of unpleasant manners, or of an indifferent -character, can, for any length of time, -stand his ground; the whole circle, by degrees, -drop his acquaintance, while, in lieu of that -friendly and familiar salutation which denotes -approbation, the shunned offender experiences -the most distant, and most forbidding reserve. -Being once condemned, something more than -ordinary must appear to produce his re-admission: -for the most part, especially if habitual -inebriation be in question, the unhappy man -pursues his career, either until the grave may -<span class='pageno' id='Page_126'>126</span>receive his dropsical remains, or the Invalid -Establishment affords him an asylum against the -mortifying neglect of his late associates.</p> - -<p class='c001'>This kind of retirement, of course, can only -apply to military characters, and certainly does -infinite credit to the humanity of those who -tolerate the measure. It may, probably, be -urged, that such an institution should not be -open to persons retiring merely in consequence -of indulgence in depravity; or because -they are no longer acceptable among their former -associates: it may be asserted, that the admission -of such men within so honorable a pale, -must be injurious both to the character of the -corps, and to the feeling of those meritorious -individuals who are compelled by wounds, &c., -to accept the benefits of that establishment. -This is undeniable; but when we consider, that, -perhaps, after long service in an oppressive -climate, the best of us may be brought to that -kind of conduct which disqualifies from military -service, it may not be too much to assert, that the -concession and indulgence thus granted, are at least -charitable, and often incontrovertibly merited.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Among the gentlemen of the civil service, -the society is far less diversified than with us in -Europe; therefore, much facility is afforded towards -the evasion of intercourse with persons in -any way unacceptable. It must at the same -time be remarked, that, in this instance, the most -<span class='pageno' id='Page_127'>127</span>liberal consideration is very generally exhibited; -and, that so long as any hope of reform may -remain, there will rarely be found a disposition -to exile a man from that converse with his -countrymen, without which he can neither preserve -the appearance of respectability among the -natives, nor, in all probability, receive the approbation -of Government. Hence, what we commonly -call a ‘black-sheep,’ is a most marked, -and equally forlorn character, throughout the -East; and, consequently, is very scarce.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Many years ago, when it was customary for -the Governor-General, and some of the leading -gentlemen, such as the Members of Council, -&c., to have public breakfasts weekly, persons -of all characters mixed promiscuously at table; -good and bad were to be seen around the same -tea-pot. This occasioned a native of some consequence -to remark, that, ‘among Europeans, -all who wore a hat and breeches were gentlemen.’ -The sarcasm was not, however, quite applicable; -for, the breakfast being considered merely the -preface to a levee, it was to be expected that, on -such occasions, persons of every description -would be seen, who, having public business to -transact at the levee, naturally availed themselves -of the opportunity, without reference to the -opinions of others regarding their private conduct. -After the arrival of Marquis Cornwallis, -these public breakfasts were discontinued, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_128'>128</span>open levees substituted. This was certainly -pleasanter for both the Governor and the governed. -However, there are, to this day, I believe, -some remains of the former ceremony preserved, -among a few of the principal gentry; who, on -certain days, expect to see their friends, and -such others as may wish to consult them. Some -have two levees, if we may so designate them, -weekly; one for Europeans, and one for natives; -but such cannot be considered official.</p> - -<p class='c001'>A breakfast in India bears a strong resemblance -to the same meal in Scotland, with the exception -of whiskey; the introduction of which, (if to be -had,) or of any other spirits, would be considered -both nauseous and vulgar. The general bill of -fare, at this time, consists of tea, coffee, toast, -bread, butter, eggs, rice, salt-fish, <em>kitchery</em>, (a -kind of olio,) various sweetmeats prepared in -the country, especially preserved ginger, and -orange marmalade, honey, &c.; and, after hunting -or shooting, occasionally cold meat, with -proper accompaniments.</p> - -<p class='c001'>During a great portion of the year, breakfast -may be considered rather a substantial meal. -The generality of European gentlemen rise about -day-break, and either proceed to the parade, to -their field diversions, or to ride on horseback, or -on elephants; thus enjoying the cool air of the -morning. From the middle of March to the -middle of October, the sun is very powerful, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_129'>129</span>even when the atmosphere is overcast with clouds -of great density. This induces all who ride for -health, or for pleasure, to avoid violent exercise; -they proceeding, generally in small parties, each -gentleman being attended by his <em>syce</em>, who carries -a whisk made of horse-hair, fastened to a short -lacquered stick, for the purpose of driving away -the flies, which are generally very troublesome -both to the horses and to their riders. It is not -uncommon to see the backs of the latter covered -with these noxious parasites, which, by their -buzzing, and their attempts to alight on the face, -produce extreme irritation. During some part -of the year, when scarce a leaf is in motion, and -the clouds hang very low, exercise, even so early -in the morning, is often found more injurious -than refreshing: at such seasons, nothing but the -abundant perspiration which then relaxes the -whole frame, and absolutely oozes through the -light cloathing in common use, could prevent -the occurrence of diseases highly inflammatory. -Many feel so uneasy, in consequence of this -unpleasant exudation, as to be induced to change -their linen three or four times within the day; -but, however refreshing such a change may prove, -it is by no means to be commended; experience -proving that considerable prostration of strength -is the inseparable consequence of so ill-judged -an indulgence. The best plan is, to have night -apparel, and to ride out in the linen worn during -<span class='pageno' id='Page_130'>130</span>the preceding evening; changing for a clean suit -on returning, so as to sit down to breakfast in -comfort.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Those who are subject to bile cannot be too -cautious in regard to their diet; which should -be rather sparing, and confined to viands dressed -in a simple manner. Many gentlemen of the -faculty, in England, entertain an opinion, that -eggs, moderately boiled, are rather beneficial, -than otherwise, in bilious cases: the idea they -entertain is, that the yolk assimilates with the -bile, and carries it off. But practice is better -than theory; and it is to be wished, that such -as maintain the above hypothesis could view the -number of patients who may be said to owe their -pains and sorrows merely to the practice of eating -eggs for breakfast. In this climate, to a -person possessing a robust constitution, and -whose stomach might vie with that of an -ostrich, eggs may be innocent; but, in the East, -where relaxation weakens the powers of digestion, -they are by no means a proper article of -diet. If, as physicians assert, assimilation takes -place, it assuredly is on the wrong side of the -question; for I believe all oriental practitioners -will allow, that the bile is considerably augmented, -but not carried off, by eggs.</p> - -<p class='c001'>However grateful many of the other items, -such as salt-fish, &c., may be, they certainly -cannot tend much to the preservation of health; -<span class='pageno' id='Page_131'>131</span>therefore, should be discarded from the breakfast -table. I speak feelingly; for, although I did not -possess sufficient resolution to withstand what -then appeared a very alluring temptation, I have -now the candor to confess, that thirst, heat, and -uneasiness were generally attendant upon my -imprudence, and no doubt occasioned me to -swallow many a nauseous dose, which might -have been avoided by a moderate share of discretion. -Therefore, let me strongly recommend -to those of my juvenile readers who may be -about to proceed to India, not to indulge in -breakfasts such as I have described.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The tea used in India is generally what we -call green, or hyson; very little bohea being -drank. It is very rarely that either kind can be -obtained good; indeed, the climate speedily -renders tea unfit for use, if at all exposed to the -air: on this account, leaden catties of various -sizes, but generally containing from four to ten -pounds, are employed for preserving it. These -catties fit in pairs, or, if large, singly, into neat -boxes provided with locks. But little tea being -sold retail, it is usual for a few friends, perhaps -three or four, to club, and buy a chest; which -may be had for about 150, or even so high as -200 rupees (£25). This, however, is not the -price of the best teas, which occasionally sell for -nearly double the latter sum, unless there may -be a very large supply at market; when, as it is -<span class='pageno' id='Page_132'>132</span>a very perishable commodity, the prices sometimes -fall even below prime cost. To say the -truth, it rarely matters much whether the tea be -good, or bad; for it is always made at a side-table -by some menial who knows nothing of the -matter, and who never tastes it himself: hence, -a cup of good tea is really a rarity; which must -appear extraordinary, when it is recollected that -many vessels import at Calcutta in five or six -weeks only from China.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The Arabs now convey immense quantities of -fine coffee from Mocha to every part of India; -but they sell it at a high price, generally from -forty to sixty rupees, or even more, per maund -of 82lb.; which brings it, at the latter rate, to -3<em>s.</em> 9<em>d.</em> per lb. in its raw state. Bourbon and -the Mauritius raise coffee, but of an inferior -quality; and, within these few years, considerable -plantations have been formed at Chittagong; -but the produce, though abundant, cannot compare -with even the French coffee.</p> - -<p class='c001'>I have often had coffee that tasted very salt, -and rather bitter, the cause of which was then -unknown to me; but a gentleman, who was ‘up -to the trick,’ assured me it was occasioned by -the <em>frazils</em> (or baskets) being immersed in seawater, -in order to give the berries that greenish, -horny appearance, which is supposed to be the -indication of a superior quality.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Sugar-candy is always used for making tea, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_133'>133</span>coffee, and, indeed, for all such purposes: it is to -be had of various degrees of purity, and either -of indigenous manufacture, or imported from -China. The former kind is sold by the maund, -and may be estimated at from twenty to forty -rupees; the latter in tubs made of thin deal, and -other light wood, in which the candy is packed -among dried bamboo-leaves. The price of a -tub is usually about twenty rupees, (more or -less, as the markets may stand,) for which about -sixty pounds weight are obtained.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Although the sugar-cane is, by many, supposed -to be indigenous in India, yet it has -only been within the last fifty years that it has -been cultivated to any great extent: since the -failure which took place some twenty years back -in the West Indies, it has become a most important -article of commerce. Strange to say, -the only sugar-candy used until that time was -received from China; latterly, however, many -gentlemen have speculated deeply in the manufacture, -and, by serving themselves richly, have -rescued the country from a very impolitic -branch of imposition. We now see sugar-candy, -of the first quality, manufactured in various -parts of Bengal, and, I believe it is at length admitted, -that the raw sugars from that quarter are -pre-eminently good. I have lately had occasion to -purchase some of a very superior fineness, called -<em>Soonamooky</em>, from a place of that name in the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_134'>134</span>Burdwan district, which was as high as eleven-pence -per pound.</p> - -<p class='c001'>About thirty-two years ago, the common raw -sugar, known by the name of <em>g’hoor</em>, was to be -had at three rupees per maund of 96lb. in the -upper provinces: this was about three farthings -per pound; for a <em>Sonaut</em> or <em>Tersooly</em> rupee then -was exchanged at about two shillings, or even so -low as one shilling and ten-pence. In consequence -of the great demand for the article, it -rose gradually, but in comparatively a very short -time, to eight rupees the maund of 72lb.; and -it has been so high as twelve rupees, but not, I -believe, for any length of time: partial instances -could be quoted, of even fourteen rupees being -given.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The superior kind, which may often be had -nearly white, at least of a dove color, perfectly -dry, and sharp grained, under the name of -<em>cheeny</em>, was formerly about seven, or eight, -rupees per maund (of 96lb.); of late, it has -risen to full fifteen; and has been up to twenty.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The sugar-candy made in India, where it -is known by the name of <em>miscery</em>, bears a price -suited to its quality: some may be had at twenty, -and some up as high as forty, rupees per maund -(82lb). It is usually made in small conical pots, -whence it concretes into masses, weighing from -three to six pounds each.</p> - -<p class='c001'>For further information, I must refer my -<span class='pageno' id='Page_135'>135</span>readers to Mr. Colebrooke’s excellent Essay on -the Husbandry of Bengal.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Bread is not made of flour, but of the heart of -the wheat, which is very fine, ground into what -is called <em>soojy</em>; a kind of meal, so far from -being pulverized, as to bear a strong resemblance -to rather coarse sand. <em>Soojy</em> is kneaded the -same as is done with flour, but there being -no yeast in the country, (I mean such as we -know by that name,) it is leavened by means of -<em>toddy</em>; which is the juice obtained by making -incisions into the <em>taul</em>, (or palm-tree,) already -described. In many parts of India, <em>taul</em> trees -are very scarce, and are carefully preserved for -the sake of the <em>toddy</em>, which is sold to the <em>nonbaies</em>, -(or bakers,) at a high price. In Bahar -these trees are peculiarly abundant: there we -often see groves, of hundreds upon hundreds, -let out to the <em>kulwars</em>, or distillers, to great advantage. -These venders of misery have the art -of rendering the <em>toddy</em> peculiarly potent, by -causing it to work upon the kernels of the <em>datura</em>, -that grows wild in every part of India, and -possesses in every part, whether the stem, root, -leaf, or nut, a most deleterious property. -<em>Toddy</em>, that has been strongly impregnated with -<em>datura</em>, (which is the name it bears in the East,) -acts very rapidly on the brain; producing mania, -and, not unfrequently, apoplexy, when drank to -excess.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_136'>136</span>The bread is usually made into small loaves, -weighing about a pound each; these are called -‘single-loaves’ and may generally sell from -fifteen, to twenty, for a rupee; which brings -the bread to about three half-pence, to two-pence, -per pound. ‘Double loaves’ include double -the weight, and sell in proportion. A large -portion, of both sizes, is baked in tin moulds, -of a brick form; these are generally preferred, -on account of their rarely scorching, and not -requiring to be rasped, as all the other bread, -baked in the form of heavy cakes, generally -does.</p> - -<p class='c001'><em>Soojy</em>, (the basis of the bread,) is frequently -boiled into ‘stir-about’ for breakfast; and -eaten with milk, salt, and butter; though some -of the more zealous may be seen to moisten -with porter; a curious medley, by no means to -my taste! Nor is much to be said of its qualities; -as few stomachs are suited to its reception.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The camp-oven in common use, consists -merely of a very large <em>naud</em>, or pot, capable of -containing from thirty to fifty gallons, and of -rather a conical form. This vessel is prepared -for the purpose, by having a hole punched -through its bottom, large enough to admit a -man’s arm; it is then placed, mouth downwards, -over a corresponding cavity, dug out of the soil, -so as to fit close every way; but, in order to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_137'>137</span>allow a proper draught of air, two, or more, -sloping apertures are left, passing under the -circumference of the <em>naud</em>. The vessel is next -well covered with turf, &c., and thus rendered -capable of retaining considerable heat, long -enough to bake small bread. The interior being -filled with chips of wood, charcoal, <em>gutties</em>, (<em>i.e.</em> -dried cow-dung,) or any other kind of fuel that -may be at hand, a strong fire is kept up in it, -until the <em>naud</em> appears to be nearly at a red heat. -The hole, which served for a chimney, is -then closed; and, the embers being withdrawn, -the bread is introduced upon pieces of iron -plate, or of tin, or boards, or leaves, &c., &c.</p> - -<p class='c001'>I should here remark, that the natives invariably -eat unleavened bread, generally made of -wheaten, or of barley-meal; which, being made -into a good dough, is flattened into cakes, called -<em>chow-patties</em>, between the hands, with very great -dexterity. Such cakes are then either put at the -edges of the heated <em>choolah</em>, or fire-place, or they -are baked upon a convex plate of iron, circular, -and about ten inches, or a foot, in diameter. -This plate, called a <em>towah</em>, is precisely the same -as the <em>girdle</em> made in Scotland for baking their -oaten bread, and is used in the same manner.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Milk is to be had in abundance throughout -India, especially among the Hindus, who venerate -the cow, and follow all occupations relating -to the dairy; but, owing to the general custom -<span class='pageno' id='Page_138'>138</span>of smoking the insides of whatever vessels are -allotted to its reception, will not be obtainable in -such a state as suits the palate of an European, -unless a clean pitcher, &c., be sent to the <em>gwallah</em>, -or cow-keeper, that the cow may be milked -into it.</p> - -<p class='c001'>That fuliginous taste, to us so obnoxious, is -perfectly palatable, and perhaps agreeable, to -the natives; who assign, as the reason for smoking -their vessels, that it prevents the milk from -turning. It, however, becomes a question, -whether or not the operation of scalding, always -performed when practicable, while the milk -is warm, be not the true preventive against -acidulation. Certain it is, that sour milk is -very rarely found in India, although, for full half -the year, the thermometer is generally up between -75°, and 95°, in the shade; and, in a Bengallee -hut, frequently rising to 110°, or more!</p> - -<p class='c001'>The milk obtained from buffaloes is certainly -much richer than that from cows; yet, the -butter produced from the former is very inferior, -generally white, and brittle: it, however, -possesses qualities suiting it admirably to the -climate, and occasioning the natives to give it -the preference. After being warmed to a certain -degree, so as to become rather liquified, -it is kept nearly stationary in that state for a -long time; whereby it loses its aqueous particles, -and is rendered fit for keeping. When -<span class='pageno' id='Page_139'>139</span>thus treated, it is called <em>ghee</em>. Others deviate -from this tedious process, and, by exposing it to -a greater heat, keeping it simmering for some -time, effect the purpose more speedily, but not -without danger of burning, or, at least, of giving -it a certain empyreumatic flavor. Few of the -natives will touch cow-butter, to which they attribute -many bad effects, though they will drink -<em>ghee</em> by the quart, and pride themselves not -a little in being able to afford so luscious an enjoyment. -The uncontrolled expenditure of this -article, among those whose purses will bear -them out in the indulgence, though it may tend -to that obesity of which they are inordinately -vain, cannot but contribute greatly to the generation -of those bilious diseases which so often -attack the more opulent natives. <em>Ghee</em> and idleness -may be said to give birth to half their -ailings. As an article of commerce, <em>ghee</em> -possesses some claim to importance; many -thousands of maunds being sent every season -from some of the grazing districts, such as <em>Purneah</em>, -and <em>Sircar-sarun</em>, to the more cultivated -parts, and especially to the western provinces. -The <em>ghee</em> is generally conveyed in <em>dubbahs</em>, or -bottles made of green hide, which, being freed -from the hair, and worked up while in a pliant -state, into the form of a <em>caraboy</em>, such as we use -for spirits of turpentine, &c., will keep sweet for -a long time, provided the mouth of the vessel be -<span class='pageno' id='Page_140'>140</span>well closed. In this manner it is conveyed by -water in <em>dubbahs</em>, often measuring nearly a hogshead; -but a smaller kind, containing, perhaps, -from fifteen to twenty gallons each, are made for -the purpose of being slung across the backs of -bullocks, by which it is carried to places situated -at a distance from navigable streams. The price -of <em>ghee</em> varies according to the demand, and to -its quality: generally, from six to eight seers of -2lb. each may be had for a rupee in favorable -situations; otherwise, it will be from thirty to -fifty per cent. dearer. It may be supposed that -buffaloes’ milk must possess a very considerable -portion of cream, when it is stated, that milk is -considered very cheap at 30 seers (or quarts) for -a rupee, and that five seers of <em>ghee</em>, equal to one-sixth -of the mass of milk, may be had for the -same sum, in almost any part of the country. -According to this proportion, we find that -one-sixth part of the milk turns to butter; -whereas, in this country, a cow, yielding twenty -gallons of milk within the week, will rarely -produce ten pounds of butter; which is equal -to only one-eighth part of the mass of milk: -it must, indeed, be a good cow that will produce -that quantity.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The <em>d’hoob</em> grass, which grows wild in almost -every part of the country, is peculiarly nutritious; -but the food of cattle, of all descriptions, -throughout India, is more dry and solid than is -<span class='pageno' id='Page_141'>141</span>offered to cows in England. Hence, though -the quantity of milk yielded by a buffalo, may -not be equal to that of an English cow of equal -weight, the produce in butter, from an equal -quantity of milk, will be in favor of the former.</p> - -<p class='c001'>I have already stated the difficulty of getting -milk devoid of the taste of smoke; this arises -from the cause already described, and is encreased -by the very small proportion of milk -yielded by the cows in India, which are, with -few exceptions, white, and rarely grow larger -than the generality of yearlings, or steers, bred -in England. In some grazing districts they -thrive well, attaining to full thirteen hands in -height, and weighing, when fit for the butcher, -from four to five hundred weight: but such are -merely local, and not very numerous. Butter -produced from cows’ milk is very indifferent, -unless carefully made from such as are well fed. -The number of gentlemen keeping dairies is -extremely confined, perhaps less than ten for -all India: they certainly obtain excellent butter, -but that sold by the <em>muckun-wallahs</em>, (<em>i.e.</em> -the butter-men,) would appear, to a stranger, -not to be made from the same species of -animals. Considering the price of a cow, which -may be averaged at from four rupees to eight, -(<em>i.e.</em> from ten to twenty shillings,) it is remarkably -dear, as is usually the case with articles -of inferior quality: thus, we consider three -<span class='pageno' id='Page_142'>142</span>pounds for a rupee to be a fair rate, though -sometimes four may be had; but such can only -happen where cattle are very abundant; for, as I -have already said, buffaloes, and not cows, are -almost invariably kept by the natives for their -milk, on account of their greater produce, and -because the <em>ghee</em> made from their butter is more -appreciated. We may, therefore, estimate the -pound of cow-butter at nine-pence; whereas, -<em>ghee</em> rarely sells for more than three-pence: a -strange disproportion; to be attributed, in some -measure, to the demand for the former being -confined to the Europeans.</p> - -<p class='c001'>In speaking of the <em>berriarah</em>, or shepherd, I -have already noticed, that, for the supply of their -tea-tables, gentlemen usually keep a few goats, -which afford milk of a remarkably fine quality, -and are herded in company with those store -sheep intended to supply vacancies among the -fatting stock. The kids produced, generally -twice in the year, by each milch-goat, (mostly -twins, and not unfrequently trins, or even four, -at a birth,) serve to keep up the number of the -flock, besides yielding occasionally a most delicate -viand for the table. I know not of any meat -more sweet, or wholesome, than that of a kid -allowed to suck the mother at pleasure: it is as -white, and, in proportion, as fat as any veal. -Being in general request, and admirably suited to -making rich <em>curries</em>, as also roasting remarkably -<span class='pageno' id='Page_143'>143</span>well, kid-meat may be had of any butcher; the -usual price being a rupee for a whole kid, and in -proportion for halves and quarters. When of a -good size, and duly fatted, an entire one may -weigh about six pounds; which brings the meat -to five-pence per pound.</p> - -<p class='c001'>By the word butcher, we are not to understand -the individual to be a shop-keeper, exposing -the several joints of various animals for sale, -in that pleasing mode of exhibition so common -in our markets. On the contrary, a fat <em>kussee</em> -(<em>i.e.</em> cut-goat,) or two, and two or three kids, -daily, with, now and then, a half-fatted ox -during the cold months, may be said to comprize -the whole business of one of this profession in -full trade; indeed, a first-rate knight of the -cleaver! The greater part of the profit arising to -this class, is derived from slaughtering oxen, -calves, pigs, sheep, and kids, for families; for -which labor they ordinarily receive a few annas, -(or two-pences,) according to the size of the -animal: in most instances they take the skin, -pluck, and, of some, the head, as a perquisite.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It is impossible to produce finer mutton than -is served upon table in India; nor can there be -finer beef than is to be seen in most cantonments, -and among fixed residents. At some of the -principal military and civil stations, those gentlemen -who keep a regular table, usually fatten -several bullocks for winter slaughtering. Some -<span class='pageno' id='Page_144'>144</span>of these are fed full two years, with that intent, -on <em>gram</em>; and, exclusive of being burthened with -fat on the kidneys, &c., have their flesh absolutely -marbled by the admixture of fat among the -fleshy parts. Sometimes, the officers of a regiment -club to fatten four or five head, the joints -of which are either divided according to mutual -concurrence, or drawn for by lot: this supplies -fresh beef during the winter season; very few -bullocks being killed at any other time, on account -of the extreme difficulty of curing the -meat. To persons inexperienced as to the hasty -strides of putrefaction in hot climates, this forbearance -from beef, for so large a portion of the -year, might appear unnecessary; but the fact -is, that, during the close weather, prevalent -throughout the rains, and for a certain part -of the hot season, meat, though killed only -about midnight, will often become absolutely -putrid long before the time at which it ought to -be on the spit; and that, too, in spite of every -precaution!</p> - -<p class='c001'>The markets at Calcutta are open at daybreak; -when very fine meat, of every kind, together -with various sorts of choice fish, fruits, -vegetables, &c., may be had on very reasonable -terms. There, indeed, beef may sometimes be -seen in the hottest weather; because, being cut -up into small joints, a bullock may be readily -sold off among so many customers; but, in -<span class='pageno' id='Page_145'>145</span>general, the prime pieces, together with all the -best fish, &c., will have been bought up by sunrise: -the refuse joints are generally taken by the -Portugueze, (who are the only customers for -<em>bazar</em>-pork,) and by Europeans of the lower -classes, or by persons who supply the shipping. -The whole of the non-commissioned and -privates, in the several regiments of Europeans, -are served with meat, rice, spirits, and fire-wood, -by contract; receiving their several quotas early -in the morning, under the inspection of their -commissioned officers, who make their reports -regarding any deficiencies, either in quantity, or -of quality.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Those gentlemen who produce pork at their -tables, are extremely particular as to the manner -in which their pigs are fed. Many are so -extremely fastidious, as not to allow any to -be served up unless <em>educated</em>, as it is called, in -their own sties; the very circumstance of being -<em>born</em> elsewhere, absolutely disqualifying, and -rendering of no avail, all that change of bulk, -and all that purification, derived from perhaps a -whole year of confinement to a clean stye; in -which nothing but the best corn (<em>gram</em>) is given -to the grunting inhabitant. This, certainly, is -carrying daintiness to an extreme; but it must -be confessed, that swine are so offensively -greedy in the indulgence of their appetites in -that part of the world, as to give occasion for -<span class='pageno' id='Page_146'>146</span>many very reasonable scruples regarding the use -of <em>bazar</em>-pork; which is indiscriminately killed -from the fattest of those wanderers that sometimes -absolutely interrupt the operations of the -multitude, who resort, generally at dusk, and at -day-break, to lay their offerings at the shrine of -a certain deity!</p> - -<p class='c001'>This calls to mind a very laughable circumstance -which happened at Berhampore, in 1803. -An officer, who had been many years at -Gibraltar, where a joint of meat, of any kind, -was probably snapped up without any questions -being asked as to its <em>education</em>, produced at his -table a very fine corned leg of pork, of which all -his guests ate with great avidity. One of them, -when the repast was over, begged leave to -enquire how the gentleman kept his pigs; what -had been then on table, being of so superior a -flavor, that he presumed it was <em>educated</em> in some -very particular manner. ‘Oh no,’ answered -the host, ‘I never trouble my head about sties; -my man bought a whole side of it this morning -of Neeloo the butcher, for eight annas’ (15<em>d.</em>) -This untimely disclosure operated not only like -magic, but like emetic tartar; the whole company -were taken with violent sickness, and retired -to give vent, both to the pork, and to their -feelings, on so dreadful an occasion. However, -none died in consequence of having been thus -poisoned; but the whole station received the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_147'>147</span>tale with horror, and resolved, to a man, never -to accept another invitation from the unfortunate -hero of the rock!</p> - -<p class='c001'>Whether it be owing to the foregoing cause, -or, that the time necessary for the completion of -a pig’s ‘<em>education</em>,’ be too protracted to allow of -persons, subject to removal, engaging in that -branch of domestic economy, may be difficult -to determine, but certain it is, that very few -officers have piggeries; they commonly content -themselves with hams and cheeks imported to -them from England. The grossness of the viand -is, however, so very inappropriate to the climate, -that, even after the most delicate course of -management, pork is by no means considered a -choice dish: sucking pigs are more generally -approved.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Veal is so very seldom to be obtained in the -market, of a quality fit to be brought to table, -that it is customary for four or five friends to -subscribe for the purpose of rearing calves for -their own expenditure; each taking a share of -every calf that is slaughtered. The best, and most -economical plan, is to agree with some butcher, -through whose means alone it can in general be -effected, to receive of him a cow and calf, the -latter being newly born, and to return him the -mother, after the calf may have been killed, together -with four rupees (10<em>s.</em>) By this mode, -the calf will thrive admirably, provided the cow -<span class='pageno' id='Page_148'>148</span>be well fed; but it is usual, and I have practised -it with great success, to give the little one as -much scalded milk as it can drink, three times -daily; drenching it with either a horn, or a -quart-bottle: from three to four quarts, in each -of which the yolk of a fresh egg is beat up, will -commonly produce the desired effect, rendering -the meat very fine by the end of a month; the -usual age at which they are slaughtered. What -with the keep of the mother, the milk and eggs -given to the calf, and the necessary attendance, -a gold-mohur, (£2.,) will generally be expended -upon each calf, unless several be kept together -as a successive supply for the table; in which -case, about twelve rupees will be found the -average expence. In this, I reckon the out-lay -upon a calf that will now and then, perhaps one -in five, prove a bad subject; and, notwithstanding -every precaution, either scour or pine.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It is a great misfortune that, on account of the -extreme antipathy the horned cattle of India -always exhibit towards Europeans, no possibility -exists for remedying many bad practices, and -neglects, to which these animals are subject, -when under the care of the native servants. -An Indian ox, or cow, when at liberty, is always -shunned very carefully, lest it should indulge its -savage disposition. On first entering that country, -the cattle would be supposed to be wild, -instead of domesticated; for not one in a thousand -<span class='pageno' id='Page_149'>149</span>will admit the approach of an European; -nor are they always less gentle towards strangers -of any description. As to what are called <em>tame</em> -buffaloes, they are commonly more fierce than -any British bull, and, when they have calves at -their sides, make no scruple of attacking man -and horse, with unbounded ferocity. Hence, -it is extremely proper to be very cautious of -approaching herds, or single cattle of either -kind, even when tolerably mounted. Sometimes, -in riding through the country, and especially -where <em>jeels</em> (lakes) are to be forded, or -pools to be passed, the unwary traveller may -find himself, on a sudden, within a few yards -of a whole herd of buffaloes, which, to avoid -the heat of mid-day, wallow in the muddy -water, so deep as to have, in general, only -their noses and eyes above the surface. Being, -perhaps, among rushes, &c. even those parts are -not discernible, or, if in an open expanse, may -be easily mistaken for clods of mud; for the -horns lie back towards the false ribs. On a -sudden, the whole herd sometimes rise, and -at the least frighten the horse, whatever the -rider’s heart may be made of: such a surprize, -and from animals that, according to the old saying, -‘give but a word and a blow, and the blow -comes first,’ is far from pleasant. In such -situations, all depends on the conduct of the -leading bull; if he snorts, shakes his horns, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_150'>150</span>advances, the danger is imminent. But it -frequently happens, that, whether owing to -lassitude, or the absence of any object particularly -irritating to buffaloes, of which a red -coat may be considered the extreme, the herd -content themselves with rising from their reclined -postures, and, after those who rouzed -them may have passed on, again sink into -the friendly pool.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The British settlers in India are extremely -indebted to the Dutch for many essential improvements. -The small town of Chinsurah, -situate about twenty-eight miles north of -Calcutta, on the banks of the Hoogly river, -has, in this instance, proved serviceable to India -at large. The Dutch, to whom that place -appertained before the war, were the first to -introduce the culture of that invaluable esculent, -the potatoe; which was received from their -settlement at the Cape of Good Hope: they -likewise were the first to exhibit any disposition -towards horticulture. From them the British -received, annually, the seeds of every kind of -vegetable useful at the table, as well as several -plants of which there appeared much need, especially -various kinds of pot-herbs. They likewise -supplied us with vines, from which innumerable -cuttings have been dispensed to every -part of Bengal and its upper dependencies. -The whole of the lower provinces, at least, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_151'>151</span>those parts skirting the ranges of hills that -bound them, produce immense quantities of -wild vines, which, during the rains, may be -seen partially to bear grapes of a red color, and -about the size of a pistol-ball. These vines tower -over the high <em>saul</em> trees, or creep along the rocky -masses, throughout the Ramghur district especially, -in all the majesty of wild luxuriance.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Here is a field for speculation! Let us suppose, -that the wines which should be raised -might not prove of the best quality, still we might -derive the most important advantages from the -brandy and vinegar to which they might be converted. -As to wood for the staves, and iron for -the hoops, they are both to be had on the -spot; and, in regard to distillation, abundance -of men, sufficiently skilled, may be found among -the natives. Fuel is every where abundant, indeed, -a perfect nuisance. The only impediment -I could ever discover, is, that the neighbouring -streams are not generally navigable, or, perhaps, -only for a few months in the year: they might, -however, be easily rendered adequate to every -purpose, there being lime-stone in various adjacent -hills, while, among the convicts, who are -in a state of idleness for the most part, many -persons might be selected fully capable of constructing -whatever masonry, or timber-work, -should be found necessary.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Some years ago, I had the honor of submitting -<span class='pageno' id='Page_152'>152</span>this suggestion to the Court of Directors. The -India minister of that day was forcibly struck -with the facility obviously afforded of founding -an immense national concern: and, had he -remained in office, would probably have taken -means to ascertain every point contained in my -memoir, with the utmost exactitude: the result -must have been perfectly satisfactory.</p> - -<p class='c001'>When we consider, that the Company pay -two lacs of rupees (£25,000.) yearly for spirits, -of a very inferior quality, for the use of the European -soldiery; and, that good vinegar cannot -be had under two rupees per gallon, (5<em>s.</em>) it -should seem an object, even in that limitted -view, to cultivate the vine for their own use; -but, if we extend the prospect, and shew that -any quantity of brandy, if not of wine, might be -imported from Bengal, the benefits will be found -so great, as to claim every encouragement on -the part of the legislature. It appears highly -probable, that full a million sterling would be -annually saved to the nation, by its adoption of -this speculation; which might be began at little -or no expence, and be progressively extended, -by giving employment to the whole body of convicts, -who now are a heavy burthen on the -revenue, without doing a thousandth part of the -service of which they are physically capable. If -my information be correct, there are now sold at -Calcutta near four thousand pipes of Madeira, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_153'>153</span>Teneriffe, &c., annually, and about as many -chests of Claret, including French and English; -the quantity of Brandy imported at that settlement -is full 10,000 gallons, besides Hollands, -Rum, and other liquors, of which I shall make -no account. The licences granted for the retail -of spirits are amply abundant; and the number -of shops where <em>Toddy</em>, <em>Mowah</em>, <em>Pariah Arrack</em>, -&c., are served out, absolutely incalculable.</p> - -<p class='c001'>From the best computation I have been enabled -to make, full 10,000,000 gallons of spirits -are made and sold in Bengal and its dependant -provinces, the average of which may be taken at -one rupee per gallon, as it comes from the still; -the retail prices will, no doubt, double that sum; -making no less than 20,000,000 of rupees, equal -to £2,500,000 expended annually by debauchees, -and by the regular consumption among the soldiery, -&c. If the foregoing items be put together, -they must make a tremendous total; while -we shall see, that a most ruinous intercourse -prevails, throwing money into the pockets of our -rivals, and enabling them to carry home investments -in exchange for their own produce. We -shall further see, that, supposing a duty of only -25 per cent. were imposed on all spirits sold, -exclusive of the amount of licences, which are -very trivial, no less than £625,000. would annually -flow into the treasury. This may appear a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_154'>154</span>very large sum, but, when it is recollected that -the manufacture of salt, monopolized by the -Company, yields, on the average of several years, -the sum of £1,500,000., (after deducting about -£525,000. for the expences of boiling, &c.,) we -may fairly consider the above computation to be -far within the bounds of probability.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Rum is made in Bengal from refuse sugar, -the same as in the West Indies; its quality is -by no means inferior, though it sells, when new, -at the very cheap rate of about a rupee the gallon. -It is to be had, of a good age, of the several -great distillers and merchants, at a proportionate -advance. I have known it, after being -six years in the <em>godown</em>, (warehouse,) to be compared -with Jamaica Rum, warranted ten years -old; when the preference was given decidedly -in favor of the former. With respect to arrack, -which is in a manner peculiar to the East; -the native distillers produce excellent alcohol, -which, after being properly rectified, and kept -for some years, proves an admirable spirit, supposed -to be far more wholesome than rum.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Though, on the whole, the fish brought to -the Calcutta markets, cannot be compared with -such as we see at Billingsgate, &c., there are, -nevertheless, some kinds, which might please -the most dainty epicure. The <em>hilsah</em>, (or sable -fish,) which seems to be mid-way between a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_155'>155</span>mackarel and a salmon, whether for form, general -appearance, or flavor, is, perhaps, the richest -fish with which any cook is acquainted. It -abounds so with fat, that most persons, after -being served with a portion, immerse it in boiling -water, brought in a soup-plate; thereby -causing a large quantity of grease to float. -When baked in vinegar, or preserved in tamarinds, -the <em>hilsah</em> is remarkably fine.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Like the salmon, these run up to the very -spring-heads, seeming to abound more and more -in proportion as they approximate thereto; -though certainly they grow to the largest size, -immediately within the tide’s reach: getting -beyond that, they dart up as far as possible -during the season, returning, after spawning, to -the sea. They are in perfection towards the -latter end of the rains.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The <em>bickty</em>, (or cockup,) very strongly resembles -the jack, and grows to an enormous size. -I have seen one measuring more than eight feet -in length, and various others that weighed full -a maund (82lb.) The average size at which -they are brought to market, may be from -eighteen, to thirty, inches in length; and their -weight from two to ten, or twelve, pounds. -They flake like cod, to which also their flavor -greatly assimilates.</p> - -<p class='c001'><em>Soles</em>, of a diminutive size, are sometimes to -be had at Calcutta: the natives call them <em>kookoor -<span class='pageno' id='Page_156'>156</span>jibbys</em>, (<em>i.e.</em> dogs’ tongues,) in allusion to -their shape. These are sometimes caught in the -brackish waters, among the <em>bicktys</em>, or cockups, -or in the flat sands about Diamond-Harbour, &c. -<em>Prawns</em> of a very good size, and very small crayfish, -are to be found in most parts of the country, -as also a kind of eel, called <em>baum</em>; which, however, -bears more resemblance to the gar, or -guard-fish, of which millions may be taken in -most of the fresh-water <em>jeels</em>, (lakes,) though -rarely exceeding a foot in length.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The <em>rooy</em>, or <em>r’hooee</em>, is a species of the carp, -as is also the <em>meergah</em>. They are both abundant -in the great rivers, and in all the waters connected -with them, though the former are most -numerous, and thrive greatly in ponds. The -latter are of a browner color, and rarely exceed -ten pounds in weight, whereas, the former are -often found of fifty lb., and sometimes up to a -maund.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The <em>cutlah</em> is a species of the perch, though -some consider it to be of the bream-kind: it is -only found in the great rivers, is generally of a -dark color, approaching to black, and commonly -weighs from ten to sixty lbs.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The whole of the above, viz. The <em>r’hooee</em>, -the <em>meergah</em>, and the <em>cutlah</em>, may be taken by -angling; as may also the <em>soly</em>, a species of the -jack, and nearly as voracious.</p> - -<p class='c001'><em>Trouts</em>, about as large as smelts, are sometimes -<span class='pageno' id='Page_157'>157</span>to be seen in those small streams that have their -rise among mountains, but they are not so distinctly -spotted as we see them in Europe: they -are, indeed, very scarce, and generally bear a small -red, or gold, or black, spot on each scale: the -adipous fin, by which all the salmon tribe are -distinguished, is scarcely elevated above the -loins.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The fresh-water anchovy, called by the natives -<em>çhelwar</em>, is to be found in shoals on every flat -sand throughout the great rivers: these are generally -scared, so as to precipitate themselves on -the beach, by two men, who, wading in the water -up to their knees, gradually draw a line of fifty -or sixty feet in length, every where laden with -small, colored rags, in such manner as to enclose -the <em>çhelwahs</em> in a crescent, and ultimately -to drive them ashore. Occasionally, <em>mullets</em>, -of a small size, are found among the booty: -they are remarkably sweet and firm. Nothing -can be more common than to see shoals -of them struggling against the current, especially -in the cold months, with their eyes out -of the water. Their motions are very nimble, -but it is not uncommon to see several killed -by a round of small shot, from a common -fowling-piece: they are not to be taken by -angling. As to the <em>tingrah</em>, a kind of freshwater -gurnet, it is extremely voracious, and -grows to a good size; often weighing eight or -<span class='pageno' id='Page_158'>158</span>nine lbs.; though the average may be from two -to four. They are very strong, and afford ample -amusement when hooked. The <em>skait</em> grows to -full twelve or fourteen lbs., and is common in all -the great rivers; but, it must be handled with -caution, on account of its having a dreadful -spine about the centre of its tail. These two -last-mentioned fishes are rarely seen at table; -nor is the <em>buallee</em>, which is rather flat, and has -a continued abdominal fin, the same as eels. -This fish is extremely coarse, but desperately -rapacious; seizing almost any bait with avidity, -but affording little sport when hooked.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The <em>puftah</em> is of the same description, but, in -lieu of weighing, as the <em>buallee</em> often does, from -ten to fifteen lbs., seldom amounts to so many -ounces. Its flesh is remarkably rich and sweet, -but, when hooked, it is as little disposed as the -former to resist. The most esteemed fish is, -that called by the natives <em>tupsey</em>, but by us -‘<em>mango-fish</em>,’ on account of its appearing about -the time that <em>mangoes</em> first come into season: it -comes up with the tide. In appearance, it is -not unlike the smelt, though rather deeper, and -with reddish fins. The flesh of this fish is fine, -but its roe is deservedly esteemed to be delicious. -An immense quantity are cured, by being -slightly salted, and sun-dried; after which, -they are smoked for a short time over a fire made -of chaff, &c.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_159'>159</span>Turtle, of about a cwt., are to be found in -almost every river and creek, as also in some of -the large <em>jeels</em>; though they are very rarely seen -in standing waters, and then, perhaps, only in a -state of migration. The flesh of these is peculiarly -unwholesome; and, so far from being, like -the sea-turtles, composed of parts resembling -fish, flesh, and fowl, may be aptly compared -with bacon of the coarsest description, with some -tendency to rancidity. The <em>batchwah</em>, or ‘freshwater -herring,’ (though it has no scales,) is one -of the best fishes the Indian rivers produce; but -a general prejudice is entertained, with much -justice too, against its selection of food. The -most appropriate baits for most fishes are the -<em>goorgoory</em>, (or <em>gryllus monstrosus</em>,) and the <em>cockroach</em> -(or <em>blatta</em>). It would be endless to recount -all the kinds of fishes to be found in the streams -and lakes of India; but it may justly be stated, -that, in some parts, their numbers are so great as -absolutely to corrupt the waters. With respect -to the minor species of fish, occasionally served -at table, they are very numerous, and, in most -places, abundant: every creek and <em>jeel</em> is replete -with them, and every village in their vicinity -contains persons provided with some kind of -apparatus suited to catching an ample supply. -On the larger pieces of water, there are usually -either canoes or <em>dingies</em>, which, together with -their owners, are subservient to the <em>jemmadars</em>, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_160'>160</span>or head-boroughs, and may also be set in motion -for a very trivial present, made ostensibly to the -laborer, but commonly transferred privately to -that proud, imperious, and avaricious officer.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='sc'>Poultry</span> next come under consideration: of -this, great variety is to be found. Fowls, capons, -ducks, geese, turkies, and pigeons, are for sale in -every city, or great station, at very moderate -prices. In general, taking an average of all -places, fine chickens, called <em>chujahs</em>, may be had -at ten for a rupee (<em>i.e.</em> 3<em>d.</em> each); middle-sized, -or <em>meem-kabobbies</em>, (small roasters,) at seven or -eight for a rupee (about 4<em>d.</em> each); and good-sized -roasters, or <em>kabobbies</em>, at five for a rupee -(about 6<em>d.</em> each).</p> - -<p class='c001'>Capons are only to be had in particular parts -of the country; generally they are white, and -so cheap as to give ten or twelve for a rupee; -though I have purchased no less than twenty-nine -for that sum, (<em>i.e.</em> 1<em>d.</em> each,) in the Tomar -district, where they are produced in immense -numbers by the <em>Pahariahs</em>, or Hill people, of -that mountainous district. These people are -more immediately distinguished by the designation -of <em>Dangahs</em>: they are of a small stature, -very, very poor, rather squalid, but capable of -undergoing great fatigue: they are wonderfully -adroit in the exercise of the bow; and, after -performing the little labor needful for the cultivation -of the vallies, generally repair, at certain -<span class='pageno' id='Page_161'>161</span>seasons, to the military and civil stations in the -neighbouring districts of Ramghur, &c., where -they serve as bearers; especially on the new-road, -which is much frequented by gentlemen -travelling <em>dawk</em>, (post,) in <em>palanquins</em>, to or from -the upper stations.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Ducks are of various prices, but may be considered -at an average of four or five for a rupee -(about 7½<em>d.</em> or 6<em>d.</em> each); and geese at a rupee -each. These thrive prodigiously throughout -India; but it is far otherwise with turkies, which -are extremely tender, and cannot endure the -great heats of summer, unless allowed to graze -upon a plot well watered, and generally sheltered -from the sun. It is not uncommon to see them -crowding to some little verdant spot under the -shade of the lee-side, where a current of air, -refrigerated by the <em>tatties</em>, passes out from the -<em>bungalow</em>, &c. Without some such restorative, -they would, to a certainty, pine away, and speedily -disappoint the hopes of their owner. Among -the grass on the plots generally preserved near the -dwelling, it is common to see immense numbers -of ants, of all descriptions, which resort thither -both for coolness, and for the collection of the -seeds that are perpetually falling. It is very -strange, but true, that these little depredators -are not easily deterred, by the water being laid -on occasionally, from forming their nest in such -plots of grass, though they generally prefer some -<span class='pageno' id='Page_162'>162</span>dry, hard walk, or level area, along which they -form little paths, by laying the gravel, &c., aside; -so that their progress is not obstructed when -robbing some store. Many of these paths may -be traced for fifty or sixty yards; occasionally, -they are double; one being appropriated for the -egressors, the other for those returning laden -with the booty. When the turkies light upon -such a line of march, they fall to with a famous -appetite; seeming to rival our pheasants in that -particular, and exhibiting the satisfaction they -feel on receiving a supply of their favorite food. -In thus devouring the ants, they do great service; -for, I know not of any more unpleasant companions -than the little tormentors in question, -whose bite is extremely keen, producing considerable -irritation. Some of these ants grow to -full three-quarters of an inch in length, and are -capable of causing great pain. Many prevent -their being destroyed, under the opinion that -they feed upon white-ants: this I never could -establish, though I believe they are ready enough -to march off with the body of a dead white-ant, -the same as they would with any other morsel -of animal substance.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The difficulty of rearing turkies, renders them -extremely scarce; hence, it is not uncommon -to pay a gold mohur (£2.) for a well-grown, fat, -turkey-cock: few, either cocks or hens, are to be -had in any part of the country, for less than half -<span class='pageno' id='Page_163'>163</span>that sum; and then chiefly from Portugueze -families, that make a livelihood by rearing them. -About Bandel, a Portugueze town, some thirty -miles above Calcutta, great numbers are reared; -as are also ducks, and geese, in abundance. At -all the great stations, both civil and military; -some persons of that description generally reside, -through whose industry families are supplied. -Fowls are reared by the same persons; though -less an object to them, as almost every Mahomedan -family maintains a few, mostly for its -own use, but sometimes for sale. As to the -Hindus, nothing could be more criminal than -such a speculation: the very touch of a fowl -being considered the acmé of pollution. From -this we may judge how necessary it is to be -guarded in making changes in the dress of our -native soldiers; whose zeal and fidelity are unquestionable, -but who instantly revolt at any -invasion, however slight, of their religious -tenets, or of their vulgar prejudices. Those -who affect to consider such to be easily overruled, -or, who vainly talk of <em>coercing</em> so many -millions to adopt our faith, would do well to -take a trip to Bengal, and to insist on any Hindu -menials, or others, under their authority, wearing -a feather in their turban.</p> - -<p class='c001'>As to the numerous species of wild game, -such as antelopes, hog-deer, hogs, geese, ducks, -teal, snipes, ortolans, quails, partridges, florikens, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_164'>164</span>(or bustards,) pigeons of sorts, wild -and tame, hares, &c., they are generally to be -had in abundance; those of my readers who -wish for a more detailed account, will find it in -my ‘<span class='sc'>Wild Sports of the East</span>,’ published -in folio, with colored plates, as also in quarto -royal, and imperial octavo, by Mr. Edward -Orme, of Bond-street, and by Messrs. Black and -Co. Leadenhall-street. In that superb work, -the details of every branch of hunting, shooting, -&c., will be found.</p> - -<p class='c001'>There are no wild rabbits in India, but great -numbers of tame ones are to be had at Calcutta, -and at some of the subordinate stations. The -prices vary according to demand, age, and condition; -but we may take the average at four for a -rupee when half grown, and at double that rate -when fit for the table. It is, however, extremely -difficult to preserve them in safety from their -numerous enemies the dogs, jackals, foxes, cats, -rats, bats, snakes, hawks, crows, &c.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Having, I believe, generally discussed what -relates to the supply of the table, I shall proceed -to the description of other matters relating -to the convenience and service of gentlemen -resident in the East.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The dinner table is invariably laid with two -cloths; one of the usual size, the other about -large enough to cover the surface only: this last -is removed when the meat is taken off; so that -<span class='pageno' id='Page_165'>165</span>the dessert is laid upon the lower one, which -has, in the mean while, been preserved by it -from stains, grease, crumbs, &c. A napkin is -laid with every cover, together with a tumbler or -rummer, a long glass for Claret, and an ordinary-sized -one for Madeira. Each glass is provided -with a cover, which may be lifted off by means -of a stud in its centre. In opulent families, -these covers are usually made of silver, otherwise -of turned wood. It is remarkable, that -some of the common indigenous woods have -the peculiar property, when used for this -purpose, of imparting a most offensive smell, -attended with a similar flavor, to water, &c., if -left for a few minutes.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The knives and forks are all of European -manufacture, though, within these few years, -some excellent imitations have appeared. I -doubt if <em>Blacky</em> can, as yet, bring his work so -low as our artizans, though he certainly has the -advantage of them in cheapness of living, and in -being generally exempt from the operation of a -variety of taxes. This deficiency on the part of -the natives, proceeds from their being obliged -to perform all those operations by hand, which -we both accelerate and perfect by means of -machinery. The greater part of the plate, used -throughout the country, is made by native -smiths, who, in some instances, may be seen to -tread very close on the heels of our jewellers, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_166'>166</span>not only in the graceful form of the articles -manufactured, but in the patterns, whether -carved or embossed. Such specimens of perfection -are, however, rare, and are produced -chiefly under the superintendence of European -masters; though I have seen some pieces, made -by <em>sonaars</em>, (goldsmiths,) totally independent of -such aid, or instruction, which displayed much -skill and some taste. Speaking, however, of -the common workmanship of this class, it must -be put out of all comparison with British plate, -on account of its being indifferently shaped, and -rudely ornamented. Hence, such plate as is -sent from this country, as well as what is made -up by Europeans settled in India, very generally -sells for full 25, or even for 50 per cent. more than -what is manufactured by the native artizans.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The whole of the glass-ware used in India, is -furnished from England, and commonly sells at -full two, if not three, hundred per cent. on the -prime cost: this is not unreasonable, when -we consider how brittle the commodity is, -and that the extent of sale is not so considerable -as to render it, individually, an object -of adventure.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Table cloths and napkins are manufactured in -several parts of the country, especially at Patna, -Tondah, and most of those cities where piece-goods -are made. The beauty of some fabrics of -this description is very striking; nor is their -<span class='pageno' id='Page_167'>167</span>durability less conspicuous. I have by me, at -this moment, some that have been in constant -use for full twelve years, and my stock, at -no time, exceeded a dozen and a half of -table cloths. The prices of such may be supposed -to vary according to quality; but a very -superior bird’s eye may be generally had for -about two rupees per square yard; observing, -that the cost will necessarily be somewhat -encreased in proportion to the greater extent of -the piece. Others, of a coarser texture, and of -a plain diaper, are to be had extremely cheap; -perhaps as low as eight annas (15<em>d.</em>) per square -yard. Such are, however, extremely flimsy, -and never appear creditable. Towels are also -manufactured at various prices; some reaching -so high as two rupees (5<em>s.</em>) each, while others -may be obtained by the dozen for the same -money. The best for common use may be -rated at about five or six rupees per dozen. A -kind, generally of mixed colored borders, wove -in, is made at Chittagong: these are rough, -like what we call huckaback, and are peculiarly -well calculated for drying and cleaning -the skin after washing; but they are not so -durable as the plain diapers.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Great quantities of furniture are sent from -Europe, being first taken to pieces, and packed -within a very small space. Of this description, -mahogany tables and chairs form by far the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_168'>168</span>greater portion; few other articles being shipped, -though now and then we see a few bureaus, -secretaires, ecritoires, &c., among a cargo from -Europe. All such commodities would bear -even a higher price than is now charged for -them, were it not that, among the natives, -as well as among the European carpenters, and -joiners, settled in Calcutta, the British mechanics -experience considerable, and very successful, -rivalship.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The excellent woods, of different kinds, produced -in almost every part of India, and the -facility with which they may be brought to market, -present the most favorable aids to the Indian -artizans; but, owing to the want of capital -among the natives, the work done by them is -rarely found to answer: it warps dreadfully, and -sometimes rives from one, to the other, end. This -is entirely owing to the deficiency of seasoning; -for we find, that whenever a gentleman is at the -pains, and has the opportunity, to saw up his -own wood, and to season it properly, it will commonly -be found to answer his expectations fully; -both in respect to durability, and to the polish it -may take. Although there is, in some instances, -an obvious cheapness in employing a native carpenter, -it may safely be asserted, that, on the -long run, what with delay, impositions, imperfections, -&c., it is frequently found to be a very -round-about way of saving a trifle. I strongly -<span class='pageno' id='Page_169'>169</span>recommend to all persons arriving in India, to -visit the several depôts of furniture to be seen at -every auction-warehouse, and generally at the -<em>godowns</em> (warehouses) of the European shopkeepers. -There is, besides, a whole street, -called the ‘<em>china-bazar</em>,’ as well as various -scattered boutiques, appropriated entirely to the -display of European articles, and of china-ware, -of every description; all which are sold for ready -money only, by a tribe of Hindu speculators, -who, from attending at auctions, are enabled to -make cheap purchases, and become perfectly -acquainted with the qualities of every article; -or, at least, with such points as give a preference -in the eye of an European. In this <em>bazar</em>, (or -market,) almost every thing an European can -require, for common purposes, may be obtained: -he may, indeed, purchase an ample library, either -of new, or of second-hand books; and, generally -speaking, may equip himself in such a manner -as may enable him to keep house at full thirty -per cent. cheaper than among the European -shop-keepers.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Though we may find a few trades, such as -coach-making, jewellery, cutlery, armoury, &c., -perfectly distinct, and unconnected with any -other speculation, we are not to suppose that -commodities, in general, are separately classed, -and exhibited in shops solely allotted to them. -On the contrary, what we call an ‘Europe-Shop,’ -<span class='pageno' id='Page_170'>170</span>affords a rich display of that heterogeneous -kind of cargo imported in every merchant-ship -proceeding to that quarter. Consequently, -each shop offers an astonishing variety of wares. -Liquors of all kinds, guns, pistols, glass ware, -tin and copper ware, crockery, stationary, shoes -and boots, hosiery, woollens, linens, ironmongery, -hats, cheese, grocery, and an infinity of -articles of the most opposite natures, may be -found in the spacious rooms, and <em>godowns</em>, allotted -to the exhibition of the miscellaneous -profusion!</p> - -<p class='c001'>Though it is not common to see European -goods, especially those which are not immediately -perishable, selling for less than thirty or -forty per cent. advance upon the <em>salt-water</em> invoices, -it sometimes happens, that an immense -importation of some few particular articles may -lower them to full fifty per cent. under prime cost. -This is easily accounted for: for instance, should -hats, shoes, and boots, bear a great price at the -time a fleet is about to be despatched for Europe, -all the commanders and officers note it down, -for the purpose of making those articles bear a -large proportion in their next outward-bound -cargoes. Thus, each unwittingly becomes the -dupe of his own avarice; and, on the return of -those ships to India, experiences the lamentable -effects of having allowed himself to be guided -by former prices. I recollect hearing an officer -<span class='pageno' id='Page_171'>171</span>on board one of the Company’s ships declare, -that he made it a rule always to lay in a good -stock of those articles which were cheap at the -time he quitted India: for, that he was certain -the lowness of the prices would influence the -others of his class to avoid purchasing them -for the India markets, which, by the time of -his return, he invariably found to have regained -their former level. By holding back a little -while, until the Europe shop-keepers found -that he was the sole, or, at least, the principal, -importer of those goods, he had never failed to -make a very profitable bargain.</p> - -<p class='c001'>However much we, in Europe, may admire -genuine china-ware, our countrymen in the East -seem, for the most part, indifferent to its beauties; -they preferring our ornamented Staffordshire -ware; which, owing to its bulk, and -brittleness, necessarily sells at a very high price -in every quarter of India. What is called ‘a -long set,’ by which we mean a service equal to -a table for at least thirty persons, often sells for -500 sicca rupees, equal to £65.; and ‘short -sets’ in proportion. The disadvantage attendant -upon the use of this ware, in so remote a -situation, is, that, when, owing to the numerous -accidents to which all such articles are -subject, even under especial vigilance, but particularly -under the auspices of native menials, -the set may be much reduced, it is utterly impracticable -<span class='pageno' id='Page_172'>172</span>to fill up the vacancies thus occasioned. -With china ware, it is very different; -for it is not so easy to distinguish between two -complex patterns, if tolerably similar; and, as -there is always a very large stock on hand, among -the retailers in the <em>china-bazar</em>, a very great -chance, if not a certainty, exists, of being furnished -with any number of plates, dishes, &c., -that may be required to restore the set to its -complement, or even to augment it, if necessary. -It may be a proper precaution, however, not to -buy a set of china ware of any very particular -pattern; but to select one from those numerous -rich patterns every where common, and annually -imported. This seems to prove, that, unless -under particular orders, the Chinese deviate -but little from their established fashions; as -may be further seen in their constant manufacture -of that kind of crockery we generally term -‘dragon-china,’ which appears to have been -in use among them for centuries.</p> - -<p class='c001'>A very expensive article of general consumption -is wax-candle. The price of wax, some -years back, was about sixteen rupees per maund, -(equal to 6<em>d.</em> per lb.,) but, of late years, it has -more than trebled, in consequence of the encreased -demand. Here we see that want of -system which too often tends to annihilate -what might, under due regulation, be made a -most advantageous concern. It is necessary to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_173'>173</span>be understood, that honey is of little value in -India, the natives considering it unwholesome, -and the Hindus being particularly averse to destroying -so many lives, for the purpose of robbing -their combs. These circumstances tend to -diminish the collection of wax, which, in some -districts, hangs for years neglected upon the -briars in the jungles; and, added to the jealousy -of the <em>zemindars</em>, (or land-holders,) who rarely -omit to exact a very smart duty upon whatever -is taken from their soil, deters those who possess -a spirit of enterprize from becoming dealers in -wax. I have not a doubt but that half a million -of maunds might be annually collected, if proper -encouragement were held out, and a sale insured -to the adventurers, at any particular towns in -the several districts where bees are abundant. -Within the last twenty years, a few Europeans -have established manufactories of wax-candles, -which often sell for eighty rupees per maund -(82lb). This, though an excessive price, compared -with that formerly prevalent, comes to -rather less than 2<em>s.</em> 6<em>d.</em> per lb.; and, as the wax -is always pure, it should seem, that, as an article -of commerce, much profit might be derived -from importation. At present, wax-candles are -prohibited, although the price of raw bees’-wax -is here up to near 4<em>s.</em>, and tallow at a very -exorbitant height. I am greatly mistaken, if the -benefits this branch of business is capable of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_174'>174</span>yielding, both to the nation, and to individuals, -are properly understood.</p> - -<p class='c001'>To place this in a proper point of view will -require but little detail; for, if we say that wax -candles, of the first quality, can be offered for -sale at Calcutta for £13. per cwt., and that raw -wax sells with us at 3<em>s.</em> 6<em>d.</em> per lb., or £19. 12<em>s.</em> -per cwt., it is obvious that the manufactured -article might be imported to us at full 50 per -cent. cheaper than the raw material can be obtained -on our own soil. Let us compute this on -the large scale; comparing the manufactured -articles, and making allowances for the fair value -of the raw materials in either country.</p> - -<table class='table1' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='89%' /> -<col width='10%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c015'>£</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>A ton of wax candles of Indian manufacture, even at the high price of 80 rupees (<em>i.e.</em> £10.) per maund of 82lb. would be</td> - <td class='c015'>260</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Freight, shipping, charges, and insurance, per ton</td> - <td class='c015'>25</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Wharfage, &c., on landing, per ton</td> - <td class='c015'>5</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c015'>——</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c009'>Total</td> - <td class='c015'>290</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>A ton of wax candles of European manufacture, at £28. per cwt., equal to 5s. per lb.</td> - <td class='c015'>560</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c015'>——</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Difference in favor of the Indian candles, per ton</td> - <td class='c015'>£270</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c015'>——</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Raw wax may be had at Calcutta for about forty rupees per maund, or rather under £7. per cwt. which brings the ton to</td> - <td class='c015'>140</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Freight, &c., as above</td> - <td class='c015'>30</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c015'>——</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c015'>170</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_175'>175</span>Whereas, the raw wax produced, in England, generally sells for about 3s. 6d. per lb. or £19. 12s. per cwt., or, per ton</td> - <td class='c015'>392</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c015'>——</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Giving a balance in favor of Indian wax, of, per ton</td> - <td class='c015'>£222</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class='c001'>I have not made any allowance for duties; -but it will be seen from the above very simple -calculation, that a very heavy impost might be -laid on either the raw material, or the manufactured -article, without reducing the profit so low -as to leave no encouragement to the speculator. -Let us, however, set it down at £60. per ton, -which is an enormous sum, and say, that, in -consequence of the great importation, wax -should fall one-third in price. This fall would -reduce the ton of candles to £380., from which -deduct the £60. duty, and there would be left -£320.; so that, after paying the £290. of cost and -incidental charges, no less than £30. would remain -as the net profit on each ton. If we, in like -manner, take one third, say £132. from the £392. -to result from the sale of the raw material, and -£40. more for duties, we reduce the net profits -from £222. to £50. In either way the speculation -is highly interesting, and requires only to be -thoroughly examined to insure attention. I am -not, at this moment, prepared to say what may -be the amount of duties collected on wax, or of -the excise on the manufacture of candles, but -<span class='pageno' id='Page_176'>176</span>apprehend that it must fall very short of what -might be realized if wax candles were more -generally used in the houses of opulent persons. -Some forty years ago, when wax candles sold -for three shillings per pound, they were in great -request. If, however, we calculate for the importation -of 3,000 tons of wax annually, in its -raw state, paying a duty of £40. per ton, we -should find a result of no less than £120,000.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The foregoing estimate stands entirely on the -present high prices of wax in India, but which -might, by proper regulations, be reduced to one-third. -Thus, if it were stipulated that the rents -of certain districts should be payable, to a particular -extent, in crude wax, at a fixed valuation, -the quantity brought to market might, I am fully -confident, be equal to what I have already stated, -viz. 500,000 maunds, or 18,750 tons, which, -taken at £200. only per ton, when landed, would -give a national benefit equal to £3,750,000! and -a revenue of £650,000. arising from the duty, at -£40. per ton on the raw material!</p> - -<p class='c001'>When it is recollected how dependent we have -been on other nations for a supply of tallow; -and that, on an average of peace and war, we -pay nearly £80. per ton for foreign tallow; also, -that one wax candle of equal weight will burn -out two of tallow; it should seem evident, that -the importation of wax from our settlements -abroad, as well as from various Indian islands, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_177'>177</span>in which it is abundantly produced, should become -an object of national consideration. The -very unpleasant scent attendant upon the use of -tallow, and its great aptitude to gutter in so hot -a climate, occasion its use to be confined to -those Europeans whose circumstances may not -permit them to use wax. This occasions all -who return from India, after long residence -there, to be extremely incommoded by the -smell of mould candles; the smoke of which is, -to them, peculiarly offensive, and strongly calls -to mind the <em>cheraugs</em>, or oil-lamps, in common -employ among the natives, and in the <em>zenanahs</em> -of Europeans.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The whole of the doors and windows being -thrown open, during the evenings especially, it -would be impossible to prevent the current of -air, passing through every part of the interior, -from extinguishing the several lights, were it not -that large glass covers, called shades, were applied -by way of preventives. Some of these -shades are made to stand on pillars, or pedestals, -generally of wood, with brass ferules, and having -broad plinths, either square or circular, to prevent -their being easily overset.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The other kind of table-shade is by no means -so convenient as that just described, it being an -irregular tube, standing on its base, or broader -extremity; and, though spreading in the centre, -drawing narrower toward the upper part. This -<span class='pageno' id='Page_178'>178</span>kind requires to be much longer, so as to shelter -the flame of a candle standing on a candlestick, -which should not, properly, be more than six -inches in height. The inconveniences by which -this shade is attended are self-evident; as it -cannot be carried about, or lifted, <em>in toto</em>, as the -pedestal shade may be. Those lights which are -affixed to the walls, either on sconces, or -brackets, or that are suspended from hooks, are -generally on the same principle; with this necessary -difference, that oil is chiefly burnt in -such, by means of a small glass tumbler half -filled with water, on which the oil floats, and -supports a very slight tin tube with four tin -wings, to each of which a piece of cork is -affixed. During the rainy season, when insects -of every description are beyond credibility -numerous, it is often absolutely necessary to -remove all lights from the supper table; otherwise -moths, flies, bugs, &c., would be attracted -in such numbers as to extinguish them altogether, -but, at all events, to prove extremely -obnoxious. When the lights are retained on the -table, it is customary to place the candlesticks in -soup plates, &c., filled with water: by this -means, such insects, especially the stinking-bugs, -which fly with great force, are often precipitated -and drowned: it is not unusual to -catch whole platefuls in this manner, which -would otherwise continue to torment the company. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_179'>179</span>Nothing can exceed the irritation produced -by these bugs when they get into the hair, -or between the linen and the body! Nor are -they in themselves innocent; for, though they -neither bite nor sting, such is the acrimony they -possess, that, if bruised in such manner as to -leave any moisture on the skin, great heat, and -sometimes blisters, followed by excoriations that -do not quickly heal, may take place. The same -effect is produced by the urine of lizards, which -frequent the interior of houses, and may often -be seen in great numbers crawling about the -walls, or on the ceiling, (if we may so term the -roofs already described,) in pursuit of the -smaller and more delicate insects, which they -snap up with great dexterity and greediness. -It is really amusing to observe with what sagacity -and care they approach their prey, and with -what rapidity they dart forth their long tongues -armed with gluten. With respect to frogs, toads, -and, occasionally, snakes, patrolling about the -skirts of the apartments, even of the best houses -in the country, they must be put up with as -matters of course; as must also the alighting of -cock-roaches on the face while at table, or at -cards, &c.: nor, indeed, must the resident in -India be very squeamish in regard to bats, which -freely indulge in aëriel circuits over the heads of -the company, on which, too, they now and then -find it convenient to halt awhile, without undergoing -<span class='pageno' id='Page_180'>180</span>the previous ceremony of obtaining -permission. These all appear terrible drawbacks, -but are scarcely noticed after awhile: so -strong is the power of habit. Certainly a very -considerable portion of the enjoyments, which -might otherwise be indulged in, are, in a manner, -proscribed by these nuisances; but, whether -it be owing to that <em>ennui</em> generally prevalent, -or to that kind of reconciliation which -takes place between the pest and its sufferer, -may be difficult to determine; we, however, see -all the old residents treat insects, frogs, toads, -&c., with great indifference; though, to be sure, -when a snake, of whatever class, makes his -entrée, an astonishing degree of activity, far beyond -what the former lethargic symptoms could -indicate, suddenly prevails.</p> - -<p class='c001'>I have several times seen large snakes coiled, -or rather twined, among the Venetians of <em>bungalow</em> -windows, and have observed that the -grass-snake, which is of a beautiful green, with -a reddish head, is partial to secreting itself under -the leaves of tables, and, in situations of that -description, where it may be easily dislodged, or -touched, by accident. Such a propensity is -peculiarly obnoxious in a serpent whose bite is -generally fatal. This snake may occasionally be -seen twisted round the smaller boughs of trees, -whence, if disturbed, it drops with great readiness, -and proceeds along the tops of the grass -<span class='pageno' id='Page_181'>181</span>with admirable celerity, and, owing to the -similarity of its color, scarcely allowing the -dazzled eye to follow its course.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The <em>Cunjoors</em> carry a great variety of serpents -about the country, which they are in the habit -of exhibiting to families for a mere trifle. Some, -such as the <em>adjghur</em> or <em>boa-constrictor</em>, which -has been known to reach the immense length of -thirty feet, destroy by the extent of their bite, -or by compression; while the lesser species -seem to be provided with poison to make up -for their deficiency of bulk. The skeleton of an -<em>adjghur</em> was found near Chittagong, about forty -years ago, having in its fauces the skeleton of a -full-grown deer; the horns of which, it was supposed, -had occasioned the suffocation of its unwieldy -devourer. I have seen one of this kind -that required eight men to lift him into his -basket! An operation to which, either from -habit, or fatigue, it submitted with great resignation. -The <em>covra capella</em>, is the same as the -hooded-snake of America, thus designated from -a peculiar spreading of the throat when in a -state of irritation, so as to give it much resemblance -to a flounder, but with a curious -figure extremely similar to a pair of spectacles, -which, being under the throat, is fully exhibited -as the snake rises, as he is wont to do, nearly -half his length, before he darts upon the object -of resentment. These snakes are peculiarly -<span class='pageno' id='Page_182'>182</span>venomous, and, though averaging from three to -five feet, are seen to attain a larger size. I have -shot four in one day, namely, two males, of a -black, or deep bottle green; and two females, -ordinarily of a clay color; which measured from -six to nine feet. A few years ago, I saw one -exhibited by the <em>Cunjoors</em>, or <em>Saumpareahs</em>, (<em>i.e.</em> -snake-men,) which actually measured about -thirteen feet! The <em>daumeen</em> grows to a large -size, perhaps eight to twelve feet, but has no -venomous teeth, or fangs. He lashes with his -tail, coiling into a bow, and awaiting the approach -of dogs, men, &c., before he lashes; -which he does with such severity as often to cut -the integuments very deeply. The natives entertain -an opinion that the tail of this snake is -venomous; and it might be supposed, from the -almost certainly fatal effects produced by its -operation, that it were so; but I have always -attributed the mischief occasioned thereby, to -that laceration produced by a very rough scaly -body, such as the tail is, proceeding with great -force over parts well known to be peculiarly -irritable; occasioning a strong tendency to that -most horrible affection the <em>tetanus</em>, or locked-jaw, -from which not one in a thousand recovers. -The <em>covra manilla</em> rarely grows to more than -fifteen or eighteen inches, and is of a mottled -appearance, very indicative of its deleterious -property: if I err not, its bite is invariably fatal. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_183'>183</span>The double-headed snake receives that name -from its body being nearly cylindrical, the tail -terminating in a short cone, resembling a second -head. This snake is chiefly seen in hilly countries, -but is occasionally washed down by the -annual floods, to the plains, where it is found in -drains and hollows, from which it does not -appear to be over-well qualified to escape. Its -average length may be from two to three feet, -and its thickness, or circumference, from four to -six inches.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It may be acceptable to my readers, while -upon this subject, to be informed of the antidote; -viz. the volatile alkali, or eau de luce. -A few drops of this diluted sufficiently in a wine -glass full of water, if taken in time, and repeated -every two or three hours, or even more -frequently, has been known to counteract the -venom after its effects had been so fully ascertained -as to leave but little chance of recovery. -I never went out shooting without a small bottle -of this, closed by a ground stopper, in my tin -box of apparatus. Fortunately, although I -have been repeatedly in imminent danger, and -had snakes dancing the hayes all around me, no -occasion ever presented itself for having recourse -to my precautionary bottle!</p> - -<p class='c001'>The following extracts, from a very interesting -communication made by W. Boag, Esq. -to the Asiatic Society, will set this matter in a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_184'>184</span>proper form, and qualify any person to judge of -the danger, from the several symptoms prevalent, -in ordinary cases, when the venom takes effect. -It may be proper to premise, that many who -have been bitten by snakes of the worst description -have not been affected; merely owing to -the thickness of their cloathing, by which the -noxious fluid has been absorbed.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Mr. Boag informs us, that ‘The symptoms -which arise from the bite of a serpent, are, commonly, -pain, swelling, and redness in the part -bitten; great faintness, with sickness at stomach, -and sometimes vomiting, succeed; the breath -becomes short and laborious; the pulse low, -quick, and interrupted: the wound, which was -at first red, becomes livid, black, and gangrenous; -the skin of the wounded limb, and sometimes -of the whole body, assumes a yellowish -hue; cold sweats and convulsions come on, and -the patient sinks, sometimes in a few hours, but -commonly at the end of two, three, or four -days.</p> - -<p class='c001'>‘This is the usual progress when the disease -terminates fatally; but, happily, the patient will -most commonly recover; a reflection which -should moderate the fears of those who happen -to be bitten by snakes, and which, at any rate, -should, as much as possible, be resisted; as the -depressing passion of fear will, in all cases, assist -the operation of the poison.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_185'>185</span>‘The volatile alkali is the remedy mostly -employed by physicians, both in India and in -Europe; but the belief which formerly prevailed, -that it possessed some specific power, -which corrected the poison, seems to be now -very generally relinquished; and it is now acknowledged -to have no other action than that -ascribed to it by Mr. Williams, (of Benares,) of -stimulating the vascular system to a more vigorous -exertion.</p> - -<p class='c001'>‘The calces, or, as they are more properly -called, the oxyds of some metals, as arsenic, -mercury, and silver, have been made use of; the -efficacy of which, as remedies in this disease, -merit a more attentive consideration.</p> - -<p class='c001'>‘We are indebted to <span class='sc'>Fontaua</span> for any knowledge -we possess regarding the use of the lunar-caustic; -which is a preparation of silver in the -nitrous acid; and, considering the length of -time that has elapsed since his publication, and -the advantages resulting from its use, it is wonderful -it has not excited more general attention.</p> - -<p class='c001'>‘He first mixed the venom with the lunar-caustic, -applied this mixture to a wound, and -found that the venom was rendered entirely -innocent, while the corroding power of the -caustic was diminished. He next wounded a -variety of animals, with venomous teeth, scarified -the wounds, and washed them with a solution -of lunar-caustic in water: by this means, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_186'>186</span>the lives of the greatest number of the animals -were saved, though they were such as he knew -to be most easily killed by the poison, and the -death of others was retarded. He also tried a -weak solution, of the same remedy, internally, -with remarkable success, and, upon the whole, -he congratulates himself in seeing his labors at -length rewarded, by the discovery of a true -specific remedy for the bites of serpents.</p> - -<p class='c001'>‘A ligature should, as soon as possible, be -made above the part bitten, so as to impede, but -not entirely to stop, the circulation of the blood; -for the bite of a serpent is, for the most part, -superficial, and the poison is carried into circulation -by the smaller vessels on the surface; the -wound should then be scarified, and washed in -a solution (rather weak) of the lunar-caustic in -water.’</p> - -<p class='c001'>Mr. Boag recommends a warm bath for the -limb bitten, and thinks the addition of a small -quantity of nitrous acid would produce excellent -effects. He speaks of it only as a suggestion, -and, where time may admit, and the means -be at hand, there certainly ought to be a fair trial -made of so promising a theory: the misfortune is, -that, owing to the great heat of the climate, and -the dread ever entertained of the result, all the -symptoms proceed with rapidity. That gentleman -speaks of several hours elapsing between -the accident, and the fatal termination; but my -<span class='pageno' id='Page_187'>187</span>own experience satisfies me, that not one in ten -of those bitten during the hot months, and especially -when at work, or heated with travelling, -&c., survive more than one hour: I have, indeed, -seen various cases, in which half that time was -the utmost; and could adduce some instances of -persons dying within the <em>quarter</em> of an hour.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Though snakes certainly, for the most part, -endeavor to avoid the human race, they have -been known to come very fiercely to the attack. -No doubt, when this has happened, some -previous irritation has occurred, or they have -been pursued by the ichneumon; (<em>i.e.</em> the -<em>benjy</em>, <em>bissy</em>, or <em>neoule</em>,) which is to be seen wild -in every part of India, and may, at times, be -found contending with snakes of great bulk. -This active little animal, the natural enemy of -all serpents, as well as of the smaller kinds of -vermin, worries his opponent by incessant feints, -as though he were about to seize its throat, and, -in time, so fatigues, as to render it unable to -resist with its primary celerity and caution. -When the snake is in that state, the ichneumon -rushes forward, and, by seizing its throat, or the -back of its head, soon lays the envenomed -reptile lifeless at its command. It sometimes -happens that the ichneumon receives a bite, -when he immediately relinquishes his object, -and seeks among the neighbouring verdure for -some root, of which he eats, and, after rolling -<span class='pageno' id='Page_188'>188</span>himself in the soil, returns to the charge with -unabated keenness. Should the snake have -retired, the little quadruped speedily scents him -out, and rarely fails to revenge himself for his -past danger. What it is the animal has recourse -to, never has been ascertained; of course, -remains among our other important desiderata. -The ichneumon is not only domesticated with -facility, if obtained at an early age, but becomes -extremely affectionate. Neither rats nor snakes -will enter a house in which a tame ichneumon is -retained, and allowed, as is usual, to range about -at pleasure. The <em>Saumpareahs</em>, or snake-men, -keep one, or more, for the purpose of exhibiting -their feats in the attack of snakes.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It is wonderful how accurately a <em>Saumpareah</em> -will ascertain, merely by smelling at a hole in a -wall, &c., whether a snake be within. If such -should be the case, the reptile’s fate may be considered -as decided; for, what with the music of -a rude species of oboe, and the allurement of -various drugs, in which <em>dunneah</em>, a species of -coriander, among which snakes delight to bask, -are prevalent, he soon comes forth, and is either -taken in a bag, or by an assistant snatching hold -of his tail with one hand, and sliding the other -with great rapidity up to its throat; which, being -constricted by the grasp, occasions the fangs to -be exposed: these being extracted, the captive -is added to the stock of innocents.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_189'>189</span>Though diminutive, in regard to corporeal -extent, the musquito may be considered a most -formidable enemy to the repose of almost every -thing possessing animation, but especially to -Europeans; whose manner of living generally -gives a considerable tendency to general, as well -as to local, inflammation. In this I speak relatively; -for, when we compare the habits of -our countrymen with those of the natives, we -shall find that a very great difference prevails, -and that, what we might in Europe call moderation, -may, in Asia, very properly be construed -into excess. This difference is so great, that, -in ordinary cases, the physicians’ first care is to -lower the temperament of his British patient, -thereby to repress the usual tendency towards -inflammation; especially in persons of a plethoric -habit, or lately arrived from Europe; while, on -the contrary, it generally requires some effort to -keep the frugal native from sinking under that -<em>typhus</em> to which he is most subject.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Musquitoes generally remain inactive during -the day, retiring to the borders of some muddy -pool, or stinking drain, where they deposit their -<em>ova</em>, which, in a few days, produce a noxious -million, that may be seen in their several stages, -at most times of the year, and especially during -the hot season, when such puddles are often -both replete with, and covered by, young musquitoes.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_190'>190</span>These unpleasant companions not only make -a very disagreeable humming, but thrust their -trunks, the same as the common knat does his -proboscis, between the threads of a stocking, -&c.; and, while sucking the blood of their victim, -cause a very smarting sensation, which -does not immediately cease; if scratched, a -musquito-bite will usually rise into a small -white, hard lump; which, on further provocation, -proceeds to suppurate; frequently degenerating -into very obstinate sores. Instances -have occurred of very serious consequences -being entailed, by an unguarded indulgence -granted to the nails at the moment of irritation.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Every bed, (commonly called a <em>cot</em>,) is furnished -with a set of inner curtains, made of -gauze, manufactured for that purpose in several -parts of Bengal, and known by the name of -<em>koppradool</em>. These curtains, being very thin, -and generally of a green color, serve not only to -debar access to the musquitoes, but, without -much obstruction to the air, offer a pleasant -medium between the eye, and any glare which -may either enter directly from the exterior, or -be reflected by the walls; which, in most houses, -are white, as already explained in describing the -European architecture of the East.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It is always expedient to have these curtains -put up before it is dark; otherwise musquitoes, -being then on the wing, will, if possible, find -<span class='pageno' id='Page_191'>191</span>their way to the interior; whence it is not very -easy to fan them out. Besides, by this easy -precaution, it is not very practicable for snakes, -or rats, to get under the pillows, or into the -bed; situations in which they have occasionally -been found. The rats are often induced to burrow -into the pillows, which are usually stuffed -with the silky-cotton called <em>seemul</em>, wherein the -seeds are left, and, by their oily nature, attract -this description of vermin in particular. The -females sometimes resort to it when about to -bring forth their young: hence, it is not uncommon -to find the old lady in possession of a pillow, -or bolster, or, eventually, of the mattress; especially -if no person has slept on them for a few -nights. On board <em>budjrows</em>, rats are often very -troublesome, destroying boots, shoes, &c., without -mercy: I have frequently felt them, during -the night, attacking the powder and pomatum -at the back of my head. Of this the cock-roach -also is very fond, but the sensation it produces -is nothing more than a tickling, as though the -fingers of another person were introduced among -the hair; whereas, a rat makes a more desperate -attack, often giving a strong pull, or, occasionally, -knawing at the accumulated grease, which -adheres to the head itself. Though I made it -a rule always to have my bed-cloaths stripped -off, and my pillows turned over, before I got -into bed, nothing of the serpent kind was ever -<span class='pageno' id='Page_192'>192</span>discovered, though many rats and mice were at -times dislodged. Other persons have not been -so fortunate; my own experience has made me -acquainted with various instances of snakes -being found in beds whereon gentlemen were -about to repose. A very curious circumstance -happened many years back, of a lady being -called by her servant to see a snake that lay very -contentedly between two of her infants, which -slept on a small cot. It may be readily supposed -their perilous situation produced the -most dreadful anxiety. With great fortitude, -and presence of mind, she directed the menial -to go to one side of the bed, and to seize one of -the children by a leg and an arm, while she did -the same with the other; and thus to snatch -them away. This was a bold measure, and possibly -saved the little ones from injury; but, had -the mother caused a chaffing dish to be brought -into the apartment, and set thereon some milk -to boil, the smell of it would instantly have -caused the snake to creep out, for the purpose -of partaking of his favorite food. Though all -snakes are peculiarly fond of a certain warm -temperature, inclining to summer heat, they -will, in general, take to the water very freely, -especially when pursued. Many persons pretend -to distinguish such as are venomous, by -their aversion thereto; but such is very fallacious. -I have repeatedly seen <em>covra capellas</em> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_193'>193</span>dart into puddles, and ponds, with seeming -eagerness. It is extremely dangerous to proceed -along path-ways, leading through grass covers, -or <em>jungles</em>, at night; as, at that time, numbers -of snakes will quit the heavy grass for the purpose -of lying in the current of air, which necessarily -proceeds along those paths whose -sides are confined, perhaps to the height of -several feet, by grass and underwood, and cause -them to resemble the vistas cut through coppices, -&c.</p> - -<p class='c001'>From what has been said above, many may be -led to suppose, that, in India, every step is attended -with danger; and, that neither the day, -nor the night, offers security. This certainly is -not always the case; but I should strongly advise -every person to act throughout with caution; -and to suppose these dangers I have -described to be imminent. This, though it may -not be comfortable, will generally insure safety. -With regard to scorpions, centipedes, &c., too -much circumspection cannot be used. In some -parts of the country they are very numerous, -capable of inflicting great pain, and of producing -very severe local inflammation. Instances have -been known of serious indisposition having been -induced by the stings of scorpions in particular. -The young ones are generally of a yellowish, or -dun, or clay color; as they advance in growth, -they gradually become darker, until they acquire -<span class='pageno' id='Page_194'>194</span>a bottle color. Though very rare, I have seen a -few of these which measured nearly eight inches -from the mouth to the point of the sting, which -much resembles a large dark-colored thorn from -a rose-bush. There are, however, two kinds of -scorpions, of which that species above described -is certainly the most formidable; fortunately, it -is seldom to be seen in places much frequented: -the other kind may often be seen by dozens in -the folds of a tent, &c., laid by in a dark place -among old rubbish; and, not unfrequently, in -the cracks of old mud walls. Many a poor servant, -in walking about a house at night, or in -rummaging among old stores, gets stung by the -<em>beeçhu</em> (scorpion). The part affected generally -swells, and smarts, or, rather aches, considerably: -but the remedy is easy; a rag moistened -with vinegar affording speedy relief. The same -application is equally proper in case of being -bitten by a <em>centipede</em>, called by the natives <em>kaungoojer</em>; -from the opinion entertained that it is -apt to creep into the ear. That such <em>may</em> have -taken place, cannot be denied; but it would, I -believe, prove extremely difficult to produce a -well-authenticated instance. The centipede is -by no means calculated for such an insinuation; -he being of some breadth, and growing, rather -quickly, to such a size as must preclude the -possibility of his getting into the ear: I have -seen several measuring nine and ten inches in -<span class='pageno' id='Page_195'>195</span>length; and as broad, though not above a third -so thick, as a man’s finger: we may consider -half those dimensions to constitute the ordinary -bulk.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Wasps and hornets are every where abundant -during the whole year: the latter commonly -nestle in the ground, or in the hollow of a tree, -or perhaps form a small cell in some corner, or -under a thatch, and there deposit their larvæ. -The former are sometimes seen in such numbers -as to occasion considerable uneasiness; they not -only make their nests within the walls of <em>bungalows</em>, -if, by means of cracks, or of distances between -wood-work, they should find the opportunity, -but boldly construct their combs within -the apartments; sometimes attached to a cornice, -but most generally in one of the upper -corners of a window frame, so as to have ready -means of retiring. The destruction of these -intruders is not always practicable, without considerable -danger. The best mode is to cover a -man well up in a blanket, and to place on his -head a pot of embers, on which a lump of sulphur -is laid; so that, by standing under the -comb, the fumes may stupify, or at least expel, -the wasps; after which the comb may be removed -without difficulty. The greatest danger is when -the wasps take possession of some spot very -near to the thatch; for instance, if they attach -their dwelling to one of the rafters. When it is -<span class='pageno' id='Page_196'>196</span>considered, that half the thatches are extremely -decayed, and take fire like tinder, it must be -obvious how delicately the operation should be -managed: in such case, a slow match, made to -contain a large portion of sulphur, and fastened -to the end of a pole, is, perhaps, the most secure -device; for, if a single spark were to fly into the -thatch, it probably would, like Doctor Slop’s -wig, be ‘nearly consumed before it were well -kindled!’</p> - -<p class='c001'>Bees are by no means so bold as wasps and -hornets, but they frequently take possession of -some bush, or even of several parts of a hedge -around a garden, especially one well stocked -with flowers; rendering it unsafe to approach -that quarter. The combs are sometimes large, -but may, perhaps, on the average, when full, -weigh from four to ten pounds. No bees are -domesticated in India; at least I never heard of -an apiary of any description; though, from the -great abundance of food to be had at all seasons, -it might prove very easy to maintain them properly. -The truth is, that wild honey is so cheap -and abundant as to preclude the necessity for -taking any further pains to obtain it, than merely -cutting the combs away from their thorny -defences.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Bugs, such as infest our beds in Europe, are -beyond imagination numerous throughout the -East. Every <em>charpoy</em>, (or bedstead,) of whatever -<span class='pageno' id='Page_197'>197</span>size, or description, in use among the natives, -swarms with them! Hence, it is next -to impossible to prevent their getting among the -furniture, and especially into the boxes, drawers, -&c., in which cloaths are kept; and the most -careful, cleanly person, may sometimes find a stray -bug crawling upon his linen, or lying concealed -among the plaits. Musquito curtains are, on -this account also, very useful; but they should -be searched daily, lest any stragglers, &c., be on -them. Perhaps the best defence against these -nasty tormentors, is that in general use as a -preventive against the visits of ants, centipedes, -&c.; viz. causing the four posts of a bed to -stand each upon a stone, perhaps a foot in diameter, -and five or six inches deep, wherein a -deep trough is cut, which, being kept full of -water, insulates each post. Some use metal -pans, which certainly have a neater appearance, -and secure the carpet, mat, &c., from being injured -by the damp; which sometimes will find -its way, more or less, through stone, however -hard.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The natives rarely have posts to their bedsteads; -though a few, occasionally, affix a kind -of tester, by means of a staple, at the head; -those who could afford the best furniture, and -every convenience, are more pleased when attended -by a slave, or menial, who, with a small -<em>punkah</em>, (or fan,) gently agitates the air, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_198'>198</span>keeps off flies and musquitoes. It scarcely -need be pointed out how offensive such a practice -may occasionally prove, and that when the -servant drops asleep while performing his tedious -office, the master generally will be -awaked. Some, of the natives especially, -cannot go to sleep without being lulled thereto, -by means of an operation called by Europeans -<em>shampoing</em>. This consists in a gentle pressure -of the feet and legs, as also of the arms and -hand, or, occasionally, of the body also, between -the hands of the operator, who passes either -slowly, or rather rapidly, according to the fancy -of his, or her, master, from one part to another. -That considerable relief is obtained from <em>shampoing</em>, -cannot be doubted; I have repeatedly -been restored surprizingly from severe fatigue, as -well as from a certain langor and watchfulness, -common in hot climates, and no doubt proceeding -from indigestion, or from a nervous affection, -merely by having my feet gently pressed in this -manner. It is curious, that Captain Cook -should have found this custom to be prevalent in -the Island of Tongataboo, where it is called -‘<em>toogey-toogey</em>,’ in allusion to the beating of a -drum with the fists. Now, the common small -drums used in India, which are suspended in front -of the body, are called ‘<em>doog-doogies</em>,’ and, in -some places, the natives of India, <em>shampo</em>, by beating -with the fists, calling the operation, not by the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_199'>199</span>common term <em>debounah</em>, (or pressing,) but <em>doogaunah</em>. -It is a question whether the latter -term be a corruption, or a derivative from the -<em>doog-doogy</em>. A similar practice obtains in -Egypt, and, indeed, throughout the Turkish empire; -especially at the baths, where <em>shampoing</em> -is considered a matter of course. If my memory -be correct, Captain Cook was relieved -from a severe rheumatic complaint by an operation -of this description; with this difference, -that, in lieu of soothing pressure, the parts -affected were not beat gently, but squeezed -forcibly, between the hands. I have somewhere -read, that <em>gouty</em> pains were in like manner removed; -but should conclude, that such could -only be flying pains; for the tenderness of parts -locally attacked by the gout, could not, I apprehend, -be invaded, without subjecting the party -to excruciating torture.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Setting apart the benefits which may occasionally -be derived from <em>shampoing</em>, we may consider -it as one of those luxuries which, like the -<em>hookah</em>, the snuff-box, the brandy-bottle, &c., -become so habitual as to plunge us into indescribable -uneasiness whenever they may be out -of our reach; of course, it is prudent to avoid -being <em>shampoed</em>, except when a kind of restlessness, -or watchfulness, is induced by excess, of -any description. In such case, immediate relief -is often of great importance; but it may be proper -<span class='pageno' id='Page_200'>200</span>not to have recourse to the indulgence -except on emergency, since its effects are gradually -lessened by repetition, and the want of a -menial to perform the operation may cause -much irritation and disquietude.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The greatest attention is requisite to aërate -every apartment in a proper manner daily; without -that precaution, all the aids of <em>champoing</em>, -of musquito-curtains, water-pots, bathing, &c., -will be of little avail, as fevers and obstructions -of the liver invariably follow, whenever the atmosphere -within a chamber is allowed to become -foul: I know not, indeed, any thing more -weakening, or more destructive to the constitution, -than sleeping in one that is deficient in -point of ventilation; and to continue in such, -after being, in any degree, indisposed, is little -less than absolute insanity! Nothing will be -found to contribute more to health than sleeping -cool; adverting, at the same time, to the precautions -already laid down, not to place the cot so -that any forcible current of air should pass over -it, lest perspiration be obstructed, and the worst -consequences be induced. The winter months -will often dictate the use of one, or perhaps two, -good thick blankets; while the summer heats -will cause the rejection of all bed-cloathing -above the body; occasioning the general use of -long drawers, which, for the most part, are made -of thin silk, or of fine calico: some have them -<span class='pageno' id='Page_201'>201</span>made with feet, thereby effectually preventing -musquitoes from biting in that quarter, but, to -me, such were always extremely unpleasant.</p> - -<p class='c001'>During the hottest part of the year, many dispense -with their shirts, but retain their <em>banians</em>, -or under-shirts, the skirts of which are confined -by the long drawers, which are usually fastened -by a drawing cord of silk. Early rising is particularly -to be recommended, for the purpose of -taking exercise before breakfast. Among military -persons this salutary practice is generally -inculcated <em>malgré lui</em>; and, among civilians, -ought to be so, by the additional motive of having -the forenoon devoted to office attendance, or -to whatever duties may demand notice.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The amusements offered to Europeans in India -are by no means numerous, nor are they of any -continuance; the climate, the localities, and the -occupations, of all, rendering it impossible to -partake of such variety, or in such comfort, as we -enjoy in Europe. Calcutta can boast of a very -tolerable theatre, centrically situated, and spacious -enough to contain as many spectators as -are generally to be found within the town. This -was built about fifty years ago, by subscription, -in shares of one thousand rupees each; but, -owing to the very heavy expences incurred in -getting up plays, which formerly depended entirely -on the <em>penchant</em> of gentlemen, who performed -<span class='pageno' id='Page_202'>202</span>all the characters, both male and female, -the debts became so very heavy, that the concern -fell into disrepute, and the shares were -sold for half their original value.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It may seem strange, that, while no performers -of any description were employed, the house -should get into debt; and, that since hirelings -have been engaged, it should have been in a -more flourishing state. The enigma is, however, -easy of solution. Gentlemen of property, fashion, -and consequence, were not easily controlled; -they would have new dresses for every -character, and were to be kept in humour by -good suppers after each rehearsal, some tickets -for their friends, &c., &c., &c.; so that, when all -was reckoned up, the receipts were invariably -less than the disbursements. It is true that a -gold-mohur (2 guineas) was the price of a box -admission, that the pit was half a mohur, and -the gallery a quarter of a mohur; but the house -was rarely full, and there were rarely more -than ten pieces performed during the whole -year, and those generally in December, January, -and February. The house had cost a lac of -rupees (<em>i.e.</em> 100,000, equal to £12,500.) in -building, and fitting up; therefore, there was a -constant demand for interest, <em>at twelve per cent.</em>, -equal to £1,500. yearly; that, however, was -commuted into silver tickets, which necessarily -<span class='pageno' id='Page_203'>203</span>diminished the receipts; causing the shares to -sink from money speculations into mere family -conveniences.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The heavy incumbrances brought on by the -above inconsiderate measures, occasioned a necessity -for letting out the theatre to any person -who would conduct the amusements in such -manner as might prevent matters from growing -worse. This accordingly was done, and a spirit -of enterprize was created in the manager thus -appointed by a majority of the proprietors, -whereby a great encrease took place in the performances, -which became chiefly dependant on -professional persons engaged at liberal salaries; -while, at the same time, few gentlemen in -the Company’s service contributed the aid of -their talents. This secession was occasioned -by the marked displeasure evinced by Marquis -Cornwallis towards all who took parts in the -dramas: it threatened to close the doors of the -theatre. A competition arising about the same -time, produced an effect which accidentally sustained -the speculation, by causing an interest, -indeed, a spirited party, to be formed, in favor of -the old house, which, in a very short time, -triumphed, and caused the opposition to give -up.</p> - -<p class='c001'>With respect to the merits of the gentlemen -performers, much may be said: there certainly -were among them some who might have -<span class='pageno' id='Page_204'>204</span>appeared before a London audience without any -fear of disapprobation. The names of Fleetwood, -Messink, Norfor, Golding, Bigger, Call, -Keasberry, Robinson, &c., &c., will long be -remembered by the lovers of the drama; nor will -they be easily effaced from the memory of those -in whose hearts their merits, as members of society, -were deeply impressed. The scenery was -originally furnished from England, under the -auspices of Garrick, who sent out Mr. Messink -for the purpose of regulating the theatre at its -out-set. Since that time, various additions have -been made by different artists of acknowledged -ability, among whom, Mr. Battle may be noticed -as possessing superior talents, both in that important -branch, and in the representation of various -interesting characters. It is, however, to -be expected, that, notwithstanding the great encrease -of the European population, by whom it -is almost wholly supported, the theatre must be -sold off. This, though a severe privation, where -every item in the catalogue of public amusements -is highly appreciated, will not fall heavy -on the proprietors. The facility with which the -edifice might be converted into a superb suite -of offices, or into a magnificent dwelling, would -insure them the re-payment of their money; especially -as the quantity of land reserved around -it, for the accommodation of <em>palanquins</em>, &c., is -extremely valuable: indeed, that alone must be -<span class='pageno' id='Page_205'>205</span>worth full the aggregate amount of the shares at -their ordinary value; which has generally been -about forty or fifty per cent. under par.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The temporary theatres that have at various -times been erected at the several military stations, -have always offered considerable gratification -to their several audiences. In these cheap -‘epitomes of Roman greatness’ many a good -play has been performed in an excellent style, -such as put us in mind of the mother-country, -and occasioned many a comparison by no means -derogatory to the Asiatic boards. Exclusive of -the exertions of those officers who indulged -themselves in this recreation, many of the noncommissioned -and privates of the European -regiments contributed richly to the catalogue of -histrionic characters. Some, though perhaps -not gifted with grace, nor enriched by erudition, -nevertheless displayed an accurate discrimination -of the authors’ intentions, and commanded -the applause of their audiences; among whom, -a very large portion were competent judges of -dramatic excellence.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The Calcutta race-course is situate about a -mile and a half to the southward of the town; -it is by no means duly preserved, being occasionally -much injured by the carriages of gentlemen -who frequent it as a ride. It is true there -is a clerk of the course; but he has no power to -enforce the observance of the rules laid down by -<span class='pageno' id='Page_206'>206</span>the Jockey-Club; he cannot, in fact, prevent -the course from being miserably defaced, and cut -up; nor can he, even when the horses are running, -keep it clear from obstructions. This evil -arises from a want of disposition in the majority -of those who frequent the place, to join in the -sports, or even to encourage them; hence, a -want of courtesy is prevalent, and the horses run -under great disadvantages. It may be said, that, -as they run only during the cold months, when -the turf is tolerably firm, little injury is done by -the carriages which travel over it; but, in answer -to this, it may be urged, that a rut, or track, -made at that time, speedily hardens, and becomes -dangerous both to the horses and to their -riders. But, where few are interested, few will -be considerate.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Many horses that have started at Calcutta -would make no contemptible figure even at Newmarket: -according to the distance, and the time -in which the course has been run over, I have -reason to believe, that a few, which could be -mentioned, might competite with the best of the -second class of British racers. Taking into consideration, -that such are entirely the result of -chance purchases, and not from any care in -breeding, it may be fairly argued that the horses -of India, by which I mean those brought from -Candahar, Lahore, the Maharrattah states, &c., -possess considerable speed. Many, indeed, of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_207'>207</span>that small indigenous breed, which is usually -held in contempt, especially on the turf, have -displayed very great powers, and distanced -horses not only of considerable value, but of -high reputation. The race-grounds in other -parts of the country are not better preserved -than that at the Presidency; however, there is -ample room for toleration, both because there -are few horses kept for running; the races, -in those quarters, being merely desultory, and -the course generally marked out, <span lang="la" xml:lang="la"><em>pro tempore</em></span>, -from some uncultivated spot; which, having -a tolerable surface, may answer the purpose -of amusement for two or three days at -Christmas.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Though there are <em>tattoo</em> (<em>i.e.</em> poney) races, -at Calcutta, few of that class are brought forward, -except after very full proof of their qualifications; -in fact, the poney-races are often -superior to those run by the best cattle on the -clerk’s register. At the out-stations, matches, or -sweepstakes, are made solely with the view to -merriment, or from whim, frolic, or periodical -elevation after a hearty regale. Here we see -cause for mirth, and, not unfrequently, find a -clumsy-looking beast, with heavy heels, and a -head like a yam, taking the lead of ‘trim-built -wherries,’ that seem to challenge competition. -I recollect a curious instance of this: a very -<span class='pageno' id='Page_208'>208</span>shabby, heavy-looking <em>tattoo</em>, belonging to Captain -Cæsar Jones, started in this adventitious -manner, and, to the surprize of all, fairly distanced -several celebrated steeds. He was sent -to Calcutta, where his uncouth appearance -caused him to be ridiculed, but there was no -standing against his speed and bottom. Hence, -he acquired the name of ‘<span class='sc'>Take-in</span>;’ a designation -which the knowing ones feelingly acknowledged -to be highly appropriate! The spirit for -betting at races does not run very high in India; -though there have existed some characters who -devoted their whole attention to this species of -gambling: but so little encouragement offers for -speculations on the turf, that, with the exception -of a few fat <em>pigeons</em>, it may be said no money -has been made by racing: the wagers rarely exceed -a few gold-mohurs. Every horse becoming -so thoroughly known to all the sporting community, -little opening is left for deception or contrivance. -The smallest indication of collusion -would, in that quarter, prove instantly fatal to -reputation, and cause at least a shyness, if not -an absolute estrangement, on the part of society, -towards the offending individual. In Europe -this would not be so much felt, because a man -may change his quarters, and, for a long time, -screen himself from public, or general disapprobation; -but, in India, when an individual is <em>cut</em> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_209'>209</span>at one station, he will rarely experience common -civility at any other; his character generally preceding -him by many a day’s journey!</p> - -<p class='c001'>Gambling was formerly one of the most prominent -vices to be seen in Calcutta; but of late -years has considerably diminished. Those who -recollect the institution of Selby’s Club, and who -now contemplate the very small portion of time -dissipated, even by the younger classes, at -cards, &c., by way of ‘profit and loss,’ cannot -but approve the salutary reform introduced by -Marquis Cornwallis, who, whatever may have -been his foibles, his prejudices, and his errors, -in other matters, certainly was entitled to the -approbation of the Company, as well as to the -gratitude of their servants, for having checked -so effectually a certain licentious spirit, which -had, till his arrival, been totally uncontrolled, -indeed, unnoticed, in any shape, by his predecessors.</p> - -<p class='c001'>To expect that any Governor should be able -totally to annihilate every bad practice, would -be to consider him as vested with supernatural -powers; but, it is assuredly within the reach of -every person bearing that high office, to chace -the abandoned into their secret recesses, and -to render them at least timid, if not innocent. -By removing such characters from office, and -by persevering in resolution not to give employments -<span class='pageno' id='Page_210'>210</span>of emolument to any but the most assiduous, -and correct, of the Company’s servants, -much may be, much has been, done. Common -sense points out the impropriety of allowing a -gambler to occupy any office in which either -great trust, or particular application, and vigilance, -might be requisite; therefore, as the generality -of the posts held under the Company are -of either one or other of those descriptions, or -may perhaps blend both, it stands to reason that -a man whose brains are ever casting the dice, -and whose carriage rolls upon the four aces, -never can with safety be trusted.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Those who are partial to cards, as an amusement, -may find abundance of parties during the -evenings, where, for the most part, tradrille -and whist (the favorite games) are played at -such low stakes as not to be productive of -regret, or inconvenience. Quadrille is barely -known in India, nor are what we term ‘round-games’ -much in use: cribbage is played in some -families, and, occasionally, loo. In all the above -games, the European inhabitants of Calcutta, -as well as those dispersed over the country, are -generally proficient; far more so than we find -persons of the same description among us: a -large portion are well acquainted with chess, -and back-gammon; and many excellent players -at fives, billiards, &c., are to be found in every -<span class='pageno' id='Page_211'>211</span>quarter. Cricket is not much in vogue; being -confined principally to a club at Calcutta, and -to some occasional Christmas matches at the -several army stations. On the whole, though -far less violent, as an exercise, than fives, it is -less adapted to the climate; the alternate successions -of exertion, and of inactivity, rendering -the players liable to severe colds, and to consequent -obstructions.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Music, it might be thought, would prove a -great source of gratification in a country where -<em>ennui</em> is so much to be dreaded; but the climate -is unfavorable to instruments of every kind, -especially to pianos, and offers a most formidable -bar to the indulgence of a musical ear. No -persons can be more liberal in their purchases of -instruments, or of select music, than the ladies -of India; they often giving two hundred pounds -for a good grand-piano; but the incessant -apprehension of warps, and cracks, is a tremendous -draw-back on the interest they feel in -the possession of even the best of its kind. -Repairs, of every sort, whether of violins, -pianos, flutes, &c., are exorbitantly dear, and, -even at Calcutta, not always practicable; either -owing to dissipation, the want of some essential -article, or the quantity of work in hand. Nor -is it easy to obtain the temporary accommodation -of an instrument while one is repairing, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_212'>212</span>unless at such a rate as utterly precludes all of -moderate income from availing themselves of -such an opportunity, when it may chance to -offer.</p> - -<p class='c001'>With respect to what is called ‘preparing an -instrument for the climate,’ much may certainly -be done, by taking care that only the best seasoned -wood is employed, and by clamping the -case with metal, both within and without; but -all this has little connection with the belly, or -sounding-board; which cannot be much strengthened -without considerably deteriorating the -tone, and causing a piano to be in the first -instance condemned, for want of that richness -which cannot be given to one whose vibrations -are obstructed. The only chance is, to keep a -piano well covered with blankets during the -heats, as also in very damp weather, and to uncloathe -it gradually, when about to be opened for -performance. By such precautions, the instrument -may remain tolerably in tune, and not sustain -much injury from the variations of seasons: -after two or three years the danger may be less; -but it will be prudent never to relax in point of -prevention, lest the instrument should suddenly -fail.</p> - -<p class='c001'>With the exception of such little parties as, -in a few families, assemble during the afternoons -to enjoy the pleasures arising from the musical -<span class='pageno' id='Page_213'>213</span>talents of some lady, Calcutta has little to offer -in this captivating branch of amusement. If -we cast out of the account some accidental -quartetto parties, or the solitary warblings of -some flute-player, &c., the whole may be -deemed a blank. Now and then a subscription -concert, for the benefit of some professor, who -lives more by means of eleemosynary bounty, -than by the encouragement of his abilities, calls -the town together, not to listen to the notes, to -the fine melodies, and rich harmonies of Haydn, -&c., but to see, and to be seen, and to talk, and -be talked to. In brief, India is not the soil to -which a man of science, or of taste, should -repair, under the hope of being liberally repaid -for his trouble and expences; much less of being -cherished for his genius and acquirements. -One or two insulated exceptions are not to be -adduced in refutation of my assertion: I am -ready to acknowledge, that, now and then, a -professor has been seen pampering under all the -influence of high and boundless patronage; but -the <em>per contra</em> shews a numerous list of those -who have lingered through all the penalties -attendant upon humble merit, until the grave -has kindly terminated their ill-fated labors.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Assemblies, balls, routs, &c., or under whatever -name dissipation, vanity, and luxury, may -arrange their concordance, are not very numerous -<span class='pageno' id='Page_214'>214</span>in India. The Governor-General, and the -Members of Council, occasionally circulate -their invitations during the cold months; and, -at times, some spacious public rooms are engaged -for the same purpose on speculation; but -I never understood that it proved lucrative.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It was not until about twenty years back that -the British had any regular church in Bengal, -and now they have but one, which was built -partly by private aid, and partly by the profits -arising—<em>from a lottery</em>!!! The latter was, I -understand, very forcibly opposed by one or two -gentlemen, who considered it as a very unbecoming -mode of raising supplies for so holy a purpose. -When we reflect that a Portugueze merchant -built one, for the use of the Catholics, -from his own purse; and that, though he was -accounted a rich man, yet his property could not -be compared with what various individuals, of -our own nation, resident in India, can boast; it -may be fairly quoted, as a singular instance of -parsimony against our countrymen. Not that impiety -or disrespect to public worship can be urged -against the settlement; for no church can be -better attended than that in question: the liberality -of the inhabitants was partially exemplified -by the institution of a free-school, where a number -of children, both of Europeans, and of native -mothers, are educated in a very sufficient -<span class='pageno' id='Page_215'>215</span>manner; a circumstance of considerable moment -where education is so dear.</p> - -<p class='c001'>This dearness should seem unreasonable, if -we only take into account the prices of provisions, -which are very low; but we must carry -in mind the enormous rates of house-rent; and -that, whatever may be the profession in which -persons proceeding to India engage, the return to -Europe with a comfortable independence is the -main consideration. Supposing ten thousand -pounds to be gained in twenty years, by attention -to his pupils, it cannot be denied, that a -pedagogue is barely rewarded for so great a -duration of slavery in such a climate, and at -such a distance from all his friends and connections. -Whatever may be the merits of the -teachers, nothing could reconcile me to bringing -up a child in India. All so educated, are rendered -unfit for the society of gentlemen who -have been brought up in Europe; they know -nothing of the world, but, while imitating the -manners and customs of those they term their -countrymen, exercise all that craft which so peculiarly -characterizes the native youths. In a -moral point of view, the detention of a child, -particularly a female, in India, is highly culpable; -and when treated of as a matter of economy, -will, in the end, be found equally objectionable. -That the disadvantage under which parents -<span class='pageno' id='Page_216'>216</span>labor, in sending their children to Europe, -is considerable, must be fully admitted; and, it -must also be acknowledged, that many may be -able to spare a certain monthly, or annual, -sum towards education, which could not be furnished -at once. Such parents are to be pitied; -because they can rarely have a child creditably -schooled at Calcutta for less than fifty rupees -(£75.) per mensem, all charges included; -whereas, for about half that sum, say for £40., a -much better education could be given at excellent -schools in various parts of Britain. If we -suppose £150. to be expended in transmitting a -child to Europe, and that the sum of £35. be -annually saved after arrival here, the difference, -both principal and interest, would be cleared off -in about five years; while many important advantages -would be gained, and a thousand very -obnoxious habits avoided. The encrease of population -has been followed by an augmentation -in the number of schools; but, if I judge correctly, -the latter has been rather beyond what -the former should appear to authorize. The -first school that was set up in the vicinity of -Calcutta, started about the year 1780, under the -charge of a Mrs. Hodges, who succeeded beyond -the expectations of her most sanguine patrons; -and, in the course of about twenty years, -realized a very handsome fortune, with great credit -<span class='pageno' id='Page_217'>217</span>to herself; and, if marrying off at an early -age be desirable, with great advantage to numerous -young ladies; who, in succession, entrapped -the hearts of sundry gay Lotharios, by whom her -dancing-room was much frequented. It would be -cruel, and unjust, in the extreme, to assert that -young women brought up at such a seminary, -were, in every respect, inferior: it must be admitted, -that they may dance, play the piano, -work at their needle, read, write, and cast accounts, -and perhaps speak French: all these may -be done to admiration; but, alas! these are, properly -speaking, merely mechanical, and, though -they may please for awhile, never can give that -zest depending solely on the enlargement of the -mind, and on some knowledge of the world. -So true is this, that not one in fifty of the girls -thus brought up can hold conversation in any -way pleasing or interesting; and, which is worse, -the other forty-nine are very apt to be childish, -vain, imperious, crafty, vulgar, and—wanton! -But they are, generally, well formed, pretty, -active, gay, and insinuating; therefore we must -not wonder at the matches we see take place, -nor at the poverty they generally entail upon -their husbands, by a certain prolific propensity -which may be said to characterize the whole -breed.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The several schools in and about Calcutta, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_218'>218</span>may be considered on nearly the same footing as -in Europe; some dear, others more reasonable; -some good, others highly exceptionable. Most -of them are well situated, so far as relates to -convenience and salubrity; but it appears to me, -that more than one of the seminaries for young -ladies are subject to overlook objects by no -means suited to female delicacy, and, in a great -measure, derogatory to the judgment of those -who selected such sites for their establishments. -Those academies which are about two or three -miles out of town, are certainly preferable in the -above respect; while, at the same time, they are -not beyond the common distance to which -bearers are in the habit of conveying their employers -on visits during the forenoon.</p> - -<p class='c001'>In a former part, I cursorily made mention of -the old fort, in which stood the Black-Hole, so -famous in history. This fortress is now converted -into public-offices and warehouses, for both -which purposes it is admirably adapted, from the -centrical situation it occupies, and from the -great solidity of the walls, &c. The defences -are extremely simple, and might answer well -enough for the times in which they were constructed, -as well as for the prowess of the troops -by which they were likely to be attacked: being -on the bank of the river Hoogly, a retreat by -water might easily be effected under the cover -<span class='pageno' id='Page_219'>219</span>of shipping; and, by the same means, supplies -could generally be afforded. According to the -present system of warfare, and the probability of -being attacked by an European army, it would -be unsafe to place the smallest reliance on the -old fort, further than as an immediate asylum in -the event of insurrection; in which case, many -houses that now command the works must be -destroyed: this, owing to the want of cannon -on the ramparts, would not be an easy operation. -The town is protected chiefly by Fort-William, -a more modern work, capable of containing -at least fifteen thousand men; the defences, -indeed, require near ten thousand to man -them properly. The garrison ordinarily consists -of two or three regiments of Europeans, a battalion -of artillery, with a very large establishment -of artificers, &c., attached to the arsenal, -where stores of every description are lodged in -bomb-proofs. Provisions, equal to six months’ -consumption, are always kept in the fort. The -native corps, intended to aid in the defence, and -of which the amount may be from four to five -thousand, are cantoned at Barrackpore, a station -about sixteen miles from Calcutta, on the banks -of the river, and exactly facing the Danish town -of Serampore. Of these troops, about twelve -hundred constantly do duty in the fort; being -relieved monthly in regular rotation. Fort-William -<span class='pageno' id='Page_220'>220</span>is the grand depôt of Bengal, and may -be considered as the key to that part of the -Company’s possessions, if not to the whole; for -it does not appear probable that any effectual -resistance could be made, if that fortress were -to fall into the hands of the enemy. Such a loss -would infallibly destroy the opinion now held of -our prowess, and precipitate us from the pinnacle -of power, into an awful abyss of ruin!</p> - -<p class='c001'>As Mr. Hastings very properly stated, ‘our -power in the East depends entirely <em>on opinion</em>.’ -When we consider the immense population over -which we hold control, with comparatively an -insignificant force, and, that that force is composed -chiefly of natives, it must immediately -occur to us how necessary it is to satisfy our -Asiatic subjects that our sway is mild, and that, -in submitting to us, they rescue themselves -from tyranny and extortion.</p> - -<p class='c001'>There may arise local circumstances wherein -the possession of a strong hold would be invaluable; -and rescue us from the most imminent -dangers. Of this, our affair with Cheyt Sing is -a most obvious and undeniable proof: had not -the fortress of Chimar, a place rather of reputed, -than of real, strength, been at hand, our -force in that part must have been annihilated; -when the insurrection would infallibly have -spread in every direction.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_221'>221</span>Without entering into particulars, I shall give -a brief statement of the Company’s forces at -their several presidencies; observing, that the -number of their European regiments has been -considerably diminished, amounting, nearly, to -a total reduction, for the purpose of making way -for the introduction of king’s troops. With respect -to the European strength, therefore, it must -be understood that no fixed establishment -exists: but the average amount of that branch, -independent of the Company’s battalions of -artillery and infantry, may be taken at about -sixteen or eighteen thousand firelocks, including -the cavalry.</p> - -<table class='table2' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='16%' /> -<col width='16%' /> -<col width='16%' /> -<col width='16%' /> -<col width='16%' /> -<col width='16%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='bbt c014'>Presidencies.</td> - <td class='bbt c010'>Cavalry, Native, Regiments.</td> - <td class='bbt c010'>Infantry, Native, Regiments.</td> - <td class='bbt c010'>Artillery, Battalions, European.</td> - <td class='bbt c010'>Infantry, Battalion, European.</td> - <td class='bbt c011'>Marine, Battalions, Native.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Bengal</td> - <td class='c010'>8</td> - <td class='c010'>27</td> - <td class='c010'>3</td> - <td class='c010'>1</td> - <td class='c011'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>Madras</td> - <td class='c010'>8</td> - <td class='c010'>25</td> - <td class='c010'>2</td> - <td class='c010'>1</td> - <td class='c011'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='bbt c014'>Bombay</td> - <td class='bbt c010'>0</td> - <td class='bbt c010'>9</td> - <td class='bbt c010'>1</td> - <td class='bbt c010'>1</td> - <td class='bbt c011'>1</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class='c013'>At each presidency, the native regiments are -formed into two battalions, with the same -strength of European commissioned officers as -are allotted to one regiment of Europeans. A -colonel commands each regiment, and every battalion -has attached to it one lieutenant-colonel, -and one major, together with a proportion of the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_222'>222</span>captains and subaltern officers. Two serjeants -are allowed to each battalion, viz. one acting as -serjeant-major, the other under the quartermaster. -The companies are commanded by European -officers, under whom, one <em>soubadar</em>, one -<em>jemmadar</em>, five <em>havildars</em>, five <em>naicks</em>, and ninety -privates, (<em>sepoys</em>,) are enrolled. The <em>soubadars</em> -and <em>jemmadars</em> have commissions, and are competent -to sit on regimental, or line, courts-martial -for the trial of natives, whether in the military -service, or camp followers. The <em>havildars</em> -correspond in rank and duties with our serjeants, -and the <em>naicks</em>, with our corporals. Each battalion -has two grenadier, and eight battalion -companies: no recruit is taken whose age exceeds -twenty-five, or whose stature does not -reach to five feet six inches and a half, or, more -generally, to five feet seven inches; unless on -emergency, or when obvious juvenility warrants -the acceptance of an under-sized candidate; -who, generally, being well fed, and taught to -stand erect, in the course of drilling over-tops -the standard of admission.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Reference to the table of pay and allowances -in the Directory, will prove useful to those who -may proceed to India, and may serve to guide -those who are not acquainted with the particulars -of income in that quarter. The usual exchange -is two shillings and sixpence per <em>sicca</em> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_223'>223</span>rupee, about five per cent. better than the <em>sonaut</em> -rupee, which is the standard of military payments. -In viewing the sum-total of an officer’s -pay, when reduced to English currency, which -may be done with tolerable correctness at the -above rate of eight rupees to the pound sterling, -very considerable allowance must be made for -the inevitable expences, &c., incident, not only -to military men, but to all residing in India. This -consideration will amount to a very plain, and -correct, conclusion, viz. that though a subaltern -officer may live on his pay, provided his out-set -be duly allowed for, yet, that he must have more -than ordinary luck, or possess a bent towards -parsimony by no means to be envied, and rarely -attaining its object, to enable his saving a few -pounds within the year.</p> - -<p class='c001'>This is necessary to be well understood, and, -when understood, ought to be ever carried in -mind by those who expect a young man on his -arrival, as a cadet, in India, to support himself -without adventitious aids. That he may do -so, by arranging a proper plan with others of his -class, cannot be denied; but to effect this, not -only all luxuries, but, what in India are considered -the necessaries of life, must be relinquished. -On receiving a commission, his allowances, -of course, are considerably augmented, -but, on the other hand, his expences will be rather -<span class='pageno' id='Page_224'>224</span>greater; and this unavoidably, and exclusive -of his equipment to join his corps.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Therefore, let no unreasonable expectations -be entertained, merely from observing the gross -sum of annual receipts; let not the parent, who -can spare a moderate sum towards his son’s comfort, -deny it for the few first years after the latter -may arrive in India. The best mode of effecting -this, in a proper manner, is through some respectable -agency-house, which should have the -power to afford seasonable aids, under the injunction -not to encourage, nor to tolerate, extravagance. -Those sanguine ideas too often entertained -by persons not in affluent circumstances, -that their sons, brothers, &c., should remit to -them, yearly, a portion of their pay, ought to be -peremptorily suppressed; the illusion should be -done away; otherwise, inconvenience at least, if -not ruin, may be entailed!</p> - -<p class='c001'>To shew how folks, on this side the water, -sometimes err, I shall relate an anecdote which -may prove serviceable to many; the circumstance -happened, within my own knowledge, to -a brother subaltern with whom I was very -intimate. He had, from the day of his admission -to the service, formed the resolution of -amassing a certain sum, which should be devoted -to the comfort of three sisters he had left -in Scotland, and who, he knew, would not, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_225'>225</span>in the meanwhile, be destitute of support. At -the end of about his tenth year of service, -his favorite object was effected, and he remitted -to them no less than twelve hundred pounds, -<em>i.e.</em> four hundreds to each, with a letter, expressing -his satisfaction at being enabled to provide -them the means of improving their diet, -&c.; closing his brotherly epistle with the -assurance, that, in so doing, he had surrendered -his all; and that, as it was his intention thenceforward -to lay by every spare rupee for the -purpose of retiring from the service, they were -to expect no further aid until his demise. The -good souls were astonished at the receipt of so -handsome a present, which they never had -expected; they put their heads together, and, -after many a pleasing <em>confab.</em>, in which expectation, -rather than gratitude, doubtless was -expressed, made up their minds to the full conviction -that their brother was as rich as a Jew, -and that there was no occasion for economy in -future. They made their good fortune known, -both by words, and by the encrease of their establishment, -&c., &c.; and, for a year or more, -made a very gay appearance on the strength -of their brother’s money; but, as that was -rather ‘of a perishable nature,’ and because, -as poor Richard says, ‘going often to the meal-tub, -but never putting in, will soon find the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_226'>226</span>bottom,’ bills, and demands of various kinds, -began to accumulate, and the ladies were reduced -to considerable distress. In this awkward -predicament, application was made to the -agent through whom the payment had been paid -in London; but he knew nothing whatever of -their brother’s concerns, nor could he venture to -make them any advance upon the bills of exchange -they proposed to give him. Reduced to -the last extremity by their own imprudence, -they wrote him a most extraordinary letter, -which was submitted to my perusal, wherein, -among other matters, they reproached him as -having occasioned their distress ‘<em>by not having -been punctual in the</em> <span class='fss'>ANNUAL REMITTANCE</span> <em>he -had led them to expect</em>!’ The foregoing <em>fact</em>, I am -thoroughly satisfied could be matched, if many -family occurrences, of which the public do not -hear, were exposed to view. The number of -questions I have been obliged to answer, and -the evident disappointments that have resulted -from my candid exposition of the subjects in -question, leave not a doubt in my mind, that -the most preposterous expectations are often -(as in the above instance) formed upon very -slight grounds, or even without the smallest -foundation.</p> - -<p class='c001'>According to the regulations, every man in -the service ought to be paid monthly; but this -<span class='pageno' id='Page_227'>227</span>is not always done, even in times of peace, on -account of the collections, <em>i.e.</em> the revenues, -being received only at particular periods: if -nothing particular should occur to occasion the -monies being otherwise appropriated, the deputy -pay-masters at the several stations receive notice, -that the amount of pay, due to the troops -attached thereto, may be received; otherwise, -it sometimes happens that two, three, or more -months, elapse without any such notice being -given. It is inconceivable to what inconvenience -such delays give birth! No regimental -pay-master, no regimental agent, no -certain means of obtaining a supply of cash, -in general, exist. Consequently, recourse must -be had to the native money-lenders, of whom I -have already made honorable mention. When a -notice arrives at the deputy pay-master’s office, -application is made by him for an escort, -generally of a company of sepoys, under the -command of an European officer, which proceeds -to that civil station whence the supplies -are to be derived. Sometimes, however, the -escort is detained for many days, or even for -weeks; this is usually owing to sudden calls for -remittances having been received, when, of -course, the escort had better wait for fresh -receipts than return empty handed.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Payments are made in specie, generally in -<span class='pageno' id='Page_228'>228</span>silver; the <em>sicca</em> rupees of Lucknow, Benares, -Patna, &c., being held as <em>sonauts</em>, in which the -pay of the whole army is calculated. When -much gold is received at a station, but especially -at the Presidency, that coin is instantly depreciated, -to the great loss of every military man. -In some instances, payments are made to troops -by means of bills of exchange, payable at short -dates: this answers very well for small sums, -in situations not authorizing the detachment of -a party to escort from a considerable distance, -provided the party on whom the bill is given be -a responsible man, which is very generally the -case; for, though we do sometimes hear of a -<em>shroff</em> (<em>i.e.</em> native banker) stopping payment, -very little apprehension need be entertained -as to the punctuality of those on whom respectable -firms draw, as they usually do, at fifty-one -days.</p> - -<p class='c001'>This is done with the view to induce the party -who is to receive the money, to discount with -him who is to pay it; thus deriving to the -drawer of the bill a double profit. It happens -sometimes, as I once experienced, that some -little pretended informality is not discovered -until the bill becomes due, when it is generally -returned to be rectified: by this device, an additional -profit is exacted. I do not apply these -cases to all the <em>shroffs</em>, but notice them as being -<span class='pageno' id='Page_229'>229</span>occasionally within the sphere of an European’s -disappointments, and to caution against a too -hasty acceptance of bills from any <em>shroff</em> not -established in character, as well as in property.</p> - -<p class='c001'>With respect to the recovery of sums advanced -on bills of exchange, extreme difficulty -very generally prevails. The bankrupt laws of -Britain do not extend to her colonies, and, if -they did, it could be to the several presidencies -only; beyond their immediate sites, the several -courts of judicature have no immediate authority -over any but British subjects. About -thirty years back, the Supreme Court at Calcutta -made an attempt to extend its powers -into the interior, and to take cognizance of civil -matters between the native inhabitants, but -they were personally opposed, and such serious -consequences were apprehended, that the enterprize -was relinquished, and the judges compelled -to confine their operations to the letter -of that act by which they had been sent to -India.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Until within the last ten years, the troops in -the upper provinces received an addition to their -pay, under the name of ‘double-full-batta,’ originally -given by the Nabob Vizier of Oude to -the officers serving within his dominions, and -by the Company to all who served beyond their -own immediate possessions: this has, however, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_230'>230</span>been abrogated, and full-batta is now the -highest pay given on any occasion. When the -above allowance, <em>i.e.</em> double-full-batta, was in -force, the upper provinces were considered preferable -in point of emolument; but, on account of -the great prices of liquors, and of all articles, -excepting immediate table provision, in demand -among European gentlemen, very little advantage -was gained from the receipt of greater pay; -except by those who proceeded upon a plan -of determined economy, and retired from the -great circle of society for the express purpose of -living within certain bounds, whatever privations -they might endure. Such persons necessarily -acquired property in proportion to their receipts; -an object of great importance where the -legal interest is twelve per cent., and where -abundance of government securities at ten per -cent. have been generally for sale at par, or -nearly so, in the money market. Under such -favorable circumstances, the first saving was -invaluable; it was sure to accumulate, and commonly -was doubled in about seven years. Since -the abolition of ‘double-full-batta,’ the Presidency -is considered the best station, so many -opportunities offering of making cheap purchases -at the several daily auctions in Calcutta, -only sixteen miles from the cantonments at Barrackpore. -In a gig, the distance may be easily -<span class='pageno' id='Page_231'>231</span>ran in two hours, the road being remarkably -good; in a <em>palanquin</em>, the journey may occupy -about four hours, if a relay of bearers be posted -at the half-way <em>bungalow</em>. During the rains, -and especially when the tide serves, a well-manned -<em>pulwar</em>, or a <em>paunchway</em>, or <em>dingy</em>, -(small boats calculated for expedition,) may -proceed from Barrackpore to Calcutta in little -more than an hour; the return is rarely very -quick, except during spring-tides in the dry-season, -before the river rises. Care must be -taken to start with the first of the tide, but not -before the <em>baun</em>, or <em>bore</em>, has past.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Those who have seen the <em>bore</em> in the Medway, -and in the Severn, will at once comprehend the -dangers attendant upon that impetuous rush of -the waters, which, in the Hoogly, begins near -Fultah, about forty miles below Calcutta, and -may be felt even so high as Nia-serai, full thirty-five -miles above the capital. In a work entitled -‘The Oriental Voyager,’ by J. Johnson, Esq., -Surgeon in the Royal Navy, at page 80, is the -following passage. Speaking of the Ganges, he -says, ‘The tides in this river, particularly at -full and change, are rapid beyond belief, forming -what are called <em>boars</em>, or <em>bores</em>, when the stream -seems tumbling down a steep descent, doing great -mischief among the boats, by upsetting and running -them over each other: ships themselves are -<span class='pageno' id='Page_232'>232</span>frequently dragged from their anchors, and dashed -furiously against each other, at these periods. -They attempt to account for these torrents, by -saying they depend on the other small rivers, -that open into the main one by bars; which, at -a certain time of the tide, allow the waters to -rush out, all at once, into the great stream, and -thereby so much encrease its velocity!’</p> - -<p class='c001'>Where Mr. Johnson got his information about -these bars, I know not; nor would it be possible, -in my humble opinion, for any man to have -disguised, or confused, the fact more completely -than is done in the above paragraph: a -circumstance which creates surprize, when we -consider, that the volume in question contains -many remarks, inducing us to expect the absence -of so unphilosophical a description, and so erroneous -a conception. The matter lies in a nutshell, -as Mr. Johnson ought to have known: -viz. Those rivers whose mouths are much expanded, -and that, after a course of several miles, -during which their banks are nearly parallel, -suddenly contract, are subject to <em>bores</em>; that is, -to an immense wave which heads the flood tide. -This <em>bore</em>, which is described with justice as -being very powerful, arises from the contraction -of the channel; which, while it directs the great -volume of water into a narrowed space, necessarily -compels it to assume a greater height. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_233'>233</span>The successive flow drives on the leading wave, -which gradually subsides as it becomes more -distant from the propelling power. But the <em>bore</em> -rarely, if ever, occupies the whole breadth of -the stream; it ordinarily runs upon one side, -until it comes to a bend, when it crosses over, -and continues its action until another turn of the -river causes it to cross again; and thus until -its force is expended. The <em>bore</em> does not run -under Calcutta, but along the opposite bank; -it crosses at Chitpore, about four miles above -the fort, and ranges with great violence past -Barnagore, Duckensore, &c. Lesser rivers, -whose mouths lie embayed; as is the case with -the Medway, which branches from the Thames, -and the Wye, that falls into the Severn, are -subject to <em>bores</em>, in consequence of the tide -taking such a course as throws the great body -of water into them. In such small streams, the -<em>bore</em> will generally be tremendous; because so -great an expanse is suddenly thrown into so -narrow a channel: hence, the bridge at Chepstow -is necessarily raised to so great a height, -and by floating made to yield to the tide’s force.</p> - -<p class='c001'>I much fear Mr. Johnson was not very successful -in his enquiries, nor over fastidious in -his acceptance of vulgar errors; for, I observe, -that at page 113, he has allowed himself to be -egregiously duped regarding <em>Mannacolly Point</em>; -<span class='pageno' id='Page_234'>234</span>so called, from the village of <em>Mannacolly</em>, which -formerly stood there. Mr. Johnson tells us a -long story about a lady proceeding to India, and -finding her husband a corpse at that place: -whence, ‘<em>Melancholy Point</em>.’!!! I am well -aware, that the same fable has been retailed to -many others, who gaped for information; but -that is no apology for its being upheld as -matter of fact: had any respectable authority -been consulted on the occasion, before the -volume was committed to press, so palpable a -traditional error would not have been offered to -that public, among whom so many are equal to -its refutation.</p> - -<p class='c001'>What Mr. Johnson states respecting the injuries -done to ships by the <em>bore</em>, is at times verified, -but they are rarely worthy of notice: if a -vessel be properly secured, the <em>bore</em> will have little -effect on her safety, though the swell may cause -her to pitch rather deep for a while. During -the rainy season there is no <em>bore</em>; which is to be -accounted for by the tide being so weakened at -its entrance into the narrows near Fultah, as not -to be competent to form such a wave as precedes -it at other seasons; but, in exchange for this, -a violent eddy, and great agitation of the waters, -takes place between Diamond-Harbour and -that place. It has been several times my lot, -when proceeding with the last of the tide from -<span class='pageno' id='Page_235'>235</span>Barrackpore to Calcutta, to meet the <em>bore</em>, generally -near Chitpore; but, as its approach was -indicated by the putting off of all the small -craft from that shore, along which it invariably -pursued its course, and to remain near which -would be dangerous, my boat-men always followed -the example, and kept along the centre; -where, though we were tossed about famously, -no danger existed. Once, indeed, in turning -Sulky Point, in a sailing boat, I was obliged to -dash through the <em>bore</em>, which I did not suppose -to be so near, notwithstanding the <em>dingies</em>, &c., -were putting out. The surf assuredly appeared -awful, but we mounted over it, stem on, without -difficulty, and speedily recovered from a -certain pallid complexion which had insensibly -crept over our countenances, as we approached -the roaring waters. From what has been said, -it must be evident that the <em>bore</em> travels at the -same rate as the incipient spring-tide, the velocity -of which is different in various parts, but -may be taken at an average of full twenty miles -within the hour. Notwithstanding this rapidity, -vessels, such as <em>budjrows</em>, and other craft, -intended for pleasure, or for burthen, ordinarily -ride safe at anchor; sustaining no injury from -the <em>bore</em>, though they may perhaps drag their -anchors a few yards. But, to insure this security, -care must be taken that the broadside should not -<span class='pageno' id='Page_236'>236</span>be exposed; else there will be great danger of -over-setting: this danger is not unfrequent, -owing to the <em>manjies</em> and <em>dandies</em> (boatmen) -neglecting, especially during the night, to swing -the stern round, either by means of a spring, or -a small hawser, or by <em>luggies</em> (bamboo-poles); -so that the vessel’s head may meet the <em>bore</em> in its -direct course.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Those who are anxious to make the best of -their way, should not delay putting off until the -tide may have fairly set in, but ought to be -out in the stream just as the <em>bore</em> is ranging -along the bank, so that they may receive the first -impulse, which is prodigiously forcible, and -endeavor, by the exertions of their boatmen, to -keep up, as much as may be practicable, with -the leading waters. It is wonderful how great a -difference this sometimes makes in the start from -Calcutta! Sometimes a <em>budjrow</em> may, by this -precaution, reach beyond Bandel, and nearly to -the ultimatum of the tide’s way, after which, -the current is invariably in opposition, at various -rates, according to the season of the year. During -the dry season, which includes from the end -of October to the middle of June, though sometimes -the rains are of greater duration, or set in -earlier, the Hoogly river is nearly in a state of -rest above Nia-serai; but, during the rains, and -especially about August and September, not -<span class='pageno' id='Page_237'>237</span>only the beds of the rivers, but the country -around, present a formidable body of water. -Within the banks, the current may average from -four to eight miles an hour, according to localities, -but what is called ‘the inundation,’ rarely -exceeds half a mile; and, I believe, never moves -at a full mile within that time.</p> - -<p class='c001'>In this, due allowance must be made whether -the waters are rising, or falling: in the former -instance, they will become nearly stationary until -they may overflow where nearest the sea, and -thus obtain a vent; in the latter case, such parts -as may be near to great rivers, then subsiding -within their banks, must be greatly accelerated.</p> - -<p class='c001'>As the parched soil of Egypt is refreshed by -the overflowing of the Nile, so do the waters of -the Ganges, by their annual expansion and abundance, -renew the fertility of many millions of -acres, and restore the blessings of health to those -industrious and peaceable peasantry inhabiting -that flat country through which they majestically -wind their course.</p> - -<p class='c001'>At Calcutta, and Dacca, each of which is -about seventy miles from the sea, not only is the -water unpalatable, from its saline impregnation, -but even the sand, taken from the beds of the -rivers, is found to retain so much moisture, notwithstanding -the heat of the climate, as to disqualify -it from mixture in the cements used for -<span class='pageno' id='Page_238'>238</span>building, but especially for making tarrases, -known to us here under the designation of grist -floors.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The great tank at Calcutta, which occupies a -space of about ten acres, is not less than two -hundred yards from the river. The soil is generally -a rich sandy loam near the surface, but -becomes rather looser, and inclinable to a fine -gravel, after digging about ten feet. The tank -may be sixty feet from the top of its banks, -(which are level with the streets,) to its bottom; -and the river is from four to seven fathoms deep -opposite its site. We should conclude that such -a distance would secure the waters of the tank -from becoming brackish; but the soil favors the -communication with the river, and, during the -hot season, occasions the tank to be so strongly -impregnated as to be unfit for either culinary -purposes, or for washing. What is more remarkable, -the wells in the different out-works of Fort-William, -some of which are four or five hundred -yards from the river, partake equally of the moisture: -so much, indeed, as to have caused Government -to be at a great expence in forming an -immense reservoir, (to be filled, if required, by -rain water,) occupying the whole of one of the -bastions.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It should be here noticed, that, during the -rainy season, the rivers are full up to their banks, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_239'>239</span>and run with such force, often six or eight -miles in the hour, as to occasion the tide to be -little felt, either at Calcutta, or at Dacca; consequently, -the whole of the water, both of the -rivers, and of the tanks and wells, becomes fresh -and pure. On the other hand, during the hot -months, viz. March, April, May, and part of -June, when, except during a north-wester, or -squall incident to the season, not a drop of rain -is to be expected, the waters are every where -proportionably low; and, as the tides come up -with extreme force, we must conclude the portion -of sea-water to be very considerable. Such -is the fact; for those who visit either Calcutta, -or Dacca, at that season, and who drink even -of the tank-water, are sure to feel its cathartic -effects, and, eventually, to suffer under a very -troublesome kind of itch. At Dacca, where the -air is more saline, all visitors undergo the penance -of a copious eruption: some of the old residents -have a return of it every hot season; although -they may be extremely careful never to touch -river water, but, like the inhabitants of Calcutta, -allot a spacious <em>godown</em> to the reception of immense -jars of earthen ware, which, being placed -side by side, in close rows, are successively filled -by the <em>aub-dar</em>, or servant whose business is confined -to the care, and to the cooling, of water for -table expenditure. The water thus preserved is -<span class='pageno' id='Page_240'>240</span>caught in large vessels, placed under the several -spouts that conduct it thereto, during heavy falls -of rain; the quantity varies according to the -consumption, but we may ordinarily compute -that of a family at Calcutta to amount to full -sixty or seventy hogsheads within the year. In -the course of a few weeks, each vessel will be -found to contain innumerable larvæ, occasioned -by musquitoes, and other insects, and which -would, in a certain time, taint the fluid. It is -therefore customary to strain the whole so soon -as the larvæ are discovered, and afterwards to -plunge into each jar an immense mass of iron, -made red-hot; whereby whatever animalculæ -may have escaped through the strainer may be -destroyed. This being done, some alum is dissolved -in water, and a sufficient quantity put -into each vessel to fine its contents. Some, and -I think the practice should be more generally -adopted, after the foregoing operations, sprinkle -a quantity of very fine sand on the surface of the -water in each jar; thereby giving, to whatever -gross particles it may contain, a tendency to precipitation. -It may, at first view, appear that, in -the common course of society, gentlemen must -be subject to partake of water which may not -have been so scrupulously purified, and perhaps -brought from some neighbouring tank, or from a -river, impregnated by the influx of a brackish -<span class='pageno' id='Page_241'>241</span>tide. Such may, assuredly, be the case occasionally; -but it will be found, on reference to what -has been said of the duties of the <em>aub-dar</em>, or -water-servant, that purified water is carried by -a bearer, in a <em>bangy</em>, or perhaps in a <em>soorye</em>, -or earthen jug, to the house at which his master -is to dine. In camp, it is a very general custom -for every guest’s servant to supply his master -with water of his own purifying; which is effected -either by means of alum, or of some other -astringent producing a similar effect.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The waters in the great rivers have various -sources; but, speaking generally of the Ganges, -which receives almost all the other rivers in its -course from those mountains among which it -has its source, to the Bay of Chittagong, where -it empties itself into the sea in an immense expanse, -we may divide its properties according -to the countries through which it passes. Hence -the various opinions that have been entertained -of its qualities; which have been generally -mentioned in a very loose, indiscriminate manner, -without reference to the various soils -whereby its purity must be affected, in a country -where, as in Egypt, annual inundations prevail; -or where, at least, such immense quantities -of rain fall as would astonish a person not -habituated to the most impetuous showers.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The Ganges takes its rise at the back of the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_242'>242</span>Kammow Hills, beyond Hurdwar, where it -issues forth as a narrow, but rapid stream, from -among broken rocks, and soon spreads to some -extent in the fertile plains of the Rohilcund -district, which it divides from the province of -Delhi. The natives of India rarely venture -beyond Hurdwar. They have, however, an -opinion that the true <em>Ganga</em>, as they term the -Ganges, originates at that spot; and, considering -the cow as the greatest blessing given to -mankind, (for the Hindus venerate it with even -more fervor than a Catholic does a supposed -relic of our Saviour,) emphatically term it ‘the -Cow’s Mouth;’ implying thereby the purity, as -well as the value, of the waters.</p> - -<p class='c001'>But those mountains which give birth to the -Ganges, are likewise the sources of the Barampooter; -a river exceeding even the Ganges in -capacity! These two immense streams deviate -at their origin to opposite quarters; the Ganges -proceeding westward, and the Barampooter -eastward. The former, after winding at the -back of the Kammow and Nagrocote Mountains, -passes Hurdwar, and, proceeding in a -devious track through the plains of Oude, Allahabad, -Benares, Bahar, Jungleterry, Mauldah, -Comercally, Dacca, and other subordinate districts, -receives the Luckyah, as a branch from -the Barampooter, and a few miles below Dacca -<span class='pageno' id='Page_243'>243</span>unites with that river; whence, under the designation -of ‘the <span class='sc'>Megna</span>,’ they pursue their -course for about sixty miles to the eastern part -of the Bay of Bengal, forming by their junction -a volume of water, encreasing, from about seven, -to twenty miles in width.</p> - -<p class='c001'>In the upper country, the Ganges receives -various inferior streams, such as the Doojoorah, -the Cally-Nuddy, the Goombeerah, the Gunduck, -the Mahanuddy, the Rooee, the Jumma, -the Goomty, the Carimnassa, the Gogra, (or -Dewah,) the Soane, the Coosah, and various -other streams not vying in extent with the -Ganges, but generally equal to the Thames at -London. The Gogra, the Soane, and the Coosah, -are, indeed, rivers of the second class; as -wide as the Thames at Gravesend.</p> - -<p class='c001'>From Sooty, which is in the Jungleterry district, -the Ganges throws off a considerable -branch: this widening in a curious manner, -under the name of the Baug-Retty, passes -Moorshadabad, formerly the seat of the government -of Bengal, under Sooraja Dowlah, Meer -Jaffiers, and their ancestors; at length, after a -course of about 150 miles, it meets at Nuddeah, -with the Jellinghy, also detached from the -Ganges, whence the two form a large river under -the name of the Hoogly, which, flowing under -Hoogly, Bandel, Chinsurah, Chandernagore, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_244'>244</span>Serampore, Calcutta, and many inferior places, -empties itself into the western end of the Bay -of Bengal, having previously received the Roopnariam, -and the Dummoodah.</p> - -<p class='c001'>In its course from Bagwangolah, which stands -near to Sooty, the Ganges sends a great variety -of small streams through the Jessore, and Mahomedpore -districts, which, meeting with large -inlets from the sea, form an immense labyrinth -of deep waters, intersecting that wild country -called the Sunderbunds, in such various mazes -as to require a pilot for their navigation.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Having thus detailed the courses of the rivers, -I shall account for their rise and fall; as thereon -many physical points of the utmost importance -will be found to depend: the various soils -through which they pass will be described, and -enable us to judge more correctly, of the causes -of that variety of character attached to the waters -in various parts.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The Thibet Mountains, which form the north-east -boundary of a long valley, stretching from -Napaul to Sirinaghur, are covered with snow all -the year. Their height must be very great; for, -on a clear day, they may be seen from the Golah -at Patna, though distant little less than 300 -miles. From the north-west part of this Alpine -range, the Ganges and Barampooter derive -their sources, as before described, back to back -<span class='pageno' id='Page_245'>245</span>from the same mountains. To the dissolution -of a part of the snow which cloaths their summits, -we may, perhaps, safely attribute a slight -encrease that takes place about the middle of -May in those rivers: fluctuating, more or less, -at intervals, until the periodical rains set in; -generally about the middle of June. Some have -ascribed their rise to heavy rains in the countries -through which the streams pass; but such cannot -be considered as the true cause, for various -reasons. Firstly, those rains must be extremely -heavy if they tended to swell the rivers; the -ground being parched, and requiring great moisture -to saturate it. Secondly, the encrease is -not attendant with any turbid appearance; as -would indisputably result from such heavy rains, -as, after saturating the thirsty soil, could raise -such large rivers, often a foot, or more. Thirdly, -there are other rivers which derive their sources -from the Kammow Hills, and from the Morungs, -not so distant from the Thibet Hills but that -they might be expected to receive their share of -the rains, and to shew some encrease, which -they do not; the rise being confined to the -Ganges and Barampooter, whose sources lie -among the snow-clad mountains. Fourthly, the -encrease happens at the hottest time of the year, -and the water loses the genial warmth imparted -by the solar ray, becomes harder, and, in the -upper country, near Annopshier, about sixty -<span class='pageno' id='Page_246'>246</span>miles below the Cow’s Mouth, is found, at that -particular season, to cause acute bowel complaints, -which is not the case at other seasons. -Add to this, that, among the natives of the -countries above Hurdwar, the <em>goiture</em>, or wen in -the throat, in some measure prevails: a strong -symptom of the dissolution of snow.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The following may, generally, be considered -the soils peculiar to the several provinces through -which the Ganges has its course, after leaving -Hurdwar. The west bank is generally high all -the way to Benares, and consists, with little -exception, of lime, concreted into irregular -masses, much like roots of ginger, or Jerusalem -artichokes, of various sizes, some weighing perhaps -five or six pounds, others scarcely an ounce. -These are of a ginger, or ash color; though some, -being more mixed with the gravelly part of the -soil, are of a yellowish red. This kind of concretion -is known throughout India by the name -of <em>kunkur</em>, and, when burnt, yields a very inferior -kind of cement, friable, and not very -tenacious in regard to the body whereto it is -applied, nor hardening so as to resist moisture -effectually.</p> - -<p class='c001'>All the rivers, therefore, which issue from -the western bank, are, more or less, impregnated -with this kind of lime; while, on the opposite -bank, the waters partake of a strong solution of -nitre, with which most of the plains of Oude, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_247'>247</span>Fyzabad, Gazypore, &c., abound. Such is the -abundance, that the Company are induced to -prohibit the salt-petre manufactured in the -Nabob Vizier of Oude’s dominions, from being -imported within their own provinces; otherwise, -the cheapness of the former, which is usually -sold at Furruckabad for about two shillings and -sixpence per cwt., would destroy the manufactories -at Patna, where it ordinarily sells for double -that price.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The country lying between the Ganges and -the Goomty, (on the eastern bank,) from Currah -to Benares, is replete with alkali in a fossile -state, known by the name of <em>sudjy</em>. This is -usually found on the surface, at the close of the -rainy season especially, when it begins to shew -itself very obviously, and is pared off with mattocks; -rising in large cellular strata from one to -three inches in thickness, and much resembling -thin free-stone, though far more porous. In -this state it is carried to market, where it is purchased -by the manufacturers of soap at Allahabad, -Patna, and other places; it is generally -combined with oil, and, when ready, sells at -about ten shillings the maund of 80lb. At Calcutta -it is ordinarily sold at about 50 per cent. -profit. It is made in baskets, is of a dark color, -and very moist.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It is curious that the inhabitants of these -countries have never turned their thoughts to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_248'>248</span>the effects produced by these substances. On -the western bank the people are subject to nephritic -complaints, which they generally express -under the vague term of <em>kummer-ka-dook</em> (or -pains in the back); while, on the eastern bank, -they are troubled with the <em>moormoory</em>, (or gripes,) -with which those living inland, especially, are -severely afflicted, owing to their use of tank-water.</p> - -<p class='c001'>During the rainy season, these powerful -agents combine, and give birth to most alarming -and excruciating maladies, which, however, -readily yield to a few gentle cathartics, aided by -<em>congee</em>, (or rice-water,) by which the intestines -are sheathed. The natives generally have recourse -to opiates; whereby they often fix the -disease. In the dry season, that is, from the -end of October to the middle of June, the river -water, having deposited the noxious particles, is -remarkably clear and wholesome; except when -the rise takes place, about the middle or end of -May, as before related. The bed of the river -being invariably a coarse sand, occasionally -blended with immense sheets of <em>kunkur</em>, whereof -the banks are formed for miles in some parts, -easily receives the lime and alkali, leaving the -running waters clear, and free from those substances.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Europeans never drink of water fresh drawn -in any situation; it being always left to stand -<span class='pageno' id='Page_249'>249</span>for at least one day; during which, a copious -deposit takes place: in the rainy season, perhaps -full a fourth of the contents of the vessel. -Some gentlemen are very particular in having -their water boiled.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The low plains of the Shawabad and Buxar -districts, situate on the western bank of the -Ganges, are chiefly cultivated with rice, while -the higher parts are productive of white corn, -opium, sugar, &c. The swamps near Saseram, -bordering the range of hills at the western boundary, -and which come round to Chunar, are -annually in a state of partial corruption, sufficient -to occasion terribly malignant diseases, -about November; when the sun’s power promotes -an astonishing evaporation, filling the air -with miasma, and spreading destruction among -all the living tribes. But those waters are, in -themselves, highly dangerous; both on account -of the putrefaction of the vegetables they contain, -and of the powerful coalition of various -mineral streams, which, having in the rainy -season exceeded their ordinary limits, stray into -the low country, and mix with the already deleterious -mass. Finding a discharge for their -redundancy, by means of the multitude of fissures, -or small channels, every where existing, -these blend with the purer torrents, occasioned -by the impetuous rains, and cause a fever to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_250'>250</span>prevail, which, in addition to the lime and nitre -already afloat, perform wonders in the cause of -desolation.</p> - -<p class='c001'>This assemblage of rivulets forms that great -river the Soane, which, for the short course it -has to run, not being more than sixty miles from -its numerous sources in the hills before noticed, -presents an uncommon expanse, being generally -from three quarters of a mile to two miles in -breadth; but, in the dry season, contracting its -stream to a very narrow channel, winding in the -most fanciful meanders, and causing, by its -waters being so dispersed in a very flat bed, more -quicksands than probably are to be found in any -river in the world. It is worthy of remark here, -that several rivers in that part of the world, which -have sandy beds, appear suddenly to be lost; -owing to sand banks, that, during the stream’s -violence, have been thrown up, so high as to be -above the waters when the rains have subsided: -the current continues very perceptible, but as -the bar prevents the water from going forward, -it passes through the intervals of the very coarse -grit which forms that bar; and, perhaps, at the -distance of half a mile lower, re-appears. The -natives, who attribute every thing that can bear -the perversion to some invisible agent, never -fail to apply this as a curse upon any village that -may be opposite to such a bar, under the opinion -<span class='pageno' id='Page_251'>251</span>that the waters ceased to run in its vicinity on -account of some impiety, either known, or concealed, -perpetrated by the inhabitants.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The Gogra, or Dewah, which takes its rise -in the hills north of Gorackpore, dividing Napaul -from the Company’s possessions, rolls its impetuous -course through a country nearly desolate, -and bounding its banks with most extensive -forests and wildernesses. The soil is not so -impregnated with nitre as in other parts, nor are -the streams that form its volume tainted so -strongly with minerals. Perhaps owing to the -length of its course, which may be about 250 -miles, or more, the more weighty particles may -be deposited; for it is held that this river contains -less obnoxious mixture than any part of -the Ganges. Of lime it may certainly partake, -since it runs through some tracts abounding with -<em>kunkur</em>; but its course is chiefly through clay, -sand, and a species of black potters’ marle, of -which crockery is made in some parts of north -Bahar, in imitation of our Staffordshire ware; -though very inferior as to form and finish. For -this, the neighbourhood of Sewan is famous.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The province of Bahar abounds in nitre; and -every petty rivulet either takes its rise from some -swamp strongly impregnated therewith, or passes -through soils which yield it profusely. Those -streams that originate in the Chittrah, Ramghur, -Gyah, and Monghyr Hills, are often so very -<span class='pageno' id='Page_252'>252</span>highly saturated with deleterious substances, as -to betray their bad qualities even to the eye. -The Mahana, the Mutwallah, and various -mountain rivers in that quarter, which rush into -the Ganges between Patna and Boglepore, are -frequently tinged with copper, of which some -small veins are to be found. An instance occurred, -while the 12th battalion of native infantry -was marching from Patna to the Ramghur -station, where the whole corps were so extremely -affected by the water, as scarcely to be able to -ascend from the camp, then at Dungaie, to the -summit of the Kanachitty Pass; such was the -state to which it had, by its cupreous solution, -reduced both men and beasts. Fortunately, it -was very cold weather, and the use made of the -waters had been very limitted.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Some officers from the same corps being on -a shooting party, during the next year, happened -to encamp at Dungaie. The kettle had been -put on; the water, indeed, was ready for breakfast; -but the gentlemen, on alighting from their -horses, as usual, had water brought them to -wash; when the contraction it occasioned in -their mouths instantly reminded them of their -former escape, and thereby set them on their -guard: on enquiring, they found, that, either -from want of memory, or through indolence, -their servants had taken the water from the rivulet -running at the foot of the pass, in lieu of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_253'>253</span>drawing it from a well in the town, which was -at no great distance.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Many such streams pour into the Ganges, -either singly, or in conjunction with others. As -to chalybeate influence, that cannot be wanting; -for the whole range of hills, in the elevated parts -of Ramghur, Rotas, Chittrah, Tomar, Pachete, -Beerboom, Ragonautpore, Midnapore, &c., may -be termed one mass of iron; lying in huge projections -exposed to view, and giving the soil a -strong rust color. The natives, in those parts, -fuse immense quantities for sale.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The country from Benares to Patna is generally -fertile in the extreme, abounding in rich -plains, and affording far purer water than is -to be found above that interval. At Gazypore -and Buxar the waters receive no additional -adulteration, except from the Caramnassa, -which certainly is an impure stream. Such -is the opinion held by the natives regarding -this river, that, on account of its being necessary -to cross it between Saseram and Benares, -a road much frequented by pilgrims and devotees; -particularly the immense hordes who repair -from the Maharrattah country, to visit the holy -Hindu city of <em>Kassi</em>, which is the name they -give to Benares; that a rich man, residing so far -off as Poonah, the capital of the Maharrattah -empire, near Bombay, bequeathed a large sum of -money for building a bridge, thereby to obviate -<span class='pageno' id='Page_254'>254</span>the necessity pious travellers were under of being -carried over on the backs of men; who gained a -livelihood by transporting those who, from over-nice -scruples, would not wade through the -stream, as they must have done through hundreds -of others, before they got so near their -holy object. Unhappily for those delicate gentry, -the bridge did not, when I last saw it, about -twelve years ago, seem likely to perform its -office: the soil being sandy, and the architect -understanding but little of his profession, piers -had repeatedly been raised to about seven or eight -feet high, but always gave way; so that I fear -the poor itinerants must still pay their pence, and -ride across as before; unless the edifice may be -entrusted to European architects.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The Coosah comes down from the Morungs, a -wild, mountainous country, replete with impenetrable -forests, and containing some few minerals: -however, on that head little is known; the -extent of the wilds being such as to debar the -possibility of exploring the supposed riches contained -in the bosom of the mountains. From -this quarter, and the continuance of the forest -before described, which stretches eastward to -Assam, and westward to Peelabeet, or further, -the whole of the lower countries are supplied -with <em>saul</em> and <em>sissoo</em> timbers, and some firs.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Such is the country in which the Coosah has -its rise; quitting which, after a foaming course -<span class='pageno' id='Page_255'>255</span>of about forty miles, it enters the extensive plains -of Purneah, through which it passes in a more -tranquil state, though ever rapid, until it joins -the Ganges a little below Colgong, which stands -on the opposite bank, and where the Termahony, -a small sluggish river of about eighty or a hundred -yards in breadth, blends its waters with the -great river. The Termahony is very deep, and, -in the rainy season, equally impetuous. Like -the Coosah, it flows chiefly through a flat country, -during its short course, and as the soils in -this part are sabulous, there does not appear -any thing remarkable in the effects of the waters -upon the inhabitants.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The Ganges may be considered as far more -pure between Raje-Mahal, in the Jungleterry -district, and Mauldah, or Bagwangolah, than -for some distance above; during the dry season, -it is remarkable for the clearness and lightness of -its waters: after leaving this to proceed southward, -we find them greatly changed during the -rainy season, when the immense inundation -which prevails throughout Bengal, properly so -called, and which, moving in general at a rate -not exceeding half a mile in the hour, may be -considered as stagnant.</p> - -<p class='c001'>We now lose the great body of sand that in all -the upper country forms the bed, not only of the -Ganges, but of every river whose course continues -uninterrupted during the dry season; -<span class='pageno' id='Page_256'>256</span>though its stream may become insignificant. -Here it should be remarked, that sandy beds -generally produce the finest beverage, and that -the water will be found more pure in proportion -as the sand is coarse. Hence, the waters -in the deep parts of such streams are invariably -the sweetest; for the coarse sand will naturally -find its way to the greatest depths, precipitating -the impurities with it. On the contrary, -the light floating sands, which with -every little motion become agitated, will set the -impurities also in action. Such are generally -found on the borders of the stream, whence -most persons derive their supplies, and where it -may usually be seen in an active state; or, if at -rest, blended with slime, or fibrous substances.</p> - -<p class='c001'>We should ever remember the distinction between -the effects of fine and of coarse sand as -strainers. Coarse sand allows heavy, or coarse -bodies, to pass through it freely, provided the -particles be not adhesive, or too gross for filtration: -consequently, when such sand is deposited -in the bed of a river, the lesser particles -of lime, or of minerals and their ores, will sink, -and remain fixed. Not so with fine sand; -which has a greater tendency to compactness, -and which, gradually filling up the smallest intervals, -becomes firm, and resists all admixture -with heterogeneous substances; the latter must, -of necessity, remain on their surface, subject to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_257'>257</span>be taken up with the water. Persons accustomed -to filtration must know, that, owing to -this tendency, fine sand is by far the best medium -to filter <em>through</em>, while coarse sand is preferable -for the purposes of <em>precipitation</em>.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The inundation which overflows Bengal, -especially in the districts of Nattore, Dacca, -Jessore, the southern parts of Rungpore, and a -part of Mahomed-Shi, is, perhaps, one of the -most curious of nature’s phenomena! The -wisdom of our Creator is most conspicuously -shewn in the appropriation of sustenance, both -for the human and for the brute species, suited -to meet this annual visitation of the waters. -However copious the rains may be in the -southern provinces, though they might become -boggy, and be partially inundated where the -lands were low, yet, without the influx of these -immense streams, which, owing to the declivity -of the surface, pour down from the upper country, -Bengal would, at such seasons, be but a -miry plain, or a shallow morass. The great -inundation does not, generally, take place till a -month after the period when the rains have, -according to the phrase in use, ‘set in.’ The -thirsty soils of Oude, Corch, Allahabad, Benares, -Gazypore, Patna, Rungpore, Boglepore, -Purneah, and all beyond the 25th degree of latitude, -require much moisture to saturate them, -as do also those parched plains into which they -<span class='pageno' id='Page_258'>258</span>ultimately pour their streams, before any part of -the soil can be covered, indeed, such is the state -of the southern provinces after the cold season, -that that rich friable soil in which they abound is -seen cake-dried and cracked by fissures of many -inches in breadth, as though some great convulsion -of nature had been exerted to rend the -surface into innumerable divisions.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Under the circumstances of a flood, which -lasts for many months, fluctuating from the -middle or end of July to the beginning of October, -(though the water does not drain off before -the middle of December in low situations,) -the inhabitants might be supposed to suffer -under all the miseries of a general ruin and subsequent -scarcity. The reverse is, however, the -fact; for, provided the rains do not fall in such -torrents as to wash away their habitations, and to -occasion so rapid a rise in the fluid plain as to -overwhelm the growing rice, the more ample -the <em>bursauty</em>, (<em>i.e.</em> the rains,) the more plentiful -the crop, and generally the less sickly does the -season prove. The latter point will appear self-established, -when we consider that amplitude of -inundation serves, not only to divide the septic -matter contained in the water, but likewise to -accelerate its action, and cause its proceeding -with added impetus to discharge itself into the -bay. At this season, rivers are only known by -the currents, and consequent swells, which appear -<span class='pageno' id='Page_259'>259</span>amidst this temporary ocean! The navigation, -for several months, assumes a new appearance. -Vessels of great burthen, perhaps of two -thousand maunds, (each 80lb.,) equal to nearly -one hundred tons, are seen traversing the country -in all directions, principally with the wind, -which is then within a few points on either side -of south. Noted cities, exalted mosques, and -populous <em>gunjes</em>, or grain-markets, on the river’s -bank, are not objects of attention. The boatman -having set his enormous square sail, -proceeds by guess, or, perhaps, guided by experience, -through the fields of rice, which -every where raise their tasseled heads, seeming -to invite the reaper to collect the precious grain. -As to depth of water, there is generally from ten -to thirty feet, in proportion as the country may -be more or less elevated.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It is curious to sail among these insulated -towns, which, at this season, appear almost level -with the surrounding element, and hemmed in -by their numerous <em>dingies</em>, or boats, which, exclusive -of the necessity for preparing against an -over-abundant inundation, are requisite for the -purposes of cutting the <em>paddy</em>: rice being so -called while in the husk.</p> - -<p class='c001'>So soon as what is considered the final secession -of the inundation is about to commence, -the whole of the boats are in motion, -and the <em>paddy</em> is cut with astonishing celerity. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_260'>260</span>It is fortunate, that, owing to the country on the -borders of the sea being higher than the inundated -country, the waters cannot draw off -faster than they can find vent, by means of the -rivers which discharge into the Bay of Bengal, -else the growing rice would be subjected to -various fluctuations unsuited to its nature, and -occasioning the straw to bend; whereby its -growth would be injured, even if it should -recover from its reclined state so as again to -assume a vigorous appearance on the surface.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The waters of the inundation, it will be seen, -are a mixture of all the streams flowing from -every part of the extensive valley formed -by the ranges of mountains stretching from -Chittagong to Loll Dong, or Hurdwar, on the -east and north-east, and from Midnapore to -Lahore on the west and north-west, a course of -not less than fifteen hundred miles, and -generally from two to four miles in breadth. -It may be supposed, that many impurities must -be involved with these contributary streams, as -particularized in the foregoing pages: to this we -must add the offensive, and certainly not salutary, -effect, induced by the Hindu custom of -consigning every corpse to the waters of the -Ganges, or of any stream flowing into it.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The Hindu religion requires that the deceased -should be burnt <em>to ashes</em>, on the borders -of the Ganges, and that those ashes, with all -<span class='pageno' id='Page_261'>261</span>the remnants of wood used in the pile, -should, together with the small truck bedstead -on which the body was brought from the habitation -to the river side, be wholly committed -to the stream. The wholesomeness of such -a practice, in a country where the strides -of putrefaction know no bounds, infection -and its effects being prodigiously extensive -and rapid, cannot be disputed; such an ordinance -may vie with the acts of any other -legislature, however enlightened. But, either -the poverty, the indolence, or the sordidness, -of the people, has, in time, converted this -wholesome precaution into a perfect nuisance. -From fifty to a hundred bodies, in different -stages of putrefaction, may be seen floating past -any one spot within the course of the day. -These having been placed on a scanty pile, and -that not suffered to do its office, either on -account of hot, cold, or wet, weather, have -been pushed, by means of a bamboo pole, into -the stream, to the great annoyance of water-travellers, -and of all persons abiding near those -eddies, where the nuisance may be kept -circling for days, until forcibly removed, or -until the <em>pariah</em> dogs swim in, and drag the -carcase to the shore: there it speedily becomes -the prey of various carrion birds, and of the -indigenous village curs known by the above -designation.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_262'>262</span>Under all the circumstances of such a combination -of putrid animal and vegetable substance, -of mineral adulteration, and of the -miasma naturally arising from the almost sudden -exposure of an immense residuum of slime, -&c.; added to the cessation of the pure sea air, -the wind changing after the rains from the -southerly to the northerly points, are we to -wonder at the malignancy of those fevers prevalent -throughout the province of Bengal Proper, -from the end of September to the early part of -January, when the swamps are generally -brought into narrow limits, and the air is laden -with noxious vapors?</p> - -<p class='c001'>Although it appears, that the general sickness -prevailing throughout Bengal at the above -season, is induced by nearly the same causes -that, according to our best informations, engender -the yellow fever in America, yet no -symptom of that alarming complaint has ever -been known in India, nor does the bilious, or -putrid fever, of Bengal at all assimilate in regard -to symptoms with the American fatality. Certainly -it is common to see whole villages in -a state of jaundice, and in some years the -ravages of the disease are truly formidable; but, -though it may be classed as epidemic, we may, -at the same time, annex an endemic distinction -in regard to each village separately. Except in -cases of putrid accession, or of obvious <em>typhus</em>, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_263'>263</span>there does not seem any danger of infection; -and it has been proved, that the malady might, -by proper care, be wholly averted. It is a fact, -that, at several civil stations, and at some -of the principal military cantonments, which -were formerly considered the emporium of fever, -the inhabitants have been preserved in an ordinary -state of health merely by cutting a few -drains, or by banking up such places as formerly -proved inlets to inundate plains that now remain -sufficiently free from water to allow of -pasturage during the whole of the rainy season.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The confinement occasioned by a long term of -rain, must necessarily alter the habit, while the -incumbent atmosphere, being laden with moisture, -must, at the same moment, dispose the -system to the reception, or to the generation, of -disease. The poor native does not change his -diet, and very probably retains the same damp -cloaths for many days. His temperate system -of living seems to be his greatest aid in case of -illness; those medicines that in him effect a -great change being found comparatively feeble -when administered either to one of a debauched -conduct, or to Europeans; who, being accustomed -to a more substantial and more stimulant -mode of living, are not to be acted upon but by -the more potent of the materia medica.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It has often been asked, as a matter of surprize, -how it happens that Bengal has never -<span class='pageno' id='Page_264'>264</span>been visited by the plague. The question has -been founded on the supposed affinity between -that country and Egypt, in regard to the annual -inundations; and to the narrowness, as well as -the filth, of the streets in the great cities; which -would, if the conjecture were correct, induce -pestilence, as the same causes are said to do in -Turkey.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The case is widely different. In Egypt, -although the lands are inundated, rain is -scarcely ever known to fall; the floods coming -from the southerly mountains. Hence, the inhabitants -are under all the disadvantages attendant -upon a hot atmosphere, during eight -months in the year, and are, for the remaining -four, exposed to the insalubrity arising from -the inundation, especially when it is draining -off.</p> - -<p class='c001'>In regard to the narrowness of the streets, -and the filth they contain, something may be -said in alleviation. The houses in Turkey are -much higher, are built of more solid materials, -and the inhabitants being wholly of one religion, -viz. followers of Mahomed, but partaking -of some of the bad habits of the neighbouring -countries, being also in a more variable climate, -more pointed attention is paid to durability and -to closeness in the edifices, than is commonly -shewn in India. In the latter country, the -utmost jealousy subsists between the Mussulmans -<span class='pageno' id='Page_265'>265</span>and the Hindus, but the latter are most -numerous in every place, even in the cities -where Mussulman princes hold their <em>durbars</em>, or -courts. This jealousy occasions the Hindus to -look upon every vestige of a Mussulman as -a contamination; and, as ablutions are enjoined -even more by the Hindu law than by the -Koran, which is the Mussulman’s book of faith, -we may consider the person of a Hindu to be as -clean and wholesome as repeated washings can -make it. He wears only a small lock of hair, -growing from a spot about the size of a dollar on -the crown of his head. His cloaths are washed -as often as his body, and, on the whole, it -should appear almost impossible for him to carry -any disease arising from, or communicated -through, a deficiency of individual cleanliness.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The houses of the natives throughout India, -if we except about one-third of Benares, about -a twentieth of Patna, the same of Moorshadabad, -and a mere trifle of the Black Town of Calcutta, -are built of mats, bamboos, and straw; -in the latter, they have been, under late regulations, -tiled. The generality of village-huts are -built with mud walls. On the whole, however, -whether owing to cracks in the walls, or intervals -between them and the thatches, windows, -&c., the air finds a free course throughout. -Add to this, that the natives do not sleep on -feather beds, flock, &c., but generally on mats -<span class='pageno' id='Page_266'>266</span>made of reeds. This, of itself, may be considered -a preventive against infection.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The fires kept up in the houses of the natives -of Turkey are in fixed stoves, or under chimnies, -which do not answer the purposes of fumigation. -Whereas, the Indian, by means of -a moveable stove, unintentionally fumigates -the whole house; making the eyes of all smart -with the smoke. This fuel is not bituminous; -but, in every situation, is either wood, or the -dried dung of cattle. Besides, the floor of a -Hindu’s house is, perhaps daily, washed with a -thick solution of cow-dung, whence a freshness -is diffused, not perhaps very gratifying, in point -of savour, to an European’s nostrils, but -assuredly anti-septic, and answering various -good purposes; especially as the walls are, to -the height of, perhaps, three or four feet, -smeared with the same mixture. The use of -tobacco is common to both Turkey and India, -and may be considered as contributary to a -resistance against the damps during the rainy -season, as well as against infection.</p> - -<p class='c001'>With regard to the apprehensions arising from -filth, fortunately, they are not better founded -than those just noticed as dependant on the narrowness -of the streets. This lucky evasion of -disease is not, however, to be attributed to any -attention on the part of the natives individually, -or to the fostering care of the native -<span class='pageno' id='Page_267'>267</span>governments. Few towns of any importance -but are built on the borders of some navigable -river, of which there are abundance throughout -the country. The swarms of vultures, kites, -crows, and of a large kind of butcher bird, -standing at least six feet high, called the <em>argeelah</em>, -added to the immense numbers of <em>pariah</em> -dogs, generally roving at liberty, and unacknowledged -by any particular owner; together with -the multitude of jackalls, that patrol through -the cities, as well as the plains, during the night, -all contribute to remove whatever carrion, or -putrescent matter, may be exposed to their -researches.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It would not, perhaps, be so easy to keep -cities in a state of tolerable cleanliness in such a -hot climate, if the inhabitants subsisted on -butchers’ meat. The shambles alone would -prove highly offensive: it is therefore fortunate -that the natives make rice and vegetables their -principal food. There being no privies attached -to houses in general, is an additional benefit; -though accompanied with some small inconvenience, -it being requisite to walk to the outskirts -of the city, or, eventually, among some -ruins, on all occasions. The privies of the -higher orders of natives, and of Europeans in -general, are built on a plan which admits of -instantly removing the filth; a practice never -neglected by a servant, whose office consists only -<span class='pageno' id='Page_268'>268</span>in that duty, and in sweeping the house at -various times of the day.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The <em>argeelah</em>, or butcher bird, before mentioned, -is to be seen partially all the year round; -but, generally speaking, comes with the first -showers in June, and stays until the cold season -is far advanced; when it retires into the heavy -covers on the borders of the large unfrequented -lakes, near the mountains, to breed. This bird -has been fully described in the representation of -the Ganges breaking its Banks, in my work -entitled the ‘<span class='sc'>Wild Sports of India</span>,’ published -by Mr. Orme, of New Bond-street, and by -Messrs. Black, Parry, and Kingsbury, of Leadenhall-street. -It is by some called the bone-eater, -from its peculiarity of digestion; it having the -power of swallowing whole joints, such as a leg -of lamb, and of returning the bone after the meat -has been digested: when thus rejected, it appears -as clean as though it had been boiled for a whole -day. I cannot give a better idea of the fitness of this -bird to eat of the most putrid substances, than -by stating, that I have frequently rubbed an -ounce, or more, of emetic tartar into a piece of -meat, which an <em>argeelah</em> has swallowed, without -shewing symptoms of uneasiness on the occasion, -though very closely watched for hours after. -From this, it may be inferred, that ordinary stimulants -do not disagree with the stomach of this -unsightly, but innocent, and useful, animal.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_269'>269</span>Inland towns are usually built in the vicinity -of some large <em>jeel</em>, or lake, or on some ravine, -which, during the rains, forms a rapid water -course. Such as are near to hills, are often, for -many days together, impassable; owing to the -torrents which, through their means, find a way -either to some expanse, or to some navigable -river,</p> - -<p class='c001'>The <em>jeel</em>, or, for want of one, the tank nearest -to the town, usually becomes the receptacle of -every Hindu corpse, and, at the same time, -supplies the inhabitants with water for every -purpose. One would think this intolerable -practice were, of itself, sufficient to deter men, -who pretend to the utmost delicacy and purity -in all respects, from drinking at so contaminated -and corrupt a reservoir. What then shall we -say, when it is known that the borders of tanks -in such situations, become places of ease, -where men, women, and children, perform their -duties to the goddess in colloquial association; -and where, having got rid of their burthens, they -free themselves from its remains, by washing -with those very waters whence, probably, -another person is baling into his pot, or leather -bag, for culinary purposes, or for beverage.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Tanks and <em>jeels</em> are, in almost every part of -India, full of rushes, and of the conferva, which, -together with duck-weed, docks, &c., both -cover the surface and fill up the deeps. They -<span class='pageno' id='Page_270'>270</span>are, generally, replete with small fishes of various -descriptions, and if of any extent, or deep, -either harbour, or serve as visiting places for -alligators, which infest both the running and -the stagnant waters in every part of the country. -These voracious animals travel at night from one -<em>jeel</em>, or tank, to another; often announcing their -presence by snapping up some poor unsuspecting -Hindu, who wades up to his middle for the -purpose of performing his ablutions, and of -offering up the customary prayers on such -occasions.</p> - -<p class='c001'>In many tanks, alligators are known to exist -in numbers; nay, in some places, they are subsisted -by the eleemosynary donations of travellers, -who disburse a trifle in money, or present -some provision to a <em>faqueer</em>, (or mendicant -priest,) to provide food for the alligators, which -come forth from the waters, on hearing the well-known -voice of their holy purveyor; from whom -they seldom fail to receive each a small cake of -meal, or some other provision. This liberality -does not, however, occasion any qualmish -scruples of gratitude; it being found, that alligators -thus handsomely treated are not a whit -more reserved in the application of their teeth -to bathers, &c., than those which have never -been honored by such liberal consideration.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The respiration and effluvia proceeding from -an animal, perhaps twenty, or twenty-five, feet -<span class='pageno' id='Page_271'>271</span>in length, and from six to twelve in circumference, -must have an effect upon even a large -body of water. Allowing that such a monster -should consume as much air as ten men, which, -surely, is not an unfair calculation, and that -twenty gallons of water contain one of air; as -a man, on an average, consumes one gallon of air -in a minute, the alligator must consume twelve -hundred gallons, equal to near twenty hogsheads, -in an hour: in twenty-four hours, the quantity -of water contaminated by one alligator would -amount to four hundred and eighty hogsheads!</p> - -<p class='c001'>From this, we may conceive the effect produced -by the presence of, perhaps, seven or -eight alligators in a tank not exceeding two acres -in measurement, and no where above twelve or -fourteen feet in depth: we must likewise take -into the account abundance of fishes; for, if that -abundance did not exist, the alligators would -speedily decamp. Add to these two sufficient -drawbacks, all that has been said of the impurities -added by the inhabitants, and we shall -form such a nauseating and unwholesome combination -as must cause us to wonder how ever -one should be left to tell the fate of his lost -friends.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Amidst the mountains, where, of course, the -inundations cannot be of any duration, and -where the waters of every description are -limitted as to extent; the streams being very -<span class='pageno' id='Page_272'>272</span>small, and, excepting a few hollows between -two hills, or, eventually, a valley, in which a -pool may exist, alligators are to be seen. They -are generally small, but of a very savage -species, making up, by their rapacity and activity, -for the want of that bulk which renders -the alligator of the great rivers more apparently -dangerous. By the term ‘small,’ we must not -conclude them to be diminutive, but, that they -rarely exceed twelve or fourteen feet in length. -Such will, however, seize a bullock when -wading in a tank, or <em>jeel</em>; stealing upon him with -the utmost caution, so as not to disturb the -fluid, and even keeping the dorsal spines depressed -until the very moment of seizure; -when, fastening upon the unwary animal’s leg, -and throwing his whole weight backwards; at -the same time swinging round, so forcibly as to -raise the greater part of his disgusting frame -above the surface, the alligator, by one violent -effort, which appears almost instantaneous, ordinarily -succeeds in dragging the poor animal into -a sufficient depth. Pain, surprize, and the -unrelaxing bite of his devourer, combine to -disable him from making any adequate resistance; -being, besides, kept completely immersed -by the subtle and experienced assailant, no more -is seen, except that the waters appear for about -a minute violently agitated, by the efforts of -both parties: the alligator is, however, compelled -<span class='pageno' id='Page_273'>273</span>to raise his head above the surface when -in the act of deglutition. This is seen daily, -even when a fish becomes the victim. On -these occasions, the stupendous animal rears in -the waters, exposing sometimes so far as his -shoulders, and ordinarily biting the fish in two, -when, with the utmost ease, he swallows what -would make a hearty meal for thirty or forty -men of keen appetite. I have frequently seen -an alligator thus chuck down a <em>rooee</em>, or river carp, -weighing from fifty to sixty pounds: a size by -no means uncommon in the great rivers of -Bengal!</p> - -<p class='c001'>The great use made of water by the natives in -every part of India, occasions an immense number -of tanks and wells to be dug, chiefly by -persons of property, under the pretence of aiding -the poorer classes, but, in fact, with the -view to become popular, or of transmitting their -names to posterity by affixing them as designations -to the tank or well in question. This -takes place equally in regard to plantations, -generally of <em>mango</em> trees; and in the building of -<em>seraies</em>, for the accommodation of travellers, such -as Europeans generally understand to be caravan -<em>seraies</em>; but that term can only apply to those -parts of Arabia, &c., that furnish caravans; -which are not known in the great peninsula of -India; where, on account of the extent of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_274'>274</span>sea-coast, navigation absorbs the chief part of -the trade. <em>Seraies</em> are usually known by the -name, or title, of the founder. Thus, <em>Maraud -ka Seray</em> implies that the public accommodation -for the reception of travellers was founded by -Maraud; respecting whom the people in attendance -either have some traditional account, -or supply a famous history, invented for the -occasion.</p> - -<p class='c001'><em>Seraies</em> are now going fast to decay; the power -of the native princes has been so much abridged, -and their influence is so little felt, that, generally -speaking, were a rich or exalted character to -found a <em>seray</em>, even on the most liberal footing, -it is probable his expectation of immortal fame -would not be realized. The rage is now more -bent towards <em>gunges</em>, or grain markets; <em>hauts</em>, or -villages, holding periodical markets; <em>maylahs</em>, or -annual fairs; and, in fact, to such establishments -as afford a profit, or which, from becoming notorious -in the way of trade, are more likely to perpetuate -the celebrity of the institution.</p> - -<p class='c001'><em>Durgaws</em>, (commonly called mosques,) appertain -exclusively to those of the Mahomedan -faith, and <em>mhuts</em>, which are, properly, places of -Hindu worship, also <em>madressahs</em>, or colleges, -with endowments for <em>faqueers</em>, or Hindu priests, -seem to hold their ground. These, like the -abbeys of Monkish times, are ever to be found -<span class='pageno' id='Page_275'>275</span>in the most beautiful and most eligible situations: -above all things having a command of excellent -water.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The tanks in the hills, that is to say, such as -have resulted from artificial means, are generally -small, full of weeds, and rarely lined with masonry; -their banks are soft, and the waters, -being accessible to cattle on every side, foul and -turbid. Sometimes these become nearly dry -during the hot months, affording, if any, a most -offensive and insalubrious beverage. Nevertheless, -the indolent native will often drink thereof, -rather than send half a mile to a purer spring. -The generality of these tanks have originally a -regular supply from numberless springs, fed -either by a natural syphonic process from higher -lands, or by percolation of the profuse dews -that, throughout the immense jungles on the -higher soils, fall during the hottest months; but -the want of proper attention to preserve the -tanks from the incursions of cattle, which, being -very wild in their nature, often swim or wade -over to the opposite sides, quickly choak the -springs, which, in such open soils, easily find -other vents, and expose the inhabitants to great -suffering from drought. In many instances we -see wells dug in the tanks; thereby causing a -great saving of labor; as, when once a spring discharges -into the tank, in such a situation, it is -not necessary to dig the whole area to an equal -<span class='pageno' id='Page_276'>276</span>depth. This is a cheap expedient, adopted by -such as have vanity enough to attract public -notice, but not money enough to do the thing -completely, or to a great extent.</p> - -<p class='c001'>From these causes, we are led to the consideration -of those effects produced in hilly countries, -by the waters in common use. Nor are -we deceived in our expectation as to the results -naturally arising from so forcible an agent. We -find throughout the hilly country, that, exclusive -of the diminutive features attached, all over -the world, to the various classes of mountaineers, -there is an additional tendency to -departure from the ordinary bulk of the natives -in the adjacent low lands, obviously induced by -the diet, and most especially by the waters in -use. It is remarkable that in Tomar, the back -part of Chittrah, and Ramghur, where the -immense extent of low woods almost debars -population, and where the Hill people, known -by the name of <em>Dhangahs</em>, subsist principally -on rice, wild fruits, and, occasionally, a little -game, and where they drink of water such as -has just been described, collected either in -small pools, or in artificial tanks, the inhabitants -are extremely stinted in their growth, are -squalid, troubled with wens, half devoured -with a kind of scurvy, herpetic eruption, and -appear even at a very early age to lose their vigor. -They have, besides, a peculiar kind of opthalmia, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_277'>277</span>partly induced by an excessive passion for -liquor, there distilled in large quantities, and -by their exposure to a damp, impregnated -atmosphere; while in their huts, their whole -happiness seems to consist of an intense fumigation, -chiefly from green-wood, such as would -wholly suffocate one not habituated from his -birth to so admirable an imitation of the fumes of -Tartarus.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The difference between these haggard objects, -and the inhabitants of the plains from which -the mountains take their rise, requires no comment. -It most forcibly arrests the traveller’s -attention, causing him to doubt whether, within -the short interval of perhaps six or seven -miles, he may believe his senses, which pourtray -to him a change from vigorous and personable -manhood, to a decrepid, hideous, and -dwarfish, state: more resemblant of the Weird -Sisters than our imaginations can conceive, or -than our best comedians can represent.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Some tanks, dug by the more charitable persons -of property, are on a very extensive scale, -covering perhaps ten or twelve acres. Many -of these are of great antiquity, and have been -very deep, perhaps thirty feet, but, by the growth -of vegetable matter, added to the heavy bodies -of sand and dust that nearly darken the air in -the dry season, of which much falls into the -waters, their depth is considerably reduced: -<span class='pageno' id='Page_278'>278</span>in some, various shoals appear, indicating the -accumulation of rubbish, and in a manner reproaching -those who use the element with indolence -and ingratitude. In such places fish -abound, and grow to an astonishing size, sometimes -affording excellent angling, but their -flavor does not correspond with their looks; for -the most part they are intolerably muddy. The -quantity of weeds, the shoals, and various posts -being generally sunk in different parts of the -tank, armed with tenter-hooks, for the purpose -of preventing poachers from robbing the stock, -are insuperable bars to the use of nets. Boats -are not in use in such places, and there seems -to be no attention in any respect to any thing -relating to such waters, except that the <em>shecarries</em>, -or native sportsmen, exercise much ingenuity -and skill in their depredations among the wild -geese, wild ducks, teal, widgeons, &c., with -which all the waters of India are profusely -stocked during the winter months; when every -unfrequented puddle is covered with wild fowl, -which often alight during the dark nights on -waters situated in the very hearts of cities, in -which sometimes tanks are seen of such size, as -to secure the birds, when collected near the -centre, from the reach of small shot. This, -though not to be classed with daily occurrences, -is by no means singular.</p> - -<p class='c001'>By far the greater number of tanks, especially -<span class='pageno' id='Page_279'>279</span>those by the road-side, or contiguous to cities -and populous towns, are walled in with masonry. -In such case, they have at one, or more sides, -either a long slope, or a flight of steps of excellent -masonry; some, indeed, have both, the former -being intended for the use of cattle, which -are either suffered to drink there, or are employed -to carry large leather bags of water for the use of -the inhabitants. Owing to the great force of the -periodical rains, and to the swelling of the soil -during the season of excessive moisture, the masonry -is generally burst in various places, and for -the most part either sinks, or is prostrated into -the tank. As no credit would follow the repairs -of such breaches, they are left to their fate.</p> - -<p class='c001'>A due attention to the proper proportion of -base, so as to give a substantial talus both within -and without the walls, added to the precaution -of leaving vents for the free discharge of the -springs, or the super-abundant fluid, into the -tank, would most assuredly counteract so destructive -a weakness as now generally exists. I -cannot call to mind, at this time, any very old -masonry that has not succombed thereto, excepting -the great <em>bund</em>, or dyke, at Juanpore; -which, according to tradition, was built about -fifteen hundred years ago, and having been made -of a very obdurate kind of <em>kunkur</em>, found in those -parts, blended with excellent lime, probably -burnt from the same stones, appears now a complete -<span class='pageno' id='Page_280'>280</span>mass of rock, capable of resisting the ravages -of all time to come. This <em>bund</em>, which -bears all the venerable marks of antiquity, was -originally thrown up to limit the Goomty; a -fine river that rises in the Peelabeet country, and, -washing Lucknow, the capital of Oude, passes -through the city of Juanpore under a very lofty -bridge, built on strong piers, terminating in gothic -arches. The want of due breadth in the -arches occasions the waters to rise during the -rainy season to an immense height, creating a -fall of which that at London Bridge, at its worst, -is indeed but a poor epitome! The distance -between the top of the bridge and the water -below it, in the dry season, is something less -than sixty feet; yet it is on record, and in the -memory of many inhabitants of Juanpore, that -the river has been so full as to run over the -bridge, which is flat from one end to the other, -lying level between two high banks, distant -about three hundred and twenty yards.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Formerly, when the waters were high, they -used, according to the tradition alluded to, to -over-run the country on the left bank; forming -an immense inundation throughout the country -lying east of Juanpore, and extending down towards -the fertile plains of Gazypore. The hollow, -or low land, by which they penetrated, was -about two miles in width; therefore the <em>bund</em> -was built to a suitable extent: it is now about -<span class='pageno' id='Page_281'>281</span>two miles and a half long; in most parts, about -thirty feet broad at the top, and double that -width at the base. Its height varies from ten to -twenty feet. The record states it to have proved -effectual in resisting the inundation, which, however, -on account of the <em>bund</em> being at right angles -with the river, so as to occupy a favorable position, -and cut off the torrent, continued to flow -annually as far as its base. In time, the sediment -deposited by the water thus rendered stagnant, -filled up the hollow, raising its surface as -high as the other parts of the river’s boundary, -and creating a soil peculiarly valuable, now -chiefly occupied by indigo planters. The insalubrity -occasioned by the many swamps left by -the inundation, was at the same time averted, -and the dread entertained that the Goomty -would, in time, force a new channel for the -entire body of its stream, removed. Large -tracts, before of little value, acquired a deep -staple of soil, which, at this date, yields sugar, -indigo, wheat, barley, &c., in abundance and -perfection.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The rage for digging tanks, has, I apprehend, -in a certain measure, subsided; for we find little -of that very absurd ostentation now prevalent, -which must have actuated to such immense -works, rendered useless by their too great number, -or carried to an excess in regard to their -measurement. It would be, perhaps, difficult -<span class='pageno' id='Page_282'>282</span>to ascribe to any other motive than that of unparalleled -vanity, why a man should have dug -near seventy tanks, all nearly contiguous, on a -plain not many miles distant from the military -station of Burragong, in the district of Sircar -Sarung, situate between the Gunduc and the -Gogra. The population did not require more -than one tank; especially as a stream of tolerably -good water passes within a few hundred -yards of the site of these offsprings of ostentation. -The inhabitants tell various stories as to -the person who lavished his money in this empty -manner; and, (which would, no doubt, vex the -real prodigal to his very heart,) the modern narrators -differ widely even as to the name and rank -of the individual!</p> - -<p class='c001'>With respect to <em>seraies</em>, we may, at least, -praise the convenience they afford, without bestowing -much admiration on the charity of -their founders. Some of these are very extensive, -covering, perhaps, six or eight acres. They -generally consist of a quadrangle, built across -the road, which passes under two lofty arched -gateways, having battlements, or turrets, over -them. The gates open to an extent sufficient to -allow any laden elephant, however stupendous, -to pass freely. They are made of strong wood, -well bound with iron, and studded with iron -spikes, of which the points are on the outside; -for the purpose of preventing elephants from -<span class='pageno' id='Page_283'>283</span>forcing them by pressure. The surrounding walls -of the quadrangle are generally about fourteen -feet in height, and from two to four in thickness, -according either to the antiquity of the building, -or to the parsimony of the builder. They are -lined all around with a shed, built on pillars, -and divided by mats, &c., into various apartments, -all sheltered from the sun and rain by -means of doors, &c., of bamboos, mats, grass, -&c., as the country may afford; or, eventually, -a part is built up with thin brick, or with -mud.</p> - -<p class='c001'>In the central parts of the <em>seray</em> there are generally -some shops, ranged on each side of the -road, and one building appropriated to the <em>cutwal</em>, -or superintendant of the place; whose -office is, properly, to regulate all matters, and -to see that travellers are duty accommodated; -that the <em>bytearahs</em>, or cooks, dress their victuals, -and that the <em>chokey-dars</em> take due charge of the -goods consigned to their care. All this, however, -is done in a slovenly way; the greatest -impositions are often practised; and the itinerant -journies on from one scene of thievish combination -to another.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Although a <em>seray</em> may be built near to a river, -or to some sufficient stream, yet there is invariably -a well, ordinarily lined with circular tiles, -or masonry, in the area. The water is drawn -from such wells, for the most part, by means of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_284'>284</span>a truck-pulley, suspended between the limbs of -a forked bough cut for the purpose, and having -a wooden pin through it as an axle. Each person -draws his own water, and for that purpose -carries a line, generally about twenty feet long. -Few indeed travel, even on foot, without a -<em>lootah</em>, or brass water-vessel; of which there are -various sizes, from a pint, to half a gallon; a -<em>tully</em>, or flat brass plate, with a border about -an inch high, nearly perpendicular; and a <em>cuttorah</em>, -or metal cup. Some even carry their -<em>daikçhees</em>, or metal boilers; though, in general, -they purchase for a farthing, or, at the utmost, -for a halfpenny, a new earthen pot, capable of -holding perhaps three quarts, or a gallon, with -a lid of the same, in which, if they do not -intend to employ the people of the <em>seray</em>, they -dress their own victuals; leaving the crockery, -which no one else will use, it being considered -as polluted.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The water of wells in the <em>seraies</em>, or in populous -towns, is certainly far fresher and better than -is to be had, in general, from small rivers. But -much will depend on the soil, the lining of the -well, its depth, and, indeed, on its width. A -quick draught necessarily insures a plentiful flow, -and prevents corruption from any impurity that -may casually fall in from above. At a certain -depth there is usually found a stratum of sand; -this is remarkably fine, and, in some places, retains -<span class='pageno' id='Page_285'>285</span>such a large portion of fluid as to become -a perfect quicksand. In many parts, and especially -in the Ramghur district, which, on an -average, may be a thousand feet or more above -the level country, this sub-stratum presents a -most serious difficulty in the sinking of wells.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Of this I experienced two instances in my own -practice, which gave me much trouble. Having -to sink a well in the corner of a garden, and -wishing to avoid the expence and delay attendant -on masonry, I cut a square shaft, and went on -admirably until I came to a tremulous body of -sand. Never having met with a quicksand at -such a depth, then about twenty-four feet from -the surface, and on so elevated a table land, there -being no hills nearer than two miles, and those -being separated by deep vallies, in which were -running streams, I was somewhat disconcerted. -I felt the whole of the difficulty, but necessity -urged me to proceed. The well was to be lined -with logs of about seven feet long, and about -eight inches diameter; they were notched at -each end, so that two, being placed parallel at -five feet distance, and two others being laid over -their ends, the four made a quadrangle, which, -by means of the notches, came nearly to a level, -and locked very firmly into each other. Having -prepared abundance of these logs, I commenced -my operations, by affixing a pulley over the well -for the purpose of lowering them down to a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_286'>286</span>laborer who stood on a board slung from four -stakes at the brink of the shaft; for he could not -stand on the sand, which, when the surface was -broken, instantly became loose and liquid. The -four first logs were scarcely placed before their -own weight began to sink them, scarcely allowing -time to put on four others before they disappeared. -I perceived my error, and immediately had -the other logs all wrapped round with straw-rope -of about an inch in diameter; whereby they became -more buoyant, and resisted the liquescence -of the sand more powerfully, by their encrease -of diameter. As a foundation, I pinned the four -first, forming the primary layer, strongly at their -several corners; so that they made a fixed frame. -The work now went on merrily, but it was with -the utmost difficulty I could supply the logs fast -enough, the sand removed by their admission -rose so very rapidly. Being determined to overcome -the difficulty, I let down full twenty rounds -of logs, equal to about seventeen feet, when I -had the pleasure to see no more would sink: the -sand was excavated, and I found, that, although -in one or two places intervals of two or three -inches had taken place, yet, on the whole, I was -able to boast of better success than I expected. -By degrees, I got the logs settled in their places, -(a work of serious labor,) and always had water -enough for every culinary purpose, but not for -a large garden, which required ample irrigation -<span class='pageno' id='Page_287'>287</span>daily during the hot season; further, a quantity -was indispensably requisite for wetting the <em>tatties</em>, -or frames applied during that season to the -doors and windows, to keep my house cool.</p> - -<p class='c001'>My well appeared full of water up to the top -of the quicksand, but it was a perfect deception: -the sand filled up the shaft in the course of three -or four days, though emptied to the very bottom, -which was a hard red clay.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Finding that more expence was incurred by -the perpetual necessity for sending men down to -empty out the sand, I resolved to adopt the old -custom of lining the well with masonry; and -having got all clear to the bed of clay, into -which I sunk a stout frame, near a foot and a -half deep, I went on with spirit for a whole day, -in which near two yards of wall were built up: -but, during the night, the balers went to sleep, -and I found the whole immersed in the morning. -As the sand and water were emptied, the draft -was so great as to wash the lime from between -the bricks, and I was compelled to take all out -again. It then occurred to me to have bricks -made in the form of the frustum of a pyramid, -so as to fit exactly in a circle of two feet and a -half in diameter internally, and of four feet -externally. These were laid on the frame, which -I now buried a full yard in the clay: between -the bricks I put abundance of dry lime, rubbing -them close together, and, with the clay, all the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_288'>288</span>interval between the masonry and the wooden -frame was filled up. Two workmen were employed -all night; one in the well, who ladled -the water from the four corners into a bucket, -which the other raised to the surface: none -worthy of notice got within the circular masonry, -and I had the satisfaction, in about a week, to see -the whole completed. Sufficient water found -its way through the crevices, to keep me supplied, -and the sand gave so little trouble, that, -during a whole year that I occupied the premises, -no clearance was necessary.</p> - -<p class='c001'>This digression may appear irrelevant to the -subject; but I could not forbear giving the fact -a place here, as it possibly may prove an useful -guide to others who may be under similar disadvantages. -It is curious, that a very large well, -of about twelve feet diameter, was commenced -at the same time by a brother officer, within a -hundred yards of mine, which went on admirably, -and was finished in a very short time. -He had no quicksand opposed to his labors; on -the contrary, his great difficulty lay in cutting -through two strata of rock, from which only a -few dribblets appeared while the well was lining -with masonry; but, so soon as the rainy season -set in, those rocks prevented the descent of the -moisture, which, being by them directed to the -well, rushed in such a violent manner against -the masonry, as to force out many stones: -<span class='pageno' id='Page_289'>289</span>creating a fissure which, in a few weeks, proved -fatal to the whole of the work. A handsome -well, with a rich spring issuing from a gravelly -bottom, was thus ruined, and the station was -again subjected to much inconvenience for what -we often had in too liberal abundance.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The natives throughout India have a great -respect for such persons as plant <em>mango topes</em> (or -woods). These are, in general, managed with -great care, the trees being set at regular distances -each way, forming parallel vistas both lengthwise -and breadthwise: the width of which are -equal each way, and varying from twenty to -forty feet. When first planted, they are well -enclosed with a ditch and bank, sufficient to -prevent cattle from doing mischief to the young -trees, which are also watered at intervals during -the dry season, generally through the means of -a well, dug at the expence of the planter on one -side of the <em>tope</em>. If the proprietor be rich, the -well is usually large, lined with masonry, and -furnished with cisterns of the same, or of hewn -stone, so that cattle may be refreshed in -numbers; two pillars of masonry, or of substantial -wood, are erected; each supporting the -end of a timber, stretching across the well at -about five feet above the brink. On this timber, -a shieve of wood is fixed, with one or more -grooves for the reception of the cord used in -drawing water.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_290'>290</span>The first-fruits of plantations are, with few -exceptions, considered as appertaining to the -tutelary deity of the planter, and are tendered -to him as offerings on the part of the <em>tope</em>. The -priests who officiate on these august occasions, -commonly find means to save the sacred character -of their invisible patron from any suspicion -of gluttony, by taking upon themselves the -troublesome office of proxy, on this and every -occasion wherein mastication is needful.</p> - -<p class='c001'>On many of the great roads, such as that -leading from Benares to the upper stations, we -find very large wells, conveniently situated near -some shelter, though, perhaps, distant from any -town: occasionally, a hut or two may be erected -in the vicinity, for the residence of a <em>bunneah</em>, (or -kind of chandler,) or for a vender of spirits. -Some of these wells are furnished with various -sets of pillars and shieves, very substantial in -their construction; so as to bear the weight of a -leather bag, formed by stitching the edges of a -whole hide, trimmed of its superfluous angles, -&c., to an iron hoop of about a foot and a half -in diameter: by means of two arched irons, -rivetted at their crossing in the middle by a -swivel and loop, the bag, or <em>moot</em>, is managed in -the same way as a bucket in Europe. Many -of these <em>moots</em> are capable of containing, at -least, half a hogshead. They retain the water -more steadily in ascending, than any vessel -<span class='pageno' id='Page_291'>291</span>whose sides are fixed and firm; and, as they are -drawn into a cistern, or over a bed made hollow -for their reception, above the brink of the well, -no great exertion is required in emptying them; -the waters discharging voluntarily when the -<em>moot</em> is suffered, by the slackening of the rope, -to touch the bottom of the bed, or cistern.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It may reasonably be inferred, that such a -weight of water as may be contained in an ordinary -ox or cow hide, though of small growth, -must be more than manual strength could well -manage; especially as the pulley is extremely -small, rarely more than six or seven inches in -diameter, nearly as much in width, and moving -on a rude piece of wood for an axis; of which, -probably, nearly half has been lost by the excessive -friction so unfinished, and ill proportioned, -a piece of machinery must occasion. Not one -in a thousand ever is lubricated, but the hole in -the shieve is generally adequate to the admission -of an axis treble the size of that in use; -whence the pulley must jump from one inequality -to another; creating, at every such -transition, a check of some consequence to that -power whence it derives its motion.</p> - -<p class='c001'>To draw water by means of the <em>moot</em>, two -men and a pair oxen are requisite: the size of -the <em>moot</em> being proportioned to the bulk of the -cattle, which are yoked in the ordinary manner, -drawing by means of the rope fastened round -<span class='pageno' id='Page_292'>292</span>the centre of the yoke, and passing between -them. The strength of the oxen is aided very -considerably, by the path they follow being on a -declivity; so that, in proceeding from the well, -as they draw up the <em>moot</em>, they descend a talus, -or slope, of which the angle may vary from -fifteen to twenty-five degrees: the driver frequently -seats himself on the yoke, to encrease -the weight acting in opposition to the <em>moot</em>.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The quantity of earth derived from the shaft -of the well, rarely suffices to give the talus -sufficient slope, therefore, one half the length of -the bullock’s track (which is regulated by the -length of the rope, and may usually measure -about twenty-five yards) is sunk in the ground, -and the height near the well raised with the -proceeds of the excavation. This ensures a -sufficient addition to the energies of the cattle -in descending: which they do with great effect, -when goaded by the driver. Arriving at the -bottom of the slope, or when the <em>moot</em> is raised -above the surface of the well, the cattle stop, -and the man in attendance at the brink draws -the <em>moot</em> over the bed, or cistern, which is made -to project over about one-third of the well.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Some of the wells seen at the sides of the -great roads, measure fifteen or sixteen feet in -diameter, and have slopes cut out of the soil, -lined on each side with masonry, that lead to an -opening in the well’s circumference, near to the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_293'>293</span>ordinary level of the water; which, in the dry -season, is generally within very narrow limits. -Near the opening, we sometimes see an iron -ladle fastened by means of a chain. This convenience -is, for the most part, held sacred, and -he would, in those parts, be considered a consummate -villain, that would pilfer one from its -place of security. But, from many obvious marks -of violence, we must suppose that there are men -so depraved as to steal these chains and ladles, -when necessity may press them to take advantage -of a fair opportunity.</p> - -<p class='c001'>We should naturally conclude, that wells -founded on such a principle, in a climate where -excessive heats prevail for three months, at -least, would be invaluable. But they really are -little used; their surfaces are, in general, covered -with duck-weed, and they rarely are deficient -of an ample colony of frogs. Where huts are -built near them, their waters being rather less -stagnant, are, of course, more wholesome, as -well as more palatable: the encampment of a -regiment in their neighbourhood soon sweetens -them.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Some are rendered foul by their containing -fish. It would be difficult to account for fish -being there, unless they fall with the heavy -showers attendant upon those violent squalls -called north-westers, during the hot season, -when multitudes of small fry have been occasionally -<span class='pageno' id='Page_294'>294</span>found, even on the tops of houses, in -various parts of the country. Some assert that -many have been found alive: I have seen some -lying dead; once, in particular, near Allahabad, -after a very heavy shower of rain. It does not -appear possible, that, even if sucked up by a -water-spout, and immediately returned with the -rain, they could survive the rapidity of the -ascent, and the force with which they fall.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It is remarkable, that only three kinds of fish -are ever seen in wells; viz. the <em>solee</em>, which, in a -great measure, resembles our <em>pike</em>, and is equally -ravenous; the <em>gurrye</em>, or mud-fish, very similar -in form to our <em>miller’s thumb</em>; and the <em>singnee</em>, -or bayonet-fish, so called from its having three -terrible spines in its dorsal and lateral fins, the -wounds made by which are, generally, very -severe. This fish has a purplish skin, without -scales, is thin like a substantial pork knife, and -has a broad flat head. Like the <em>gurrye</em>, it is -found only among mud and slime, wherein it -works very nimbly. Both species can live a -long while in moist mud; as is proved by their -being found in recent puddles, where water had -formerly been dried up. It is remarkable, that -both the <em>gurrye</em> and the <em>singnee</em> are very sweet -eating, and are never muddy; the latter in particular.</p> - -<p class='c001'>If we except those small streams that come -down from mountains containing ores, which -<span class='pageno' id='Page_295'>295</span>must, of course, impregnate the waters in -those parts, the catalogue of mineral springs, as -yet discovered in Bengal, and the subordinate -stations under that presidency, will be found -very confined indeed. Possibly, numbers may -exist that are not generally known; and this I -am the more apt to believe, from having myself -discovered one within a few yards of the road -on the west bank of the Mahana, a small river -which rises among the hills near the Catcumsandy-pass -in the Ramghur district. The river -being much swelled by heavy rains, I was compelled -to wait until it subsided sufficiently to -admit of my being conveyed over on a raft -made of pots.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The mineral water above mentioned would, -very probably, have escaped my notice, had I -not been attracted by a nauseous smell, and the -black greasy appearance of the soil whence it -issued. The flavor was soapy, but strongly -sulphuric; and a slight scum, which appeared to -rise with the spring, was peculiarly acrid. I do -not believe it was ever analyzed, but should -conjecture it to have proceeded from a bed composed -of sulphur and bitumen; especially as -coals are found within that district.</p> - -<p class='c001'>There is a very remarkable hot-spring at a -place call <em>Seetah-Coon</em>, within three miles of the -fort of <em>Monghyr</em>. This, it appears, has been -known for ages, it is about twelve or fourteen -<span class='pageno' id='Page_296'>296</span>feet square, and may be from seven to eight feet -deep in the middle: that, however, must be -taken as a computation; the sides being of -masonry, shelving in greatly, and the bottom -not remarkably clear of weeds, &c. The water -is very hot: it was with great difficulty I -could keep my finger immersed during the time -I counted one hundred and five; and that, too, -rather hastily, it being for a wager. My finger, -far from being the better for my curiosity, was -slightly blistered. I have seen an egg moderately -poached at this spring, and have heard that -one was boiled in it; but, I apprehend, not to -any degree of firmness.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The most complete proof that a large portion -of caloric is contained in this spring, may be collected -from the melancholy fact, of an artillery -soldier, who, in the year 1777, attempting to -swim across, was scalded in such a manner as to -expire shortly after being taken out.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The natives, who judge by appearances, and, -probably, are guided in this particular from the -encreased quantity of vapour that appears -during the winter to rise from the spring, -affirm, that the water is then considerably -hotter than at any other season. The fallacy of -such an opinion is easily detected, and has, -indeed, been proved: several gentlemen have -been at the trouble of keeping a register of its -daily variations, which were found to be extremely -<span class='pageno' id='Page_297'>297</span>small. I could not assert myself to -be correct in stating its average degree of heat, -having mislaid my memoranda on that head; -but, to the best of my memory, the temperature -lay between 140° and 160° of Fahrenheit.</p> - -<p class='c001'>This well, of which the waters are considered -remarkably wholesome, stands on the borders -of a small plantation of (I believe mango) trees; -near to three or four other wells, of which the -waters are cold, and have not any distinguishing -quality. The redundant water from the hot -well affords a stream, whose section may be -equal to thirty square inches; it passes into a -large marsh, of at least twenty acres, close to the -plantation, where it nourishes a great variety of -aquatic plants, that appear to grow with more -than ordinary vigor.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The same negligence in regard to botany and -natural history, which appears to operate -throughout India, (if we except the labours -of a few zealous individuals, among whom, -Captain T. Hardwicke, of the Bengal Artillery; -Dr. Roxburgh, Superintendant of the Botanic -Garden at Calcutta; Dr. Bruce, formerly Physician -to the Nabob of Oude; and Dr. William -Hunter, of the Bengal Medical Department; -are the most conspicuous,) seems to operate -against enquiry into various important matters -relating to the mineral waters; which, I doubt -not, would be found in abundance, were either -<span class='pageno' id='Page_298'>298</span>the cost of research so moderate as to permit -active individuals to explore the vast regions -whose very boundaries are, as yet, scarcely -known; or, were the Government of India to -defray the expence of a few capable men, -whose time should be wholly devoted to an enquiry -into whatever might appertain to botany, -mineralogy, natural history, and the various -branches of knowledge on which chemistry and -physic depend. The disbursement could not -be felt; while, not only would the world at -large be benefitted, but, possibly, some new -articles of trade, or for manufacture, might be -discovered; whereby even the Company itself -would derive those <em>solid</em> advantages to which, -on most occasions, they direct the attention of -their servants.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Such has been the negligence shewn in -regard to the hot well at Monghyr, that, -although it stands within two miles of the -Ganges, is not more than three miles from the -Fort of Monghyr, (a grand depôt for stores, -garrisoned by upwards of two thousand invalids,) -and is in the direct track from Calcutta to the -upper provinces; nay, although the waters of -this well are sent for from all parts of the -country, and form, frequently, a part of the -stock of persons, especially ladies, going to sea; -for which purpose it is bottled in very large -quantities; yet, strange to tell, its properties -<span class='pageno' id='Page_299'>299</span>have never been duly analyzed. I have been in -company with various medical men, who differed -as to its basis; some asserting it to be -chalybeate, others considering it as impregnated -with soda, while some, I know not why, declared -it to possess no particular impregnation, -nor any active principle.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It must be evident, that, in a country whose -soil is subject to be parched during so many -months in the year, heavy fogs and miasma -must abound; consequently, during the four -months following the cessation of the annual -rains, it frequently happens that the atmosphere -is laden with mists and vapors until a very late -hour in the day. In great cities, the bad effects -of these are not so perceptible, on account of -the general fumigation which takes place during -the evenings, when the bulk of the inhabitants, -as if by general consent, kindle fires for the -purpose of cooking their victuals; of which -they rarely eat at an earlier hour than six or -seven o’clock; the cold remains of the repast -being put by for the morning’s meal. This fortuitous -circumstance tends to purify the air, and -obviates a large portion of those evils to which -the villages, which stand more exposed in the -midst of the marshy tracts, are imminently -subject. In such, it is common to find a very -large portion of the inhabitants annually laid up -<span class='pageno' id='Page_300'>300</span>with intermittents of a very obstinate description, -but from which they are rescued by their -moderation in regard to diet, and by a few -medicinal simples every where common, and -whose application is sufficiently understood. -Great numbers are, however, swept off by the -disease itself, or by the obstructions it generally -creates. Those obstructions are ever to be -dreaded, even though a perfect cure should -apparently have taken place. It is by no means -uncommon to see persons, especially Europeans, -who have, to appearance, been cured of Jungle, -or Hill-fevers, as they are locally designated, and -which correspond exactly with our Marsh-fever, -laid up at either the full or change of the moon, -or, possibly, at both, for years after.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Many have affected to doubt the planetary -influence on the human constitution, but, to -me, there appears every reason to accredit the -opinion. I have seen so many instances, among -my own most intimate friends, as well as a -thousand ordinary cases among soldiers, camp-followers, -villagers, &c., that my mind was fully -made up on the subject long before I had the -opportunity of perusing the treatise of Dr. -Francis Balfour, of the Bengal Medical Establishment; -from which I offer to the consideration -of my readers the following interesting -extracts.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_301'>301</span>OF THE PAROXYSMS OF FEVERS.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c001'>‘In Bengal, there is no reason to doubt that -the human frame is affected by the influence -connected with the relative situations of the sun -and moon. In certain states of health and -vigor, this influence has not power to shew itself -by any obvious effects; and, in such cases, its -existence is often not acknowledged. But, in -certain states of debility and disease, it is able to -manifest itself by exciting <em>febrile paroxysms</em>; -and the propensity, or aptitude, of the constitution -to be affected with febrile paroxysms in -such cases, may be denominated <em>the paroxysmal -disposition</em>.’</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>OF PERFECT TYPES.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c001'>‘Febrile paroxysms universally discover a -tendency to appear, and to disappear, in coincidence -with those positions of the sun and moon -that regulate the rising and falling of the tides. -The diurnal and nocturnal encrease of sol-lunar -power acting on constitutions, in which the propensity -of the paroxysmal disposition is complete -and perfect, produces paroxysms every -twelve hours, in coincidence with the periods of -the tides; and constitute types which, on account -of this regular coincide, I denominate -perfect.’</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>OF IMPERFECT TYPES.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c001'>‘The diurnal and nocturnal encrease of sol-lunar -power acting on constitutions in which -<span class='pageno' id='Page_302'>302</span>the propensity to paroxysm is incomplete, or -imperfect, has power only to produce paroxysms -in coincidence with every second, third, or -fourth, period of the tides, or others, more remote; -constituting <em>types</em>, which, on account of -this irregular coincidence, I have called <em>imperfect</em>.’</p> - -<p class='c001'>Doctor Balfour states, in a note, that, ‘In -several cases of the plague, recorded by Dr. -Patrick Russell, the febrile paroxysms returned -obviously every four hours, in coincidence with -the periods of the tides; and his predecessor -and relation, the author of ’<em>The Natural History -of Aleppo</em>,‘ asserts positively, that the generality -of the fevers there, and, indeed, in almost all -acute cases, are subject to exacerbations once or -twice in twenty-four hours.’</p> - -<p class='c001'>In Cordiner’s Description of Ceylon, I find -the following passage:—‘Medical men have -discovered this swelling’ (viz. the <em>elephantiasis</em>) -‘to be an effect of fever, <em>which returns on the -patients monthly</em>.’ (Vol. I. page 182.)</p> - -<p class='c001'>The natives, generally in the first instance, -have recourse to the <em>bit-noben</em> or <em>kala-neemuk</em>, -(<em>i.e.</em> black-salt,) a solution of which, though -certainly very disgusting, on account of its taste, -strongly reminding us of the scent of gun washings, -or of rotten eggs, proves an excellent -cathartic, and, if duly persisted in, rarely fails -to rid the patient of an immense quantity of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_303'>303</span>bile. That being effected, a strong decoction of -<em>cherrettah</em>, a root about the size of slender birch -twigs, but of a redder color, and possessing -some of the properties of Peruvian bark, is frequently -taken. But, the best medicine in the -catalogue of Indian simples certainly is the -<em>lotah</em>, or <em>kaut-kullaigee</em>, which is the kernel -taken from the pod of a creeping kind of cow-itch. -This kernel is extremely bitter, and possesses -all the virtues of the bark; but with this -advantage, that, in lieu of binding, it commonly -proves very mildly aperient when taken to the -amount of two or three nuts daily. I have -often given it, with great success, during the -paroxysms of an ague; having previously cleared -the stomach and intestines by suitable means, -such as ipecacuanha and calomel.</p> - -<p class='c001'>That we are absolutely in a state of ignorance -regarding the medical properties of various -plants, highly appreciated by the natives, cannot -be denied; we must not, however, yield an implicit -belief to the many marvellous stories related -throughout Hindostan, of the extraordinary -cures performed by their aid: many -disproofs of such fables are publicly extant, and -teach us to view the objects so highly extolled -through the medium of a <em>minifying</em> glass; -thereby to reduce their virtues to the proper -standard of estimation. So fully was that -learned, and zealous president of the Asiatic -<span class='pageno' id='Page_304'>304</span>Society, Sir William Jones, impressed with an -opinion of our overlooking many of the most -valuable of nature’s vegetable productions, that, -shortly after the formation of that excellent institution, -he expressed a wish, an earnest one, -indeed, for early framing a code of the botany of -Hindostan in particular; and, in a short address -to the society, urged, that a ‘Treatise on the -Plants of India’ should be diligently and carefully -drawn up. In that address, Sir William -says, ‘Some hundreds of plants which are yet -imperfectly known to European botanists, and, -with the virtues of which we are wholly unacquainted, -grow wild on the plains, and in the -forests, of India. The ‘<em>Amarcosh</em>,’ an excellent -vocabulary of the Sanscrit language, contains, -in one chapter, the names of about three -hundred medicinal vegetables; the ‘<em>Medini</em>’ may -comprize as many more; and the ‘<em>Dravyabidana</em>,’ -or, ‘Dictionary of Natural Productions,’ -includes, I believe, a far greater number; the -properties of which are distinctly related in -medical tracts of approved authority.’</p> - -<p class='c001'>Here I must beg leave to enter my protest -against the too ready acceptance of what the -books above quoted may tender to our medical -repositories; and that for the following reason; -namely, although the natives may be sufficiently -acquainted with certain properties of certain -plants, yet, owing to a total ignorance of pathology, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_305'>305</span>phisiology, nosology, and especially of the -circulation of the blood, and of chemistry as -applicable to analysis and synthesis, it is utterly -impossible they should be able to act except by -rote, and according to their ideas of specifics; -whereby the virtues of the medicines in question -are supposed to be applicable to all the stages, -not only of the same, but of various diseases, -totally opposite in their natures. It surely -cannot require to be pointed out, how uncertain -the results must be under such circumstances, -even when each simple is administered separately, -and with a patient attention to its operation: -but, when we take into account the -known fact, that, on most occasions where the -native <em>Huckeems</em>, or <em>Hakeems</em>, prescribe, they -rely greatly upon compounds of herbs and -minerals; each having its virtues recorded in -some popular distich, to dispute which would -be considered an open avowal of consummate -ignorance; I say, under such circumstances, -we may fairly, and, in duty to ourselves should, -hesitate to receive information from so impure -a source. It is not my intention to -depreciate the merits of many simples in use -among the natives: I argue against their competency -to estimate them; but, at the same -time, entertain no doubt that their several -books may lead us to the greatest advantages, -by giving hints, which, being properly, but -<span class='pageno' id='Page_306'>306</span>guardedly followed up, should enrich our catalogue -of valuable remedies. This cannot be -done in a few days, nor even in a few years: -whenever it may be effected, I doubt not that -the memory of that president, whose life was -devoted to the service, not only of his existing -fellow-creatures, but of posterity also, will be -duly venerated. The Botanic Gardens established -at the several Presidencies, under the -care of medical gentlemen, duly qualified, offer -the means of putting much assertion to the tests -of chemistry, and of time: the former have not, -as yet, been properly resorted to, and the latter -has not run its due course, to enable the philosophical -world to decide with precision.</p> - -<p class='c001'>In the first volume of the Asiatic Researches, -the late Matthew Leslie, Esq. very sensibly observed, -that ‘there are in our Indian provinces -many animals, and many hundreds of medicinal -plants, which have either not been described at -all, or, what is worse, ill described, by the -naturalists of Europe.’ In this remark there is -much truth; but a certain portion of the very -extensive meaning of Mr. Leslie, who was, assuredly, -a man of considerable abilities, and -who had much opportunity for research, will be -received with caution, from the consideration of -his avowed partiality towards native physicians; -who, as I have just stated, are by no means -competent to guide us through the mazes of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_307'>307</span>botanical research. The state of medicine -throughout India, (I mean among the natives,) -is not such as to induce the belief that we shall -obtain any valuable information among the -<em>Huckeems</em>; of whom, full ninety-nine in the -hundred are self-taught, as well as self-sufficient. -What, then, is to be expected among persons -thus practising a profession, to which the old -adage of ‘<em>ars longa, vita brevis</em>’ so admirably applies, -when we see not even one didactic page -to which they can resort; no public institution -where knowledge is either bestowed or received; -no liberal, enlightened, patron, under whose -auspices genius may be enabled to penetrate -into the mines of science? This being the fact, -shall we refrain from smiling at those of our -countrymen who, quitting the aid and guidance -of their well-informed medical friends, resort to -such quacks, whose reputation they thus unjustly -raise among the gaping crowd, and who -have the art to propagate the most unbounded -reliance on their nostrums? That, here and -there, a simple of peculiar efficacy may be in -use among such persons, I shall not deny; but -must appeal to our more enlightened medical -societies, whether, in the hands of an ignorant -man, brought up in vanity, and regardless of -the minutiæ of physical causes and of physical -effects, even the most simple medicine can be -safely entrusted? The greatest part of the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_308'>308</span>burlesque is, that these highly renowned physicians, -to a man, rely upon proper conjunctions of -the planets, lucky hours, &c., not only for the -culling, but for the mixing, and administration -of their medicines, without regard to those -critical moments of which our silly disciples of -Hippocrates and Galen are so very watchful!</p> - -<p class='c001'>We must, however, do the natives the justice -to allow, that the refrigerating principle lately -adopted by some of our leading physicians, -owes its origin solely to the ancient practice of -the <em>Brahmans</em>, or Hindu priests; of whom the -generality affect to be deeply versed in pharmacy. -I believe, that, if taken in time, few -fevers would be found to degenerate into <em>typhus</em>, -and that very seldom any determination towards -the liver from acute cases would occur, were -the refrigerating course to be adopted. Often -have I known my servants, when attacked with -fever, to drink cold water in abundance, and -to apply wet cloths to their heads, with great -success; the former has generally lowered the -pulse considerably, by throwing out a strong -perspiration, while the latter has given immediate -local relief.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Were it not that <em>cast</em> (<em>i.e.</em> sect) opposes a -formidable barrier to the more extensive practice -of European physicians among the natives in -general, the native doctors would speedily be -consigned to their merited contempt: but such -<span class='pageno' id='Page_309'>309</span>are the prejudices arising from religious tenets, -among the Hindus in particular, that, even when -at the last extremity, many would rather die than -suffer any medicine prepared, or perhaps of -which the liquid part had been barely touched, -by one not of their own <em>cast</em>, to enter their -mouths! Where such infatuation prevails, -ignorance will maintain her empire, until, by -the gradual abolition of vulgar errors, the light of -science, and of reason, may begin to glimmer -among the people at large. It will not suffice, -that a few skilful European professors should be -seen, and be admired, by a grateful few: that has -already happened; but the dread of religious -anathema, and of domestic excommunication, -are too forcibly opposed to such weak demonstrations. -Unhappily, we aimed at a reform, -in this particular, at that very point to which it -should have had only a remote tendency: we -peremptorily attacked the very existence of -full a tenth of the whole population, that is, -of the Brahmans, or Hindu priests; and we -excited, among the people at large, suspicions -such as have given scope to our enemies for -inculcating, that we are intent on subjecting -their minds, as well as their bodies.</p> - -<p class='c001'>From this dilemma, I understand, with pleasure, -we are gradually extricating ourselves; by -withdrawing those noxious publications, which, -in a moment of unguarded zeal, we had allowed -<span class='pageno' id='Page_310'>310</span>our clergy to introduce to the notice of the people -of Hindostan. With respect to the motive, -that is out of the question: I am not considering -the merits of one religion opposed to another, -but simply the fact, as it relates to our political -connection with the East, and the diffusion of -true philosophy over that vast region. Nor am -I here censuring the measure in a religious -sense; though, on reference to history, and to -my own experience of the dispositions of the -Hindus, I feel surprized that fanaticism should -have been allowed to meddle with a country -over which we, in truth, have not an efficient -control, and among a race whose tenets are by -no means obnoxious to humanity; among -whom apostacy is a mortal sin, who disclaim all -interference with the doctrines of other sects, -and who have most amply proved their title, at -least to toleration, if not to protection.</p> - -<p class='c001'>I have said, that we began at the wrong -end; and this surely will appear to be the case -when the matter is properly understood. In -lieu of attacking that which carries with it no -offence against ourselves, and instead of endeavoring -to force upon them our creed, we -should have studied to render the natives acquainted -with whatever could tend to their -worldly comfort, and to the removal of errors -often pregnant with destruction. Let us suppose, -for instance, that, in various parts of the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_311'>311</span>country, the Company were to establish schools, -where youths of every description might be -instructed in the mathematics, botany, chemistry, -surgery, pharmacy, agriculture, mechanics, -&c.; and that valuable premiums should, at -certain periods, be presented to such as might -merit the distinction. The obvious consequence -would be, that, in due time, an infinity of -absurdities would vanish, and that, in proportion -as science should expand among them, the -superior circles would begin to estimate our -value as an enlightened people. They would -then look up to us as their superiors; in lieu of -rating us, as they now do, very low indeed on -the scale of degradation. Such a system would -not only give an effectual shake to the basis of -priest-craft, but cause all the literary stores, and -the natural productions of the soil, to be laid -open to our examination: then, indeed, our -medical men might enjoy a high reputation in -every quarter of the East, and the world might -be benefitted, both by the correction of many -errors, and by the acquisition of most important -novelties in medicine, and in the various -arts on which commerce is dependant. Then -should we have no occasion to goad the Hindus -towards Christianity: they would thirst for -knowledge, and pant to be rid of those fetters -imposed upon their minds by their artful -clergy.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_312'>312</span>I have heard it said ‘the natives have no disposition -for the sciences.’ This is imposing a -cruel sentence on a hundred millions of people! -Allow it to be true; and look back to the state -of Britain while under the control, in a certain -measure, of the Druids; who are now well ascertained -to have been the same, in their days, as -the Brahmans of Bengal, &c., are at this time. -Who can fail to admire the change? Who could -suppose it possible that such a change could have -been effected among a people, who, if we are to -give credit to Cæsar, and to other authorities, were -completely barbarous, and ‘who shewed no disposition -for the sciences?’ In opposition to so -absurd, and so malicious an assertion, let me -state a few facts. When Mr. Reuben Burrow -was in India, as head of the mathematical department, -he was solicited by several of the natives -to instruct them in astronomy, algebra, &c. -Unhappily, although possessing pre-eminent talents, -Mr. Burrow was not exactly calculated to -conciliate the good will, nor to excite the admiration, -of persons who did not, like himself, blaze -at the spark of science: in fact, he partook -greatly of the character of the celebrated Doctor -Samuel Johnson, and might be termed ‘a mathematical -Hottentot!’</p> - -<p class='c001'>This important deficiency of suavity caused -the natives to quit; indeed, it tended to disgust -those of his countrymen who, being compelled -<span class='pageno' id='Page_313'>313</span>by their avocations to attend his lectures, were -subjected to his caprices and gross manners. -However, one native, of mediocre opulence, was -not to be scared by what appeared a trifle, when -compared with the acquirements he hoped to -possess: he bent to the storm, and, by unremitting -application, speedily rendered himself -competent to converse with Mr. Burrow on his -usual topic. In time, the student became a -favorite, and was allowed to attend his preceptor -when the latter was deputed on a survey of considerable -extent, and to measure a degree of latitude -in the western districts. Such was the -progress made by this native under the auspices -of Mr. Burrow, that, in a few years, he qualified -himself to instruct others in the ordinary -courses of the higher mathematics. What became -of him I know not; but apprehend that -many others must have derived some little benefit -from his learning: unless, indeed, his priests -found a pretext for upholding him as unworthy -of imitation, and threatened to place all who -might consider him to be thus ‘<em>civilized</em>,’ or -improved, under the bar of ecclesiastical censure. -When I say ‘<em>civilized</em>,’ it is in deference to a -British divine, who has been pleased to represent -the people of Bengal in such terms as might lead -persons who never visited India to set them down -for a cruel, barbarous, ignorant, vindictive, senseless, -and sanguinary race; whose <em>civilization</em> is -<span class='pageno' id='Page_314'>314</span>‘devoutly to be wished.’ How far they merit -such a character, may be understood from their -forbearing to massacre all the Europeans in India; -a work that might be effected by only one in -thousands of their population striking the deadly -blow!</p> - -<p class='c001'>Setting whatever relates to religion apart, and -viewing our intercourse with India as a matter -merely of <em>meum</em> and <em>tuum</em>, it is self-evident, that -to whatever extent we may instruct the natives -to analyze the produce of their soil, and to present -it to us in a marketable shape, so much -must Britain be benefitted by the extension of -her commerce, and by the possession of a territory -whose value would be thereby proportionally -raised. This is said with the view to encourage -the researches of our medical men; who, from -their general knowledge of chemistry, and perhaps -of botany, are certainly best qualified to -pursue them with national effect. Under the -present very limitted establishment of physicians -and surgeons, as well as from the <em>præter nihil</em> -benefits derived from the Botanical Garden, when -seen in this point of view, we are not authorized -to be very sanguine in our hopes that any important -advantages will result in that direction. -While the Company can barely afford a surgeon -and two assistants to a regiment of 2000 men, -it is not to be supposed they could form such -establishments of the above description, as might -<span class='pageno' id='Page_315'>315</span>give us a thorough command over the mineral -and vegetable productions of their territory, or -tend to create a spirit of enquiry among the -natives.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The want of printed books is, in every country, -a great evil; but, in India, is a drawback of -great moment. There, all books, all proclamations, -(except such as we print at Calcutta, -&c.,) all newspapers, &c., &c., are manuscripts. -It is not to be imagined how few -volumes are to be seen even of this kind. -We should suppose that, where provisions, -lodging, cloathing, fuel, &c., are so remarkably -cheap, learning would become general: -the reverse is, however, the case; not one in -five hundred can read, or write, even indifferently. -There are abundance of little day-schools -to which children may be sent at a very trifling -expence; but there they learn very little. Generally, -a bed of sand serves for paper, and a -finger, or a piece of stick, for pen and ink; consequently, -no traces of any instruction remain -for the future consideration of the pupil. The -more affluent, and the more zealous, ordinarily -provide their children with a board, about a foot -long, and nine or ten inches wide, which, being -painted black, and varnished, becomes an admirable -tablet, whereon the young folks are -enabled to write their lessons with a reed pen; -the ink being generally chalk and water. To -<span class='pageno' id='Page_316'>316</span>these, though certainly more perfect than the -former mode, the same objection exists; namely, -that they want stability, and that the lesson is -no sooner repeated by rote, and written much -in the same manner, than it is forgotten, at -least it never again obtrudes on the eye; since, -in order to make way for further instruction, it -is necessarily expunged.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The <em>koits</em>, or scribes, and the <em>láláhs</em>, or accountants, -(though the latter often confine their -occupations to merely reading or transcribing,) -are nearly the same among the lower classes, -especially where the Naugry character is in question, -that the <em>moonshies</em> are among the superior -orders, who, almost invariably, use the Persian -language and character, in all public, as well as -in private, matters. So far, indeed, is this carried, -that Persian is held to be both the language -of the Court, and of the Law.</p> - -<p class='c001'>As those who study the Persian are aided -by <em>moonshies</em>, so are such persons as would -acquire the Naugry character necessitated to -employ <em>koits</em>, or <em>láláhs</em>, for that purpose. The -wages of these may be from two to five rupees -per month; but, in some families, the servants -contribute to the extent of a few annas, or, -eventually, as far as a rupee, in the aggregate; -in consideration of which <em>douceur</em>, the <em>láláh</em> commonly -writes letters for them to their friends, -and explains the answers, &c. Such servants as -<span class='pageno' id='Page_317'>317</span>have the charge of money to be disbursed on -master’s account, commonly take care to be on -good terms with this <em>cullum-burdar</em> (<em>i.e.</em> quill-driver); -who, as has been said of <em>compadores</em>, -generally taxes all items he knows to be overcharged, -by a small deduction in his own favor.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Persons of this class often keep little schools, -such as have been described, and then are designated -<em>gooroos</em>; a term implying that kind of -respect we entertain for pastors in general.</p> - -<p class='c001'>If we contemplate the extreme inattention -prevalent throughout Hindostan, respecting -literary attainments, and the great cunning -practised by the priesthood, in their sedulous -endeavors to prevent the natives from receiving -the least information regarding philosophy in -general, it must appear surprizing that so much -has been done by the artizans of Bengal towards -the adaptation of their labors to the convenience -of the British residents. Our admiration of -these people cannot but be heightened, from the -circumstance of particular trades being confined -to particular <em>casts</em>, or sects; for though we may, -possibly, at first view, consider that to be an -advantage, inasmuch as it should seem to perpetuate -knowledge in an hereditary line, those -who have resided in the East fully know that no -such heir-loom ability is to be found: on the -other hand, we immediately recognize the bar -raised against genius; which, when to be found -<span class='pageno' id='Page_318'>318</span>within the <em>cast</em>, may struggle for ever under some -base, forbidding, and loathsome degradation; or, -if it should start in another sect, cannot adopt -its native intention, but must resign in favor of -some other pursuit, perhaps requiring no genius; -or, eventually, one of a very different bent. -Once a carpenter, always a carpenter; once a -swine-herd, always a swine-herd!</p> - -<p class='c001'>The evil effects attendant upon the useful arts -in general, from such a system, are certainly -great, but by no means to be compared with the -degradations, and consequent imbecility, inseparable -from the total suppression of every thing -tending to excite emulation. When we see an -hereditary priesthood, and that, too, by no means -remarkable for the paucity of its members, we -cannot but picture to ourselves the arrogance -thus privileged in the whole of that tribe, and -the humiliation which marks the actions, as well -as the sentiments, of all who do not stand -within the hallowed pale. Such a contrast can -exist only while one party can deceive, and -while the other deems accusation to be nothing -less than blasphemy; therefore we cannot be -mistaken regarding the only means of correction: -to wit, a knowledge of the world, and of -its inhabitants; or what we, in other terms, call -learning. Pour but a little of this into the minds -of a certain number; satisfy them that morality -in Europe, and morality in Asia, are the same -<span class='pageno' id='Page_319'>319</span>thing; that ‘whether we do our duties in a -black skin, or in a white one,’ matters not; that -men were born to aid each other, and not to be -made the slaves of party, sect, or color; and, -that he who knows most regarding the works of -the Creator, is most likely to have a proper sense -of his bounty. Convince the natives of India, -or of any other nation, that such is the truth, -and that you practise, while you teach, the -doctrines of Christianity, and nothing will, in -the end, be able to stand against so formidable an -attack. But if we proceed, as has been too -rashly done, to attempt a schism among them by -mere declamation, or by means of creeds and -parables in which they have no belief, (merely -because they know no better,) our object will -be either mistaken, or designedly misrepresented; -and we shall experience in Asia all those penalties -that formerly awaited the avowal of Lutheranism -in Europe! In brief; convince the -natives that their priests are fools and knaves, -and that poverty, disgrace, and even disease, -are the consequences of a mistaken bigotry, and -the whole country will prostrate itself at your -feet!</p> - -<p class='c001'>Waving every other objection, and resting -solely on the very inadequate means of instruction -afforded by parents to their children, through -the medium of <em>koits</em>, <em>láláhs</em>, and <em>gooroos</em>, it -seems probable that, unless some effectual reform -<span class='pageno' id='Page_320'>320</span>may take place, the natives of India are likely -to remain in darkness, <em>ad infinitum</em>. This is -the more to be regretted, when we consider -how willing they are to follow such means as -may be offered them, provided those means may -not oppose established principles, nor be contrary -to their ideas of sanctity and benevolence. Nor -can we but repine at such infatuations among a -race whose intellectual qualities, whatever may -be said by ignorant or designing men, are at -least on a par with those of Europeans. That -they are perverted, will not be denied; but, -that they are naturally imperfect, needs little -proof indeed! Set some dozens, or scores, of -our youths to bellow in unison, (with all the -<em>ennui</em> attendant upon monotonous rote,) any -particular passages from the Scripture, day after -day, and year after year; and, after some seasons, -search among them for Newtons, Lockes, -Blackstones, and Solons! The result need not -be told!</p> - -<p class='c001'>In recommending to those of my readers who -may be intent upon acquiring a knowledge of -the language, (by which I mean not only the -Bengallee, and the Hindui, both of which may -be considered vernacular, but the Persian also,) -to purchase such translations as may be extant of -the works of Indian authors, I am far from being -partial to their contents, and disclaim the idea of -affording any thing more than exercise in translation -<span class='pageno' id='Page_321'>321</span>when I do so; for there appears to me a -great disposition to trifle, or to the hyperbole, in -all I have ever seen. By means of such translations, -the originals may be more readily understood, -whereby the study may be rendered both -brief and pleasing; provided proper attention be -paid to all material points, and that, in reading -the translation, the student does not indulge in -the erroneous opinion that he is making himself -master of the original. Almost every book -written in the East is the production of some -court sycophant: a few have resulted from the -labors of men who, being disposed to meditation, -have committed their reveries to paper; and, -a very small portion have displayed such scintillations -of ability, as leave us to regret they -were either not better educated, so as to enlighten -their countrymen, or that they were not -born in those parts of the world where their -talents might have been fostered, and duly appreciated. -With regard to ethics, numbers have -amused themselves, to all appearance, more -from ostentation than from ‘being virtuous -over-much.’ The facility with which scraps -from the Koran, (<em>i.e.</em> the Bible of the Mahomedans,) -may be set forth in glowing terms, in a -language rich in expression, has, no doubt, -induced many a very tolerable lay-man to -annoy his neighbours, by the repetition of page -after page of the most tiresome tautologies, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_322'>322</span>whereon his fame has been built: of this description -abundance exist, all alike unworthy of -review.</p> - -<p class='c001'>I have always thought the poets of India to -be particularly happy in those little tales which -convey a moral, though a very worldly one, -under some alluring allegory. From this, however, -I exempt the celebrated <span class='sc'>Heetopades</span>, -translated by Mr. Wilkins. This, by general -consent, is allowed to be the store from whence -<em>Pilpay’s Fables</em> have been taken; but the -original can never appear in competition with -their offspring; for, while the latter are interesting, -and afford a very rich treat, by their apt -application to the affairs of life, the former are -heavy, dull, tedious, and of a most motley -character; the subject is generally forced, and -spun out into all the varieties garrulity could -invent!</p> - -<p class='c001'>The Asiatic student may find, in the several -works of Gilchrist, Baillie, F. Gladwin, Sir. W. -Jones, Sir William Ousely, Richardson, and -Wilkins, abundance of instruction in the -several languages most current in Hindostan; -the Asiatic Researches will give him a considerable -insight into a number of interesting and -important matters relating to the natural history -of the East, the manners, and the climate under -consideration; while, by means of Colebrooke’s -Digest of the Hindu Laws, and Rousseau’s -<span class='pageno' id='Page_323'>323</span>Dictionary of Mahomedan Law, he may become -very generally acquainted with that important -branch of knowledge. With respect to the -politics of the country, they have been so much -canvassed, that various treatises on that topic -are to be had: unfortunately, all are either devoted -to partial considerations, or written to -serve a party!</p> - -<p class='c001'>In almost every country, whereof the inhabitants -are either considered by their neighbours, -or deem themselves to be, civilized, the records -of the state, the several libraries, whether scholastic, -traditionary, scientific, or amusing only, -are open to the inspection of persons of all -nations; and, above all, the sacred institutions -are subject to visitation, and even to research. -In India, no such recreation or benefit is ever -afforded to the inquisitive traveller, who may -remain, for years, within a stone’s-throw of -what, to him, would appear an invaluable treasure, -without his being able to obtain the -smallest indulgence in aid of his pursuits. -Whatever may be the complaints against our -continental neighbours on the score of persecution, -we must give them credit for the most -ample toleration of the million of visitors who -intrude on their several cabinets, libraries, &c.; -some, from the most laudable motives, others, -actuated by the mere desire of seeing all that is -to be seen, without, in the least, regarding those -<span class='pageno' id='Page_324'>324</span>points by which the philosophic eye is naturally -attracted. Though so heavy a charge lies -against the Hindus, on account of their strict -rejection of our countrymen, in general, when -application has been made for information on -particular points, it must be allowed, that they -doubtless have, in a few instances, been more -explicit, and furnished information on particular -topics, which, to us, has proved extremely -interesting.</p> - -<p class='c001'>In truth, we have no exclusive right of complaint; -for all nations, and all sects, except their -own, have been equally subject to denial; or, -when indulged, have been compelled to perform -some ceremonies obnoxious to their faith, or to -their persons. Whether this be absolutely -necessary, or has been devised solely with the -intention of deterring the curious, may not be -difficult to determine; thus much we know, -that, in order to obtain admission to a knowledge -of certain forms, or to the perusal of certain -records, various operations, amounting -nearly to apostacy, though no recantation be -made, must be performed.</p> - -<p class='c001'>There is room to doubt whether any true -accounts of the antiquity of the Seek College at -Benares, and of the migrations of the Hindus -from the countries bordering on Palestine, -actually exists: many persons, of considerable -talents, and of great erudition, are disposed to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_325'>325</span>treat the whole of what has been delivered to -us, with so much solemnity, by the <em>Pundits</em>, -or learned Brahmans, as a deception, intended -to ridicule our curiosity, and to repress, or -at least to divert, it from the true course. -Circumstances may be adduced in support of -this hypothesis; and we cannot but regard the -manner in which the <em>Pundits</em> arrogate to themselves -the whole knowledge of their history, -which is carefully concealed from a large portion -even of the Brahmans, as a circumstantial proof -of our having been designedly led astray, both -by a fictitious record, and by a well concerted -fable, invented for the occasion: this may be -aptly compared to the whale and the tub. Fortunately, -no material point appears to rest on -the antiquity, or otherwise, of the Hindu mythology, -or the records of the Seeks, regarding -the origin of that people; though it would -perhaps be found, that their true exposition -might tend to afford many proofs in favor of the -mission of our Saviour.</p> - -<p class='c001'>When the immense extent of territory we -hold in India is considered, and, that perhaps no -country in the world offers greater facilities, not -only for literary correspondence, but for the researches -of naturalists, the conveyance of gross -articles, and the manufacture of raw materials, -which every where abound, we cannot but -lament the want of such institutions as might -<span class='pageno' id='Page_326'>326</span>enable us to turn such important advantages to -the immediate benefit of Great Britain, on the -most unbounded scale. We are absolutely -ignorant of a million of facts now included, -either directly, or by affinity, in our endless -catalogue of desiderata, which need not remain -in that disgraceful list, provided due means -were taken to correct our errors, and to extend -our resources. During the dry season, or at -least for four months in the year, scarce a part of -the country opposes the progress of a traveller; -unless through those immense wildernesses -already described. It may, on the whole, be -said, that one half the country is passable at all -seasons by land; though the progress will -doubtless be slow, and difficult, during the -heavy falls of rain. Intercourse is never at a -stand. The <em>dawk</em>, or post, proceeds at all -seasons; and is rarely more than two days -longer on its way from Calcutta to the upper -provinces, than at the favorable time of the year. -Bridges and ferries are found on all the great -roads; whereby regiments have occasionally -marched on emergency with such despatch, as -could scarcely have been exceeded even during -the hot season.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The communication with Europe, overland, -has been established, during peaceable times, for -full twenty years; but it was not until about -twelve years ago, that the public have been permitted -<span class='pageno' id='Page_327'>327</span>to avail themselves of so essential a -means of correspondence at fixed rates, and -under particular regulations. Prior to that -period, the Company used to receive, and to -despatch, packets overland, in which occasional -indulgences were granted to favored individuals. -I abstract this from the very old custom of -sending intelligence, on sudden occasions, by -the despatch of some confidential person to or -from India. The utility of some permanent -and certain conveyance for letters from a quarter -daily becoming more opulent, and more important, -cannot be doubted; were it only for the -purpose of transmitting bills of exchange payable -after sight, the notices of bankruptcies, the -information of intended consignments, the state -of the markets, &c., such a systematic communication -must be invaluable to the several merchants. -To the Government it is of the -highest importance! Many complain of the -heavy rates of postage overland, and others of -the severe restrictions; but such complaints are -ill founded: the expence of the posts is very -heavy, and it is indispensably necessary for -Government to hold a severe check over whatever -intercourse might lead to mischief.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The tables of postage, and of <em>bangy</em> carriage, -contained in the Directory, will enable the -reader to judge how far the charges are from -being exorbitant: he will not fail to recollect, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_328'>328</span>that the sums paid in Britain are very trifling, -owing to the immense intercourse subsisting -between the several parts of the kingdom, far -beyond what exists in any part of India. Bath is -the same distance from London that the cantonments -of Berhampore are from Calcutta, viz. 106 -miles: the former pays 8d. postage, the latter 4 -annas, which is about the same sum: the other -charges are considerably cheaper; viz. Allahabad, -which is full five hundred miles from Calcutta, -pays only 7 annas (about 13½d.); but this -is on the great road, while the other is scarcely -to be considered a thoroughfare, compared with -what it was before the new road was cut through -the Ramghur district to Chunar.</p> - -<p class='c001'>With the exception of such parts as may be -infested by tigers, the post seldom or never fails -of arriving within an hour of its appointed time; -except, as has been observed, when the waters -are out; in which case, many circuitous roads -must be followed, whereby the way is considerably -lengthened in the aggregate. Taking the -average, a hundred miles per day may be run -over by the <em>dawk</em>, or post, in fair weather. -Each mail-bag is conveyed by an <em>hirkarah</em>, (or -runner,) who is attended by one or two <em>doog-doogy-wallahs</em>, -or drummers, who keep up a -kind of ‘long-roll,’ as they pass any suspicious -place. Ordinarily, two <em>mosaulchees</em>, or link-bearers, -accompany each <em>dawk</em>; and, where -<span class='pageno' id='Page_329'>329</span>tigers are known to commit depredations, one -or two <em>teerin-dauzes</em>, or archers, are supplied, -under the intention of protecting the party. -But such puny aid is of no avail; for the onset -of the tiger is too sudden, and too discomfiting, -to allow any effort of consequence to be -timously adopted: the very act of seizure is a -death-blow, from which I never heard of any -recovery; provided the unhappy victim were -not so particularly situated as to prevent it from -decidedly taking effect.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Here it may be needful to explain, that a tiger -invariably strikes his prey with the fore paw, in -so forcible a manner as often to fracture the -skull; which, generally, is the object aimed at: -many oxen have had their cheek bones shivered -by the contusion. It sometimes happens, that -the marks of one or two claws are to be seen, -but they are generally <em>en passant</em>, and by no -means the result of primary intention. The -wrist of a tiger being often nearly two feet in -circumference, may give some idea of the -violence with which the <em>coup de grace</em> falls on -the head of a human being! The <em>mosauls</em>, or -<em>flambeaux</em>, are intended to intimidate the tigers, -as are also the <em>doog-doogies</em>, but experience has -shewn that, when hungry, tigers are not to be -restrained by any such device: indeed, instances -have occurred of the <em>mosaulchees</em> themselves -<span class='pageno' id='Page_330'>330</span>being carried off. It would, nevertheless, be -presumptuous to judge from such partial data, -that many tigers are not deterred by the noise -and fire accompanying the letter-carriers; on the -contrary, there should rather seem a probability, -that many young tigers, or such grown ones as -may not be hungry, nor be attended by cubs, are -frequently intimidated from those attacks they -would make but for these precautions. A residence -of two years at Hazary-Bang, the station -for a battalion in the Ramghur district, enabled -me to form a fair estimate of the dangers to -which the <em>dawk</em>, and travellers in general, were -subject. During some seasons, the roads were -scarcely to be considered passable; day after -day, for nearly a fortnight in succession, some of -the <em>dawk</em> people were carried off, either at -Goomeah, Kannachitty, Katcumsandy, or Dungaie; -four passes in that country, all famous for -the exploits of these enemies to the human race!</p> - -<p class='c001'>So few valuables are ever sent by the post, -that thieves never attempt any depredations on -the letter-bags. <em>Hoondiés</em> (<em>i.e.</em> banker’s drafts) -would be of no use whatever to them; and as -bank notes are not in general currency, no object -is held out for enterprize of that description. -Nor do the <em>dawk-bangies</em>, or parcel-dawks, offer -any substantial inducement; for, even if any -plate, or watches, or trinkets, were to be sent by -<span class='pageno' id='Page_331'>331</span>such a conveyance, the want of a market, and -the impossibility of confiding in any village -jeweller, would render the act both hazardous -and unavailing. Hence, the <em>dawk</em> generally -proceeds in perfect safety, throughout every part -of the country; while the <em>bangies</em> maybe considered -equally secure; except, indeed, in some -parts of the dominions of the Nabob Vizier of -Oude, where a lawless uncontrolled banditti -subject every passenger to contribution: this -evil is fortunately on the decline, in consequence -of our having assumed the reins of -government.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It has frequently been asked why, in a country -so completely under our control, we did not -establish mails, similar to those in use throughout -England. Before this can be effected, an -immense revolution must take place, not only in -the minds of the natives, but in the features of -the country. At present, there appears no desire -on the part of the inhabitants to communicate -by land, farther than may be necessary for the -purpose of attending <em>hauts</em>, (markets,) <em>maylahs</em>, -(fairs,) or for the resort to certain places of worship, -&c. For such purposes, a pedestrian trip -suffices; or, at the utmost, a poney, worth only -a few shillings, is either borrowed or hired. The -contact of various <em>casts</em>, or sects, being considered -a pollution, it is not to be supposed that -a Hindu would like to be pent up, for hours -<span class='pageno' id='Page_332'>332</span>together, with a Mahomedan, who makes no -scruple of killing and eating a cow: or that the -Mussulman would, in his turn, feel comfortable -under similar circumstances, with a British -<em>kaufur</em>, (unbeliever,) who, besides his condemnation -of the prophet, makes no scruple of devouring -ham and bacon wholesale! Admitting -that all parties should be agreed to associate -within the body of a stage-coach, still there -would not exist intercourse sufficient to support -the expences, in a quarter where horses are so -dear, and where the necessary repairs could not, -in case of accident, be promptly effected. Then, -again, the roads must be suitably made, at an -enormous expence, and be afterwards supported -by heavy disbursements, or by a contribution of -labor on the part of the land-holders, by no -means agreeable to their feelings. All this may, -in time, pass under a complete metamorphosis: -the produce of the country will be more -generally estimable; the people will relax greatly -from the vigorous attention now paid to religious -tenets; and, as their prejudices may give way -to their true interests, will extend their speculations -without fear or restriction. Those who may -then inhabit India, will see roads, mails, and -inns; whereas, at present, there are only pathways -and runners, but no inns. There are, to -be sure, <em>seraies</em> and <em>choultries</em>, for the accommodation -of travellers, but these are mostly going -<span class='pageno' id='Page_333'>333</span>fast to decay; and, at the best, can be viewed -only as shelter for men and cattle; goods being -usually left exposed to the weather. The <em>bytearens</em>, -or female cooks, who ply, in more than -one capacity, at such places, and who, on -receiving money before-hand, buy and cook -such victuals as may be ordered, or the place -may afford, cannot be considered otherwise -than as menials, and not to be classed with our -inn-keepers; no, nor even with the poorest -village retailer, ‘<em>Lysunst to del in T, Koffy, and -Tibaky</em>!’</p> - -<p class='c001'>There is, however, a wide field for practical -improvement; as may be fully understood from -the following statement. The <em>dawk</em> rarely -travels at a less expence than twenty-five rupees -per month, for each stage of eight miles (four -cosses) on the average. This sum is absorbed -by a <em>moonshy</em> at each <em>chokey</em>, or relief at the end -of a stage, who pretends to be very scrupulous in -regard to ascertaining that all the parcels are -right, but who, as I have repeatedly witnessed, -is more intent on receiving little presents of -<em>ottah</em>, (meal,) spices, &c., sent to him from the -neighbouring villages, in return for letters conveyed -by the <em>dawk-hirkarahs</em>, who are sometimes -laden pretty heavily with such contributions. -I speak from what I have been an eye-witness -to repeatedly; as to hear-say, much more -might be asserted. It appears to me that the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_334'>334</span>above sum would carry on the system with double -the speed, and double the efficiency. In -lieu of sending off four, five, and six, men with -the <em>dawks</em>, let a horseman convey the bags for -about twelve miles, on an allowance of fifteen -rupees per month for man and horse; and, during -the rainy season, when the roads are deep, let -a fresh horse be allowed for the several returns, -instead of causing the same man and horse to -return with the <em>counter-dawks</em>. On the above -allowance a very good steed might be kept, the -celerity of the <em>dawk</em> would be greatly encreased, -and there would be no occasion for <em>moonshies</em>, -except at such <em>chokies</em> as might be upon diverging -roads, where it would be necessary to have -the proper parcels sorted out, and delivered to -the various <em>branch-dawks</em>.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Travelling in a <em>palanquin</em> by <em>dawk</em>, (<em>i.e.</em> post,) -is effected much in the same manner as the -despatch of the <em>dawks</em>. Bearers are stationed at -the several stages, for the purpose of relief; -each station, in general, supplying eight bearers, -and a <em>bangy</em>, in all nine men, together with one -or two <em>mosaulchies</em> for night stages. The expence -of travelling in this manner will depend -greatly on the distance: if only a short journey -is to be made, such as may be compassed within -eight or ten hours, nothing more is needful than -to send on a set, or two, of bearers, who then -receive their daily hire of four annas (8d.) each, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_335'>335</span>while out from home; or, if there should exist -the means of so doing, a <em>hirkarah</em>, (or messenger,) -may be despatched to collect bearers at the -several stages. In this manner, the relays may -be properly supplied, and the cost will not -amount to more than a rupee for three miles; -equal to ten-pence a mile; whereas, in the ordinary -mode of having bearers laid by the post-master, -each mile will cost full one rupee, -(<em>i.e.</em> 2<em>s.</em> 6<em>d.</em>,) besides various little disbursements -by way of <em>buxees</em>, or presents, to every -set of bearers in the journey: these may be fairly -estimated at two rupees for every set, or relief, -which, if the distances run by each should average -ten miles, will be about twenty rupees -(£2. 10<em>s.</em>) for every hundred miles. The ordinary -rate of this kind of conveyance may be -rated at four miles per hour during the cold -season, three and a half during the hot season, -and from two to three during the rains, provided -the waters are not much out: otherwise, -no estimate can be formed. The above includes -stops.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The establishment of <em>dawk-bangies</em> for the -conveyance of parcels, at rates in proportion to -their weights respectively, has produced considerable -convenience to those who reside at a -distance from the Presidency. Until this plan -was adopted, few could send small articles, -such as trinkets, &c., to the Presidency, but -<span class='pageno' id='Page_336'>336</span>under favor of some individual who might perchance -be travelling thither, and who might -possibly be some months on the way: the same -inconvenience attended the return; so that it -was not uncommon for a gentleman whose watch -required inspection, to be four or five months -deprived of its use. This is now done away, -and a watch, &c. may be sent from Cawnpore to -Calcutta, there undergo repair, and be returned -with ease, in the course of a month, or less.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The same kind of convenience is, of course, -afforded regarding books, and all other articles -too bulky, or too heavy, to proceed by the <em>dawk</em>, -but not of sufficient importance to induce the -employment of a boat, or of a <em>bangy</em>, to convey -them: nor, indeed, could a single bearer travel -with a <em>bangy</em> more than twenty miles within the -twenty-four hours; so that he would be full a -month in going from Calcutta to Cawnpore; -whereas, the <em>dawk-bangies</em> travel by relays of -bearers, therefore can almost keep up with the -<em>dawk-hirkarahs</em>, who carry the mail-bags suspended -at the end of a stick over their shoulders.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The communication by water between Calcutta -and the several subordinate stations, whether -civil or military, is much resorted to; during -the rainy season in particular. At that time, -few are inaccessible to craft of some description, -though but for a while: those immense falls of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_337'>337</span>rain which cause the ravines to fill, and every little -creek to become navigable for boats of ten or -fifteen tons, swell the Ganges, and the other -great rivers, to an astonishing height; causing -them to run with awful velocity. The rivers -generally rise in May, but a few inches only, -in June, they often approach the summits of -their banks, between which they fluctuate, -rising and falling until the great swell, which -takes place in August. Sometimes the river -rises twice, sometimes thrice, or, even four -times, during the season; but, in general, one -ample inundation serves all the purposes of agriculture, -provided the rains do not afterwards -abate too suddenly in September, before the rice -is cut. When such an untimely cessation takes -place, it is attended with great mortality: the -immense expanse of slime, suddenly exposed to -the influence of the sun, then on the equinoctial, -throws forth the most destructive miasma, -whereby epidemics, of the most dangerous description, -are propagated.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The swelling of the great rivers is a matter of -great uncertainty; sometimes they rise very -early, before the quantity of rain that falls in -the lower provinces could lead to the expectation -of their doing so: when this is the case, it -is not uncommon to see the Cossimbazar river, -commonly called the <em>Baugrutty</em>, nearly dry at -night, and full twenty feet, or more, deep the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_338'>338</span>next morning. In other seasons the waters are -very tardy; a matter of serious moment to the -husbandman, who is naturally anxious to plant -his crop of rice in due time, so that it may be -securely attached to the soil before the great -inundation comes on. The growth of the rice -stalk is certainly one of the most curious proofs -of nature’s adaptation of that plant to the situation -in which it is cultivated; namely, in the -water: it will not thrive unless the stem be -immersed for several inches; and, owing to the -formation of its stalk, which draws out like the -concentric tubes of a pocket telescope, it can -put forth many feet in the course of a few hours, -so as, apparently, to grow as fast as the water -may rise, and to keep its pannicle from being -overflowed. It is by no means rare for the rice -stalks to shoot forth from five to six feet during -the twenty-four hours: I have <em>seen</em> it do much -more!</p> - -<p class='c001'>In parts subject to the regular annual inundation, -all the villages are built on rising grounds: -many stand on artificial mounds, formed by -excavations around their bases, so that they are -surrounded nearly by moats, in which their <em>dingies</em>, -or small boats, are immersed during the -dry season, and affording admirable refreshment -to their buffaloes during the summer heats. But -it sometimes happens, that the waters rise to so -great a height as to endanger even these elevated -<span class='pageno' id='Page_339'>339</span>villages; some of which are then completely -inundated. To avoid this, most of the houses -are built upon piles, or stakes, thereby to raise -their floors from four to six feet above the ground, -and open enough to permit the waters to pass -through with freedom. In the dry time of the -year, the cattle are occasionally kept within the -areas thus enclosed under the floors; but, while -the inundation is at its height, so as to insulate -a village completely, all the live stock are kept -in boats moored around it, where they are fed -by a species of the <em>doob</em>, or <em>doop-grass</em>, dragged -up from the bottom of the waters by means of -split bamboos, made to serve as forks: but for -so providential a supply, the cattle must be -led scores of miles to some part of the country, -whose elevation exempts it from inundation.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The mention of a country being so completely -under water, cannot but cause considerable surprize. -The fact is, however, too well known to -be disputed. Even at Berhampore, which is -not considered within the ordinary verge of inundation, -it is common to see boats of great burthen, -perhaps fifty tons, sailing over the plains, -as through a boundless sea. As to the country -lying between the mouth of the Jellinghy and -the debouchures of the Ganges, that is always -overflowed for full three months, perhaps to the -average depth of ten or twelve feet. I have -sailed over it full a hundred miles by the compass; -<span class='pageno' id='Page_340'>340</span>aided, indeed, by some remarkable villages, -mosques, banks, &c., well known to the -boatmen, who, probably from their earliest days, -had traversed the same expanse during every -rainy season.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Were it not for the water being strongly colored, -and the strength of the current, it would not -be easy in many places to distinguish the great -rivers which are crossed in steering through -this fresh-water ocean: the water of the inundation -is generally of a bluish tinge, derived -from the quantity of vegetable matter at the -bottom, of which a certain quantity decays, -and partially taints the fluid. A large portion -is concealed by the <em>d’haun</em>, (or rice,) which -rises above its surface. This, in the first instance, -bears the appearance of a long grass, of a rich -green, rising above the surface, so as to be mistaken -at a little distance for <em>terra firma</em>: gradually, -the pannicles shoot forth, of a pale-dun color, -turning, as they ripen, to a deep dun, or light clay.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The grains of rice, which are called by Europeans -‘<em>paddy</em>,’ retain the name of <em>d’haun</em> so -long as in their coats; as we often see a few -grains among the rice imported to us: these -coats are peculiarly harsh to the feel, and are -fluted longitudinally, so that no water can -lodge upon them. Each grain is fastened to -a short stalk, joining to a main stem, and furnishing -a very pleasing bunch of grain, not very -<span class='pageno' id='Page_341'>341</span>dissimilar to an ear of oats, but far richer, both -in color, and in quantity. Rice has no husk or -chaff; therefore is easily separated from the -straw, which is eaten by cattle when no other -provender can be had, and makes excellent -litter, it being very long and soft. Where the -inundation prevails, the straw is of little use: -the grain being cut in boats, and the straw settling -at the bottom as the waters subside; thereby -adding to the natural fertility of the soil. In -the more elevated parts, the straw is cut the -same as in the <em>rubbee</em>, or corn crops, and bundled -for domestic purposes: there, its length rarely -exceeds two feet, whereas, among the inundations, -it is often seen from fifteen to eighteen -feet in length. The head, or pannicle, generally -bears from a hundred and fifty, to three hundred, -grains of rice.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Two modes of clearing rice from the shell are -in use; the one performed by the very simple -process of scalding, which occasions the rice to -swell, and to burst the shell, so that the latter is -removed with very little trouble; the other is, -by putting the <em>d’haun</em> into an immense wooden -mortar, called an <em>ookly</em>, and beating it by the -application of two or more beetles, called <em>moosuls</em>, -of about four feet in length, by three -inches in diameter, shod at the bottom with -iron ferules, and thinned towards their centres, -so as to be grasped by the women; each alternately -<span class='pageno' id='Page_342'>342</span>impelling one, in nearly a perpendicular -direction, among the <em>d’haun</em> in the <em>ookly</em>. After -the shells have been duly separated, the rice, -now called <em>choul</em>, is separated, by winnowing -either in a strong draught of air, or by means of -a kind of scoop, made of fine wicker-work, -called a <em>soop</em>, wherewith the native women can -most dexterously separate different kinds of -corn, and effectually remove all rubbish. The -coat of rice is peculiarly harsh, and not much -relished by cattle: I have seen it mixed with -dung for fuel with excellent effect.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The natives, in general, make little distinction -between the rice separated by scalding, -which is called <em>oosnah</em>, and that dressed by the -<em>ookly</em>, which is called <em>urwah</em>; but some of the -more fastidious prefer one or the other, according -to particular prejudices handed down in their -families, or supposed to appertain to their respective -sects. I think the scalded rice generally -deficient in flavor; the grains are larger, -and less compact; the beaten rice certainly boils -with rather more difficulty, but appears whiter, -and drier. The scalded rice does not immediately -separate from the coat, but is usually submitted -to the operation of a machine composed -of a stout beam, nearly equipoised by means of -a thorough-pin, on a fork, of wood also, fixed -in the ground.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It is inconceivable what quantities of rice, of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_343'>343</span>a coarse reddish cast, but peculiarly sweet, and -large grained, are prepared, about Backergunge, -near the debouchure of the Megna, for exportation. -In that quarter fuel is cheap, and water -conveyance every where at hand; so that the -immense crops raised in the inundated districts -find a ready sale. The average return from a -<em>bigah</em> of 1600 square yards, of three <em>bigahs</em> to -our statute acre, sown with about twenty-five -seers of <em>d’haun</em>, may be taken at nine maunds. -The price of the grain, when cleared of its coat, -may be from thirty to forty seers of fine rice, and -from sixty even to <em>a hundred and twenty seers</em> -(<em>i.e.</em> three maunds) of coarse, commonly called -‘cargo-rice.’ But the demand always regulates -the value; especially when great consignments -are forwarded to the coast of Coromandel.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Large quantities of rice are usually cleared by -contract, the operator receiving the grain at the -door of the <em>golah</em>, or warehouse, where he sets -up his cauldron and machines, and returning -twenty-five seers of clean rice for every maund -(forty seers) delivered to him; he finding the -fuel, and reserving the husks. In a country -where labor is so very cheap, it is not so very -necessary to have recourse to mechanical devices -for the purpose of diminishing the expence of -such operations; yet it occurs to me, that, -were tide wheels to be used at Backergunge and -elsewhere, or a floating mill, like that moored -<span class='pageno' id='Page_344'>344</span>between Blackfriars’ and London Bridge, to be -made out of some condemned hulk, an immense -advantage would be gained in regard to time. -By the proper adaptation of machinery, whereby -the rice might be hoisted in, or lowered down, -either by the force of water, or of steam, and the -beetles be properly worked, the grain might -certainly be prepared for market in less time, -and infinitely less charge for <em>cooly</em> hire, in landing, -loading, &c.: should this hint be well received -by any speculating European, it might -tend to lower the prices of rice at those times, -when, either from want of laborers, or from the -expediency of shipping off with as little delay as -possible, the saving of a few days might prove -an object of importance. At all events, the work -might be done more regularly, more frugally, -and more independently, than by manual process.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The rice grown in the low countries by no -means equals that produced in the uplands, -where it is cultivated with great care, and subjected -to many vicissitudes in regard to the state -of moisture in which its roots are retained. In -many parts of the most hilly districts <em>d’haun</em> is -to be seen in every little narrow valley, winding -among the bases of those stupendous eminences -from which the torrents of rain supply a superabundant -flow of moisture at one time, while, at -others, only the little rills proceeding from boggy -<span class='pageno' id='Page_345'>345</span>springs seem to feed the artificial pools in which -the growing plants are kept in a state of semi-immersion, -by means of small embankments -made of mud. In every instance the <em>d’haun</em> is -to be kept duly watered; else it withers, and -becomes unproductive. In order to preserve the -water as much as possible, the bed, or level, -nearest to the springs, is raised as high as can -be afforded, and its exterior border banked up, -to about a foot and a half, with soil: the next -level may be from a foot to a yard lower, and -receives the overflow; which is again passed on -to the next lower bed; and thus, in succession, -for perhaps a mile or more; the ends of the beds -requiring no embankment, on account of the -land rising on either side. Such situations afford -a certain crop in ordinary seasons; and, if the -rains should fail, the dews falling on the adjacent -hills, generally covered with jungle of some -kind, ordinarily afford moisture enough to keep -up the springs, thus causing sufficient dampness -to prevent the rice from perishing, before some -ample showers may again float the whole of the -irrigated cultivation. Rice thus produced is -commonly small in grain, rather long and wiry, -but remarkably white, and admirably suited to -the table. The natives, though they admire its -appearance, are not partial to it; they generally -preferring the larger-bodied grain, with a reddish -inner rind, which does not readily separate, when -<span class='pageno' id='Page_346'>346</span>new, from the rice: this kind, as I have before -expressed, is assuredly the sweetest, and is, on -that account, preferred by those who distil -arrack.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Remoteness from the sea air is said to be the -reason why the up-country rice possesses less -saccharine matter than that grown near the sea-coast, -and among the inundation; but this appears -an erroneous judgment. There is, no -doubt, a great encrease of saccharine matter in -plants (of the same genus) cultivated on spots -well manured: now, few, if any, of the places -devoted to the cultivation of rice in the upper -country, receive much aid from manure; nor are -they, in general, subject to the reception of nutritious -particles, such as are either floated down, -or are engendered and deposited by, the inundation, -which may be viewed as the grand depôt -of whatever can enrich the soil. When we look -to the large tracts of plain, not subject to such -an immense flow of feculous moisture, but seeming -merely as reservoirs for the retention of local -rains, we shall then see, that the superior sweetness -of the rice produced about Backergunge, -Dacca, Hajygunge, Luricool, Mahomedpore, Comercolly, -Jessore, &c., is to be attributed solely -to the superior fatness of the soil, on which the -most luxuriant crops of cotton, and of esculents, -are raised during the dry season. When the soil -is fresh turned up for the second crop, it is generally -<span class='pageno' id='Page_347'>347</span>very offensive, and, doubtless, by no means -favorable to the health of the cultivators, who, -at that season, (commonly in November, December, -and January,) are subjected to very -obstinate agues.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Rice is very subject to the weevil, which -often multiplies among it so fast, as to -threaten destruction to the whole depôt. The -natives have recourse to a very simple preventive; -viz. by placing one or two live cray-fish -within the heap: their effluvia quickly expel -the predatory tribe. Here we have a question -for naturalists and philosophers; a question -pregnant with interest to the agricultural world, -namely, ‘Whether there is any particular, and -what, property in a live cray-fish, that produces -this effect upon insects under such circumstances?’ -Whatever may be the cause, the -effect is well known; therefore the enquiry is -so far forwarded as to furnish data, or at least -hints, respecting those results which might be -expected both from marine productions, and from -other living bodies. The inhabitants of the -lower provinces are chiefly Hindus; therefore, -owing to religious tenets, by which they are led -to consider almost every animal as unclean, few -experiments could be expected to take place -among them; otherwise, we might probably -have found that any living animal, such as a rat, -a frog, &c., if confined in a small box, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_348'>348</span>placed within a heap of rice infested by weevils, -would produce a similar effect. Rice is by no -means subject to this species of depredation -when in the coat, that is, in the state called -<em>d’haun</em>, but the natives are averse to retaining it -in that form, because the grains shrink considerably, -and, when beat out for sale, do not occupy -so much space as when exposed to the air. -Hence, it is an object with the rice-merchants -to dispose of their crops before the month of -March, unless the markets may be so glutted as -to cause that grain to sell, as it has in some years -done, at such low prices as could not fail to ruin -the farmer. It has been known so cheap as -seven and eight maunds (equal to seven cwt.) -for a rupee! When this happens, such merchants -as have the command of money rarely fail -to make immense fortunes. Many have been -known to possess four or five lacs of maunds!</p> - -<p class='c001'>Rice is the most common article of food among -the natives, whether Hindus or Mussulmans, -throughout the lower provinces, where it is to -be found in far greater abundance than corn of -any description. The inhabitants of the upper -provinces, where wheat and barley are cultivated -to such an extent as to be sold in the retail for -about a rupee and a quarter, and a rupee, respectively, -subsist chiefly on the meals of those -grains; which, being well kneaded with water, -are made into <em>chow-patties</em>, or <em>bannocks</em>, are baked -<span class='pageno' id='Page_349'>349</span>at the common <em>choolahs</em>, and are both palatable -and nourishing. The natives hold an opinion -that rice is very injurious to the sight; but, I -believe, whatever injury may arise from its use -proceeds entirely from eating it too hot, and in -such quantities at one meal, generally about -sun-set, as can scarcely fail to injure the stomach. -Barley-meal is considered, and with -great justice, to be very nourishing, but heating; -therefore most of those who prefer <em>ottah</em> -(meal) to rice, use that made from wheat. Large -quantities of rice are carried upwards, towards -the Nabob Vizier’s dominions, where it sells to -great advantage; while, on the other hand, -immense consignments of corn, chiefly wheat, -barley, and <em>r’hur</em>, are made from those parts -towards the lower districts; where they are consumed -by all classes of persons. While the -<em>Baugrutty</em>, (<em>i.e.</em> the Cossimbazar river,) and the -<em>Jellinghy</em>, both of which branch from the Ganges, -and, uniting at Nuddeah, form the Hoogly, -which passes Calcutta, are open, boats of all -kinds proceed that way; but chiefly through -the former channel, on which Moorshadabad, -Berhampore, Cossimbazar, and Jungypore, are -situate. This is the shortest line of communication -by water between the Presidency and the -upper provinces; but, unfortunately, it is open -only for about six months in the year; it rarely -having water before the middle of June, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_350'>350</span>being commonly reduced to a very low ebb by -the middle of December; though, in some years, -it remains navigable for small boats for a month -or six weeks longer. It may, indeed, be passed -in such all the year through, provided they be -dragged over the shallows, which, often for a -mile or more, oppose the progress of whatever -may draw more than a few inches of water: -in such case, the bottom of a boat should be -good, otherwise she may be strained by the -immense exertions of perhaps fifty men, who, -ranging along either side, and dragging by means -of ropes, as well as by pushing and lifting behind, -force her along the shallows, and thus pass her -over all the more prominent obstacles. I have, -more than once, had a very small <em>pulwar-budjrow</em> -navigated, if I may so call it, down the <em>Baugrutty</em>, -from Mohanahpore, at the mouth of that -river, as far as Berhampore; which, by land, is -full forty miles, and, by water, cannot be less -than seventy. But there are so many bars, or -shoals, between Berhampore and Augah-Deep, -about thirty-five miles by land, lower down, as -to render that part absolutely impassable, except -when the river has an average depth of two feet, -or two feet and a half.</p> - -<p class='c001'>During the dry months, the whole of the commodities -transmitted from the upper provinces -to the Presidency, with the exception of some -few articles of small compass, which may be -<span class='pageno' id='Page_351'>351</span>landed at Bagwangolah, and proceed to Augah-Deep -overland, are sent down the Ganges for the -purpose of proceeding through the <em>Soonderbunds</em>. -This highly interesting, but difficult navigation, -reaches from the Megna to Calcutta, near to -which a canal offers to adventurers a safe and -easy communication between the Hoogly and -the Salt-Water Lake, which lies at the back of -Calcutta. The generality of trading and passage -vessels proceed by this cut, paying a moderate -toll, either on the tonnage of the former, or the -number of oars of the latter. But the salt vessels -despatched from Joynaghur, &c., with the -produce of the different pans in that quarter, -commonly take the lower passages near <em>Chingree-Cauly</em>, -and <em>Culpee</em>, which are by far the most -dangerous, though rather more direct.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The <em>Soonderbunds</em>, or <em>Sunderbunds</em>, consist of -an immense wilderness, full fifty miles in depth, -and in length about a hundred and eighty miles. -This wilderness, which borders the coast to the -water’s edge, forming a strong natural barrier in -that quarter, occupies the whole of what is called -the Delta of the Ganges; every where intersected -by great rivers, and innumerable creeks, -in which the tides are so intermixed, that a pilot -is absolutely necessary, both to thread the intricacies -of the passage, and to point out at what -particular parts the currents will, at certain times, -be favorable in proceeding either to the eastward -<span class='pageno' id='Page_352'>352</span>or to the westward. In many places there is -scarcely breadth for the passing of a single boat, -and even then the boughs of the immense trees, -and of the subordinate jungle, frequently are -found so to hang over, as nearly to debar the -progress of ordinary trading vessels. Fortunately, -these narrow creeks are short, or, at -least, have in various parts such little bays as -enable boats to pass: one or two are, however, -so limitted throughout in point of width, as to -render it expedient that musquets should be -discharged before a boat proceeds, in order that -others may not enter at the opposite end of the -narrow: but for such a precaution, one of them -would be compelled to put back. The water -being brackish, or rather absolutely salt, throughout -the <em>Sunderbunds</em>, it is necessary for all who -navigate this passage, to take a good stock; -calculating for at least a fortnight’s service. -Even the villages, which here and there are to be -found on the banks of the great rivers, are sometimes -supplied from a great distance; especially -during the dry season, when the tides are very -powerful.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The regular trading vessels, which pass through -the Sunderbunds, perhaps every month, or two, -are usually provided with very large <em>nauds</em>, or -<em>gounlahs</em>, made in the form of a rather flat turnep, -of a black earth which bakes very hard. Casks -are never used in India for water; all the ships -<span class='pageno' id='Page_353'>353</span>in the country trade have one or more tanks -made of <em>teak</em> wood, rendered perfectly water -tight, and containing from twenty to fifty butts. -The water is thus carried in a small compass, -and remains sweet much longer than when in -casks. Even if no other reason could be assigned, -it must be obvious, that, in a tank, the -surface of wood necessary to contain fifty butts -of water, will not exceed six hundred and fifty -square feet; whereas, each of the fifty butts -would present a surface of more than forty feet, -whence the whole must amount to two thousand -square feet.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Where a ship is navigated by lascars, many -rules and ceremonies are adopted for the preservation -of the water from impure contact. When -native troops are on board, only particular -persons are allowed to lay it in, or to serve it -out, and even under such precaution, many of -the more fastidious shew great aversion to using -the tank water; often undergoing great sufferings, -both from hunger and from thirst, rather -than drink of it, or even taste of viands prepared -therewith. But this prejudice has, of -late years, subsided considerably, in consequence -of the frequent occasions the British -government have had to send native troops on -distant expeditions by sea.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Casks would certainly prove obnoxious to -servants, and others, proceeding through the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_354'>354</span>Soonderbunds, owing to a general opinion among -them, that we convey spirits, meat, &c., in such -vessels; which, having been once used for such -a purpose, could never be viewed by them as -receptacles for beverage, without disgust and -execration.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The town of Calcutta is supplied with firewood -by persons who resort to the woods, about -twenty-five miles from Calcutta, where they -cut the smaller kinds of <em>serress</em>, <em>jarrool</em>, <em>soondry</em>, -<em>g’hob</em>, &c., into junks about four feet in length, -which are rived into two or four pieces, according -to their diameter, and carried to market, -where such billets are usually retailed at from -twelve to fourteen rupees per hundred maunds, -delivered at the door. This is the only kind of -fuel used in the kitchens of Europeans, and -forms the supply of nine-tenths of the native -population also: the remainder use the <em>gutties</em> -made of dung.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It is to be lamented that Government have -never adopted a plan I long ago offered, of employing -the convicts in clearing away a sufficient -tract around Diamond Harbour, which is now -peculiarly unhealthy, and is the grave of full -one-fourth of the crews of the India Company’s, -and other ships, that generally are moored there -for months.</p> - -<p class='c001'>I am aware that objections have been stated -in regard to clearing away the forests in the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_355'>355</span>Soonderbunds, on account of their being considered -a natural defence in that quarter; but, -without entering upon the policy, or otherwise, -of such a retention of that ‘wilderness of all -wildernesses,’ there does not appear to me any -sound reason for suffering the principal naval -station to be backed and flanked by woods and -swamps, from which disease is poured forth -amidst our unfortunate countrymen.</p> - -<p class='c001'>I have been assured, that, taking one year -with another, full three hundred European -sailors die of diseases incident to the laying up -of ships for a while in the river, of whom, the -larger portion are taken ill at, or below, -Diamond Harbour.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Those who have occasion to pass through the -Sunderbunds, which can be done by water only, -ought to be extremely careful not to venture -ashore, unless at some of the little towns, -whose vicinity may afford some security against -the attacks of tigers, by the jungle having been -partially cleared away. The romantic scenery, -every where inviting the eye, should not be permitted -to allure the traveller from his state of -safety; nor should the abundance of game, -especially of deer, lead him among those coverts -in which danger equally abounds.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Nor are the waters less devoid of mischief: -sharks, of an uncommon size, are every where -numerous and greedy; while their competitors, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_356'>356</span>the alligators, not only infest the streams, but -often lie among the grass and low jungle, -waiting for a prey, with which, so soon as seized, -they plunge into the water.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Instances have been know, both of tigers -swimming off to board boats, and of alligators -striking the <em>dandies</em> (boatmen) out of the boats, -with their tails, and snapping their victims up -with a nimbleness fully proving the falsehood of -that doctrine, which teaches to escape from the -crocodile by running out of the right line, -‘<em>because the animal cannot turn to follow</em>!’</p> - -<p class='c001'>If those who either gave, or believed in, such -advice, were to see with what facility an alligator -can turn about, or with what agility he can pursue, -<em>and catch</em>, the large fishes that abound in -the great rivers of India, the folly would be so -self evident, as to cause an immediate dereliction -of so preposterous an opinion.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Besides, the <em>koomeer</em>, or bull-headed alligator, -which, generally speaking, is the only kind to be -seen in brackish waters, is peculiarly fierce and active; -far more so than could be supposed, at first -sight, of an amphibious animal of the <em>lacerta</em> tribe, -(for it is nothing more than an immense lizard, or -guana,) whose length has been thirty feet, and -whose girth has equalled twelve feet.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Such is the ravenous disposition of the -<em>koomeer</em>, that it will not hesitate to seize cattle -that proceed to drink of the river water where -<span class='pageno' id='Page_357'>357</span>it is fresh; but this does not often happen; the -places where cattle proceed to slake their thirst, -being, for the most part, rather shallow, so that -an alligator, sufficiently formidable for such an -attack, could not lie concealed. It has fallen -within my way to see some oxen that had been -seized by the head, or by the fore leg, but which -had either been rescued by their drovers, or had -succeeded in escaping from their merciless -enemy: they were all so lacerated as to be completely -disfigured!</p> - -<p class='c001'>The size of a boat may make much difference -regarding the time required to make the Soonderbund-passage: -generally from ten to twelve days -will elapse in making the shortest cut in a <em>budjrow</em> -of from twelve to sixteen oars; while a -light <em>pulwar</em>, that can pass through the lesser -creeks, and make way against the tides, -which are extremely intricate, on account of the -numerous channels that wind in every direction, -may perhaps get through in seven or eight days. -Much will depend on the route: if Dacca, or -any part of the Megna, be the destination, full -ten days will be requisite, but if the Comercolly -track, which opens into the Ganges nearly opposite -to Nattore, be followed, the great body of -the wilderness will be avoided, and the fertile -districts of Jessore, Mahomedpore, and Comercolly, -will be passed through with facility and -gratification.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_358'>358</span>It does not appear that any accurate survey -has been taken of the Soonderbunds, further -than to ascertain the several channels, and to -lay down the bearings of particular shoals, which -run for many miles off the coast, presenting, on -the whole, a most intricate and dangerous -approach to vessels even of small burthen; -though, with proper care, ships of great size may -be carried into the Rogmungul, the Hooringattah, -and the Mutwallah rivers, where they may -ride in perfect safety.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Mr. Benjamin Lacarn, many years back, explored -the passage at the back of Saugur Island, -and presented to the Government in India very -accurate draughts of the soundings and bearings; -from which he enabled the Board to judge -of the practicability of resorting to that passage, -with more safety and convenience than now -exists, in respect to those channels that lie to -the westward of Saugur.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The spot selected for the reception of vessels -was called New Harbour, and the stream leading -to it from Culpee was designated Channel -Creek. It is to be presumed, that, notwithstanding -the plan has not been carried into -effect, although occasionally resorted to, the -merits of the suggestion must have been -considerable, as the Company have thought -it but just to remunerate that gentleman’s -abilities and research, by an annuity -<span class='pageno' id='Page_359'>359</span>of £600., which has been lately raised to -£1000.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Several objections have been urged against the -adoption of New Harbour, of which some may -be cogent; but, from all I have ever heard on -the subject, it appears to me, that the reasons -given for rejection exist at least as formidably in -the western channels, where some of the advantages -offered by New Harbour are totally -wanting.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The time will probably arrive, when Saugur -Island, instead of being a desolate waste, inhabited -by various wild animals, may present a -rich expanse of agriculture, destined for the support -of an industrious population, inhabiting -those shores so favorably situated for extensive -commerce, and so highly protected by nature -against foreign incursion. The channels leading -past it, on either side, are narrow, and certainly -might be defended by a very small force against -a powerful fleet.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Many opinions, and some bold assertions, have -been offered regarding the Soonderbunds. Some -consider the immense wilderness that borders -the coast, to be of no great antiquity, and pretend, -that probably one hundred years would -be too much to allow for the duration of that -soil, whereon such stupendous forests of noble -trees are now to be seen.</p> - -<p class='c001'>That the whole of the country south of the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_360'>360</span>Ganges, from Bogwangolah to Saugur, and in the -other direction to Luckypore, &c., was formerly -covered by the ocean, may be readily believed, -both from the nature of the soil in general, and -from the various marine productions to be found -occasionally, when wells are dug to any considerable -depth.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The ancient city of <span class='sc'>Gour</span>, of which only an -immense assemblage of ruins, covering full -thirty square miles, are to be seen, stood not -very far from Mauldah.</p> - -<p class='c001'>That able geographer, Major Rennell, states it -to have been the capital of Bengal 730 years before -Christ, and that it was deserted in consequence -of a pestilence; that it formerly stood on the -banks of the Ganges, from which it is now -distant nearly five miles; the river having, as is -very common in that quarter, changed its -course: the Mahanuddy, which passes within -two miles of it, is navigable throughout the -year. Many parts of <span class='sc'>Gour</span> are now full twelve -miles from the Ganges.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The following extract from Major Rennell’s -Memoirs, pages 55-6, may serve to illustrate -the position I have to assume regarding the -Soonderbunds: he says, ‘Taking the extent of -the ruins of <span class='sc'>Gour</span> at the most reasonable calculation, -it is not less than fifteen miles in -length, (extending along the old bank of the -Ganges,) and from two to three in breadth. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_361'>361</span>Several villages stand on part of its site: the remainder -is either covered with thick forests, the -habitations of tigers, and other beasts of prey, or -is become arable land, whose soil is chiefly composed -of brick-dust.</p> - -<p class='c001'>‘The principal ruins are a mosque, lined with -black marble, elaborately wrought, and two gates -of the citadel, which are strikingly grand and -lofty. These fabrics, and some few others, -appear to owe their duration to the nature of -their materials, which are less marketable, and -more difficult to separate, than those of the -ordinary brick buildings; and are transported to -Moorshadabad, Mauldah, and other places, for -the purpose of building. These bricks are of -the most solid texture of any I ever saw; and -have preserved the sharpness of their edges, and -the smoothness of their surfaces, through a -series of ages.</p> - -<p class='c001'>‘The situation of Gour was highly convenient -for the capital of Bengal and Bahar, as united -under one government; being nearly centrical -with respect to the populous parts of those provinces, -and near the junction of the principal -rivers that compose that extraordinary inland -navigation for which those provinces are formed; -and, moreover, secured by the Ganges, and other -rivers, on the only quarter from which Bengal -has any cause for apprehension.’</p> - -<p class='c001'>Here I feel at a loss; for the author has -<span class='pageno' id='Page_362'>362</span>evidently been deficient in that perspicuity -which characterizes his work; it does not -appear to me what quarter is meant in this instance; -the greater part of Bengal being divided -from <span class='sc'>Gour</span> by that same river, the Ganges, -which is here described as a protection to <span class='sc'>Gour</span> -against incursions from Bahar. If this be not -the Major’s meaning, I can find no other; at all -events, the passage is incongruous.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Setting, however, that matter at rest, as being -irrelevant on this occasion, I shall proceed to observe, -that throughout the Delta of the Ganges, -which forms an area of full twenty thousand -square miles, (it being nearly a right-angled -triangle, whose sides average about two hundred -miles,) we have not one vestige of remote -date!</p> - -<p class='c001'>It has, no doubt, been asserted by some travellers, -and I have heard several of the natives -declare, that, in some parts of the Soonderbunds, -ruins of great extent are to be seen. These are -said to be the remains of cities which formerly -flourished on the borders of the ocean, but were -abandoned in consequence of the depredations -of the <em>Burmans</em>, or <em>Muggs</em>, who inhabited the -country lying south of Chittagong, and who -have, within the last fifteen years, called to our -memory that such a nation was still in existence.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Admitting the existence of such reputed -<span class='pageno' id='Page_363'>363</span>ruins, we have no right to place them to the -account of the earlier ages; we have no records -of their existence; the whole of the details that -have hitherto been offered to the world, either -by native traditionists, or European surveyors, -give no account of any such fragments; while, -on the other hand, every presumption is in favor -of the whole Delta being comparatively modern.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Major Rennell, at page 347 of his Memoirs, -observes in a note, that ‘a glass of water taken -out of the Ganges, when at its height, yields -about one part in four of mud. No wonder -then that the subsiding waters should quickly -form a stratum of earth; or that the Delta -should encroach upon the sea.’ If we estimate -the course of the Ganges, (setting apart the -Barampooter,) at fifteen hundred miles, and -take its mean width at half a mile; which is, -indeed, reducing that magnificent flow of water -to a mere stream, we have then a surface of -seven hundred and fifty square miles, of which, -one fourth is said to be mud, or matter light -enough to be kept suspended by the violence of -the current. This should give nearly two hundred -square miles of soil.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The foregoing computation proves the Delta -to contain twenty thousand square miles; -therefore, if Major Rennell’s hypothesis be -correct, the whole of the Delta might have -<span class='pageno' id='Page_364'>364</span>been formed in one hundred years; taking the -depth of the river, when at its highest, to -be equal to the depth of the soil. But, if we -recollect that probably many fathoms of sea -were filled up by the encroachment that thus -took place, we may be correct in allowing ten -times that period, <em>i.e.</em> a thousand years, for -the completion, or, rather, for the gradual accumulation, -of so extensive an addition to the -<em>terra firma</em> of Asia.</p> - -<p class='c001'>At page 348, Major Rennell argues very -strongly, though unintentionally, perhaps, in -support of my hypothesis, that <span class='sc'>Gour</span> formerly -stood on the borders of the ocean, and was, -probably the Tyre of Hindostan. He says, ‘As -a strong presumptive proof of <em>the wandering of -the Ganges</em>, from the one side of the Delta to -the other, I must observe, that there is no -appearance of <em>virgin</em> earth, between the Tipperah -Hills on the east, and the province of Burdwan -on the west; nor on the north <em>till we arrive -at Dacca and Bauleah</em>.’</p> - -<p class='c001'>Uniting all these points, and agreeing with -Major Rennell that the Ganges discharges, on a -medium, 180,000 cubic feet of water in a -second, we may easily imagine that the present -Delta has been formed by the sedimentary -portion propelled forward in constant succession, -until it gained the highest level to which the -annual inundation could raise it; after which, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_365'>365</span>the black mould on the surface must have been -produced by the constant accumulation of -vegetable matter that rotted thereon.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It is a curious, but well known, fact, that -from Sooty to that part of the Cossimbazar -Island which lies nearest to the tide’s way, the -whole is obliged to be preserved from inundation -by an embankment, called the <em>poolbundy</em>, -maintained at a very great and regular expence; -an obvious demonstration that the present -course of the Hooghly has not been settled -many centuries; for almost all rivers, long subject -to such overflows as those we witness in -Bengal, ultimately raise their banks, by an -annual deposit of matter, to such a height as -afterwards prevents their streams from passing -over into the adjacent country.</p> - -<p class='c001'>There can be little doubt, that the city of -Gour stood on a spot which, in very ancient -times, was washed by the sea; and we may, -without being accused of credulity in the extreme, -admit the great probability of the Ganges -having then debouched into the <em>sinus</em>, or bay, at -that same spot.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Nor should we doubt, that those sands, -which are, at this day, so dangerous to navigation, -from Balasore to Chittagong, will, at some -remote period, be encreased and raised, so as to -become, in the first instance, islands; and, ultimately, -parts of the continent; the present -<span class='pageno' id='Page_366'>366</span>channels serving for the courses of future rivers, -which, in so loose a soil, may, like the Ganges -in our times, be subject to changes of locality, -whenever the floods may prove so impetuous as -to open new beds, and cause the streams to be -diverted into them.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The Sunderbunds, whatever may be their date -or origin, present, at this day, a most inhospitable -aspect, and give, exteriorly, a feature to the -country which by no means corresponds with -the interior: they are, in truth, a hideous belt -of the most unpromising description, such as -could not fail to cause any stranger who might -be wrecked on that coast, and who should not -proceed beyond the reach of the tide, to pronounce -it ‘<em>a country fit for the residence of neither -man nor beast</em>.’</p> - -<p class='c001'>When Major Rennell remarked, ‘that they -furnish an inexhaustible supply of wood for boat -building;’ he might have added, ‘of timber for -ship building.’ Many very large vessels have -been launched from this quarter, but, no pains -having been taken to season the timber, it was -not to be expected they should prove so durable -as they might have been rendered by due precautions -in that particular. Nor is the wood -itself of the best quality for naval architecture; -for, though it is very strong, and to be bent with -facility to any necessary form, it, being extremely -subject to be worm-eaten, proves a great draw-back -<span class='pageno' id='Page_367'>367</span>on its being brought into more general use, -unless for such vessels as are intended to be -coppered: for such, the <em>jarrool</em> may answer, as -may also the <em>soondry</em>; both which abound in -every part of the Sunderbunds.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The whole coast, from Balasore to Chittagong, -has at times been occupied by a class of natives -called <em>Molungies</em>, who manufacture salt from the -sea-water. The produce of the several <em>chokies</em>, -or manufactories, is immensely valuable, as has -already been shewn, and suffices for the consumption -of the whole population of all the -Company’s dominions, besides what is exported -into those of the Nabob Vizier, &c. About -thirty-five years ago, salt used to be sold at a -rupee, or a rupee and a half, per factory maund -of 72lb.; which might average about one half-penny -per lb.; but, since the Company monopolized -the manufacture, and imposed a heavy -duty, the price of salt has gradually risen to -about four rupees per maund.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The importation of salt, by sea, is prohibited, -except under partial or temporary licences; but -it is brought from the mines to the northward of -Delhi in large quantities, though not of so good -a quality, it being generally very bitter, especially -the <em>Salumbah</em>, or more opaque rock-salt, -which is far less serviceable for curing meat than -the <em>Samber</em>; both these kinds are brought in -<span class='pageno' id='Page_368'>368</span>small prismatic masses, and, though in common -use among the natives of the upper provinces, -are never, except from necessity, allowed to -appear at the tables of Europeans, though -employed in their culinary preparations.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Salt is also obtained, but not of a prime quality, -by piling up large quantities of the sand -forming the beds of rivers, after the waters have -subsided into very narrow channels. On these -heaps water is poured in abundance, and, being -afterwards drained into reservoirs, the salt either -chrystalizes by solar heat, or by being boiled in -large iron pans, similar to those used for chrystalizing -sugar from the expressed juice of the cane.</p> - -<p class='c001'>In travelling by water, many points, totally -unheeded by European tourists, are necessarily -to be attended to previous to departure. I have -already warned my readers, that no furnished -house, no lodgings, no public vehicles, no inns, -and, in short, no preparation for the lodgment or -convenience of temporary sojourners, are to be -expected in any part of India; with the exception -of the taverns and punch-houses already -described. Therefore, when an excursion is to be -made by water, a <em>budjrow</em> must be hired, which -may commonly be effected either by what is called -‘<em>teekah</em>,’ or so much for the trip, according to -the distance, with some allowance for demurrage; -or the vessel may be hired at a certain monthly -<span class='pageno' id='Page_369'>369</span>sum; generally taken at ten rupees per oar. -Sometimes return-<em>budjrows</em> are to be had at a -cheaper rate: whichever way the bargain may -be made, the person hiring has nothing to do -with the pay, or provision, of the several men -employed in navigating the vessel.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The following Table of Allowances granted -by the Company to officers, and others, proceeding, -according to orders, from one station to -another, will be both useful to those who may -be proceeding to the East, and serve to give a -general idea of the periods required, in ordinary -seasons, taking the year round, for a boat’s -reaching her destination, and returning to the -place she quitted. The allowance likewise includes -whatever may be intended for not only -the <em>budjrow</em>, but for an attendant baggage-boat, -and a cook-boat.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>TABLE OF ALLOWANCE</div> - <div><span class='small'>FOR</span></div> - <div><span class='large'>BUDJROWS AND BOATS.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<table class='table3' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='76%' /> -<col width='23%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='c008'></td> - <td class='c011'><span class='small'>Sonaut Rupees<br />per Month.</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>To a Colonel</td> - <td class='c011'>930</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>To a Lieutenant-Colonel, Physician, General, or Chief Surgeon</td> - <td class='c011'>630</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>To a Major and Head Surgeon</td> - <td class='c011'>360</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>To a Captain, Pay-Master, Deputy Pay-Master, and Regimental Surgeon</td> - <td class='c011'>180</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>To a Subaltern, Hospital, or Regimental Mate</td> - <td class='c011'>100</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>To a Cadet</td> - <td class='c011'>80</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>To a Conductor</td> - <td class='c011'>50</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_370'>370</span>Officers are entitled to the allowance for <em>budjrows</em> -and boats only in the following instances: -viz.</p> - -<p class='c001'>When posted to corps on their first joining -the army.</p> - -<p class='c001'>When ordered to proceed, by water, upon any -duty.</p> - -<p class='c001'>When removed, <em>without their own application</em>, -to supply vacancies in the corps to which they -are removed.</p> - -<p class='c001'>When water conveyance is not practicable, -the difference of <em>batta</em> is to be drawn, calculating -from the day of appointment, and allowing -ten miles for daily progress.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Where no ascertained rate is given, officers -are to draw at the rate of ten miles against, and -fourteen with, the current, for each day’s progress. -The following may be considered the -general standard; by which extraordinary cases -are likewise governed.</p> - -<table class='table4' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='10%' /> -<col width='18%' /> -<col width='61%' /> -<col width='10%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>From</td> - <td class='c014'>Calcutta</td> - <td class='c014'>to Berhampore is allowed for as</td> - <td class='c016'>1</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Ditto</td> - <td class='c014'>to Monghyr</td> - <td class='c016'>1½</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Ditto</td> - <td class='c014'>to Patna, or Dinapore</td> - <td class='c016'>2</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Ditto</td> - <td class='c014'>to Buxar</td> - <td class='c016'>2¼</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Ditto</td> - <td class='c014'>to Chunar or Benares</td> - <td class='c016'>2½</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Ditto</td> - <td class='c014'>to Allahabad</td> - <td class='c016'>3</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Ditto</td> - <td class='c014'>to Cawnpore</td> - <td class='c016'>3½</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Ditto</td> - <td class='c014'>to Futty-Ghur</td> - <td class='c016'>4</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Ditto</td> - <td class='c014'>to Dacca</td> - <td class='c016'>1</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Ditto</td> - <td class='c014'>to Chittagong</td> - <td class='c016'>2</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Ditto</td> - <td class='c014'>to Midnapore</td> - <td class='c017'>½</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_371'>371</span>It is proper to remark in this place, that a boat -may, at most seasons of the year, proceed to -Berhampore, (provided the river be open,) in -about seven or eight days. The distance by -water is nearly double that by land, owing to -the winding course of the river, which formerly -could competite with that passing under -Lucknow; which, owing to the mazes of its -course, received the name of ‘<em>Goomty</em>,’ or -winding.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Within the last twelve or fifteen years, many -of the narrow isthmuses have been cut through, -whereby the distance from Moorshadabad to -Calcutta has been reduced full twenty miles; -some yet require the aid of art, to perfect what -the hand of time seems preparing for the still further -abbreviating the passage by water: probably, -in the course of twenty years, the river -may be brought into a tolerable line; but, how -long it will remain so, is another consideration; -as the soil is every where, except about Rangamatty, -(<em>i.e.</em> the red soil,) a few miles below -Berhampore, so loose as to be totally unqualified -to restrain the violent current which prevails in -every part during four months in the year.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The passage to Chittagong can rarely be performed -in a common <em>budjrow</em>, a great part of it -being across the mouth of the Megna, indeed, in -an open sea, subject, at least, to very heavy -swells, if not to squalls, such as give much trouble -<span class='pageno' id='Page_372'>372</span>even to those who are on board substantial -sloops, and other vessels coming under the -description of <em>sea-boats</em>. However, during the -cold months, an adventurous <em>manjy</em> will sometimes -make the trip with his <em>budjrow</em>, provided -a handsome gratuity be offered on such a -hazardous occasion.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The best mode is to embark at Calcutta on -board one of the Chittagong traders, of which -some are commonly on the point of sailing, and -to make a sea trip at once, in a secure, and -tolerably pleasant manner. It is true, this mode -does not offer all the conveniences of a good -large <em>budjrow</em>; but that is balanced by the safety -and celerity with which the voyage is made. A -<em>budjrow</em> will rarely complete the trip to Chittagong -under three weeks; whereas, a coasting -sloop will commonly perform it in as many days, -after quitting the pilot, either in the northerly -or southerly monsoon; the coast being east, -with a very little southing.</p> - -<p class='c001'>After a <em>budjrow</em> has been offered for hire, it -will be but common prudence to send a carpenter -on board to search her bottom, and to place -a servant on board for a day and a night, to ascertain -how much water she may take in during -that time. Some of the best, in appearance, -are extremely rotten, and can only be kept afloat -by constant baling, in consequence either of the -depredations of worms, or of the number of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_373'>373</span>years they may have been built. Some are neat -and clean, others are filthy in the extreme; -some are supplied with good Venetians, lockers, -curtains outside the windows, &c., &c.; while -not a few, though not totally destitute of such -conveniences, offer them in a most miserable -state of wretchedness and of inutility. The roofs -of nine in ten do not keep out water.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It will, on every occasion, be indispensably -necessary to make memoranda of the terms on -which the <em>budjrow</em>, &c., may be taken; and to -obtain from the <em>manjy</em> a written agreement; -the want of which may prove unpleasant, either -in consequence of any misunderstanding, or -from any attempt that may be made to impose -upon such Europeans as may not be supposed to -have sufficient knowledge of the ordinary routine -of such affairs, to secure them from depredation.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The masts, sails, rigging, &c., of the vessel -should be carefully over-hauled; and, in particular, -great care should be taken that one or two -good <em>ghoons</em>, or track ropes, of sufficient length, -be on board; since a defect in this branch of -equipment will inevitably produce great delay, -and, in strong currents, subject the boat to imminent -danger.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Let it be remembered, that, whatever the number -of oars paid for may be, so many actual boatmen -there ought to be, exclusive of the <em>manjy</em>, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_374'>374</span>or steersman, and the <em>goleah</em>, or bowman: it is -a very common deception to count the latter in -among the rowers, because he sometimes sits to -an oar fitted out for him on the very prow of the -vessel, when there is no occasion for his standing -to throw the <em>luggy</em>, or bamboo-pole, whereby -the boat is kept clear of banks, shoals, -stumps, &c.</p> - -<p class='c001'>When an engagement is made of the <em>teekah</em>, -or job-kind, the <em>manjy</em> will, for his own sake, -endeavor to get away as speedily as possible, -and will ordinarily make sure of a good crew, in -order that his money may be the sooner earned; -but, when paid by the month, there will be no -end to excuses, delays, and evasions: the <em>dandies</em> -will generally be wanting in number, and -their quality be very indifferent.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The best mode, on such occasions, is to apply -to the police, which, under proper circumstances -of established criminality, will put a <em>peon</em> (or -messenger) on board, at the expence of the delinquent, -and make such a change in the posture -of affairs as cannot fail to please the employer. -This is a safe and efficacious mode of proceeding; -whereas, when justice is taken into the -hands of the person hiring the boat, and that -abuse and blows are dealt out, under the hope -of gaining the point, the grounds of complaint -are laid, and the <em>dandies</em>, so far from doing their -duty, will either abscond wholly, or secrete -<span class='pageno' id='Page_375'>375</span>themselves in such manner as effectually to -impose an embargo.</p> - -<p class='c001'>I do not mean to say, that sometimes a recourse -to the <em>manual</em> may not be advisable, or -even peremptorily necessary; but such must be -adopted with extreme caution, and with such a -mixture of resolution and conciliation, as may -produce the desired effect, without establishing -a character for brutality, or unnecessary harshness. -If, during the trip, occasion for complaint -should arise, it is best to refer the matter -to any persons in office, whether native or European, -who may be within a suitable distance. -The <em>manjies</em> have an insuperable antipathy to -this mode of proceeding, because it deprives -them of all grounds for justification, or representation; -the want of which, in the hearing of -an European magistrate, speedily induces to -their corporal punishment; while, in the estimation -of a <em>cutwal</em>, or chief of a village, it is sure -to subject them to some pecuniary loss, whether -by fine, by deduction from the sum to be paid -as hire, or by having to maintain one or more -<em>peons</em>, according to the nature of the offence.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Most <em>budjrows</em> have two apartments, exclusive -of an open <em>veranda</em> in front; the latter is on -a level with the dining apartment, but the chamber, -which is more towards the stern, rises one -or two steps above their level, in consequence -of the form of the vessel’s stern: beyond all -<span class='pageno' id='Page_376'>376</span>there is usually a small privy, which, being still -more elevated, is ascended by other steps.</p> - -<p class='c001'>As the chamber contracts considerably towards -the after-part of its floor, it will be necessary to -ascertain whether a small cot (<em>i.e.</em> a bedstead) -can stand in that part of the <em>budjrow</em>, without -inconvenience; as also whether the height, between -the floor and the roof, may admit of the -bed-posts being erected. If the space should -not allow them to be elevated, they must be -unshipped, either by taking off their hinges, or -by drawing them forth from their sockets, and -the curtains must be suspended from hooks, -nails, &c., driven for that purpose into the -beams that support the roof.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Though floating on a large river, whose waters -are celebrated for their virtues and purity -by the whole population of Hindostan, it will, -nevertheless, be indispensably necessary to take -on board a good large <em>g’oulah</em>, or jar, which -may be lashed to the mast, and be used as a -depot for such water as may be intended for -culinary purposes, or for beverage. In a few -hours it will have settled thoroughly, and should -then be drawn off as required into smaller -vessels, called <em>kedjeree-pots</em> by Europeans, but -by the natives <em>gurrahs</em>.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Whence the former designation originated I -never could learn, but conclude it resulted -either from the supplies of crockery furnished -<span class='pageno' id='Page_377'>377</span>to our shipping at <em>Kedjeree</em>, or from the very -common circumstance of that preparation of -rice, split peas, &c., called <em>kitchurry</em>, which -may often be seen boiling, wholesale, in vessels -of this description, for the supply of a dozen, or -more, of <em>dandies</em>, &c.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The forepart of every <em>budjrow</em> is decked, and -furnished with two hatchways, with appropriate -coverings: the whole of the part under the deck, -which reaches from the <em>veranda</em> to the stern, -is generally considered by the <em>manjy</em> as a privilege, -of which he rarely fails to avail himself, -when it is possible to render the trip a trading -voyage. Against this too much precaution -cannot be adopted; for not only will the <em>budjrow</em> -be so heavily laden as to draw more water, -(an object of considerable importance,) but to -track with far greater difficulty, and to leak very -abundantly.</p> - -<p class='c001'>If any contraband trade can be carried on -with tolerable safety, it is usually in this manner; -because, owing to the general deference -paid by the custom-house officers, and <em>chokey-peons</em>, -in every part of the country, to European -gentlemen, and to their equipages, few, or -none, will attempt to search a <em>budjrow</em> under -hire: the facility with which goods can be -landed, is such as to obviate, almost totally, any -danger to be apprehended in the performance of -that part of the adventure.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_378'>378</span>Government has, it is true, placed a number of -checks on this kind of fraud; but, unhappily, -it is out of its power to go so far into the remedy -as would put a total stop to illicit commerce, -without subjecting their own servants, of whatever -rank, to the intrusive, and ultimately insolent, -researches of those natives by whom they -should, on every occasion, be treated with the -utmost respect and consideration. It is inconceivable -with what secresy, and caution, the -manjies act on such occasions. An instance is -within my knowledge, of a gentleman hiring a -<em>budjrow</em> at Patna, to proceed to the Presidency, -but it was in vain that he importuned the <em>manjy</em>, -day after day, and hour after hour, to complete -his crew, and to have all in readiness for embarkation: -at length, all was adjusted, and the vessel -proceeded in high style.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The gentleman was unaccountably drowsy, -and often wondered at the rapidity with which -he seemed to be making his passage, but was -not displeased to find himself so speedily floated -towards the place of destination: it was in -vain that he endeavored to prevent the <em>manjy</em> -from stopping at Chandernagore, a French settlement, -about twenty-two miles from Calcutta; -when, to his great surprize, he saw several -boxes of opium, which had been concealed in -various parts of the <em>budjrow</em>, and particularly -under the floors, handed out to some <em>sircars</em> who -<span class='pageno' id='Page_379'>379</span>were at the <em>g’haut</em>, or landing-place, anxiously -awaiting her arrival.</p> - -<p class='c001'>However unpleasant the above-mentioned cargo -might have proved, it cannot be compared with -the truly offensive practice common among all -the boat-men of Hindostan, of cutting such fish -as they may purchase, catch, or steal, into slices, -and hanging them over the quarters to become -sun-dried. This custom should never be tolerated -on any account; not only because the effluvia -are cruelly distressing, but, that, wherever it is -allowed to obtain, all the rats are sure to be -attracted from whatever boats, or banks, may -come in contact with the <em>budjrow</em>: once in, -Old Nick cannot get them out; except by -emptying the vessel completely, and fumigating -her with sulphur; or by sinking her for a while, -so as to drown the vermin, of all descriptions, -that harbour in the numberless recesses, chinks, -&c., to be found in every quarter of an old -<em>budjrow</em>.</p> - -<p class='c001'>When a single gentleman is intent on proceeding -on the most economical and expeditious -plan, he will find it best not to have even a cook-boat -in his suite; but should confine himself -entirely to whatever convenience his <em>budjrow</em> -may afford. If this plan is acted upon, the -several boxes, &c., may be arranged within the -cabins, or, at the utmost, under the deck; taking -care, however, to debar the <em>dandies</em> from -<span class='pageno' id='Page_380'>380</span>visiting that part of the vessel, by placing stout -battens, or bamboo-laths, across, by way of confining -them to the fore hatchway, down which -they ordinarily keep their cloaths, fire-wood, -&c., &c., and, occasionally, make a <em>choolah</em>, or -hearth and fire-place, of mud, whereon to cook -the victuals of the crew; an operation performed -by one of the <em>dandies</em>, who, on that account, is -exempted from all ordinary duties, and who is -generally capable of serving up an admirably -well-savored curry.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The after-part of the hold is commonly spacious -enough to hold a tent of ordinary dimensions; -but it may become a question how far it -would be prudent to put camp equipage in the -way of the rats, which would, probably, for the -sake of shelter in the vicinity of the culinary -operations, soon burrow into the hearts of the -packages, and do inconceivable damage. If, -however, no other place can be allotted for the -reception of a tent, and the weather be such as -not to warrant its being stowed upon the poop, -no alternative is left, and the risk of destruction, -or, at least, of very serious injury, must be met -with resignation.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Though not indispensably necessary, a tent -of some kind will be found extremely convenient, -when proceeding by water to any distant -station, especially during the hot season. As -the boat-men usually come to about sun-set, or, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_381'>381</span>perhaps, a little earlier, if any favorable situation, -or the proximity of some large town, should -invite, a small tent may easily be taken ashore, -and pitched on the elevated bank, where the -freshness of the air, and the wide range of prospect, -prove a most comfortable relief to a person -who, during the day, may have been obliged to -remain under the heated roof of a cabin, whereof -the windows were closed to keep out the sun, -hot winds, and flying sand.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Many gentlemen have one small boat employed -chiefly in going forward with such a convenience, -and which, after the bed, &c. may be -shipped at day-break on board the <em>budjrow</em>, that -no delay may arise in departing, waits to receive -the baggage left on the spot, with which it proceeds -at such a rate as soon makes up for the -detention: a boat of this kind is extremely useful -in many instances, but especially in procuring -supplies from an opposite bank, for going to -or from shore in shoal water, for towing a <em>budjrow</em> -in strong waters, for carrying out an anchor, -or rope, to warp by, &c., &c.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Where only a <em>budjrow</em> and such a small boat -are employed, the latter generally has a <em>choolah</em>, -or hearth, &c., prepared within it under a small -thatch. She commonly has to carry the proper -supply of dry fire-wood; that obtained on the -way being, with few exceptions, green, and -causing the viands to acquire a very smoky, unpleasant -<span class='pageno' id='Page_382'>382</span>flavor. The poultry are also usually -conveyed on the thatch of the cook-boat, in -small <em>tappahs</em>, or cages, made of split bamboos: -this part of the stock may consist of a dozen of -fowls, with a few ducks, and a goose or two; -and, occasionally, is accompanied by one or two -milch goats, which, being supplied with foliage -cut for that purpose, during the day, and being -sent to some verdant spot when the boat comes -to in the evening, rarely fail to furnish milk -enough, of a very superior quality, for the morning -and evening tea.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The traveller must not expect to be supplied -with beef, mutton, or veal, as he may proceed, -in any part of the country, except at military or -civil stations: there he may, perhaps, be enabled -to purchase a sufficient supply of meat to make -some variety in his diet as he passes from one -station to another; but, unless in some very -particular situations, he must content himself -with poultry of various kinds, but chiefly chickens, -and with kids, of which the meat is excellent. -He may, at some of the principal towns where -Mussulmans reside, here and there fall in with a -butcher, who can furnish a joint of <em>kussy</em> (<em>i.e.</em> -cut-goat); or he may perchance pick up a tolerable -sheep, which may, at all events, serve for -gravy, and supply his pointers and spaniels with -two or three days’ substantial provision.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The mention of cutting up a sheep for such -<span class='pageno' id='Page_383'>383</span>purposes, may appear extraordinary to the European -reader, but it must be recollected, that -such sheep are rarely worth more than two shillings, -that in some parts the country swarms -with them, and that their wool is not valuable, -owing to its being lank, coarse, harsh, and not -of a strong fibre: it is, indeed, more like that -hair which grows upon many horses that are -turned out during the winter, and comes off by -handfuls as the spring advances.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The boats employed for carrying baggage are -of two kinds; <em>woolachs</em> and <em>patellies</em>: the former -are built in the lower provinces, with round bottoms, -and often draw much water; the latter -are chiefly of up-country build, have flat bottoms, -and are clinkered; this construction suits -them admirably to the shallows, which, after the -rainy season, abound in all the rivers beyond the -tide’s way, and especially at a distance from the -sea.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Some of the <em>woolachs</em> used by the more opulent -native merchants are capable of bearing -from fifteen hundred to three thousand maunds, -(<em>i.e.</em> from eighty to a hundred and twenty tons,) -but their medium may be taken at from four to -eight hundred maunds, which is also the general -measurement of <em>patellies</em> in the common employ -of grain-merchants, &c.: many are to be seen of -full two thousand maunds, but such are calculated -for the great rivers only; not but that in -<span class='pageno' id='Page_384'>384</span>the channels abundant depth of water may be -found, so deep, indeed, that several ships, of five -hundred tons burthen, have been built at Patna, -which is, by water, six hundred miles from the -sea; but those channels are so crooked, and -the currents so strong, as to render it very difficult -for the ordinary number of <em>dandies</em>, proportioned -to the tonnage, to navigate such -unwieldy boats with safety and expertness,</p> - -<p class='c001'>The best size for a baggage-boat to attend -upon a <em>budjrow</em>, especially in proceeding against -the stream, may be from three hundred to five -hundred maunds: observing, that the <em>patelly</em> is -by far better calculated for shallow water, and -for the conveyance of horses, than a <em>woolach</em>; -but, being so low in the water, the former is -rather subject to be swamped in rough water, -and, owing to its construction, is very apt to -become hog-backed, and, ultimately, to give -way in the middle; an accident which seldom -or never happens to the latter.</p> - -<p class='c001'>When horses are to be carried in boats, as is -very commonly done, it becomes necessary to -make a platform, at about a foot from the bottom -of the boat, consisting of brush-wood, mats, -and soil: the thwarts being rarely a yard asunder, -one must be taken out to make a stall of -sufficient width; therefore, if three or four -horses are put on board the same boat, a corresponding -number of thwarts must be withdrawn. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_385'>385</span>When the animals are about to be embarked, -the thatch opposite the stall must be raised -high enough to allow a horse to leap in without -danger, from the bank.</p> - -<p class='c001'>This operation is often attended with considerable -difficulty; for some horses are extremely -averse to enter upon the solid platform -of a large substantial ferry-boat, such as that at -Ghyretty, even when placed on a level therewith, -by means of a fixed, or moveable pier. -When, therefore, it is considered how many -obstacles seem to oppose the admission of a -horse into a covered boat, when, probably, he is -standing above his knees in water, and has to -rise, under every disadvantage, over the boat’s -gunwhale, it will not appear surprizing that many -hold out for hours, notwithstanding every effort -on the part of the <em>syces</em>, (or grooms,) and that a -large portion are severely lamed in the attempt.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It is curious to observe how very quiet and -temperate horses become after embarkation! -In such a situation, they seem to forget that -wonderful propensity they invariably display -when on shore, to attack each other, even when -at a considerable distance; but, though parted -by only a few feet, they become so tractable -while in a boat, that their natures seem to -undergo a complete change.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Notwithstanding this periodical, or, rather, -local, timidity, it will be proper to secure that -<span class='pageno' id='Page_386'>386</span>part of the boat’s side against which a horse -may be able to kick; many instances having -occurred of fiery steeds driving their hooves -through the planks, which are not always very -sound, and, even if undecayed, are generally by -far too thin to resist so severe an operation: -more than one <em>patelly</em> has foundered outright, -with all the contents, in consequence of such an -accident; the best mode of preventing which, is, -by fastening a quantity of <em>jow</em> (an aquatic -species of fern,) to the inside, as a lining, -whereby the planks may be secured from -injury.</p> - -<p class='c001'>When a vessel is tracked against the stream, -it is usual for the <em>dandies</em>, or boatmen, to go -ashore, each furnished with a club of bamboo, -about two feet in length, to which a piece of -strong cord is fastened at one end; at the same -time, the <em>ghoon</em>, or track-rope, is veered out from -a pulley in the mast head, or from a block lashed -thereto, to as great a length as the situation may -demand; commonly, from about seventy to a -hundred and fifty yards may suffice, though, -in very shoal water, mixed with deeps, or, where -the ground is foul, even a greater length may be -requisite.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The <em>ghoon</em> is about two inches round, and is -made of white rope well laid: if made of tarred -rope, it would prove too heavy, and oppose -great resistance, by its want of elasticity, to the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_387'>387</span>exertions of the <em>dandies</em>, each of whom, fixing -the end of his cord to it, and resting the bamboo -club over his shoulder, so that it may act, in -some measure, as a lever, proceeds at an easy -pace, his body leaning well forward, each following -at about four feet behind the other. -The foremost at the track-rope has a great -advantage over his followers; he not being -subject to the numerous checks and vibrations -occasioned by the frequent impediments, whether -bushes, banks, masts of other vessels, &c., -which operate very forcibly on those whose -cords are attached to that part of the rope in his -rear.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The number of <em>dandies</em> at a track-rope may be -too many, as well as too few; except when a -boat can keep close to the shore, and the <em>ghoon</em> -makes but a very small angle from the line of -her progress: then, all the power that can be -given certainly proves efficient; but, when the -angle between the boat’s direction and the rope -becomes considerable, it is evident the whole -labor falls on a very few of the leading <em>dandies</em>; -in fact, all but those few are then compelled to -liberate their cords from the <em>ghoon</em>, otherwise -they must be inevitably dragged out into the -stream, unless those cords were many fathoms, -instead of only four or five feet, in length.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The greater part of the trading boats use a -different apparatus for tracking; in them, each -<span class='pageno' id='Page_388'>388</span><em>dandy</em> is supplied with a fine cord, about as -thick as a swan’s quill, made of a fine kind of long -grass called <em>moonje</em>, which, when wetted, and -twisted into this kind of tackle, becomes firm -and elastic; though it will not answer for -cordage in general. Each <em>dandy</em> has about -seventy yards of line, the inner end of which -fastens to a stout rope, reeved, the same as the -<em>ghoon</em>, at the mast-head, and long enough to be -let out amply where requisite.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The other end of the line is coiled up by each -<em>dandy</em> respectively, who fastens his bamboo -club by its cord, at such part of the <em>moonje</em> line -as may be let out; generally a small quantity of -coil being reserved, which hangs down either -over each <em>dandy’s</em> breast or shoulder. By this -means, each man tracks separately, and cannot -be idle without the <em>manjy</em> instantly detecting -him; the several lines form so many rays from -the mast-head, and are capable, when equally -strained, to bear an immense burthen.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Nothing can be more unpleasant than having -to pass a <em>ghaut</em> where numbers of boats are -lying: on such an occasion, a man is sent up -to the mast-head of each, in succession, for the -purpose of passing the <em>ghoon</em>; which, when -liberated from one, swings on to another, causing -a severe shock to the hinder <em>dandy</em> of the tracking -party. Some use a very simple device for -passing the <em>ghoon</em> over their mast-heads: this -<span class='pageno' id='Page_389'>389</span>consists merely of a kind of fork, made by -tying the end of the <em>ghoon</em>, of each vessel respectively, -then at rest, to a long bamboo, about -a quarter of the length down. The <em>ghoon</em> -being pulled, the bamboo is raised, and carries -with it that of the boat in motion: a man -then slips the latter over the mast-head with -great facility.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It is not always that the people on board -boats, laying at <em>ghauts</em>, will turn out to pass the -<em>ghoon</em>; on which occasions, words are rarely of -much avail. I always found that a <em>pellet-bow</em>, -which sends clay-balls to about a hundred yards -distance with considerable force, produced an -instantaneous effect; the first shot rattling -against the matted sides of a vessel’s interior, -rarely failing to cause wondrous activity on the -part of her crew; though, now and then, it has -been necessary to repeat the operation, before the -desired effect could be produced.</p> - -<p class='c001'>I strongly recommend to all gentlemen travelling -by water, that they insist on the <em>manjies</em> -of their several boats carrying a small flag, of -some obvious distinction, at their mast-heads: -this prevents them from lying to, and concealing -their vessels amidst a forest of masts, as -they are very apt to do, when intent upon a -clandestine trading voyage. Besides, as in the -course of a day’s tracking, and especially when -sailing, it is very common for a <em>budjrow</em> to get -<span class='pageno' id='Page_390'>390</span>many miles a-head, such a device then becomes -a guide as to the propriety of coming to for the -night, or, intermediately, for dinner, &c.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The number of miles which can be run over -in the course of a day in a <em>budjrow</em>, will necessarily -vary according to circumstances, guided -by the quantity of water in the river, the direction -and force of the wind, and the competency -of the crew. I cannot do better, in this place, -than offer the words of Major Rennell. At -page 360 of his Memoirs, he says, ‘From the -beginning of November, to the middle, or latter -end of May, the usual rate of going <em>with</em> the -stream, is forty miles in a day of twelve hours; -and, during the rest of the year, from fifty to -seventy miles. The current is strongest while -the waters of the inundation are draining off; -which happens, in part, in August and September.’</p> - -<p class='c001'>In a former part, I remarked that the rivers -generally rise a few inches in May; which is to -be attributed to the melting of the snow on -those hills where the Ganges and Barampooter -have their source. Both those rivers, which -have their rise at the base, but on opposite sides, -of the same mountain, and, after separating to -full twelve hundred miles asunder, unite, and -form that immense volume of water called the -Megna, receive a supply from the same quarter, -and at the same time: we cannot, however, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_391'>391</span>expect the force of their currents to be encreased -much before the rains are fairly set in, -which may be, generally, about the 10th of -June, when their waters do, indeed, roll impetuously; -so much, that many a boat has -proceeded from Patna to Monghyr, a distance -of one hundred measured miles by land, and -full one hundred and twenty by water, between -day-break and sun-set.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Major Rennell adds, ‘Seventeen to twenty -miles a day, according to the ground, and the -number of impediments, is the greatest distance -that a large <em>budjrow</em> can be towed against the -stream, during the fair season; and, to accomplish -this, the boat must be drawn through -the water, at the rate of four miles and a half -per hour, for twelve hours. When the waters -are high, a greater progress will be made, notwithstanding -the encreased velocity of the -current; because, the filling of the river-bed -gives many opportunities of cutting off angles -and turnings; and, sometimes, even large windings, -by going through creeks. As the wind, -at this season, blows upwards,’ (<em>i.e.</em> against -the current,) ‘in most of the rivers, opportunities -of using the sail frequently occur.’</p> - -<p class='c001'>It must not be supposed, from the foregoing, -that the boat actually makes a progress of four -miles and a half within the hour: far from it, -the <em>dandies</em> rarely walk more than two miles in -<span class='pageno' id='Page_392'>392</span>that time, but the velocity of the current being -taken into account, would shew, that, if a log -were to be heaved, the difference between the -log and the boat’s advance would give the -result alluded to by the Major, whose general -correctness cannot be too much admired.</p> - -<p class='c001'>In using the sail, infinite changes take place; -sometimes it is full, then again close-hauled, -and, perhaps, ultimately, lowered on a sudden, -according as the course of the river may change; -and this some twenty or thirty times within the -day. But when the reaches lie tolerably fair, -that opportunity offers, as sometimes happens -for a whole day together, and that the wind is -brisk in favor, a <em>budjrow</em> will run off from four -to six miles within the hour. The river is -often so low as to render the navigation very -tedious, even under all the above favorable circumstances, -by forcing the <em>manjy</em> to abide by -the strong deep waters, and to wind in among -the sands, which cause the channel to change -its direction very frequently.</p> - -<p class='c001'>During the rains, and especially in the cold -months, travelling by water is extremely -pleasant with the stream; but, whatever facilities -may be afforded, in any shape, I cannot -say that any trip upwards, at whatever season, -afforded me the smallest gratification. What -with tracking, getting aground, remaining long -among eddies, in which human carcases were -<span class='pageno' id='Page_393'>393</span>floating in all the various stages of putrefaction, -the dust flying, &c., &c., nothing but <em>ennui</em>, or -impatience, can reasonably be expected.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Here and there a walk may be taken; but he -who ventures ashore must be watchful to -embark before the <em>budjrow</em> may be obliged to -put far out for the purpose of passing some -endless shallow; otherwise, he may have to -walk under a vertical sun, through bushes, or -over ploughed, or muddy, lands, and among -ravines, for many an hour, before the opportunity -many offer for getting on board: to crown -the whole, he may, perhaps, come to some -<em>nullah</em>, or small stream, over which no conveyance -is to be had, either by bridge or boat!</p> - -<p class='c001'>My zeal for bringing home a few birds, or a -hare, has often decoyed me into scrapes of this -kind, and caused me to utter many an imprecation -against the river, for winding, the <em>manjy</em>, -for going on, and my own folly, for subjecting -myself to such unpleasant circumstances. I -must freely confess, that, in this respect, ‘experience -did <em>not</em> give wisdom;’ for, after full a -thousand and one such disappointments, I felt, -at the last, just as eager as ever, to silence such -<em>chuckores</em> (a species of grouse) as had the insolence -to crow within my hearing!</p> - -<p class='c001'>The navigation of the large rivers is rather -more hazardous than among those of less -breadth. When it is considered, that the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_394'>394</span>Ganges runs for upwards of a thousand miles -through a country nearly level, and whose undulations -are scarcely perceptible, except in a few -places where the hills come down to the water’s -edge, as at Sickregully, Pointee, Colgong, Chunar, -&c., it must appear obvious that but little -shelter can be expected from these squalls, called -‘north-westers,’ which, from the end of February -until the setting in of the rains, occur almost -daily, and blow with considerable violence. -Even when under a high bank, it will require -much care, and good tackle, to prevent a <em>budjrow</em> -from being blown out into the middle, where, -if she is top-heavy, as is too often the case, and -the proper means be not taken to keep her head -to the wind, she will stand a chance of being -overset.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Fortunately, the approach of a squall is always -strongly indicated by the black appearance -above the horizon, and by the distant lightnings: -when such are sufficiently characterized to leave -little doubt of the storm’s passing that way, -shelter should be sought in some creek, or under -some high bank, of firm appearance, where the -<em>budjrow</em> should be well secured by hawsers, -carried out, and made fast to, substantial stakes -driven into the ground by means of large malls, -with all which every boat should be amply provided. -<em>Luggies</em>, (or bamboo-poles,) ought to -be carried out on the lee-side, for the purpose -<span class='pageno' id='Page_395'>395</span>of resisting the wind, and causing the upper -parts of the vessel to bear up duly against the -severe gusts which commonly usher in the gale.</p> - -<p class='c001'>If the vessel is on a lee-shore, the <em>luggies</em> -must, of course, be between her and the bank, -to prevent her from bumping against it, and the -anchor should be carried out to windward, into -deep water, to keep her from being forced -ashore: a danger particularly to be apprehended -on long shelving sands; where many a well-conditioned -boat has had her bottom beat out, -by the force with which the surges, coming across -an expanse of perhaps a mile, or more, have -dashed her against the hard sand.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Such situations are peculiarly hazardous, and -ought to be avoided most carefully: the misfortune -is, that, from eagerness to get forward, -and from the hope that a north-wester may be -either moderate, or pass another way, folks, in -general, keep pushing on, and allow many a -secure asylum to be passed very imprudently! -Those who have experienced the effects of a -violent squall about Sheerness, may be proper -judges of what is to be expected from a most -furious gale, which often continues for an hour, -or more, in a river which may be said generally -to flow between banks full two miles asunder, -and which are, in most parts, from three to five, -in some, full seven, miles apart!</p> - -<p class='c001'>About Bengal, especially in the Sunderbund-passages, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_396'>396</span><em>decoits</em>, or water-robbers, are sometimes -numerous. These often assemble in -fleets, composed of long narrow boats, rowing -from twelve to thirty oars, or paddles, at pleasure, -and carrying from thirty to sixty, or seventy, -men. Sometimes their fleets have been so formidable, -and have so effectually put a stop to -all commerce, as to call the attention of government, -and to demand the presence of a strong -establishment, backed by liberal offers of rewards, -before the rivers could be resorted to in safety. -Between Dacca and Backergunge, among the -islands formed by the several minor branches of -the Ganges, and by the innumerable creeks, -with which the banditti are perfectly familiar, it -has often been impossible for any boat to make -its way, even for a few miles, without being -boarded by these <em>decoits</em>.</p> - -<p class='c001'>As to rewards, little good is to be expected -from them; the system adopted by the marauders -is such as to render abortive any lures of that -description. Where all participate, all will be -found faithful to the cause, whether virtue or -vice be the leader; and, where localities are such -as to afford perfect security from the common -run of pursuers, and where numbers render the -association too formidable to admit any hope of -success on the part of small detachments; in -such instances, rewards can rarely produce the -smallest benefit.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_397'>397</span>Wherever a boat, or even a fleet, may come -to for the night, it will be indispensably necessary -to keep a sharp look-out against thieves, -who, appertaining to the several villages in the -neighbourhood, rarely fail to assemble, during -the night, under some bold chief, and to make -an attempt to plunder by main force. It is -scarcely to be credited to what a height this -daring species of robbery has been, at times, -carried. Were no other occasion existing, this -would amount to ample cause for obtaining, if -possible, a guard of sepoys, for the purpose of -protecting the boats; but, strange to say, it is -sometimes necessary to compel the villagers to -sell their poultry, &c., to passengers, both by -land and by water, although not simply a liberal, -but an exorbitant remuneration is offered.</p> - -<p class='c001'>This does not proceed from unwillingness to -make money, nor to sell the article in question, -but merely from a spirit of opposition which pervades -a large portion of the native population, -who are often too adverse to contribute to the -comfort, or, more properly, to the existence, of -Europeans. It must seem curious that our -countrymen are allowed to reside among a people -of such a disposition, so far out-numbering, and -possessed of such easy means of extirpating, us, -with very little previous arrangement.</p> - -<p class='c001'>In saying this, I do not mean to accuse the -natives of India of being so debased, so immoral, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_398'>398</span>or so vindictive, as they have been represented -by many gentlemen, especially some divines -who have lately returned from the East, and -whose opinions breathe by no means the spirit of -that sublime religion they would coerce the natives -to adopt. Taking all points into consideration, -and viewing the nature of the country conjointly -with the nature of their laws, and of -their former government, I think we have by far -more to admire than to censure, in a race of -people, who, notwithstanding some highly remarkable -instances of depravity, may be classed -among the most innocent, and most industrious, -of worldly inhabitants!!!</p> - -<p class='c001'>This is saying much, but not <em>too</em> much, of a -nation whose government absolutely tolerates -thieving as a regular profession, and which has -been known to make a very free use of the talents -of its subjects for the purposes of obtaining plunder, -or of gratifying its pique and resentment. -I much fear, that, if such were the case with us, -and that, if, instead of being ruled by a virtuous -king, we were placed under a buccaneering -monarch, we should by no means find so many -pleas of extenuation as the natives of Hindostan -can justly boast!</p> - -<p class='c001'>The truth of this position, in itself so reasonable, -is made more fully evident by the obvious -difference subsisting between the Company’s -and the Vizier’s dominions. In the former, the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_399'>399</span>depredations committed are always nocturnal, -and of that description to be expected under the -foregoing circumstances; in the latter, the speculation -is infinitely more open, more systematic, -and more extensive.</p> - -<p class='c001'>That considerable amelioration must have -taken place under our government, is to be -proved, from the safety with which travellers may -proceed by land throughout the country, when -compared with the extreme danger attendant -upon a journey through any part of the Vizier’s -territory; wherein almost every well presents -the horrid spectacle of the mangled bodies of -those who become victims to the sanguinary -hordes of robbers that infest every part of that -prince’s dominions.</p> - -<p class='c001'>On this account, every gentleman proceeding -by land, from one to another station, should -make a point of obtaining a small guard of a naik -and four, or even of two, sepoys, whose presence -will generally prove a considerable check on the -adventurous disposition of the villagers in that -quarter. This precaution will not, however, -alone be sufficient; application should be made -to the <em>jemmadar</em>, or head-borough, of each village -where the party may encamp, for a certain -number of <em>chokey-dars</em>, (watchmen,) proportioned -to the number of tents, horses, &c., and the -whole of the property of every description should -be nominally put under the charge of the men -<span class='pageno' id='Page_400'>400</span>thus furnished, observing, that the regular pay, -which may be from four to six pice, or halfpence, -for each, should be punctually paid to the <em>jemmadar</em> -when the camp breaks up the next morning, -and that every item is found to be in a state -of safety.</p> - -<p class='c001'>When <em>coolies</em> (<em>i.e.</em> porters) are wanted, to -carry the beds, tables, &c, of a party, application -should be made, in like manner, to the -<em>jemmadar</em>; and when, after arrival at the next -stage, they may be discharged, it will be proper -to be attentive to the regular payment of every -individual thus furnished; otherwise, the servants -to whom it may be entrusted to discharge -them, will generally withhold a large portion, or -even the whole, of what may have been ordered.</p> - -<p class='c001'>By thus regularly attending to matters of this -description, the villagers will come forward with -more alacrity; though, it must be confessed, -they are generally very unwilling to engage as -<em>coolies</em>; which is not to be wondered at, since -the <em>jemmadars</em> generally extort from them at -least half their earnings on such occasions: the -evil being incurable, as matters now stand, must -be borne as gracefully as our feelings may allow; -and we must remain content with the reflection -of doing justice ourselves, though we know for -certain that our liberality, in the end, flows into -a wrong channel.</p> - -<p class='c001'>When practicable, it is highly expedient to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_401'>401</span>obtain from the European collector’s office, or -even from any of the natives under his immediate -authority, who may be deputed to, or resident -at, such places as lie near the road, a <em>rhahwaunah</em>, -or pass-port, wherein it should be set -forth, that, whatever necessaries, or <em>coolies</em>, or -<em>chokey-dars</em>, or <em>dowraws</em>, (guides,) may be requisite, -should be furnished by such <em>jemmadars</em> of -villages as should be called upon for supplies -of the above description. This always ensures -respect and attention, and causes the whole of -the persons, to whom it is addressed, to be -vigilant in the discharge of their duties, lest -complaints should be preferred to the collector, -who would speedily summon them to his court, -and punish them in a suitable manner.</p> - -<p class='c001'>However audacious the thieves, whether -house-breakers, or collectors on the highways, -may be, they very rarely make an immediate -attack on Europeans. This, no doubt, proceeds -from the sense they entertain of the importance -we attach to the safety of our countrymen, the -murderer of whom would be assuredly detected, -and suffer the full sentence of the law. -Besides, all the people of Hindostan know, -that, with the exception of watches, which, for -want of pawn-brokers, and accomplices skilled -in the melting of metals, are of no use to the -predatory tribe, Europeans never carry about -with them any thing valuable. No gentleman -<span class='pageno' id='Page_402'>402</span>ever has money about him; though his servants -sometimes have, in their waists, a few rupees, -intended for such disbursements as cannot be -delayed without inconvenience.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Hence, the boxes, &c., of gentlemen, are -generally aimed at, because the cash and valuables -are contained in them; for the same -reason, the most confidential servants are -most commonly selected as objects of attack. -Your true Hindostanee robber is, in general, -very active, robust, and capable of great deception: -he will patrole about a tent, during a dark -night, in the manner of a dog, or of a jackal; -the howl of which he can, perhaps, imitate so -well as to deceive the sentries, and throw them -completely off their guard.</p> - -<p class='c001'>If allowed to approach a tent, he will select -that side where several servants are asleep under -the fly, or awning, and gradually insinuate himself -into the interior, either by passing under -the walls, or between the overlaps; if such -cannot be easily effected, he draws his <em>choory</em>, -(knife,) which is sharpened for the occasion, -and makes a slit in the cloth, or canvas, large -enough to pass his body through, when, in the -most cautious manner, and retaining his breath -as much as possible, he gropes about for those -articles which, during the day-time, he had seen -deposited in some particular part of the tent, -and, after making an opening large enough for -<span class='pageno' id='Page_403'>403</span>his purpose, or by opening one of the doors, he -watches the opportunity for escaping with his -booty.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The attempt to seize a thief under such circumstances, -is extremely hazardous, and ought -to be strongly reprehended. Being perfectly -naked, and having the body highly lubricated -with oil, it is impossible to grasp him in any -part; while, on the other hand, he must be expected -to use his knife very freely, under the -determination of escaping.</p> - -<p class='c001'>I recollect a curious circumstance that -happened in 1783, at Bankypore, when the -tent of a staff-officer was entered, during the -night, by a fellow of this description, who, it -being moon-light, and one part of the tent only -closed by a <em>cheek</em>, was discovered by the gentleman -as he lay in bed. Seeing his property on -the move, he sprang up to disengage a hog-spear -that was tied up to that pole of the -<em>marquee</em> which was nearest the bed; but the -thief got the start of him, by seizing the officer’s -sword, which was suspended by a hook that -buckled on to the other pole. The adventurer -being thus armed, prevented the gentleman from -getting possession of the spear: after one or two -menacing flourishes, he darted out of the tent, -sword in hand, and was speedily beyond the -reach of pursuit.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Another very ludicrous circumstance occurred -<span class='pageno' id='Page_404'>404</span>some years antecedent to the above. A -gentleman who inhabited a small <em>bungalow</em>, on -the banks of a river, and who was very ill of -that complaint ‘the liver,’ for which he was -under a course of mercury, perceived, in the -dusk of the evening, a thief prowling about the -apartment in which he was sitting. The fellow -was extremely industrious: and threw a number -of articles, not even sparing the bed-linen, -out at a window that stood open. The -gentleman affected to take no notice, but -resolved, when the thief should follow his -booty, to take him by surprize, while in the -act of collecting them from under the -window.</p> - -<p class='c001'>This was, by no means, an imprudent resolution, -as it appeared probable that the rogue -might be secured, at the same time that the property -should be recovered. At length, after -having thrown out whatever was convenient to -his purpose, and having peeped out of the window, -the thief made suddenly towards the gentleman, -and snatched from his head a beautiful -shawl, with which he skipped out of the -window.</p> - -<p class='c001'>This feat demanded instant action; the gentleman -called lustily for his servants, who, -awaking from their slumbers, ran to obey the -vociferated summons, and were just in time to -see a small <em>dingy</em> (or boat) pulling away to the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_405'>405</span>opposite bank, with the goods, the thief, and his -accomplices, on board!</p> - -<p class='c001'>All who travel by land, should be on their -guard never to allow jugglers, or show-men, of -whatever description, to enter their tents; -which they will endeavor to do, under pretence -of shewing off their mummeries, with -the intention of ascertaining the posture of whatever -moveables may be within. In this, they -are sometimes mistaken; it being usual to have -all boxes, camp-baskets, &c., assembled about -the foot of the tent-pole, at night, and to secure -them by means of a chain passing through their -respective handles, &c.; the ends of the chain -being furnished with a padlock.</p> - -<p class='c001'>In fair weather, the safest mode is to have all -the things moved out of the tent, and placed in -a heap, under charge of a sentry, who then need -pay little attention to any other object, as the -thieves are most intent on those trunks, &c., -which they suppose to contain money, plate, -&c.: as to articles of apparel, they are of little -value, and would, probably, lead to discovery; -the handles of swords, and breast-plates, of -officers, being generally of solid silver, may be -placed among the furtive desiderata, therefore, -should be placed in a state of security.</p> - -<p class='c001'>When I speak of discovery, it is not to be -understood that the same dread is entertained -on that head, as prevails among the thieves of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_406'>406</span>this quarter of the world. In India, whole -villages are inhabited by thieves, who keep the -country around in a state of perpetual terror and -of vigilance: hence, when a <em>jemmadar</em> furnishes -<em>chokey-dars</em>, he often does it with great reluctance, -under the apprehension of a visit from -some neighbouring gang of notoriety, who act -with greater confidence, from the consideration, -that the village, at which the robbery may take -place, will be accountable for whatever property -may be stolen.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Hence, a party is always safest when encamped -near a village of professed thieves, who -will, ordinarily, forbear to depredate under that -circumstance; conscious that the value put -upon the several articles stolen, must necessarily -be, at least, tenfold their value to the -robbers; though not in the least exaggerated by -those from whom they were stolen.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Here it is to be observed, that, in order to -render the claim to remuneration clear and decisive, -it is proper that a requisition should -have been made to the <em>jemmadar</em> for <em>chokey-dars</em>; -otherwise, it may be argued, that the property -was not under his protection. Sometimes, by -way of cavil, a <em>jemmadar</em>, of such a description, -will find fault with the position of an encampment, -and use many pleas for the purpose of -raising objections, whenever the losses sustained -may be laid before the collector, or judge -<span class='pageno' id='Page_407'>407</span>of the district. If, however, he should refuse -to grant <em>chokey-dars</em>, it will be necessary to keep -a very sharp look-out; it being a strong indication -of intended mischief.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Almost every <em>jemmadar</em> of character will reprobate -the indulgence of that kind of curiosity -which leads gentlemen, on their first arrival, to -pay the smallest attention to the performances of -mountebanks, jugglers, puppet-show-men, &c.; -all of whom are notorious thieves, and are attended -by numerous confederates, whose business -it is to patrole about under the semblance -of country-bumkins, come to view the camp, -and to take advantage of whatever opportunities -may arise, in consequence of servants, &c., -quitting their several charges, to witness the -exhibitions of the attractive portion of the -gang.</p> - -<p class='c001'>My memory supplies various instances of the -success of this stratagem; a circumstance not to -be wondered at, when we consider the almost -incredible perfection to which <em>leger-de-main</em>, the -<em>tour de passe-passe</em>, and gymnastic exhibitions, -are brought in India. I shall offer a few of the -feats displayed by these people, observing, that, -with regard to drawing yards of thread from the -noses and ears of spectators; cutting their -turbans into pieces, and joining them again; -changing eggs to chickens, and mango-stones -into growing bushes, bearing the ripe fruit, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_408'>408</span>making pigeons lay eggs, &c.; all such are considered -as mere common-place deceptions, confined -to the lower orders of this class of vagabonds.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The passing a sword-blade, of about two feet -in length, and two inches in breadth, down the -gullet, so as to be distinctly felt by the application -of a hand to the operator’s stomach, is certainly -the most extraordinary part of the exhibition. -In this, there is no deception whatever; -the sword is entire, and firmly fixed to the -handle; while its solidity is such as to remove -all doubt regarding pliancy or evasion in any -mode: all we can say of it is, that the practice -is adopted at an early age; and that the implement -used is gradually encreased, from a small -rattan to that above described.</p> - -<p class='c001'>As to vaulting, the number of somersets, and -capers, made, with seeming facility, while -bounding over the backs of elephants, or of -camels, placed side-by-side, are truly astonishing! -Throwing spears at each other, and catching -them under the arms, while in the act of -mission, mutually, cannot but cause both dread -and surprize: the accuracy with which this is -constantly done, seems to preclude all admiration -at the skill of the celebrated William Tell.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Jumping through a frame that supports several, -perhaps a dozen, of <em>tulwars</em>, (cutlasses,) of -which the edges are remarkably sharp, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_409'>409</span>which appear to preclude the passage of a man’s -body through the little interval left among their -points, must be viewed with admiration; as -must also the running bare-foot along a piece of -cloth, perhaps ten yards in length, that is supported, -at about a foot from the ground, by -several men, each of whom holds, under the -cloth, a sharp <em>tulwar</em>, of which the edge is -turned upwards: the astonishing agility with -which this is performed, absolutely requires to -be seen ere it can be duly appreciated!</p> - -<p class='c001'>Some curious performances in balancing are -worthy of notice: of these, the stringing, and -unstringing, of eggs, is, perhaps, the most extraordinary. -A man balances, on his head, a -kind of platter, projecting, perhaps, six inches -every way, of rather a conical form, (inverted,) -and furnished all around with draw-loops of, -perhaps, a foot in length, and about two inches -asunder: their whole number may amount to -twenty, or more. On his left arm he bears a -basket, containing as many eggs as there are -loops attached to the platter.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Using one foot for a pivot, he keeps moving -round by the aid of the other, so as make about -ten revolutions in a minute, and, while in -motion, successively takes the eggs from the -basket, and, with his right hand only, puts each -into a loop, drawing it tight, so as to retain the -egg firmly in an equipoised state.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_410'>410</span>In this manner he strings all the eggs, and -again unstrings and re-places them in the basket; -he always moving the same way. When the -whole are strung, the music quickens its time -considerably, and the operator, conforming to -the change, accelerates his pace in proportion, -until the velocity acquired by the eggs is such, -as to occasion their whirling on a level with -the platter.</p> - -<p class='c001'>I consider this to be the most arduous of all -the exercises in that branch which depends, -principally, on delicacy and caution. If we -consider how many chances of failure exist, -whether from a slip of the foot, a want of attention -to the due elevation of the elbow, the -aptness of the unemployed loops to become -entangled, the giddiness to be apprehended -from turning full half an hour, with such -speed, always the same way, and the possibility -of allowing a newly-laden loop to fall into its -place too suddenly, and the same in withdrawing -it, when about to take out the egg; all these -are certainly points very difficult to compass, or -to avoid, and entitle the artist to unlimitted -approbation.</p> - -<p class='c001'>I observe, in Cordiner’s Description of -Ceylon, some feats of the jugglers in that island -noticed as being beyond compare; but I cannot -conceive any thing more dexterous than that -operation, so common in Bengal, of balancing a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_411'>411</span>bamboo ladder, about fifteen feet in length, on a -man’s chin, and allowing a well-grown lad, or a -young woman, to ascend to the summit, by -winding in and out between the steps, (which -barely admit the body to pass,) and ultimately -to descend, head foremost, in the same manner, -after balancing, horizontally, with extended arms -and legs, on either standard of the ladder. I -have often wondered what the man’s chin could -be made of!!!</p> - -<p class='c001'>Swarming up a stout bamboo pole, of full -twenty feet long, balanced on a man’s hip, or -shoulder, and descending again, by first attaching -to the summit by the toes, and measuring a -whole length downwards, the back being against -the bamboo; then turning the opposite way, and -thus, in alternate succession; always appeared to -me equally dangerous and astonishing. To -perform this, a man must possess unconscionable -strength in his toes and ankles: the first slip -would infallibly be the last!</p> - -<p class='c001'>The puppet-shows, called <em>kaut-pootlies</em>, (<em>i.e.</em> -wooden infants,) are certainly superior to Mr. -Punch and his wife, as exhibited by various renowned -persons throughout England. In India, -there is to be seen far greater variety, both in -the subject, and in the several <span lang="la" xml:lang="la">dramatis personæ</span>: -there, something like a regular piece is -represented, and it rarely requires a glossary, or -interpreter, to define the several scenes; an aid, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_412'>412</span>without which our artists, in general, make but -little impression on their spectators, whose -imaginations are generally set on the stretch to -divine the meaning of various antics, which, -though abundantly ludicrous, seem to proceed -from momentary fancy, rather than from any -regular system.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The <em>kaut-pootly-wallah</em>, or puppet-dancer, -does not confine himself to a small centry-box-like -theatre; on the contrary, when he is to display -before any respectable persons, he makes a -point of paying his respects during the day, and -of soliciting the loan of either a small tent, a -<em>konaut</em>, a <em>satrinje</em>, or some such article, for the -purpose of enclosing and covering in the necessary -space, so that he and his co-adjutors may -perform their parts in secresy. It is commonly -made a point that the performance should be by -candle-light, and at some little distance from the -line of tents. This is almost a <span lang="la" xml:lang="la"><em>sine quâ non</em></span> with -this tribe, who, being in league with rogues of -all descriptions, rarely fail to profit by the absence -of servants from the charge of their masters’ property, -and, while perhaps both master and man -are grinning at the objects presented on the -<em>proscenium</em>, are employed in removing from the -tents whatever articles, of a portable description, -may be exposed to depredation.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Sometimes the farce is concluded by a shower -of clods, &c., thrown from a distance, and the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_413'>413</span>whole fly in confusion. This is a device practised -on the liberal, under the representation of -the dealer in wood and wire-work, that some of -the <em>nutkuts</em>, or frolicksome youths, of the camp, -have battered the whole of the paraphernalia to -pieces; in confirmation of which, some heads -and tails of <em>ci-devant</em> kings and queens are produced. -I was once much amused with an imposition -of this kind, that was practised, with -admirable address, upon a good-natured field -officer, who actually credited the representation, -and, in addition to the loss of several candle-sticks, -and some other small items, lent to the -artists, compounded to pay for various fractures, -simple and compound, sustained by the inanimate -heroes!</p> - -<p class='c001'>Among the itinerant amusements of India, -we must class the <em>nuts</em>, or tumblers, a people -totally distinct from all the other inhabitants of -the country, and who correspond, in a number -of instances, with the gypsies of Europe. The -following extracts from a paper furnished to the -Asiatic Society by Lieutenant-Colonel D. T. -Richardson, a gentleman of acknowledged abilities, -and who has been remarkably industrious -in obtaining a very complete acquaintance with -the customs and languages of Hindostan, will -display this matter in the best manner, and shew -that a greater connection subsists, or at least has -subsisted, between the <em>nuts</em> of Asia, and the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_414'>414</span>gypsies of Europe, than our literati are in general -aware of.</p> - -<p class='c001'>At page 473, of the Asiatic Researches, we -have the following passage. ‘Both the gypsies, -and the <em>nuts</em>, are generally a wandering race of -beings, seldom having a fixed habitation. They -have each a language peculiar to themselves. -That of the gypsies is, undoubtedly, a specimen -of <em>Hindostanee</em>, and so is that of the <em>nuts</em>. In -Europe, it answers all the purposes of concealment. -Here, a conversion of its syllables becomes -necessary.’ (<em>i.e.</em> in India.)</p> - -<p class='c001'>‘The gypsies have their king; the <em>nuts</em> their -<em>nardar-boutah</em>; they are equally formed into -companies, and their peculiar employments are -exactly similar; viz. dancing, singing, music, -palmistry, quackery, dancers of monkeys, bears, -and snakes. The two latter professions, from -local causes, are peculiar to the <em>nuts</em>. They are -both considered as thieves; at least, that division -of the <em>nuts</em> whose manners come nearest those -of the gypsies. In matters of religion they appear -equally indifferent; we know that neither -the gypsies, nor the <em>budeea-nuts</em>, are very choice -on that particular; and, though I have not -obtained any satisfactory proof of their eating -human flesh, I do not find it easy to divest my -mind of suspicions on this head. Indeed, one -would think the stomach that could receive, -without nausea, a piece of putrid jackal, could -<span class='pageno' id='Page_415'>415</span>not well retain any qualms in the selection of -animal food.’</p> - -<p class='c001'>Colonel Richardson furnishes a number of -words in use among the gypsies, which correspond -immediately with others in the language of -the <em>nuts</em>. I offer a few, which appear to me -best adapted to the illustration of this point; -observing, that the orthography used by the -author, though perfectly correct, would not -prove satisfactory to a person unversed in the -Oriental pronunciation of the vowels. As a -remedy, or rather an aid, absolutely necessary -towards giving the European reader a perfect -conception of the due intonations, I have, in this, -followed my ordinary plan of spelling the Hindostanee -words, in such manner as should enable -a person totally ignorant of that language to -pronounce them with propriety.</p> - -<table class='table5' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='6%' /> -<col width='27%' /> -<col width='6%' /> -<col width='27%' /> -<col width='6%' /> -<col width='27%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='c009' colspan='2'><span class='small'>GYPSEY WORDS.</span></td> - <td class='c009' colspan='2'><span class='small'>HINDOSTANEE SYNONYMES.</span></td> - <td class='c009' colspan='2'><span class='small'>ENGLISH TRANSLAT.</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Apra</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Ooper</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c016'>Above</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Bebee</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Beebee</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c016'>Aunt, or lady</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Pownee</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Pawnee</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c016'>Water</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Devus</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Dewus</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c016'>Day</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Rattee</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Raut</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c016'>Night</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Can</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Caun</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c016'>Ear</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Dad</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Dada</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c016'>Grandfather</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Valashtee</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Belaist</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c016'>Finger</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Mutchee</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Mutchee</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c016'>Fish</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Gur</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>G’hur</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c016'>House</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Shing</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Sing</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c016'>Horn</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Ballow</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Baul</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c016'>Hair</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_416'>416</span></td> - <td class='c014'>Shunalee</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Soonaie</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c016'>Hearing</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Liecaw</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Leckap</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c016'>Writing</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Dai</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Dhye</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c016'>Nurse</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Mass</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Mass</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c016'>Food</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Tod</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Dood</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c016'>Milk</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Boot</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Bote</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c016'>Much</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Nack</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Nauk</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c016'>Nose</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Booro-panee</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Burrah-paunee</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c016'>Great water</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Doriove</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Derriow</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c016'>River</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Lolo</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Loll</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c016'>Red</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Booro-chairee</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Burra-choory</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c016'>Great knife</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Roop</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Roopah</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c016'>Silver</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Saup</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Saump</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c016'>Snake</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Dicken</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Deckna</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c016'>To see</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Loon</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Noon</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c016'>Salt</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Jaw</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Jow</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c016'>Go</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Kali-coe</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Kul-ko</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c016'>Yesterday</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Tschor</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Choor</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c016'>Thief</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Dori</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Doory</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c016'>String</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Rajah</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Rajah</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c016'>A lord</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Ranee</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Rannee</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c016'>Princess</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Raz</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Raj</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c016'>Principality</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Banduk</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Baundook</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c016'>Musket</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Jammadar</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Jemmadar</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c016'>An officer</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Gour</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Gor</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c016'>Grave</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Mul</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Mool</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c016'>Wine</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Dur</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Door</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c016'>Jar</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Jungustri</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Angootee</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c016'>Ring</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Paka</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Punk</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c016'>Wing</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Schut</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Kuttah</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c016'>Sour</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Ker</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>G’hur</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c016'>House</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Sapa</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Savon</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c016'>Soap</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Menghna</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Maungna</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c016'>To want</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Pi</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Pee</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c016'>Drink</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Metchana</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Putchana</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c016'>To know</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><span class='pageno' id='Page_417'>417</span></td> - <td class='c014'>Me-dikaka</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>My-deckata</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c016'>I saw</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Chabben</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Chabna</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c016'>To eat</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Tober</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Tobula</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c016'>An axe</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Starrie</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Sitara</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c016'>Star</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Rashee</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Rishee</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c016'>Priest</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Bocolee</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Bookap</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c016'>Hungry</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Por</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Poor</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c016'>Full</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Geecoa</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>Jee-oo-ka</td> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c016'>Life, living.</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class='c013'>The foregoing will suffice to give much insight -into the affinity spoken of; especially when it -is considered that the gypsey words are chiefly -taken from Grellman’s Vocabulary, wherein we -are to make considerable allowances for German -intonation, especially regarding the vowel u, and -the dipthong oo, as in <em>dur</em>, and <em>door</em>; and for -<em>dori</em>, and <em>doory</em>; the slight differences between -which, so far as is connected with orthography, -would probably disappear if the words were -spoken by a German gypsey, and a <em>nut</em>, respectively. -Add to this, that the natives of India -use the letters L, and N, rather promiscuously: -thus, they say either <em>leel</em>, or <em>neel</em>, (for <em>blue</em>); -the capital of Oude is as often called <em>Nucklow</em>, -as Lucknow, and the word <em>noon</em>, (<em>salt</em>,) is very -commonly pronounced <em>loon</em>; as in the gypsey -language.</p> - -<p class='c001'>If it is considered that the foregoing comparison -did not take place at a time when Colonel -Richardson had the opportunity to examine -closely into the particulars, by having access to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_418'>418</span>European gypsies, whose familiar conversation, -when explained, might have furnished numberless -instances of accordance, which, from his -accurate knowledge of the Hindostanee language, -might ever have been such as to enable him to -understand a gypsey colloquy; we must admit -that strong probabilities exist, as to the <em>nuts</em> and -the <em>gypsies</em> being branches from the same stock. -Colonel Richardson observes, very properly, -‘Should any real Hindostanee scholars ever investigate -this matter <em>on the spot in Europe</em>, their -evidence and observations will probably settle -the matter effectually, one way or other, for -ever.’ He likewise remarks, that ‘Grellman, -from a want of knowledge of the Hindostanee, -lost many opportunities of producing the proper -word, in comparison with the gypsey one’—and -again, he forcibly remarks, that ‘It is not the -accidental coincidence of a few words, but the -whole vocabulary he (Grellman) produces, differs -not so much from the common Hindostanee, -as provincial dialects of the same country usually -do from each other.’</p> - -<p class='c001'>That <em>cast</em>, or tribe, of <em>nuts</em>, known by the -name of <em>bauzeegurs</em>, generally affect to follow -the Mahomedan faith, but the <em>purneah peeries</em>, -or <em>budeea</em> tribe, follow either that, or the -doctrines of Brahma, just as may suit their purposes, -or their locality. Either sect have so -very few religious ceremonies, as to render it -<span class='pageno' id='Page_419'>419</span>doubtful whether they profess more than may -serve to screen them from the imputation of -atheism; a charge which would sink them -even lower in the estimation of every inhabitant -of Asia. They inter their relations in a very -slovenly manner, and may often be found lying -drunk about the grave: their marriage forms are -extremely simple, the bride and bridegroom -mutually mark each other’s faces with red ochre, -after which, they lock their little fingers together, -and avow their union: the ceremony is usually -concluded by a sacrifice to the muddled deity, -in which all bear their parts with great eagerness, -and devotion!</p> - -<p class='c001'>It is a rule among the <em>nuts</em> never to go to law, -nor to submit their differences to any arbitrators, -except of their own profession: owing to the -extreme jealousy of the men, and the frequent -excesses of both sexes in the use of <em>gaunjah</em>, -and other intoxicating draughts, such differences -are by no means rare, and contribute partly to -the support of their rulers, who receive a fourth -part of whatever is earned, or perhaps begged, -borrowed, or stolen, by the several <em>sets</em> which -ramble over the country, according to their own -fancies, or as they may be ordered.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Such regular debauchery, added to the violent -exercise undergone during their early years, -reduce the period of life among these people to -a very short compass. Few live beyond the age -<span class='pageno' id='Page_420'>420</span>of forty, and by far the larger portion fail of attaining -their thirtieth year; the women generally -fall victims after having borne four or five children.</p> - -<p class='c001'>With respect to dancing, which is a part of -the duties of a female <em>nut</em>, much encomium -cannot be justly bestowed: their style of performance -is vulgar, and they generally study that -kind of lewd display, which renders their performances -too indelicate to be described. Tumbling -head-over-heels, walking upon their hands, -Catherine-wheel, &c., &c.; all come within the -display afforded for a trifling gratuity!</p> - -<p class='c001'>The traveller will sometimes be visited by -sets of <em>nautch-girls</em>, who either reside in some -of the principal towns, and make a point of -offering their services towards the amusement of -<em>gentlemen</em> traversing the country; or who are -itinerants, that pick up a livelihood by rambling -about, chiefly among the villages inhabited by -Mahomedans, whose dispositions are more -prompt than those of the Hindus to receive -gratification from voluptuous exhibitions. Besides, -the latter are generally more penurious, and -are so rigidly tied down, both by tenet, and by -the vigilance of their neighbours, as to have but -little scope for indulgence in those sensualities, -which the followers of the Prophet, who -anxiously look forward to the enjoyment of the -<em>houris</em>, are less scrupulous to conceal.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_421'>421</span>The greater part of the individuals composing -the <em>taffah</em>, or set of female dancers, are either -attached by family connections, such as marriage -with the <em>oostauds</em> and <em>surmaunjahs</em>, who are -the instructors and musicians; or they are -slaves obtained by purchase during times of -scarcity: some, indeed, are kidnapped when -very young, on account of their promising features; -these rarely are able to give any account -of their parentage, and do not always know the -districts in which they were born.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Whatever may be their origin, or their connection, -the dancers, who are likewise vocal -performers, are entirely subservient to some person, -whether male or female, who is considered -the proprietor of the <em>set</em>, and on whose application -to any court of law, or to any <em>soubah</em>, or -person in power, any run-away is immediately -pursued, and restored to the <em>taffah</em>; whether -the obligation be peremptory, such as in the -case of a <em>baundy</em>, or actual slave; or merely -implied, as in the case of a <em>paulah</em>, or person -preserved from famine, &c., and reared in the -capacity of a menial.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The Mahomedan law barely recognizes actual -slavery, but makes a great distinction in favor of -those who purchase, or thus adopt, children -that would otherwise, in all probability, perish -from want. The latter are considered to be the -property of the patron, until arrived at their full -<span class='pageno' id='Page_422'>422</span>growth, which is understood to be about the -age of eighteen; but this affords easy evitation -to such proprietors of <em>taffahs</em> as feel an interest -in the detention of any particular girls under -their authority.</p> - -<p class='c001'>To say the truth, very little cause of complaint -seems to exist on such occasions: the -girls are usually well cloathed, and well fed; -they are rarely limitted in regard to paramours, -and, on the whole, experience as much comfort -as their habits, and those envious traits ever to -be seen among persons of the same profession, -admit. Where these <em>taffahs</em> are found in the -vicinity of our camps, and stations, whether -civil or military, it is common to see the dancers -attach themselves to some particular European -gentlemen, of whose friendship they make much -boast: the profits of such a speculation cannot -be wholly reserved by any one of the party; -they are supposed to be surrendered, without -diminution, to the proprietor, for the general -benefit of the <em>set</em>.</p> - -<p class='c001'>That full surrender is not, however, always -made; on the contrary, some contrive to redeem -themselves from this species of demi-slavery, -by means of sums accumulated in the course of -years, and concealed, with extreme solicitude, -from the scrutinizing eye of the proprietor. -When such a redemption takes place, it is never -done overtly, but by the pretended interference -<span class='pageno' id='Page_423'>423</span>of some gentleman, or opulent native, who, -either from love, or charity, feels disposed to -pay the ransom: were the possession of the property -to be acknowledged by the anxious -female, it would instantly be seized as a <em>droit</em>, -and she would probably undergo that severest -of Hindostanee punishments, the loss of all her -<em>kase</em>, or hair!</p> - -<p class='c001'>It is not uncommon for persons purchasing -slaves, or rearing deserted children, to affix the -badge of slavery immediately, and to cause it -to be worn by the unfortunate being, thus -devoted to tyrannical authority during life. This -type of dependance consists simply of an iron -ring, similar to those on light fetters, which is -worn on either of the ankles, generally on the -left: there it is rivetted in the usual manner, -with the intention of being always seen. To -remove the ring, is considered highly criminal -on the part of all concerned, and should the -slave be thereby enabled to abscond, would -subject the abettors to payment of his or her -value.</p> - -<p class='c001'>In every part of India the profession of a -prostitute is devoid of that stigma annexed to it -in Europe: persons following it are protected by -law in certain privileges, and their persons are -far from being held in abomination, such as we -should suppose must be generated towards so -impure a character among the moralists of the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_424'>424</span>East. This is entirely owing to the profession -being hereditary, the same as other sects, and -not promiscuous, or arising from vicious propensities, -as we see daily the case among -us.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It is true the term <em>kusbee</em> is used as a reproach; -but that seems rather to refer to such as, like -our wantons, degenerate in consequence of their -libidinous dispositions, and are not attached to -the two great divisions, the <em>meerasseens</em>, and the -<em>puttareahs</em>, both of which have claims on the -bounty of princes, and to exemptions from certain -taxes; though, to make up for such indulgences, -the <em>cutwals</em>, and other native officers, -under whose authority they may reside, not only -demand their attendance, whether to sing, dance, -or what not, gratis, but impose upon them -heavy assessments, in proportion to their repute -and prosperity.</p> - -<p class='c001'>With the view to prevent the encrease of a -certain disorder, which proceeds with rapid -strides in that hot climate, it is customary to -appoint a committee every month, at each -great station, for the inspection of such dulcineas -as may be resident within the bounds of -the cantonments: such as appear to be diseased, -are instantly confined to a small hospital, appropriated -to their reception: a salutary measure, -which doubtless prevents much mischief, -and is superior to our Lock Institution, which -<span class='pageno' id='Page_425'>425</span>only offers, but does not coerce to, a proper -course of medicine.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Such women as, being married, or living -<em>under the protection</em> of any person, are found to -indulge in variety, are designated <em>chinauls</em>, and -are held in far greater disrepute than the professed -<em>kusbee</em>, or common prostitute. As predestinarians -constantly contradict, by their -evasions of danger, the main principle of their -creed, so do the good folks of Hindostan deviate -widely from their system of ethics on this head; -for, although adultery, under any circumstances -whatever, is held up as a mortal sin, to be -atoned for by death only; nevertheless, we find -the males of all ages particularly bent on that -kind of gallantry which comes within the letter -of the law, and generally produces the contact -of two persons whose <em>casts</em> are thereby respectively -polluted. In a former part, I explained -more fully the deceptions practised by native -women retained by European gentlemen; it remains -for me to add, that such is the spirit of -intrigue prevalent among the people at large, -that we may at least conclude the ladies in that -quarter to keep pace with <em>the most enlightened</em> -of our own population!</p> - -<p class='c001'>When a native, especially a Hindu, of high -<em>cast</em>, suspects that his wife is guilty of infidelity, -he generally proceeds to repudiate her -in the most public manner; but it often happens -<span class='pageno' id='Page_426'>426</span>that he is saved that trouble, either by the -intervention of her father, brother, &c., who, -under pretence of conducting her home, leads -the offender to some lone spot, where, with his -<em>tulwar</em>, he severs her head from her body, and -deliberately leaves both to be devoured by -jackals, &c. This office is likewise occasionally -performed by the husband himself; who must, -however, be careful not to betray his intention, -lest a powerful dose, mixed among his <em>takorry</em>, -(vegetable <em>curry</em>,) should prevent the completion -of his design, or, possibly, cause him to fall a -sacrifice to the lover’s resentment.</p> - -<p class='c001'>A very curious instance of this occurred in -1789, wherein a sepoy, of my own company, -was principally concerned. He had long been -in the good graces of a woman who was married -to a <em>sonaar</em>, (goldsmith,) then absent in another -part of the country. The lady’s father, -who had no other child, on learning the particulars -of the intrigue from one of her servants, -remonstrated, but in vain. He then determined -to sacrifice her, and ordered that she should -quit her own home, for the purpose of being -conducted to his house, which was in a village -some miles distant.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Suspecting his intention, the adultress communicated -the circumstance to her lover, who -advised her to follow her father, and promised to -prevent his doing her any injury. Accordingly, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_427'>427</span>she allowed her parent to precede her, as usual, -(for no woman ever walks before a man, especially -if it be her husband, or any relative,) -until they arrived at a small jungle, when, as he -was about to draw his <em>tulwar</em> to <em>sauf-kur</em> -(literally, ‘to make clean,’ but, in the accepted -sense, to kill, or destroy,) her, the lover -darted forth, and, at one blow, took off his -head.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The lady and her lover were both apprehended, -and tried before the <em>zemindary court</em> at -Benares, within whose jurisdiction the crime -was perpetrated: against the woman nothing -could be urged, she was therefore acquitted; -the man was convicted, and condemned; but -the woman, being next of kin to the deceased, -and having the right, according to the law, of -pardoning his murderer, instantly gave him her -absolution in open court, and, to the great surprize -and mortification of the whole court, returned -homewards with her paramour, to persevere -in the adulterous intercourse.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It was in vain that Marquis Cornwallis, on -receipt of the intelligence, used every endeavor -to obtain a revision of the proceedings: the -Court were inflexible, and the parties could not, -legally, be apprehended. His Lordship was, -therefore, left without that redress he thought -due to the public, and could only cause the -sepoy to be dismissed from the Company’s -<span class='pageno' id='Page_428'>428</span>service, and to be banished from the Company’s -dominions.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Where the law gives so absurd a power, it -might be expected that scarce a husband would -be safe; but that is not the case; for they, in -general, act very decidedly, whenever they are -made acquainted with the existence of offences -against conjugal propriety. The caution used -in conducting an amour is not always very -great, but there is, in fact, only one difficulty -to be overcome, viz. the obtaining admission to -the interior while the husband is absent: that -being effected, detection is not very easy, because, -the immured state in which women are -kept, offers the best screen against the curiosity -of prying neighbours.</p> - -<p class='c001'>What with the dark color of the mud walls, -the sombre complexion of the people themselves, -and the shade commonly cast by heavy -foliages, standing in the vicinity of villages in -general, as well as by the over-hanging thatches, -&c., it is not very easy, even for a neighbour, -to ascertain, after night-fall, whether a person, -having a cloth on the head, entering the sacred -enclosure, be male or female.</p> - -<p class='c001'>About the year 1786, a laughable story was -current, regarding a young officer who had a -very pretty Hindoo girl in keeping, but who, -being of a very salacious disposition, always -endeavored to prevail with such young women -<span class='pageno' id='Page_429'>429</span>as came to vend fruits, or to sell <em>choories</em>, &c., -to be his inmate. One of these daily visitors held -out against every temptation, which so roused -the youth’s passions, that he resolved to obtain -that by force which money could not purchase. -The struggle made a terrible discovery; the -supposed damsel proving to be a young Portugueze -drummer!!!</p> - -<p class='c001'>The ordinary mode of conveyance adopted by -the generality of <em>nautch-taffahs</em>, is the common -<em>hackery</em>, called a <em>g’horry</em>, which has two wheels, -with a square body, as has been already described; -in one of these, four or five crowd -together, sitting almost back to back, and allowing -their legs to hang down on every side. -The generality are of very decent behavior, -but, when they get a little <em>majoom</em> (a sweatmeat -prepared with <em>b’haug</em>) into their noddles, -it is not uncommon to see them proceed in high -style, singing away in full chorus, and, occasionally, -exhibiting specimens of their profession, -by attitudes corresponding with the -words of songs purely Cyprian!</p> - -<p class='c001'>The baggage, if any, is commonly carried on -some hired bullock, or in a <em>hackery</em>; some <em>sets</em> -are, however, so opulent, as to be able to keep -one or two camels, and to purchase a tolerably -good Hindostanee tent, that is, without walls, -and supported by two bamboo poles, each about -eight or nine feet long.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_430'>430</span>The baggage of Europeans is, ordinarily -carried on elephants, camels, bullocks, <em>hackeries</em>, -or <em>coolies</em>: of late years, a great improvement -has been made, by taking off the body of a gig, -with its shafts, and substituting a frame, made -on such a plan as may serve to contain several -trunks and liquor chests below, while a cot, -with all the necessary bedding, having over -them a painted canvas canopy, covers the whole, -and keeps every part compact and dry. Such a -conveyance, with a tolerably stout horse, is -found to get on far more expeditiously than any -of the others.</p> - -<p class='c001'>With respect to elephants, it may be said, -that they are either the best, or the worst, carriage: -in the low countries, where the soil is -often soft for the greater part of the year, the -elephant is certainly a most useful animal; his -feet being broad, and his power so great as to -enable his acting with decision and energy at -the moment of difficulty, qualify him, almost -exclusively, for the transportation of tents, and -heavy baggage, in such parts of the country as -remain heavy or swampy during the more -settled part of the year.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Though we may suppose, that, previous to -the plains of Bengal being cultivated, they were -over-ran with elephants, the same as other -parts of India, of which that animal is a native, -still it should seem, that their principal haunts -<span class='pageno' id='Page_431'>431</span>must have been along that hilly wilderness in -which they are now found in a gregarious state. -It is well known that the elephant thrives best -near the sea, that in its vicinity he attains his -greatest bulk, and is exempt from various -diseases, especially the opthalmia and the -dropsy, both of which attack at least four in five -of such as are removed to dry soils. This circumstance, -as well as the peculiar formation -and substance of the foot, appear to render the -elephant peculiarly appropriate to the use of such -persons as have occasion for carriage-cattle (<em>i.e.</em> -cattle that bear burthens) in the lower provinces.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Endued with wonderful sagacity, the elephant -will only proceed on soils which bear him up to -a certain extent: so soon as he feels a peculiar -vibration, that indicates a want of firmness -below, he instantly declines further progress, -and, turning round, or receding, with more -activity than his clumsy form may indicate, -hastens to quit the apprehended danger; and, -without regard to things or persons, makes the -best of his way to <em>terra firma</em>.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Sometimes, however, this majestic animal -gets bogged, and, notwithstanding his immense -strength, becomes completely incapable of self-extrication. -On such an occasion, nothing -more is necessary than to supply him with -abundance of straw, or cut grass, tied in -<span class='pageno' id='Page_432'>432</span>bundles; these he forces down with his proboscis, -till they are under his feet respectively; -and, by their accumulated resistance, afford the -means of gradually bearing up, and of raising -him to the surface. His egress is ensured by -an ample stock of the same materials, together -with faggots, &c., thrown before him, in number -sufficient to form a kind of path-way, -along which the elephant moves with wondrous -caution: on such an occasion, he should, like a -mule on a mountain, be left to himself, as he -will manage with perfect prudence; whereas, if -actuated by a <em>mohout</em>, (or driver,) he might be -again plunged into difficulty.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The stature of elephants, in general, may be -rated between seven and nine feet: the former -is the standard at which they are admitted upon -the Company’s establishment, at the value of -five hundred sicca rupees each (£65). Provided -the animals be stout, and competent to -carry a proper burthen, such blemishes as would -depreciate them considerably among the natives, -who entertain many prejudices in this -particular, are not considered.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The principal defects, in the eye of a native -merchant, are,</p> - -<p class='c001'>1. A broken tail; or a deficiency of the -forked hair at its termination. The former -arises from the habit the elephants are in, of -laying hold of their opponent’s tails with their -<span class='pageno' id='Page_433'>433</span>trunks, and of twisting them so, that, occasionally, -they are absolutely snapped, or, perhaps, -tumefy, and, in the end, sphacelate.</p> - -<p class='c001'>2d. An uneven number of claws to the feet: -there should be five on each fore, and four on -each hind foot.</p> - -<p class='c001'>3d. Bad tusks; that is, such as are decayed, -or, having been broken in contests, cannot be -rendered ornamental: an elephant born with -only one tooth, or tusk, is highly prized, as -being sure to overwhelm its owner with good -fortune.</p> - -<p class='c001'>4th. Having a black, or spotted palate; either -of which is supposed to be an indication of bad -health, as well as of misfortune.</p> - -<p class='c001'>5th. Bad eyes; though sometimes we see -very serviceable elephants totally deprived of -sight, which travel admirably with burthens, -but are unfit for the <em>howdah</em>; these are extremely -careful to put their trunks forward as -they proceed, whereby they are warned of any -hollows, &c. Blind elephants are peculiarly -attentive to the words of command given by -their drivers.</p> - -<p class='c001'>6th. The want of hair on the forehead, lean -jaws, small jagged ears, narrow feet, thin legs, -short bodies, and a contracted barrel, or carcase, -are all objectionable, and become serious objects -of attention in the purchase of this animal. An -<span class='pageno' id='Page_434'>434</span>European, not accustomed to view elephants -critically, would conclude that little variety, in -the above respects, would be found; but there -are certainly as many estimable, or agreeable, -points in a fine elephant, as in a fine horse; -though we rarely look so narrowly into the perfections -of the former, on account of being less -in the habits of cherishing, or of driving, them -in person.</p> - -<p class='c001'>According to the regulations, an elephant ought -to be able to carry twenty-five maunds, which -is within a twenty-sixth part of being a ton; -but, although the several contractors stipulate, -without hesitation, that their elephants should -be able to carry that weight at all times, not one -in a hundred of those in the service, or in the -possession of individuals, could bear it even for -one day’s ordinary march, which should not -exceed eight <em>coss</em>, (sixteen miles,) all beyond -that being considered a forced march.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The elephant is furnished with two pads, of -which the under one, called a <em>guddaylah</em>, is -commonly made of red <em>karwah</em>, stuffed to the -thickness of an inch and a half with cotton, and -well quilted. The upper pad, called a <em>guddy</em>, -is made of <em>tawt</em>, which is a narrow kind of very -coarse canvas, and is stuffed very hard with straw -to about the thickness of six inches. These are -put on, the one over the other, and firmly secured -<span class='pageno' id='Page_435'>435</span>to the body by means of stout ropes passing -round the whole, as well as under the tail, -by way of crupper.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Such a thickness may appear too great; but -it is to be considered that an elephant ought, -by the contract, to carry either four common -marquees, each weighing, when dry, 425lb., -and, when wet, 597lb.; or six private tents, each -weighing, when dry, 275lb., and, when wet, -426lb. Therefore, when I take the medium at -twenty-five maunds, it is but striking a fair -balance.</p> - -<p class='c001'>An ordinary elephant requires two servants; -namely, a <em>mohout</em>, or driver, who sits upon his -back, and guides, by means of a crooked instrument -of iron, called a <em>haunkus</em>, aided by words -of command, and the application of his toes -behind the animal’s ears. The other servant, -called a <em>cooly</em>, or grass-cutter, performs all the -more menial offices, such as taking the elephant -out for <em>charrah</em>, <em>i.e.</em> fodder, of which it can carry -as much as will suffice for two, or, if well laden, -for three days.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The feet of an elephant require considerable -care; they being extremely apt to chafe, and -wear away, at the soles, so as to render him -completely unserviceable for a time. This generally -happens where the soil is dry and harsh, -as throughout the upper country, but may be, -in a great measure, prevented by <em>paying</em> them -<span class='pageno' id='Page_436'>436</span>with astringent applications, so that the skin -may be rendered harder, and the foot, in general, -somewhat callous.</p> - -<p class='c001'>When an elephant is chafed on the back, the -part is usually rubbed with <em>ghee</em> and turmeric, -and the pad cushioned so as to raise the spot -under which the excoriation may be: if suffered -to continue in a state of irritation, the smallest -sore will speedily assume a most formidable appearance, -owing to the peculiarly cellular formation -of an elephant’s flesh.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The mode of catching elephants for the public -service is very simple, requiring more perseverance -than skill, yet attended with a heavy -expence. In those wildernesses near Chittagong, -Tipperah, &c., along the eastern boundary, -some hundreds, or perhaps thousands, of villagers -are assembled, who form a circle around -those herds they may find, and gradually frighten -them into a kind of trap, called a <em>keddah</em>, of -which the entrance is of a crescent form, leading -to a large area, properly enclosed by an immense -trench, and by large piles well bound -together. After a while, the animals are driven, -or induced, into a smaller area, from which -they are taken into a narrow passage, for the -purpose of being secured, and led away to the -stands, at which they remain until completely -tamed.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It was formerly the practice to break their -<span class='pageno' id='Page_437'>437</span>spirit by privations and severity; but, of late -years, it has been found preferable to sooth as -much as possible; a change which has been attended -with the most happy results. So far has -this plan succeeded, that many elephants are -now better reconciled in one month than they -formerly were in four or five; while, at the -same time, many inconveniences, especially -those severe ligatures, which invariably made -desperate sores about the ankles, &c., are almost -wholly avoided.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The practice of decoying the large single -males, which separate from the herds, and are -called <em>sauns</em>, or <em>goondahs</em>, is extremely curious: -two or three females are generally sent out for -the purpose of inveigling the ferocious males -thus ranging about. Such female elephants, -which are called <em>k’hoomkies</em>, are highly valuable, -especially if they be large, and attached to their -<em>mohouts</em>, whom they will protect to the last -moment, if accidentally discovered by their intended -prize while passing the ropes around his -legs. For a particular account of this, which -can scarcely be rendered distinct but by the aid -of plates, I refer my readers to ‘<span class='sc'>The Wild -Sports of the East</span>,’ published from my -designs and memoirs by Mr. Edward Orme, of -Bond Street, and Messrs. Black, Parry, and -Kingsbury, of Leadenhall Street.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Contrary to the opinion formerly current, it -<span class='pageno' id='Page_438'>438</span>has been ascertained that elephants copulate in -the same manner as other quadrupeds. This -has been certified by Mr. John Corse, the resident -Surgeon at Tipperah, who established a -breed of elephants at that place; whereby much -insight has been obtained regarding the natural -history of this noble animal. When Mr. Corse -transmitted that account which may be seen in -the third volume of the Asiatic Researches, -he had not the opportunity of ascertaining -the period of gestation, which has since been -found to give an average of about twenty-two -months.</p> - -<p class='c001'>That less time could not be required, was -evident from the incipient portion of that gentleman’s -researches; as a female elephant, taken -in January, 1788, did not produce her calf, -which was thirty-five inches high at his birth, -and grew four inches in as many months, until -the 16th of October, 1789.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Elephants are invariably measured at the -shoulder, and not on the arch of the back, the -want of which is to be considered as indicative -of age.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Elephants are to be found along the whole -extent of frontier, ranging from the Chittagong -district, to the very borders of Thibet. They -become more scarce, and are, besides, less robust, -and of smaller stature, in proportion as they -recede from the sea coasts. Those sent yearly, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_439'>439</span>by way of compliment, or of tribute, from the -Rajah of Napaul, are by no means to be compared -with the <em>coomaeeahs</em>, and <em>mooknahs</em> of -Tipperah, and Chittagong, whose form and bulk -certainly entitle them to superior estimation. -Some of these are, occasionally, sold for immense -sums to the native princes in the upper parts of -Hindostan. Two thousand rupees are held to -be but a low price for a male of nine feet in -height, provided his teeth are large, even, and -of regular curves: sometimes elephants, of extraordinary -bulk, and of remarkably fine points, -have reached to eight or ten thousand rupees.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The expence of keeping an elephant will -vary according to the situation, and to the general -services wherein it is employed: in the -Dacca district but little expence is incurred, -unless hard labour is to be performed, there -being abundance of <em>d’hul</em>, (grass,) and of foliage, -of which the animal can always obtain an ample -supply gratis. There, a <em>mohout</em> rarely receives -more than three rupees monthly, and a grass-cutter -more than two. I have shewn, in describing -the servants necessary to be retained in -a gentleman’s suite, that the wages of these -menials are generally much higher; which, -when added to the average charges for food, -chiefly <em>badjra</em>, or millet stems, which must be -paid for, and rice, or barley, perhaps to the -extent of 30lb. daily, will cause the expence of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_440'>440</span>maintaining an elephant in the upper provinces, -to amount to full thirty, or thirty-five, rupees -per mensem; and that, too, exclusive of the -wear and tear of gear of all kinds. On the -whole, we may compute that an elephant, well -kept, will cost full forty rupees (£5.) monthly. -When we consider that, in England, few gentlemen -keep their horses for much less, and that -an elephant performs so much essential drudgery, -indeed, equal to a team of three stout cart horses, -also that the value of money in India is not half -so great as with us, we may deem the above -aggregate to be very moderate: the misfortune -is, that an elephant is not, like a horse, promptly -or generally useful; and that, owing to the -nature of the climate, as well as of the soil, -months often elapse before the proprietor of the -former may be able to avail himself of the valuable -powers of his sable property.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Camels are very generally kept by the officers -of the army throughout the upper provinces, -that is to say, above the Delta of the Ganges, -where the soil is more appropriate to their form, -than those muddy, slippery, tracts, in which these -animals are extremely subject to fall. When -such an accident happens, it is a great chance -but the animal is rendered useless; as, owing to -the great length of the hind legs, and to the -want of any membranes, or muscles, calculated -to prevent their easy divergence in diametrically -<span class='pageno' id='Page_441'>441</span>opposite directions, the pelvis is extremely apt -to split, and the power of extrication, or even -of support itself, is entirely lost to this very -valuable quadruped.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Though we generally attach the term ‘<em>camel</em>’ -to that species of the <em>camelus</em> found in India, -where great numbers are bred by persons who -make a very large profit from their labors, the -animal under consideration, having but one -hump, or bunch, on its back, should, properly, -be called a ‘<em>dromedary</em>.’ Whatever may be -the true designation, the utility of the animal -in a climate, and on a soil, to which it is so -admirably suited by nature, is indisputable; but, -with regard to its powers, as described by naturalists, -or by travellers, I must beg leave to -enter a partial dissent.</p> - -<p class='c001'>I have now before me a very respectable -publication, wherein it is said, that ‘a camel -will carry a weight of 1,200lb., and will perform -a journey of three hundred leagues in eight -days.’ Now, my own experience convinces -me very fully that few camels will carry more -than eight maunds, when making, on an average, -stages of from fourteen, to sixteen, or, at the -very utmost, twenty miles within the day, for -two months; allowing a weekly halt.</p> - -<p class='c001'>So sensible are the Government of India of the -inability of a camel to perform any thing like the -service above described, that, in all their contracts, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_442'>442</span>in which it must have been seen they -take care so to proportion the burthens, that -none but the choicest of cattle could move -under them, it is especially detailed that such -camels as may be admitted upon the Company’s -establishment of carriage-cattle, should be rated -in the proportion of three camels to one elephant; -which, in other words, assigns to each a burthen -composed of two private tents, the weight -of each, when dry, being 275lb., and, when -wet, 426lb.; including poles, pins, mallets, -bags, &c.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Taking the medium as a standard, <em>i.e.</em> one -wet, and one dry tent, the average burthen -would be only 701lb., which will be found a -greater load than any camels, setting apart perhaps -one or two of extraordinary powers, which -have come within my observation, could carry -in a proper manner, so as to answer general -purposes, when marching with a regiment.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The value of a camel varies according to -size, form, age, condition, and disposition: -supposing all those points to be mediocrity, -from eighty, to a hundred and twenty, rupees -may be taken as a standard; observing, that, -where no military movement is in question, the -prices are often lower, and that, in cases of -emergency, they have been known to rise even -so high as to four, five, and six, hundred rupees: -but such, fortunately, is very rarely the case.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_443'>443</span>Most gentlemen keep two or three camels, -for the purpose of carrying their tent, liquors, -and cot. If on a moderate scale, two will generally -prove competent to the work, but if the -tent be large, the liquors and linen abundant, -and the cot extensive, or on a heavy construction, -a third camel will be necessary. In fact, -I know not of worse policy, than that we too -often see adopted, of burthening an animal with -as much as it can stand under. When the moment -of difficulty comes, as it rarely fails to do, -infinite vexation, and an enormous encrease of -expence, invariably follow. Hence, it will be -found advisable, though the primary expence -may be encreased, and the subsequent monthly -charges be a trifle greater, always to retain three, -in preference to two camels; unless the intended -burthens be very compact, and not subject to -accumulate a great addition of weight in wet -weather.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The difference shewn to exist between tents, -when wet, and when dry, according to the Company’s -standard, ascertained by actual experiments, -should prove a guide to all persons about -to proceed on a march, so to proportion the loads -imposed on their cattle as not to endanger their -total failure. It should never be forgotten, that -excoriations, however trivial in the first instance, -speedily rankle into wounds, not simply painful, -but generally trenching deeply on the immediate -<span class='pageno' id='Page_444'>444</span>powers, as well as on the condition, of those -useful dumb animals, which submit to the last -moment to the will of their heedless employers.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Camels, as well as elephants, lie down, so as -to bring their stomachs to the ground, while -receiving or discharging their burthens. At -such moments, the former are extremely irritable; -snarling, and watching the opportunity for -biting. To say the best of these animals, they -are never to be trusted, their dispositions being, -for the most part, sanguinary and treacherous, -although they are not carnivorous, being fed -chiefly on <em>gram</em>, and chaff of various kinds: a -camel, like the bull-dog, rarely lets go his hold.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The expence of maintaining a camel may be -averaged at about four or five rupees monthly, -exclusive of its portion of the <em>surwan’s</em> (<em>i.e.</em> the -driver’s) wages: the large crook saddle, with its -<em>jolah</em>, or canvas trappings, and its <em>saleetah</em>, or -canvas sheet made of <em>tawt</em>, for the purpose of -lading tents, and especially for bringing in chaff, -may be averaged, for wear and tear, at about a -rupee monthly. From this it will be seen, that -if a <em>surwan</em>, attending three camels, should receive -six rupees for pay, and that each of the camels -should cost six more, the whole expence, amounting -to twenty-four rupees per mensem, would -fall far short of that incurred by one elephant.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The advantages attendant upon an elephant, -are, that the load is all carried compact and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_445'>445</span>entire; that he can travel in swampy districts, -where no other animal could proceed at all; and -that he is serviceable to ride upon, and to join -in the line to beat hogs, and other game, out of -heavy covers. On the other hand, a camel will -travel on those dry soils which destroy an elephant’s -feet, without sustaining the smallest -injury; he is more patient under heat, and the -absence both of fodder and of water; his prime -cost is considerably less; his maintenance -cheaper; and, where a division of carriage becomes -necessary, one camel may be sent off, -while the others are retained. But camels rarely -thrive if exposed during the rains; hence, it is -customary to build sheds for their reception -during that season: this, however, is done at a -very trifling expence, and might, doubtless, be -dispensed with altogether, at least in the upper -provinces, if young animals were to be purchased -that had never been so domesticated. -Few gentlemen retain their camels while serving -near the Presidency, where fodder is at a -most enormous price, and where the mange -commonly attacks within a few weeks after -arrival.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The heavy, awkward, and apparently slow, -gait of the camel, generally induces to a belief -that its rate of travelling is disadvantageous, inasmuch -as it may denote inability to keeping up -with the generality of elephants. This, however, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_446'>446</span>is a great mistake, for it is very common -to see the latter, when in the least over-burthened, -or when the weather is hot, or the road -sandy, very late in arriving at their destination; -whereas, the camel, under an appropriate load, -will move on at a regular pace, generally making -a distance of seven feet, as I have repeatedly ascertained, -from the centre of that spot whence it -lifts a foot, to where it again sets it down: few -elephants do so much; they walk quicker, but -their strides are rarely so extensive.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The propensity of a camel to stale, so soon as -eased of his burthen, renders it indispensably -necessary to drive him to a distance so soon as -the tent is off his back; otherwise, the urinous -stench attached to the spot would render it very -unpleasant, or, rather, insupportable. The native -chemists extract large quantities of ammonia -from those stands where camels have been -kept for many weeks.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The greatest inconvenience attached to a camel -is his utter inability to swim across a river, such -as any other animal would consider no impediment. -It is true, that, occasionally, camels -may have been seen to swim for a few yards, but, -in general, they turn upon the side, and, unless -instantly rescued, would infallibly be drowned. -Perhaps this arises from the general roundness of -their bodies, which are very easily acted upon by -the super-incumbent weight of the neck and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_447'>447</span>head, that become levers, not sufficiently opposed -by their almost fleshless limbs. Some -camels enter with readiness into ferry-boats, -even of the rudest construction, while others -require to be urged by the display of fire in their -rear, or even by the actual cautery! When -once on board, they are generally quiet, but do -not seem to entertain such a dread of their insulated -situation as horses do.</p> - -<p class='c001'>In this particular, the elephant has a most decided -superiority: he enters the water with -alacrity, and, guided by the <em>mohout</em>, who preserves -his seat on the animal’s neck, until the -latter may, by way of frolic, descend to walk -on the bottom, keeping, at the same time, the -end of his proboscis above water, makes his -way to the opposite bank, though perhaps a -mile distant. If there be occasional shallows, -whereon he can refresh himself, two or three -miles are passed with equal facility.</p> - -<p class='c001'>In their wild state, elephants cross very large -rivers in herds; the young ones swimming by -the sides of their mothers, which, occasionally, -support their gigantic calves by means of their -trunks, either passed under the body, or slightly -hooked in with the young one’s proboscis. -When domesticated, elephants lose much of -their natural energy in every instance; and, in -lieu of viewing a tiger without fear, gradually -become so timid, as to be dreadfully agitated at -<span class='pageno' id='Page_448'>448</span>the sight, or smell, even of a dead one: hence, -in tiger-hunting, those elephants which are -more recently taken from the <em>keddahs</em>, provided -they be sufficiently trained to be safe in other -respects, are usually best suited to the sport, -and afford their riders a better chance of success.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Those who cannot afford, or who consider it -unnecessary, to retain either an elephant, or -camels, usually purchase, or hire, bullocks, -when about to march to any station not very -remote. Some, indeed, prefer them altogether; -but, after having given them more than one -trial, both from necessity, and from the persuasions -of others, my mind is made up to the -full conviction, that, although rarely costing -more than sixteen or twenty rupees each, (that -is, from forty to fifty shillings,) they are the -most tardy, the most troublesome, and the -most expensive, of all the beasts of burthen in -question!</p> - -<p class='c001'>Knowing, from dear-bought experience, that -a bullock which can carry five maunds is a <em>rara -avis</em> of its kind, I was much surprized to find, -in Mr. Colebrooke’s little treatise on the Husbandry -of Bengal, an assertion, that the enormous -‘load of 500lb. of cotton is generally carried -from Nagpore to Mirzapore, a distance -which, by the shortest route, exceeds four hundred -miles, in journies of eight or ten miles -<span class='pageno' id='Page_449'>449</span>daily.’ That some remarkably fine cattle are -bred in the Nagpore district is well known; -but I should have greatly doubted, under any -other than the highly respectable authority -alluded to, whether it would be possible to -select, in all Bengal, a sufficient number of -bullocks, bred in the country, to carry on the -extensive trade between Nagpore and Mirzapore, -under the circumstance of carrying 500lb. -as an ordinary load.</p> - -<p class='c001'>I have possessed very fine bullocks, such as -could not, generally, be obtained for less than a -hundred rupees the pair, and I have had occasion -to rely on their services; but found, that, -whenever they were laden beyond four maunds, -(320lb.,) they became restive, and required -many extra hours to perform a march of -twelve or fourteen miles, even on excellent -roads, and when in far better plight than -<em>mahajuny</em> (trading) bullocks are commonly -seen.</p> - -<p class='c001'>But let us refer to the regulations of the -Company respecting cattle to be admitted upon -their establishment; we shall there find, that -one Mirzapore bullock nearly equals three of -them. ‘The standard of cattle to be retained -for, or received into, the service, is not to be -less than fifty inches for the draft-bullocks, and -forty-eight inches for the carriage-bullocks. -Each carriage-bullock shall be competent to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_450'>450</span>carry a burthen of <em>one hundred and eighty -pounds</em> weight, exclusive of his pad.’</p> - -<p class='c001'>Now, it is well known the Company employ -excellent cattle, and take care to have justice -done them; as, indeed, they are fully entitled to -expect, when they allow no less than thirty -sicca rupees for each bullock purchased on their -account; especially, as any distance beyond -sixteen miles, or when laden for more than nine -hours within the twenty-four, or when carrying -more than 180lb., come under the denomination -of a forced march, and subject the Company to -all risks.</p> - -<p class='c001'>I should rather apprehend that an error has -crept into Mr. Colebrooke’s otherwise most -accurate calculations, owing to a <em>cutcha-maund</em> -of five <em>paseeries</em>, (of 10lb. each,) being in -general use in that part of the country. Five of -these maunds, of 50lb. each, make a <em>tungy</em>, which -is the common load for cattle carrying iron, and -other dead weights. Therefore, if we estimate -the general burthen to be in <em>cutcha</em> (<em>i.e.</em> small) -maunds, we shall find the result to be nearer -the ordinary result, than when we take 500lb. -for the amount of a load. It is a well-known -truth, that a private tent, with its poles, pins, -mallets, and bags, is an ample load for any -bullock, even in its dry state, and that, when -wet, it must be a choice animal that is competent -to bear it for even a very few miles.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_451'>451</span>In some of the very stony parts, it is usual to -shoe the bullocks, the same as is practised in -many parts of England; but, in general, that is -not found necessary. The saddles and pads -must be properly attended to, and the loads -should be well strapped on; otherwise, owing -to the skittishness of the cattle in India, and -their disposition to lie down, very frequently, -in a day’s journey, considerable injury must be -sustained, by such articles of lading as may be -subject to breakage, from such a practice.</p> - -<p class='c001'>However great a drawback such a propensity -may appear, it is found, that liquors may be -safely trusted to be conveyed by bullocks; but, -in order to ensure the bottles from breaking, it -is found necessary to pack every one of them -separate, wrapping round it a small loose band, -of that soft kind of hemp known by the name -of <em>paut</em>, and stitching the several rounds together -in the same manner as Florence oil -flasks, &c., are enveloped by small bands of -fine straw.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The <em>paut</em>, above mentioned, is grown in every -part of the country, but chiefly in Bengal, -where it attains to a considerable diameter, -perhaps an inch and a half in diameter, and often -grows eleven or twelve feet high. About three -years ago, I presented a specimen of <em>paut</em> to the -Bath Society, measuring more than ten feet in -length: it was the remainder of a quantity in -<span class='pageno' id='Page_452'>452</span>which I had packed some bottles when quitting -Bengal, and had never been so much as put to -the hackle.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Nothing is so effectual as this material towards -preserving bottles from fracture; when -properly wolded, they may either be packed in -boxes, &c., without any addition of straw, &c., -or they may be advantageously put into strong -bags of <em>tawt</em>, and thus, with seeming negligence, -be carried on either side the bullock. I have -several times adopted this mode, and found it -by far the safest, as well as the least expensive, -and best suited to the animal. By it, the necessity -for boxes was obviated, and a good -bullock could easily carry five dozens of wine -for any length of time, and for any number of -miles, a regiment would commonly march.</p> - -<p class='c001'>When tents are carried on oxen, it is necessary -to divide the load as equally as may be -practicable; observing, that those which have -to carry the two <em>flies</em>, ought not to be encumbered -with mallets, pins, &c., as it is a great -desideratum to make sure, as much as practicable, -that the flies, the pole, and a certain portion -of pins, together with a mallet or two, should -arrive early; it being of less consequence if the -bullocks bearing the walls, <em>satrinjes</em>, &c., be -somewhat later; since the main part of the operation -of pitching the tent, consisting of raising -the <em>flies</em>, may be performed, and shelter -<span class='pageno' id='Page_453'>453</span>afforded, without the walls, &c., being -present.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Although a very large stout bullock may, -here and there, be found capable of carrying a -pair of cloaths-trunks, with a small cot above -them, such must not be generally expected. -The trunks will, if properly constructed, sit -close, as they do on a camel; but the cot will -assuredly swag, so as to cause great unsteadiness -of gait, and subject the animal to chafe under -the pad: besides, the disposition of most bullocks -is such, as by no means to warrant the -lading them with any article subject to great -injury from a fall.</p> - -<p class='c001'>I have already said the bullock is the worst -kind of carriage used in the army, but for -draught it is essentially serviceable; in fact, -without this animal, I know not how the -service could proceed in India. A great deal, -however, depends on breed; and no less on due -feeding and proper exercise. Only certain parts -of the country, such as the Purneah and Sircar-Sarun -districts, are found to produce oxen of a -standard and frame suited to the ordnance -department; in which, on the Bengal Establishment -alone, full five thousand head of cattle are -employed, exclusive of a large establishment -of elephants and camels, allotted to the conveyance -of camp equipage.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The proportion of bullocks allowed for the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_454'>454</span>draught of field-pieces of various calibres, with -which they are expected to keep pace with the -ordinary rate at which troops march, are as -follow:—</p> - -<table class='table6' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='17%' /> -<col width='14%' /> -<col width='36%' /> -<col width='7%' /> -<col width='24%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>To a</td> - <td class='c010'>24 </td> - <td class='c014'>Pounder</td> - <td class='c010'>24</td> - <td class='c016'>Bullocks.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c010'>18 </td> - <td class='c014'>Ditto</td> - <td class='c010'>18</td> - <td class='c016'>Ditto.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c010'>12 </td> - <td class='c014'>Ditto</td> - <td class='c010'>12</td> - <td class='c016'>Ditto.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c018'>6 </td> - <td class='c014'>Ditto</td> - <td class='c010'>6</td> - <td class='c016'>Ditto.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c018'>3 </td> - <td class='c014'>Ditto</td> - <td class='c010'>4</td> - <td class='c016'>Ditto.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c018'>8 </td> - <td class='c014'>Inch Howitzer</td> - <td class='c010'>14</td> - <td class='c016'>Ditto.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c018'>5½ </td> - <td class='c014'>Ditto</td> - <td class='c010'>10</td> - <td class='c016'>Ditto.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c018'>4⅖</td> - <td class='c014'>Ditto</td> - <td class='c010'>6</td> - <td class='c016'>Ditto.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014' colspan='2'>Artificer’s Cart</td> - <td class='c010'>10</td> - <td class='c016'>Ditto.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014' colspan='2'>Tumbrel</td> - <td class='c010'>6</td> - <td class='c016'>Ditto.</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class='c001'>It may surprize those who are personally unacquainted -with India, to learn that horses are -very little employed in carriages. I have already -shewn, that, with the exception of the <em>r’hunts</em> let -out for hire about Calcutta, of which some are -drawn by one, or by two <em>tattoos</em>, all the vehicles -in use among the natives, and all the laborious -part of whatever may relate to building, trade, -and agriculture, are consigned to oxen; of -which the prices are, in some places, so low, -that a small pair, fit to be worked at a well in -a gentleman’s garden, may usually be had for -about ten rupees (<em>i.e.</em> 25<em>s.</em>); while the generality -of husbandmen rarely pay more than six -rupees (15<em>s.</em>) for a pair, such as are adequate to -the very insignificant tillage bestowed on the soil.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_455'>455</span>The indigenous breed of horses, if Bengal -can boast of any such, is remarkably small, -hardy, and vicious: to me, however, it has ever -been a doubt, whether this breed, called <em>tattoos</em>, -be not a degenerate race from some supply obtained, -at a very remote date, from Durbungah, -and the districts ranging under the northerly -frontier. That breed, generally distinguished -by the appellation of <em>serissahs</em>, is again questionable, -and may, in all probability, be traced to the -<em>tazees</em>, bred in the Maharrattah country, and in -every part of the <em>Punjab</em>.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Considering the great strength and perseverance -of <em>tattoos</em> in general, it is rather surprizing -that they are not put to more purposes, than -merely serving to carry a load on a march, or to -convey some infirm, or rather affluent, traveller, -when moving from one part to another. As -few castrations take place among the males, and -the sexes are allowed to intermix without restraint, -the species would multiply rapidly, -were it not that little care is taken of the pregnant -mares, and less of the progeny; which -usually has to shift for itself, and to cut its own -grass wherever a scanty meal may be obtainable. -If a selection were made of the <em>tattoos</em>, male -and female, fitted for breeding from, there might -be established a supply of cattle, far more useful -to the peasant, than those miserably defective -oxen which, in spite of the professed -<span class='pageno' id='Page_456'>456</span>veneration of all Hindus towards those sacred -animals, are often kept toiling at the plough until -nature interposes in behalf of the worn-out deity, -and compels the reluctant peasant to allow the -hour of dissolution to pass on in peace.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The Company, with a view to obtain a certain, -regular, and efficient, supply of horses for -their cavalry regiments, have, for about seventeen -years past, maintained an establishment for -breeding from select mares in North Bahar: the -liberality with which this has been supported, -and the admirable selection made of persons -for the management of every branch, should -give the most favorable result; especially as the -spot chosen for its site is peculiarly eligible -in point of grazing.</p> - -<p class='c001'>But it does not appear that the expected -benefits have been produced. I recollect seeing -a splendid calculation, made about the year -1794, which went so far as to demonstrate, that, -by the end of the twelfth year, full fifteen hundred -horses would annually be supplied from -the stud. Seeing that an agency still exists for -the purchase of cavalry horses, and knowing -that the whole strength of the light regiments of -cavalry do not exceed six thousand horses, even -including the body-guard, we may reasonably -conclude, that the stud is by no means competent -to furnish one-fourth of that number -within the year!</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_457'>457</span>The <em>tattoos</em> of Bengal rarely grow to the -height of twelve hands; they are slight limbed, -and cat-hammed; but carry immense burthens -during a day’s march, and are no sooner turned -off, having their fore-feet tethered, than a general -war seems to be proclaimed among all of the -tribe that may be within sight or hearing. -Kicking, biting, and gallantry, are the order -of the day; and woe betide the incautious -wight who should, at such a time, approach -within reach of their heels!</p> - -<p class='c001'>Few <em>tattoos</em> ever have the <em>bursautty</em>; a peculiar -breaking out about the legs, (by no means resembling -the grease,) to which horses, in general, -are extremely subject throughout the low -countries; especially if their standing be not -remarkably dry, and exercise given in proportion -to their allowance of <em>gram</em>; which is a species -of pulse, growing on a low plant of the tare -kind, and commonly sold at about a rupee per -maund.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Of this <em>gram</em>, a horse will eat from three to -six seers, (of 2lb. each,) according to his size or -appetite; half in the morning, and half at night. -When high fed, and but little rode, the most -valuable horses, in particular, become victims to -the <em>bursautty</em>; which, though it disappears in -the spring and summer, invariably returns, generally, -too, with encreased force, during every -rainy season. As yet, no cure has been discovered -<span class='pageno' id='Page_458'>458</span>for this ruinous disease, though numbers -of gentlemen, of eminent abilities, have devoted -their attention towards its eradication: -its abatement has, in some instances, been -effected; but, notwithstanding the utmost skill -and perseverance, the blotches have returned, in -sufficient force to satisfy all medical men, that -no decided mode of treatment, and no general -specific, has, hitherto, been established.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The exemption of <em>tattoos</em>, for the most part, -from so formidable a distemper, seems to indicate -their peculiar fitness for the climate: it -matters not whether nature first planted them -on the soil, or whether, by long continuance, -they have become habituated to it, so completely -as to defy that virulence with which -the climate attacks strange animals. Wandering -among all the puddles and jungles at -every season; and subsisting on the remains of -temporary verdure; ultimately, indeed, browsing, -or devouring, the withered remains of long grass; -these useful animals contract no disease, save -what may be engendered by such absolute -scarcity as would go nigh to starve a donkey!</p> - -<p class='c001'>The next breed of horses, in point of strength -and hardiness, is the <em>tanian</em>, a small kind, obviously -distinct from all the other breeds of -India, and peculiar to the Thibet and Bootan -countries, that lie at the back of our eastern and -northern frontier, all the way from Assam to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_459'>459</span>Sirinagur: allowing for the intervention of the -Nepaul Rajah’s dominions. These horses are, -with few exceptions, piebald; though a few are -seen entirely of one color. The breed may be -characterized in a few words, viz. that they are -remarkably stout, hog-maned, have short bushy -tails, very short necks, and large heads.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The Bootan merchants, who come down -yearly with various articles of manufacture, -such as mats, cloths, &c., of a very peculiar -kind, by no means displeasing in their patterns, -commonly lade their goods upon <em>tanians</em>, which -they dispose of ultimately for a small sum, -perhaps from twenty-five to sixty rupees each; -reserving, however, a few, whereon to transport -the British woollens, and other articles they -obtain from the produce of their sales.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Great numbers of the natives of Bengal, who -are in good circumstances, or are obliged to -attend daily at particular offices, &c., ride on -<em>tanians</em>; which, though not to be termed quiet, -are far more so than <em>tattoos</em> in general. These -good folks abominate a <em>trot</em>, as being uneasy and -heating; and not one of them would so far demean -himself as to be seen gallopping! This -has given rise to the general adoption of that -unnatural, but very easy, pace called the -‘amble,’ in which a horse moves the fore and -hinder feet of the same side at one time. It is -singular, that this mode of going should be so -<span class='pageno' id='Page_460'>460</span>pleasant in a horse, when, in the elephant, whose -natural mode of gait it is, there should result -from it the only inconvenience with which the -motion of that animal is attended.</p> - -<p class='c001'><em>Tanians</em> rarely exceed thirteen hands in height, -but their powers are wonderfully great; they -are capable of enduring great fatigue, and, though -by no means sightly in a chariot, will perform -journies equal to what might be expected from -larger animals. In general, they are rather -fiery, but, by gentle usage, shew sufficient -coolness and temper for most purposes. Like -most mountain-bred horses, they are sure-footed, -and, when left to themselves, pick the best -road with great circumspection; proceeding at -an easy pace, which they will keep up for many -hours. I know not of any breed better qualified -for drawing a light small chaise, where great -speed is not wanted; but figure must be out of -the question.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The <em>Serissah</em>, or <em>Durbungah-tazee</em>, derives its -name from the places where great numbers are -bred. These horses are generally of a light -make, and, when young, promise to turn out -well; but, as they approach their full standard, -lose many good points, and, for the most part, -become rather vicious. They are, however, -extremely serviceable as hacks, and generally -make good hog-hunters: occasionally, valuable -horses are found among them; and it is to be -<span class='pageno' id='Page_461'>461</span>hoped, that, as the Company’s stalions are let -out at low rates, to cover such good mares as -may be tendered at their stud, there will soon -be effected an immense improvement in the -general stock of North Bahar.</p> - -<p class='c001'>This, in fact, seems to be one of the prominent -features in the establishment of the stud, -and promises to become very conspicuously -successful; though it is to be lamented, that -the native breeders, owing to a want of liberal -ideas, and of expanded views, are too apt to -adopt that narrow policy, which prompts to -the doing that badly for sixpence, which may -be well done for a penny more! Time will -probably overcome such an absurd system, and -convince them that the payment of a few rupees, -or the subscribing to certain regulations, adopted -for the general improvement of property, so far -from being detrimental, are the surest means of -obtaining a substantial profit, in the most speedy -manner.</p> - -<p class='c001'>There are annual fairs, called <em>maylahs</em>, in -various parts of the country, where the horses -of this breed (<em>i.e.</em> <em>serissahs</em>,) are exhibited in -immense numbers. The greater part of them -are exposed annually at Buxar, and are purchased -by the natives, either for their own use, -or for re-sale in various parts. It is curious, but -true, that, some years ago, a great number of -horses that had been taken from Durbungah -<span class='pageno' id='Page_462'>462</span>into the Maharrattah country, were purchased -there for the supply of the Company’s regiments. -Formerly, the immense body of cavalry paid by -the Nabob Vizier of Oude, used to be mounted -by horses from North Bahar, but, since that -worthless gang have been sent ‘to the right -about,’ the demand created by that establishment -has been almost wholly done away. -Still, however, the prices have not, so far as I -can learn, fallen: they probably are upheld -by our encreased strength of cavalry regiments.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The price of a <em>serissah</em> is not to be easily -defined; a very large portion of them sell for -less than one hundred, while some reach as -high as six hundred, rupees: at a medium, we -may affix a hundred and fifty rupees at a fair -standard, if the purchase be made at a fair, -but, if second-hand, from a horse-dealer, from -fifty to a hundred per cent, may be added. I -have known very handsome sets, of four and six, -purchased at Buxar, averaging fifteen hands and -a half, that were purchased for about two hundred -rupees each, and re-sold, <em>to friends</em>, for five -and six hundred, a few weeks after!</p> - -<p class='c001'>The horses in highest estimation are chiefly -imported from the Punjab, and from Persia, by -regular dealers, who come down to our north-west -frontier annually, after the rains, accompanied -by many camels, generally of an excellent -<span class='pageno' id='Page_463'>463</span>breed, which, besides conveying the tents, -&c., of the party, bear heavy burthens of -shawls, dried fruits, and, occasionally, cats of -the most beautiful description. Such gentlemen -as wish for horses of great strength, ordinarily -purchase <em>toorkies</em>; which, being extremely stout, -and phlegmatic, answer well for persons of -great weight, and of timid disposition.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The Persian horses have generally a finer -shoulder, and attain a better standard, than the -<em>toorky</em>, which rarely measures fifteen hands, -and, in general, may be about fourteen: both -kinds are remarkable for heavy, lob-ears, and -are always well advanced in years before they -are brought for sale. Even under that great -drawback, they commonly sell for eight hundred, -or a thousand, rupees, and, when of a -handsome color, well formed, and of a good -size, will produce from fifteen hundred, to three -thousand, rupees.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The <em>jungle-tazee</em>, which is bred in the Punjab, -or Seik country, is, in general, handsome, -and spirited. These come at an earlier age, as -does the <em>majennis</em>, which is bred in the same -quarter, and is usually the offspring of a <em>jungle-tazee</em> -horse, with a Persian or <em>toorky</em> mare; or -<em>vice versâ</em>. Both these kinds may be rated as -rising to full fifteen hands; and their prices are -usually on a par with the <em>toorky</em>.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It is highly necessary, when purchasing of a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_464'>464</span>native dealer, to look very accurately into every -matter relating to soundness, and quietness. -Those gentry are admirable jockies, and commonly -administer such doses of opium to their -vicious cattle, as cause them for a while to -appear pre-eminently passive; a circumstance -easily detected, by insisting on the animal being -left under charge of the purchaser’s own <em>syce</em>, -(<em>i.e.</em> groom,) for a day or two, before the money -is paid.</p> - -<p class='c001'>When making bargains with European gentlemen, -the whole of the transactions are generally -overt, and free from disguise, but, when -native is opposed to native, the affair is conducted -with much assumed mystery. A cloth -is laid over the knees of the seller and purchaser, -as they squat <em>vis a vis</em> on the ground close together; -the <em>hookah</em> is introduced, and resorted to, -whenever any little difference takes place: at -other times, the parties have each one hand, -generally the right, under the cloth, when, -by means of pressures on the palms, which -denote hundreds, and of the fingers, which -denote, in their due order, 20, 40, 60, and 80, -speedily understand each other very fully. This -affectation is carried to such an extent, that I -have seen nearly a whole day passed in keeping -up the farce, though afterwards it was divulged -to me, as a great secret, that the bargain had -been made during the first five minutes; but -<span class='pageno' id='Page_465'>465</span>the seller was desirous to uphold a character -for being very tenacious of the sum originally -demanded!</p> - -<p class='c001'>Almost every light-colored horse, such as a -grey, or a dun, has its tail stained for many -inches near the tip with <em>mindy</em>, (<em>i.e.</em> <em>hinna</em>,) -as used by the ladies of Hindostan: generally, -a ring of the same is added about two -inches above, and of about two inches in depth. -On account of the inconvenience and heat -attendant upon the retention of full manes, -which are considered indispensable towards the -beauty of a horse, it is usual to braid them -with silk, or thread ties, of various colors, chiefly -red, or yellow: the practice certainly has the -intended effect, but causes a large portion of -the mane to fall off. The hair of the tail is -never cut by a native, and but rarely by an European; -on account of the millions of gad-flies, -which, but for such a defence, would irritate -the animal greatly, and occasion him to fall off, -both from his condition, and his food.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The stables for horses should be amply spacious, -and covered with thatch, in preference -to tiles, which throw too great heat into the -interior. The head-ropes, which commonly -branch out from the head-stall in different directions -angularly forward, ought to be substantial, -and rather long than limitted. The heel-ropes -ought to be full twenty feet in length, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_466'>466</span>and kept a little off the ground, by a small bar, -or prop, to prevent their being rotted by the -wet. One end of each heel-rope is furnished -with a loop of rather thinner and softer rope, -plaited flat, so as not to injure the pastern, round -which it loops on. But for such preventives, -the <em>syces</em> dare not rub down their cattle; which -would, besides, fight desperately, unless thus -restrained.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Stalls of plank are by no means suited to the -climate, nor would they offer any defence -against the horses of India, very few of which -are castrated. The best, but, at the same time, -very insufficient, device, is the placing of swinging -bars between the horses severally; even -these are no restraint, further than limitting a -horse in case he should get loose; a circumstance -instantly announced by the tremendous -uproar occasioned by such an accident, which but -rarely occurs.</p> - -<p class='c001'>On account of the extreme danger to which -horses are subjected by the frequency of fires, -it is advisable that every stable, especially if -thatched, should have a range of water-pots -placed along the ridge. These should always -be kept full of water, to be at the disposal of -men sent up to sprinkle the thatch, and to extinguish -whatever flakes may fall upon it; but, -in case the thatch itself should accidentally take -fire, before any person can mount to distribute -<span class='pageno' id='Page_467'>467</span>the water, then the pots should be broken, by -means of clods, poles, or whatever means may -offer under such emergency.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The horse-dealers from the Punjab, and from -Persia, may be said to lay the Company’s provinces -under annual contribution; since it is -ascertained, that, one year with another, they -take back bills, cash, or goods, (generally the -former,) to the full amount of four lacs of -rupees (£50,000). For this they deliver from -five to six hundred horses, of which nine in ten -are aged, some dried fruits, Persian cats, and -shawls, the whole intrinsic value of which, or -at least the prime cost and duties payable on the -way, cannot exceed one-fourth of that sum. -In truth, the duties, which are rigorously -exacted by various petty princes, &c., through -whose territories they must pass, form the greater -portion even of that share of the booty. Yet do -the venerable dealers in horse-flesh always plead -poverty, and that they have made so very bad -a trip, that, on their return home, their affairs -must go to ruin: however, they make a shift to -come down, year after year, though buying and -selling to so much loss!</p> - -<p class='c001'>In selling horses, it is customary to describe -their several <em>casts</em>, the same as those of the people -of India; thus, an auctioneer advertises a <em>toorky</em>, -or a <em>majennis</em> ‘of high <em>cast</em>,’ to be sold on such -a day. The term may, however, be considered -<span class='pageno' id='Page_468'>468</span>as rather technical, and at least as arbitrary in -its meaning, as when our British knights of -the hammer puff off some hovel, crammed into -a corner, where no one would have dreamt of -seeing an edifice, as ‘a capital mansion, undeniably -situated!’ It must, at the same time, -be acknowledged, that Asiatic advertisements -do not require to be so cautiously accepted, -<span lang="la" xml:lang="la"><em>cum grano salis</em></span>, as those catch-penny notices, -which not only attract the eye directly, but are -literally supported by insidious puffs interspersed -among the news of the day.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The extravagant price to which all articles of -horse furniture have at times risen in India, operated -as a considerable injury to the European -manufacturer, who rarely makes much profit on -goods intended for exportation. Within the -last thirty years, numbers of persons, both European -and native, have established themselves -as saddlers and harness-makers. At first they -were not much encouraged, owing to a belief -very generally prevalent, that leather tanned in -India was inferior to that exported from this -country.</p> - -<p class='c001'>That objection did not stand its ground; for -it was soon ascertained that the bark of the <em>baubool</em> -(<em>mimoza</em>) was at least equal to that of the -oak; and that the leather prepared therewith by -several Europeans, who had constructed tan-pits, -on a large scale, was both equal to, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_469'>469</span>full fifty per cent. cheaper than, what the ships -conveyed to India. Thenceforward, all the -leather-work of the carriages built in India, some -of which might vie with any to be seen in Europe, -was done with country hides. Shoe-makers, -both European and native, resorted to -the same means of supply, and offered both -boots and shoes of the best prepared leather, -the want of which had, for a long time, caused -the very neat shoes made for about a shilling the -pair, by the latter class, to be held in little -estimation.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Saddlers and harness-makers have appeared, -whose labors have proved eminently valuable; -their materials, and their work, being alike -excellent. I must here be understood to confine -my approbation to the articles manufactured -from leather tanned in a regular manner, -and not that paltry brown-paper-like rubbish -manufactured in pots and pans by indigent -natives, who often work up a skin within the -third or fourth day after its being stripped from -some starved sheep, or goat; but which leather -may always be distinguished by a narrow streak -of white, that is, of raw hide, remaining in the -middle of its thickness.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Saddles made of such crude materials, but in -every other respect by no means to be condemned, -may be had at Monghyr, where also -bits and bridles are made with singular neatness, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_470'>470</span>for about ten rupees (25 shillings); but those of -superior materials, and made under the inspection -of an European, will cost full as much, or -perhaps more, then the sums ordinarily paid in -London for saddles, &c., of prime quality, and -high finish.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The climate is extremely adverse to the tanner, -inasmuch as there is great difficulty in obtaining -an ample stock of raw hides; owing to the consumption -of beef and mutton being confined to -the European, and to the Mahomedan parts of the -population; and to the great difficulty of conveying -the skins to the pits before incipient -fermentation may become obvious, and disqualify -them for the purpose.</p> - -<p class='c001'>That leather might, with great advantage to -both countries, be sent from India to Europe, -cannot be doubted: the great difficulty would -be to furnish such a quantity as might render -the trade an object. According to the present -high prices, it would almost be worth while -to buy cattle in India, for the purpose of sending -their hides and tallow to market in England. -As to the benefits to arise to the state, they are -too obvious to require pointing out.</p> - -<p class='c001'>A person who might have quitted India about -thirty years ago, when the generality of articles -of almost every description in use among Europeans, -were sent from England; and when -only one or two European tailors were to be seen -<span class='pageno' id='Page_471'>471</span>in all Bengal; when, also, a news-paper was -scarcely in existence, would now, on landing in -that country, be astonished at the improvements -made in various branches of manufacture: he -would contemplate the advance made in the -mechanical arts as the certain fore-runner of -independence; and he would view the columns -of the several news-papers published at Calcutta, -in all fourteen, (besides magazines, &c.,) whose -columns teem with advertisements on a large -scale: these he would view as the paramount -results of great enterprize, founded upon extensive -capitals, and backed by an almost unlimitted -credit.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The news-papers are generally published once -or twice weekly, at about a rupee each; most -days of the week bring forth two papers, in -which the price of advertising is generally eight -annas, (<em>i.e.</em> half a rupee, or 15<em>d.</em>,) for each line: -as the type is rather large, the expence of advertisements -must, in some great houses, prove a -conspicuous item among the disbursements.</p> - -<p class='c001'>In this particular, the Hindostanee, or rather -the Persian, news-papers are miserably deficient; -as, indeed, they are in whatever should be the -contents of a publication devoted to the important -purposes of mercantile, or of political, -intelligence. Far from containing a single -advertisement, or from communicating any -matter relative to the arts, these bulletins, for I -<span class='pageno' id='Page_472'>472</span>can call them nothing better, are penned by -persons about the several native courts, according -to the whim of a sycophant, or to the mere -tattle in the suburbs of a city; nay, they are -often manufactured hundreds of miles from the -places whence they are supposed to emanate, -and contain accounts of battles and sieges, capitulations -and defeats, halts and marches, known -to the fabricators only; who, in whatever relates -to invention, contradiction, and re-contradiction, -absolutely surpass those industrious wights that -supply our British news-mongers with paragraphs -of the highest importance, accidents, murders, -&c., &c., at the cheap rate of ten shillings per -dozen!</p> - -<p class='c001'>There being no presses in use among the -natives, every communication, whether private -or public, must be manuscript; hence, the profession -of scribe is, in some places, no bad -livelihood; especially at Delhi, which, being the -ancient seat of government, and the immediate -residence of a nominal king, commonly called -‘The Great Mogul,’ supplies every quarter of -India with <em>Akbars</em>, (<em>i.e.</em> news-papers,) written -in the Persian language and character, on long -narrow slips of a paper manufactured in India, -either from bamboos, reeds, or cotton-wool. -These slips are rolled up to about an inch in -width, and, being enclosed in a small cover -pasted together, are despatched, with the shew -<span class='pageno' id='Page_473'>473</span>of great importance, to the several quarters of -Hindostan, under the pompous idea of their -being every where in high estimation.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The only paper published by authority in -Bengal, is the Calcutta Gazette, which is usually -replete with advertisements for the sale of lands, -printed in English, Persian, and Bengalese: as -to news, or useful essays, &c., it is uncommonly -sterile. Private advertisements in this -paper are extravagantly dear, in consequence of -the obligation imposed on all collectors, &c., to -take it in; whereby one copy at least is received -at every civil station, however small.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The advertisements for the sale of lands, -above alluded to, have sprung from the adoption -of what is called the <em>Mocurrery</em> system, -which originated with Mr. Thomas Law, formerly -collector of Bahar, and now settled in -America. That plan certainly wore a very specious -appearance; because it purported to be a -perpetual adjustment of the rents, which were -before subject to augmentation, and held out to -the land-holders the comforting assurance of -being considered on a footing with proprietors -in fee-simple, so long as they should pay the -rents as settled by the <em>Mocurrery</em> agreement.</p> - -<p class='c001'>While the plan was in agitation, and under -the consideration of Marquis Cornwallis, by -whom it was adopted, the Board of Revenue, -to which it was, <span lang="la" xml:lang="la"><em>pro forma</em></span>, submitted, made -<span class='pageno' id='Page_474'>474</span>several very sensible and cogent remarks, which, -however, had not the effect of causing it to be -abandoned. Time has fully justified the objections -stated by that Board, at which the present -Lord Teignmouth, then Mr. Shore, presided; -and we find, after many years of experiment, -that, without reaping the smallest advantage -themselves, the Company appear bound to -perpetuate a resignation of their rights as proprietors -of the soil, and of their interests as a -body rationally entitled to derive an augmentation -of rent, in proportion as the produce of the soil -may become more valuable, and more abundant.</p> - -<p class='c001'>This discussion has led me to the consideration -of a most important topic; viz. the <em>Revenue of -Bengal</em>, of which, and its manner of collection, -I shall endeavor to give a summary; first presenting -my readers with a copy of the <em>Mocurrery</em>, -or permanent system.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c004'> - <div>BY THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class='c019' /> - -<p class='c001'><span class="blackletter"><span class='large'>Proclamation.</span></span></p> - -<p class='c020'><em>To the</em> Zemindars, Independent Talookdars, <em>and other</em> -actual Proprietors of Land, <em>paying Revenue to Government, -in the Provinces of</em> Bengal, Bahar, <em>and</em> Orissa.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c004'> - <div>ARTICLE I.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c021'>In the original regulations for the decennial settlement of -the Public Revenues of <em>Bengal</em>, <em>Bahar</em>, and <em>Orissa</em>, passed -for these provinces respectively, on the 18th day of September, -1789, the 25th day of November, 1789, and the 10th -<span class='pageno' id='Page_475'>475</span>day of February, 1790, it was notified to the <em>proprietors -of land</em> with, or on behalf of, whom a settlement might -be concluded, that the jumma assessed upon their lands -under those regulations, would be continued after the expiration -of the ten years, and remain unalterable for ever, provided -such continuance should meet with the approbation -of the Honorable Court of Directors for the affairs of the -East India Company, and not otherwise.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c004'> - <div>ARTICLE II.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c021'>The Marquis Cornwallis, Knight of the Most Noble -Order of the Garter, Governor-General in Council, now -notifies to all Zemindars, Talookdars, and other actual proprietors -of land, paying revenue to Government, in the -provinces of <em>Bengal</em>, <em>Bahar</em>, and <em>Orissa</em>, that he has been -empowered by the Honorable Court of Directors, for the -affairs of the East India Company, to declare the jumma -which has been, or may be, assessed upon their lands, -under the regulations above mentioned, <span class='fss'>FIXED FOR EVER</span>.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c004'> - <div>ARTICLE III.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c021'>The Governor-General in Council accordingly declares to -the Zemindars, &c., with, or on behalf of, whom a settlement -has been concluded under the regulations above mentioned, -that, at the expiration of the term of the settlement, -no alteration will be made in the assessment which they have -respectively engaged to pay; but that they, and their heirs, -and lawful successors, will be allowed to hold their estates -at such an assessment, <span class='fss'>FOR EVER</span>.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c004'> - <div>ARTICLE IV.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c021'>The lands of some Zemindars, &c., having been held -<em>k’has</em>,<a id='rA' /><a href='#fA' class='c022'><sup>[A]</sup></a> or let in farm, in consequence of their refusing to pay -the assessment required of them, under the regulations -<span class='pageno' id='Page_476'>476</span>above mentioned, the Governor-General in Council now -notifies to the Zemindars, &c., whose lands are held <em>k’has</em>, -that they shall be restored to the management of their lands, -upon their agreeing to the payment of the assessment, -which has been, or may be, required of them, in conformity -to the regulations above mentioned, and that no alteration -shall hereafter be made in that assessment, but that -they, and their heirs, and lawful successors, shall be permitted -to hold their respective estates at such an assessment -<span class='fss'>FOR EVER</span>: and he declares to the Zemindars, &c., whose -lands have been let in farm, that they shall not regain possession -of their lands before the expiration of the period for -which they have been farmed, (unless the farmers shall -voluntarily consent to make over to them the remaining term -of their lease, and the Governor-General in Council shall -approve of the transfer,) but, that, at the expiration of -that period, upon their agreeing to the payment of the -assessment which may be required of them, they shall be -re-instated, and that no alteration shall afterwards be made -in the assessment; but that they, and their heirs, and lawful -successors, shall be allowed to hold their respective -estates at such an assessment <span class='fss'>FOR EVER</span>.</p> - -<div class='footnote c004' id='fA'> -<p class='c001'><span class='label'><a href='#rA'>A</a>. </span>In hand, or in trust.</p> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>ARTICLE V.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c021'>In the event of the proprietary right in lands that are, or -may, become the property of Government, being transferred -to individuals, such individuals, and their heirs, and -lawful successors, shall be permitted to hold the lands, at -the assessment at which they maybe transferred, <span class='fss'>FOR EVER</span>.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c004'> - <div>ARTICLE VI.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c021'>It is well known to the Zemindars, &c., as well as to the -inhabitants of <em>Bengal</em>, <em>Bahar</em>, and <em>Orissa</em>, in general, that, -from the earliest times to the present period, the public -assessment upon the lands has never been fixed; but, that, -according to established rule and custom, the rulers of these -provinces have, from time to time, demanded an encrease of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_477'>477</span>assessment from the proprietors of land; and, that, for the -purpose of obtaining this encrease, not only frequent investigations -have been made, to ascertain the actual produce of -their estates, but that it has been the practice to deprive -them of the management of their lands, and either to let -them in farm, or to appoint officers on the part of Government, -to collect the assessments immediately from the Ryots. -The Honorable Court of Directors, considering these usages -and measures to be detrimental to the prosperity of the -country, have, with a view to promote the future ease and -happiness of the people, authorized the foregoing declaration; -and the Zemindars, independent Talookdars, and other -actual proprietors of land, with, or on behalf of, whom a settlement -has been made, or may be concluded, are to consider -these orders, fixing the amount of the assessments, as <span class='fss'>IRREVOCABLE</span>, -and not liable to alteration by any persons whom -the Court of Directors may hereafter appoint to the administration -of their affairs in this country.</p> - -<p class='c023'>The Governor-General in Council trusts that the proprietors -of lands, sensible of the benefits conferred upon -them, by the public assessments being fixed <span class='fss'>FOR EVER</span>, will -exert themselves in the cultivation of their lands, under the -certainty that they will enjoy exclusively the fruits of their -own good management and industry, and that no demand -will ever be made upon them, their heirs, or successors, by -the present, or any future, Government, for an augmentation -of the public assessment, in consequence of the improvement -of their respective estates.</p> - -<p class='c023'>To discharge the revenues at the stipulated periods, -without delay or evasion, and to conduct themselves with -good faith and moderation towards their dependant Talookdars, -and Ryots, are duties at all times indispensably required -from the proprietors of land; and a strict observance -of those duties is now, more than ever, incumbent upon -them, in return for the benefits which they themselves will -derive from the orders now issued.</p> - -<p class='c023'><span class='pageno' id='Page_478'>478</span>The Governor-General in Council therefore expects that -the proprietors of land will not only act in this manner themselves, -towards their dependant Talookdars, but also enjoin -the strictest adherence to the same principles, in the -persons whom they may appoint to collect the rents for them. -He further expects they will regularly discharge the revenue -in all seasons, and he accordingly notifies to them, that, -in future, no claims, or applications, for suspensions, or -remissions, on account of drought, inundation, or other -calamity of season, will be attended to; but, that, in the -event of any Zemindar, &c., with, or on behalf of, whom a -settlement has been made, or may be concluded, on his or -her heirs, or successors, failing in the punctual discharge of -the public revenue, which has been, or may be, assessed -upon their lands, under the above-mentioned regulations, a -sale of the whole of the lands of the defaulter, or such portion -of them as may be sufficient to make good the means, -will positively and invariably take place.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c004'> - <div>ARTICLE VII.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c021'>To prevent any misconstruction of the foregoing Articles, -the Governor-General in Council thinks it necessary to -make the following declarations to the Zemindars, &c.</p> - -<p class='c023'><em>First.</em> It being the duty of the ruling power to protect -all classes of people, and more particularly those who, from -situation, are most helpless, the Governor-General in Council -will, whenever he may deem it proper, enact such regulations -as he may think necessary for the protection and welfare -of the dependant Talookdars, Ryots, and other cultivators -of the soil; and no Zemindar, &c. shall be entitled, on this -account, to make any objection to the discharge of the fixed -assessment which they have respectively agreed to pay.</p> - -<p class='c023'><em>Second.</em> The Governor-General in Council having, on -the 28th day of July, 1790, directed the Sayer Collections -to be abolished, a full compensation was granted to the proprietors -<span class='pageno' id='Page_479'>479</span>of land, for the loss of revenue sustained by them -in consequence of that abolition; and he now declares, that, -if he should hereafter think it proper to re-establish the -Sayer Collections, or any other internal duties, and to appoint -officers on the part of Government to collect them, no -proprietor of land will be admitted to any participation -thereof, or be entitled to make any claim for remissions on -that account.</p> - -<p class='c023'><em>Third.</em> The Governor-General in Council will impose -such assessments as he may deem equitable, on all lands at -present alienated, and paying no public revenue, which have -been, or may be, proved to be held under illegal, or invalid -titles. The assessment so imposed will belong to Government, -and no proprietor of land will be entitled to any part of it.</p> - -<p class='c023'><em>Fourth.</em> The jumma of those Zemindars, &c., which is -declared fixed, in the foregoing articles, is to be considered -unconnected with, and exclusive of, any allowances which -have been made to them in the adjustment of their jumma -for keeping up tannahs, or police-establishments, and also of -the produce of any lands which they may have been permitted -to appropriate for the same purpose: and the Governor-General -in Council reserves to himself the option of resuming -the whole, or part, of such allowances, or produce -of such lands, according as he may think proper, in consequence -of his having exonerated the proprietors of land -from the charge of keeping the peace, and appointed -officers, on the part of Government, to superintend the -police of the country.</p> - -<p class='c023'>The Governor-General in Council, however, declares -that the allowances, or the produce of lands, which may be -so resumed, will be appropriated to no other purpose but -that of defraying the expence of the police, and that instructions -will be sent to the collectors not to add such allowance, -nor the produce of such lands, to the jumma of the -proprietors of land, but to collect the amount from them -separately.</p> - -<p class='c023'><span class='pageno' id='Page_480'>480</span><em>Fifth.</em> Nothing contained in this Proclamation shall be -construed to render the lands of the several descriptions of -disqualified proprietors, specified in the first article of the -regulations, regarding disqualified land-holders, passed on -the 15th day of July, 1791, liable to sale for any arrears -which may accrue on the fixed jumma that has been, or may -be, assessed upon their lands under the above mentioned -regulations for the decennial settlement, provided that -such arrears have accrued, or may accrue, during the time -that they have been, or may be, dispossessed of the management -of their lands under the said regulations of July -the 15th, 1791.</p> - -<p class='c023'>It is to be understood, however, that, whenever all, or -any, of the descriptions of disqualified land-holders specified -in the first article of the last mentioned regulations, -shall be permitted to assume, or to retain, the management -of their lands, in consequence of the ground of their disqualification -no longer existing, or of the Governor-General -in Council dispensing with, altering, or abolishing, those -regulations, the lands of such proprietors will be held responsible -for the payment of the fixed jumma that has -been, or may be, assessed thereon, from the time that the -management may devolve upon them, in the same manner -as the lands of all actual proprietors of land who are declared -qualified for the management of their estates; and -also of all actual proprietors who are unqualified for such -management, by natural, or other, disabilities, but do not -come within the description of unqualified land-holders specified -in the first article of the regulations of July the 15th, -1791, are, and will be, held answerable for any arrears that -are, or may become, due from them on the fixed jumma, -which they, or any persons on their behalf, have engaged, -or may engage, to pay under the above mentioned regulations, -for the decennial settlement.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c004'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_481'>481</span>ARTICLE VIII.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c021'>That no doubt may be entertained whether proprietors -of land are entitled, under the existing regulations, to dispose -of their estates, without the previous sanction of -Government, the Governor-General in Council notifies to -the Zemindars, &c., that they are privileged to transfer to -whomsoever they may think proper, by sale, gift, or otherwise, -their proprietary rights in the whole, or any portion, -of their respective estates, without applying to Government -for its sanction to the transfer; and, that all such transfers -will be held valid, provided they be conformable to the -Mahomedan, or to the Hindu, Laws, [according as the -religious persuasions of the parties to each transaction may -render the validity of it determinable by the former, or the -latter, code,] and that they be not repugnant to any regulations -now in force, which may have been passed by the -British administration, or to any regulations that they may -enact hereafter.<a id='rB' /><a href='#fB' class='c022'><sup>[B]</sup></a></p> - -<div class='footnote c004' id='fB'> -<p class='c001'><span class='label'><a href='#rB'>B</a>. </span>Here appears a wide field for innovation!</p> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>ARTICLE IX.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c021'>From the limitation of the public demand upon the -lands, the net income, and, consequently, the value (independent -of encrease obtainable by improvements) of any -landed property, for the assessments on which a distinct -engagement has been, or may be, entered into between -Government and the proprietor, or that may be separately -assessed, although included in one engagement with other -estates belonging to the same proprietor, and which may be -offered for public or private sale entire, will always be -ascertainable by a comparison of the amount of the fixed -jumma assessed upon it, (which, agreeably to the foregoing -<span class='pageno' id='Page_482'>482</span>declarations, is to remain unalterable <span class='fss'>FOR EVER</span>, to whomsoever -the property may be transferred,) with the whole of -its produce, allowing for the charges of management.</p> - -<p class='c023'>But it is also essential, that a notification should be made -of the principles upon which the fixed assessment charged -upon any such estate will be apportioned on the several -divisions of it, in the event of the whole of it being transferred, -by public or private sale, or otherwise, in two or -more lots, or of a portion of it being transferred, in one, -or two, or more lots, or of its being joint property, and a -division of it being made amongst the proprietors; otherwise, -from the want of a declared rule for estimating the -proportion of the fixed jumma, with which the several -shares would be chargeable in such cases, the real value of -each share would be uncertain, and, consequently, the -benefits expected to result, from fixing the public assessment -upon the lands, would be but partially obtained.</p> - -<p class='c023'>The Governor-General in Council has, accordingly, prescribed -the following rules for apportioning the fixed assessment -in the several cases above mentioned; but, as Government -might sustain a considerable loss of revenue by disproportionate -lots of the assessment, were the apportioning -of it, in any of the cases above specified, left to the proprietors, -he requires, that all such transfers, or divisions, as -may be made by the private act of the parties themselves, -be notified to the collector of the revenue of that zillah in -which the lands may be situated, or to such other officer as -Government may, in future, prescribe, in order that the fixed -jumma assessed upon the whole estate maybe apportioned -on the several shares, in the manner hereafter directed; and -that the names of the proprietors of each share, and the -jumma charged thereon, may be entered upon the public -registers; and that separate engagements, for the payment -of the jumma assessed upon each share, may be executed -by the proprietors, who will thenceforward be considered -as actual proprietors of land.</p> - -<p class='c023'><span class='pageno' id='Page_483'>483</span>And the Governor-General in Council declares, that, if -the parties to such transfers or divisions shall omit to notify -them to the collector of the revenue of the zillah, or such -other officer as may be hereafter prescribed, for the purposes -before mentioned, the whole of such estate will be -held responsible to Government for the discharge of the -fixed jumma assessed upon it, in the same manner as if no -such transfer or division had taken place.</p> - -<p class='c023'>The Governor-General in Council thinks it necessary -further to notify, in elucidation of the declarations contained -in this article, (which are conformable to the principles -of the existing regulations,) that if any Zemindar, &c., -shall dispose of a portion of his, or her, lands, as a dependent -Talook, the jumma which may be stipulated to be paid -by the dependent Talook, will not be entered upon the records -of Government, nor will the transfer exempt such -lands from being answerable, in common with the remainder -of the estate, for the payment of the public revenue -assessed upon the whole of it, in the event of the proprietor, -or his, or her, successors, falling in arrear from any -cause whatever; nor will it be allowed, in any case, to affect -the rights, or claims, of Government, any more than if it -had never taken place.</p> - -<p class='c023'><em>First.</em> In the event of the whole of the lands of a -Zemindar, &c., with, or on behalf of, whom a settlement has -been, or may be, concluded under the regulations above -mentioned, being exposed to public sale, by the order of -the Governor-General in Council, for the discharge of -arrears of assessment, or in consequence of the decision of -a court of justice, in two or more lots, the assessment upon -each lot shall be fixed at an amount which shall bear the -same proportion to its actual produce, as the fixed assessment -upon the whole of the lands sold may bear to their actual -produce. This produce shall be ascertained in the mode that -is, or may be, prescribed by the existing regulations, or -such other regulations as the Governor-General in Council -<span class='pageno' id='Page_484'>484</span>may, hereafter, adopt; and the purchaser, or purchasers, of -such lands, and his, or their, heirs, and lawful successors, -shall hold them at the jumma at which they may be so purchased, -<span class='fss'>FOR EVER</span>.</p> - -<p class='c023'><em>Second.</em> When a portion of the lands of a Zemindar, -&c., with, or on behalf of, whom a settlement has been, or may -be, concluded under the above regulations, shall be exposed -to public sale, by order of the Governor-General in Council, -for the liquidation of arrears of assessment, or pursuant -to the decision of a court of justice, the assessment -upon such lands, if disposed of in one lot, shall be fixed at -an amount which shall bear the same proportion to their -actual produce, as the fixed assessment upon the whole of -the lands of such proprietors, including those disposed of, -may bear to the whole of their actual produce.</p> - -<p class='c023'>If the lands sold shall be disposed of in two, or more, lots, -the assessment upon each lot shall be fixed at an amount -which shall bear the same proportion to its actual produce, -as the fixed assessment upon the whole of the lands of such -proprietor, including those sold, may bear to the amount of -their actual produce. The actual produce of the whole of -the lands of such proprietor, whether the portion of them -which may be sold be disposed of in one, or in two, or in -more, lots, shall be ascertained in the mode that is, or may -be, prescribed by the existing regulations, or such other -regulations as the Governor-General in Council may hereafter -enact, and the purchaser, or purchasers, of such lands, -and his, or her, or their, heirs, and successors, will be -allowed to hold them at the jumma at which they may be -so purchased, <span class='fss'>FOR EVER</span>; and the remainder of the public -jumma, which will consequently be payable by the former -proprietor of the whole estate, on account of the portion of -it that may be left in his, or her, possession, will continue -unalterable <span class='fss'>FOR EVER</span>.</p> - -<p class='c023'><em>Third.</em> When a Zemindar, &c., with, or on behalf of, -whom a settlement has, or may be, made, shall transfer the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_485'>485</span>whole of his, or her, estate, in two, or more, distinct portions, -to two, or more, persons, or a portion thereof to one -person, or to two, or more, persons in joint property, by -private sale, gift, or otherwise, the assessment upon each -distinct portion of such estate, so transferred, shall be fixed -at an amount which shall bear the same proportion to its -actual produce, as the assessment on the whole estate of the -transferring proprietor, of which the whole, or a portion, -nay be so transferred, may bear to the whole of its actual -produce. This produce shall be ascertained in the mode -that is, or may be, prescribed by the existing regulations, -or such other regulations as Government may hereafter adopt; -and the person, or persons, to whom such lands may be -transferred, and his, or her, or their, heirs, and lawful successors, -shall hold them at the jumma at which they were -so transferred, <span class='fss'>FOR EVER</span>; and (where only a portion of such -estate shall be transferred) the remainder of the public -jumma, which will consequently be payable by the former -proprietor of the whole estate, on account of the lands that -may remain in his, or her, possession, shall be continued -unalterable <span class='fss'>FOR EVER</span>.</p> - -<p class='c023'><em>Fourth.</em> Whenever a division shall be made of lands, -the settlement of which has been, or may be, concluded -with, or on behalf of, the proprietor, or proprietors, and -that are, or may become, the joint property of two, or -more, persons, the assessment upon each share shall be -fixed at an amount which shall bear the same proportion to -its actual produce, as the fixed jumma, assessed upon the -whole of the estate divided, may bear to the whole of its -actual produce. This produce shall be ascertained in the -mode that is, or may be, prescribed by the existing regulations, -or such other regulations as the Governor-General in -Council may hereafter adopt; and the sharers, and their -heirs, and lawful successors, shall hold their respective -shares, at the jumma at which they may be assessed, <span class='fss'>FOR -EVER</span>.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c004'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_486'>486</span>ARTICLE X.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c021'>The following rules are prescribed respecting the adjustment -of the assessment on the lands of Zemindars, &c., whose -farms are, or may be, held <em>k’has</em>, or let in farm, in the -event of their being disposed of by public sale, or transferred -by any private act of the proprietor, or of their being -joint property, and a division of them taking place among -the proprietors.</p> - -<p class='c023'><em>First.</em> If the whole, or a portion, of the lands of a -Zemindar, &c., who may not have agreed to the assessment -proposed to him, or her, under the regulations above mentioned, -and whose lands are, or may be, held <em>k’has</em>, or let -in farm, shall be exposed to public sale, in one, or two, or -more, lots, pursuant to the decree of a court of justice, -such lands, if <em>k’has</em>, shall be disposed of at whatever assessment -the Governor-General in Council may deem equitable, -and the purchaser, or purchasers, of such lands, and his, or -her, or their, lawful successors, or heirs, shall hold the land at -the assessment at which they may be so purchased, <span class='fss'>FOR EVER</span>.</p> - -<p class='c023'>If the lands, at the time of their being exposed for sale, -shall be held in farm, and shall be put up in one, or two, or -more, lots, they shall be disposed of under the following -conditions. The purchaser, or purchasers, shall receive -during the unexpired part of the term of the lease of the -farmer, whatever such proprietor shall have been entitled to -receive in virtue of his, or her, proprietary rights, on account -of the lands so purchased, and such purchaser, or -purchasers, shall engage to pay, at the expiration of the -lease of the farmers, such assessment on account of the -lands as Government may deem equitable. The sum to be -received by the purchaser, or purchasers, during the unexpired -part of the term of the lease of the farmer, and the -jumma to be paid by such purchaser, or purchasers, after -the expiration of the lease, shall be specified at the time of -sale, and such purchaser, or purchasers, and his, or her, or -their, heirs, and lawful successors, shall be allowed to hold -<span class='pageno' id='Page_487'>487</span>the lands, at the assessment at which they may be so purchased, -<span class='fss'>FOR EVER</span>.</p> - -<p class='c023'><em>Second.</em> If a Zemindar, &c., whose lands are, or may -be, held <em>k’has</em>, or let in farm, shall transfer by private sale, -gift, or otherwise, the whole, or a portion, of his, or her, -lands, in one, or two, or more, lots, the person, or persons, -to whom the lands may be so transferred, shall be entitled -to receive from Government, (if the lands are held <em>k’has</em>,) or -from the farmer, (if the lands are let in farm,) the mali-connah -to which the former proprietor was entitled, on account -of the lands so transferred. The purchaser, or purchasers, -of such lands will stand in the same predicament as the -Zemindars, &c., mentioned in the fourth article, whose -lands are held <em>k’has</em>, or have been let in farm, in consequence -of their refusing to pay the assessment required of -them under the before mentioned regulations for the decennial -settlement, and the declarations contained in that article -are to be held applicable to them.</p> - -<p class='c023'><em>Third.</em> In the event of a division being made in lands -that are, or may become, the joint property of two, or more, -persons, and which are, or may be, held <em>k’has</em>, or be let -in farm, the proprietors of the several shares will stand in -the same predicament, with regard to their respective shares, -as the Zemindars, &c., specified in the fourth article, -whose lands have been let in farm, or are held <em>k’has</em>, in consequence -of their having refused to pay the assessment required -of them under the before mentioned regulations of -the decennial settlement, and the declarations contained in -that article are to be considered applicable to them.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c004'> - <div>ARTICLE XI.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c021'>The Governor-General in Council avails himself of this -opportunity to notify to the Zemindars, &c., as well as to -all other description of persons, that it is his intention forthwith -to establish Courts of Justice throughout the country, -upon such principles as will put it out of the power of individuals -<span class='pageno' id='Page_488'>488</span>to injure each other with impunity, and prevent the -officers of Government from infringing the rights and property -of any of the inhabitants of these provinces, by ensuring -a speedy and impartial administration of justice in -all cases whatever.</p> - -<p class='c024'><em>Dated at Fort-William, the 22nd day of March, 1793, -corresponding with the 12th day of Cheyte, 1199, of -the Bengal Æra, and the 9th day of Shabaun, 1207, -Higeree.</em></p> - -<p class='c013'>In order to comprehend the foregoing more -fully, it is proper to state, that when the <em>mocurrery</em> -(or perpetual) system of revenue was originally -proposed, the Governor-General in -Council (Marquis Cornwallis) notified, that it -would be tried, in the first instance, for ten years -only; whence the term ‘<em>decennial settlement</em>.’ -But, whether from an early conviction of its -excellence, or that the Marquis felt anxious to -ensure to the natives, and, as he apprehended, to -the Company also, those immense benefits attendant -upon a final adjustment of so momentous, -and so extensive a concern, we see that, -previous to his return to Europe, he rendered -the settlement as permanent as human ability -could effect. If report be true, the satisfaction -he experienced, on concluding the settlement, -was afterwards greatly diminished, when, on his -re-appointment to India, he found that a thousand -deceptions had been practised by the -natives, notwithstanding every endeavor to frustrate -such litigious or deceptive intentions; -<span class='pageno' id='Page_489'>489</span>that the Company’s finances had been fettered -very imprudently by that restriction which precluded -Government from availing itself of growing -resources; and that the ‘Zemindars, independent -Talookdars, and other actual proprietors -of land,’ so far from considering themselves -to be under any obligation to the Company, -raised their heads with no little insolence, and, -in many instances, even complained that enough -had not been conceded to them.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The most mortifying fact was, that full one-third -of the landed property within the Company’s -provinces had actually been under the -hammer. This was an evil which spoke for -itself, and which no gloss, no colors, could conceal. -That, under such a government, property, -to the amount of millions upon millions, should -become thus exposed to transfer, was a reflection -that could not fail to rankle in the mind of him, -who had expected to see content, prosperity, -and loyalty, teeming in every quarter! Never -was the vanity of man more conspicuously displayed, -or the mortification of disappointed -zeal more grievously felt.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The abrogation of that incertitude, which not -only subjected the land-holder to imposition, -but the revenue to much defalcation, was assuredly -a most serious consideration; but, in -adopting those measures which might seem to -have the most desirable tendency, it was necessary -<span class='pageno' id='Page_490'>490</span>to have a full idea of the views and dispositions -of the persons on whom the most essential -benefits were to be conferred. A deficiency -of experience, or of insight into their true -character, could alone have led the Marquis into -an error, from which the mode of extrication is, -I believe, among the most pressing desiderata of -the British government.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Much pains have been taken to prove, that -the <em>zemindars</em>, &c., were the legitimate proprietors -of the soil; but a very slight inspection of -the forms of ancient grants, made by the Emperors -of Hindostan, must satisfy the most scrupulous, -that no person whatever occupied the soil, except -by tolerance of that power under which it -was protected. Until our acquisition of the -<em>Dewany</em>, (<em>i.e.</em> of the government of the provinces -of Bengal, Bahar, and Orissa,) no fixed -tenure, beyond the will of the ruling despot, -was known, or even claimed; to have asserted -such a right, would have been to provoke immediate -castigation, and removal from the lands.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Even in the times of our own governors, no -hesitation was made respecting the banishment -(for it virtually was one) of those who either -assumed a decided claim to the property, or -who, from whatever cause, whether rebellion, -mis-management, or unwillingness to pay their -rents, fell in arrears. Such men were always -displaced, and others were appointed in their -<span class='pageno' id='Page_491'>491</span>stead, as a mere matter of course. ‘<em>Saheb ke -koossy</em>,’ (its master’s pleasure,) was the patient -response of the offender; who, whatever might be -his feelings, or his opinions, felt the expediency -of being perfectly passive on such an occasion.</p> - -<p class='c001'>I believe the records will prove, that Mr. -Hastings, during the ten years he was in the -chair, made a very free use of this well-understood -authority; yet, so far were the natives -from thinking him unjust, or over severe, that, -when the intelligence of his being acquitted by -parliament, was received in India, such was the -pleasure felt by all classes, that addresses of -congratulation were poured in from every part -of the country! This was a compliment that -never had been paid by the natives to any of -our governors, even when about to return to -Europe; a period, at which it might be expected -some adulatory addresses might, by great -influence, be obtained: no, it was the spontaneous -flow of gratitude, pity, and admiration; -such as never would have been forth-coming, if -the ejectment of a <em>zemindar</em> from his soil had -been considered as the expulsion from an -hereditary or established right, rather than as -the removal of tenants-at-will.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It certainly must appear curious, that we receive -eleven-sixteenths of the produce of the -soil <em>from its proprietors</em>! Such is, indeed, the -case, taking all upon an average. The peasantry, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_492'>492</span>in a number of instances, pay more; -especially where middle-men (a class of people -by no means scarce in India) are concerned. -These are the same harpies all over the world; -never failing to reduce the industrious to distress, -and to seize upon the all of those most -unfortunate beings, whom want of experience, -or of interest, may place at their mercy!</p> - -<p class='c001'>The old system of farming out the country to -particular persons, many of whom rented of the -Company to the amount of fifty lacs, (upwards -of £600,000.,) was productive of the greatest -evils with which an industrious, but indigent, -population could have to contend! Under that -mode, it was impossible for Government to -make certain of its rents, which were generally -remitted in part to the great farmers, lest they -should, in bad seasons, oppress the Ryots, and -drive them either to despair, or out of the -country. This was intended as an act of generosity -on the part of Government, which had -not the means of enforcing arrears, otherwise -than by the sale of a farmer-general’s property, -whence but a small portion could be expected -to result; but, unhappily, no alleviation of consequence -was extended to the real agriculturist; -who, being subject to a very summary process, -was often compelled to embrace ruin, rather -than to suffer all the penalties inflicted by an -avaricious and obdurate creditor.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_493'>493</span>That such should have been the case under the -immediate eye of Government, may excite much -surprize; but it must be considered, that, under -the farming system, the least interference would -have instantly been the signal for universal clamor, -and that it would have proved beyond the power of -all the civil servants, throughout the Company’s -territories, to have even registered, much less to -have heard, and settled, all the references which -would have been made.</p> - -<p class='c001'>This difficulty could not fail to be greatly -augmented, by the extreme deficiency then -existing of Company’s servants in every part of -India; for, in each of the <em>zillahs</em>, or districts, -only a collector, with an assistant, perhaps, was -stationed. In one instance, I recollect passing -by a civil station, when marching from one province -to another, when the resident-surgeon was -under the necessity of requesting an officer of -our corps to aid him in examining the accounts of -the factory, which he had been obliged to make -out; the president and his assistant being both -absent on public business. This occurrence -afforded not only much amusement, but a wide -scope for observation regarding the paucity of -Europeans employed at the out-stations.</p> - -<p class='c001'>In those days, the collector had abundance of -duty to perform; for he was not simply to settle -all accounts respecting the revenue, and, in some -instances, of manufactures provided for the Company’s -<span class='pageno' id='Page_494'>494</span>homeward cargoes, but the whole of the -criminal, as well as of the civil, code of justice, -were under his control: whatever petty offences -were committed, or whatever disputes arose -among the inhabitants, became equally his province -to enquire into. Fortunately, the <em>banian</em>, -or <em>dewan</em>, employed, used to take a very considerable -portion of such toil off master’s -hands, and to prevent, by a kind of petty <em>adaulut</em>, -or tribunal, held in some corner of the -office, or perhaps at his own house, thousands -of references to his principal. The chief renter -of the <em>zillah</em> being often employed as <em>banian</em> to -the collector, it is easy to imagine to which side -justice, as it was called, used to incline.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Within the last twenty years, the number of -servants employed by the Company has been -greatly augmented; not only on account of their -extension of territory, but, in consequence of -the separation, very judiciously made, of two -offices, incompatible to be held by the same individual. -The collector is now, except in a very -few <em>zillahs</em> of less note, confined to the collection -of the revenues, having under him one or more -assistants, according to the extent of his district.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The whole of the judicial proceedings are -under cognizance of a judge, who, aided by his -register, decides civil causes between parties -residing within his jurisdiction; while the -criminal catalogue is handed over to a court -<span class='pageno' id='Page_495'>495</span>composed of natives versed in the Mahomedan -and Hindu laws, though the former are, generally, -the guide. These native judges are superintended -in their proceedings by three of the -Company’s servants of long standing, having -likewise under them a secretary, or register.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Such tribunals are established in various parts -of the country, particularly at Calcutta, Moorshadabad, -Dacca, Patna, Benares, and in the -Ceded Provinces, under the designation of Provincial -Courts of Appeal and Circuit. There are, -besides, judges, each having a register and an assistant, -stationed at Benares, Moorshadabad, -Patna, and Dacca, for the especial purpose of -administering justice, and for the correction of -abuses within those cities respectively.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The stations of the <em>zillah</em> courts, and of the -collectors, are as follow:—</p> - -<table class='table7' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='33%' /> -<col width='33%' /> -<col width='33%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='brt c025'>Agra,</td> - <td class='brt c025'>Dacca,</td> - <td class='c025'>Nuddeah,</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='brt c025'>Allahabad,</td> - <td class='brt c025'>Dinapore,</td> - <td class='c025'>Purneah,</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='brt c025'>Ally-Ghur,</td> - <td class='brt c025'>Etayah,</td> - <td class='c025'>Rajeshaye,</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='brt c025'>Backergunge,</td> - <td class='brt c025'>Furruckabad,</td> - <td class='c025'>Ramghur,</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='brt c025'>Bareilly,</td> - <td class='brt c025'>Gorackpore,</td> - <td class='c025'>Rungpore,</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='brt c025'>Bahar,</td> - <td class='brt c025'>Hoogly,</td> - <td class='c025'>Sahacunpore,</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='brt c025'>Benares,</td> - <td class='brt c025'>Jessore,</td> - <td class='c025'>Sarun,</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='brt c025'>Beerboom,</td> - <td class='brt c025'>Juanpore,</td> - <td class='c025'>Shahabad,</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='brt c025'>Boglepore,</td> - <td class='brt c025'>Meerat,</td> - <td class='c025'>Sylhet,</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='brt c025'>Burdwan,</td> - <td class='brt c025'>Mirzapore,</td> - <td class='c025'>Tipperah,</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='brt c025'>Cawnpore,</td> - <td class='brt c025'>Momensing,</td> - <td class='c025'>Tirhoot,</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='brt c025'>Chittagong,</td> - <td class='brt c025'>Moorshadabad,</td> - <td class='c025'>Twenty-four Pergunnahs.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='brt c025'>Cuttack,</td> - <td class='brt c025'>Moradabad,</td> - <td class='c025'></td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_496'>496</span>The stations of the commercial residents, -whose duty is entirely confined to the providing -of investments for the Company’s shipping, are,</p> - -<table class='table8' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='33%' /> -<col width='33%' /> -<col width='33%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='brt c025'>Bareilly,</td> - <td class='brt c025'>Goruckpore,</td> - <td class='c025'>Mauldah,</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='brt c025'>Bauleah,</td> - <td class='brt c025'>Hurial,</td> - <td class='c025'>Midnapore,</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='brt c025'>Commercolly,</td> - <td class='brt c025'>Hurripaul,</td> - <td class='c025'>Patna,</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='brt c025'>Cossimbazar,</td> - <td class='brt c025'>Jungipore,</td> - <td class='c025'>Radnagore,</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='brt c025'>Dacca,</td> - <td class='brt c025'>Keerpoy,</td> - <td class='c025'>Rungpore,</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='brt c025'>Etayah,</td> - <td class='brt c025'>Luckypore and Chittagong,</td> - <td class='c025'>Santipore,</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='brt c025'>Golagore,</td> - <td class='brt c025'></td> - <td class='c025'>Soonamooky.</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class='c013'>Collectors of government customs, most of -whom are also collectors of town duties, are -stationed at</p> - -<table class='table9' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='33%' /> -<col width='33%' /> -<col width='33%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='brt c026'>Benares,</td> - <td class='brt c026'>Dacca,</td> - <td class='c026'>Moorshadabad,</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='brt c026'>Calcutta,</td> - <td class='brt c026'>Furruckabad,</td> - <td class='c027'>and Patna.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='brt c026'>Cawnpore,</td> - <td class='brt c026'>Hoogly,</td> - <td class='c026'></td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class='c013'>The diplomatic residents are as follow:—at</p> - -<table class='table10' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='23%' /> -<col width='76%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><em>Delhi.</em></td> - <td class='c028'>The Court of the Emperor.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><em>Hyderabad.</em></td> - <td class='c028'>The Court of the Nizam.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><em>Lucknow.</em></td> - <td class='c028'>The Court of the Nabob Vizier of Oude.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><em>Mysore.</em></td> - <td class='c028'>The Court of the Rajah, (late Tippoo’s country.)</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><em>Nagpore.</em></td> - <td class='c028'>The Court of the Berar Maharrattahs.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'><em>Poonah.</em></td> - <td class='c028'>The Court of the Peishwa, and with Dowlut Row Scindeah, one of the Chiefs of the Maharrattah League.</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class='c013'>The difference that has been made by the -conduct of the British government, in the suppression -of an immense number of farmers on -<span class='pageno' id='Page_497'>497</span>the large scale, and of middle-men that again -stood between those farmers and the peasants, -has been immense. In many places, the lands -are now in the possession of an industrious -population, holding them from the renters, or, if -I may use the term, from the proprietors of villages -and small <em>talooks</em>, consisting of, perhaps, -three or four thousand <em>bigahs</em>: the revenues are -thus rendered far more easy of collection, and, -consequently, more certain; because it is now the -interest of every honest renter to be forth-coming -with his rents at the office of the collector, -at the several periods when they should be -paid.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Those periods are not equi-distant, as in -England; but are generally settled in such manner -as may be convenient to the tenants, according -as their several crops may be reasonably -expected to become marketable. The division is -by a certain number of annas, or sixteenths, in -each rupee, being payable at particular seasons; -allowance being made for the different species -of grain, &c., cultivated. There being no harvest -of grain from the beginning of November to the -beginning of March, the collections generally -fall light in the intermediate months, but, about -April and May, a large portion usually becomes -payable, and again, in Bengal, after the rice is -harvested: but, on the whole, the rent may be -commonly taken at four instalments, two of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_498'>498</span>which are considerable, and two of smaller portions -of the rupee.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The heavy <em>kists</em>, or collections, of Bengal, are -from August to January, in the proportion of -two-thirds of the whole rent; the great crops in -that quarter being cut after the rains. The -gruff <em>kists</em>, which include the <em>rubbee</em>, or small -harvest of white-corn, sugar, &c., come in between -January and the beginning of May. The -fruits, fish, &c., from April to July. In Bengal, -the year begins in April; in Bahar, it begins in -September. All the collections are made in -money. Mr. Grant, formerly collector of Bhauglepore, -has published a small tract on the subject -of the revenues, which I strongly recommend -to my readers: the work is, I believe, -rarely to be obtained; therefore, a new edition -seems to be loudly demanded.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It is to be feared, that, however beneficial -the existing system may be, and, however -equitable the arrangements made under the -<em>Mocurrery</em> settlement have proved themselves, -still the Company are not likely to be benefitted -in proportion to the assiduity they have displayed, -or to the tenderness with which the -rights of their subjects have been regarded.</p> - -<p class='c001'>This, however, is to be said; that, according -as the enterprize of individuals may, by degrees, -give additional value to the soil, by an -immense encrease of exportation, from various -<span class='pageno' id='Page_499'>499</span>parts of the country, of a million of commodities, -which, until latterly, were either unknown, -or unheeded, so will the duties collected at the -several <em>chokies</em>, (custom-house stations,) and at -the several ports, together with the demand for -British manufactures, be proportionally augmented.</p> - -<p class='c001'>It should be very generally made known, that -the Company receive into their treasury all the -realized property of persons demising in India, -under letters of administration, or under the acts -of executors, duly acknowledged and certified by -the supreme courts of justice at the several -presidencies. This effectually secures the interest -persons in Europe may have in the -estates of friends, &c., dying in India: so rigidly -is this observed, that the relatives of any private -soldier may fully ascertain how his property, if -any, has been disposed of, and receive whatever -sums may be forth-coming from the sale of his -effects, &c.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Such a measure fully guards the principal of -any sum left in the Company’s treasury; while, -at the same time, the most pleasing facility is -given to individuals, to enable them, or their -attornies, to receive the interest, either at the -presidency, or in the <em>moofussul</em>, (that is, from -the collectors,) according as may be convenient: -but such can only be done under a specific -power of attorney.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_500'>500</span>The generality of traders, who resort to distant -inland markets, near which to reside, or -who, in favorable situations, become conspicuous -as manufacturers, whether of indigo, cloth, -sugar, &c., have invariably some connection with -one or more agency-houses at the presidency; -on these they draw their bills, generally for hypothecated -cargoes, sent from the manufactory, -either to be sold by them, or to be shipped for -Europe. This, under a pure agency, is unexceptionable, -provided the firm rests on the broad -basis of absolute property, and does not play -with the cash belonging to its less speculative -constituents: such may be said to be merely -the bankers of those whose consignments they -receive, and pass on to this country without -participating in the adventure; and confining -themselves to a stipulated per centage on the -amounts of invoices, according to the scale in -common use.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Agency-houses are not confined to British -subjects; the Portugueze, the Armenians, the -Greeks, and others, form a portion of several -firms of great respectability; or, at least, of -those companies which, under different designations, -insure the greater part of those vessels, -which either sail from India to Europe direct, -or that traverse the Indian seas, according to -the state of the monsoons; carrying on a lucrative -trade among the several Asiatic ports.</p> - -<p class='c001'><span class='pageno' id='Page_501'>501</span>It must not be supposed, that persons devoting -their whole attention to the concern of -others, in such a climate, where the expences -are very great, and from which it is an object -with most adventurers, and speculators, to retire -with such a competency as should afford some -enjoyments during the decline of life, are to be -remunerated in the same manner as though -they had merely to attend their counting-houses -in London for a very few hours daily. The -Indian agent must keep a large establishment of -<em>sircars</em>, <em>podars</em>, &c., and must maintain extensive -connections in various parts of the country: -nay, he is often expected to have an apartment, -or two, in his dwelling, devoted to the accommodation -of such of his country correspondents -as may occasionally visit the presidency.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Combining all these circumstances, it will be -evident, that his charges for commission must be -such as, among us, would appear extravagantly -high. The same causes operate towards raising -the expences of a suit in the supreme court -of judicature equally above those of the British -courts; though the latter are certainly full high -enough!</p> - -<p class='c001'>The terms of receiving, or paying, money, in -exchange with Europe, China, or other parts, -are completely arbitrary; being governed solely -by the value of money to any particular firm at -<span class='pageno' id='Page_502'>502</span>the time of negociating: I have known instances -of some firms declining to offer more -than two shillings and sixpence for a sicca rupee, -bills being given payable at six months after -sight in Europe, while others, whose stability -appeared equally solid, offered two shillings and -nine-pence for the same accommodation.</p> - -<p class='c001'>In point of commerce, Calcutta may, perhaps, -be properly classed with Bristol; making this -allowance, that what the former wants in the -number of vessels employed, is made up by -their average tonnage being considerable, and -the value of their cargoes far superior. The -length of the voyage must likewise be taken into -consideration: a vessel may, during times of -profound peace, make three voyages within -twelve months, from Bristol to America, or the -West Indies, and back again, and the same -either to the Baltic, or to the Levant; whereas, -few Indiamen make more than one return to -their moorings in the Thames under fifteen -months; the majority are out from fifteen to -twenty months.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Hence, all our British ports appear more -crowded, taking the year round, than Calcutta, -which, from July to November, or even to January, -often presents a forest of masts; while, -on the other hand, during the rest of the year, -only such vessels as may be under repair, or -<span class='pageno' id='Page_503'>503</span>that have lost their season, or that beat up the -bay against the <em>monsoon</em>, are to be seen in the -river.</p> - -<p class='c001'>I have already explained, that, during half the -year, that is, from about the middle of March -to the middle of September, the wind is southerly, -but then gradually changes to the northward, -from which quarter it blows regularly for -about five months, when it again gradually -veers about to the southward. This gives name -to the ‘northerly and southerly <em>monsoons</em>;’ which -all navigators study to take advantage of: the -difference in going with, or against the <em>monsoon</em>, -from Calcutta to Madras, or <em>vice versâ</em>, often -makes the difference of full five or six weeks, -sometimes more: the trip being very commonly -made in a week with the <em>monsoon</em>; but, against -it, sometimes occupying no less than three -months!</p> - -<p class='c001'>Few ships make more than one trip between -Malabar and China, within the year, on account -of the <em>monsoon</em>; but, between the intermediate -ports from Bombay to Calcutta, two trips may -be considered the average. During the wars -with Hyder, and his son Tippoo, vessels have -made four trips within the year, from Bengal to -Madras; but such must not be considered a -fair standard, three being considered a great exertion.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The town of Calcutta, which is estimated at -<span class='pageno' id='Page_504'>504</span>a population of a hundred thousand souls, -whereof not more than one thousand are British, -is situated very advantageously for commerce. -The Hoogly, which is navigable for ships of a -thousand tons, at least thirty-five miles above -Calcutta, communicates with the Ganges, by -means of the Cossimbazar river, and has communications -with the whole of the Sunderbund -Passages, either through Tolley’s Canal, -the creek called Chingrah Nullah, or the southern -passage, through Channel Creek, which is -adopted by the greater part of the vessels conveying -rice and salt from the Soonderbunds: -these are of a very stout construction, suited to -those wide expanses of water they have to cross -in that very hazardous line of navigation.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The average depth of water, within a stone’s -throw of the eastern bank, on which Calcutta -ranges for several miles, (including the suburbs -up to the Maharrattah Ditch,) may be from six -to eight fathoms when the tide is out. At particular -places, the water deepens very suddenly, -but, in most parts, a shelf, abounding with mud, -runs out for sixty or seventy yards, down to low -water mark, where the bank falls off, so that -ships of any burthen may moor within a very few -yards. The great front thus given to the town, -affords innumerable facilities to those concerned -in the shipping; especially as the custom-house, -which is on the quay belonging to the old fort, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_505'>505</span>stands nearly centrical, in respect to the European -population.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The <em>donies</em>, which are small craft intended -for the coasting trade carried on principally by -native merchants, commonly lie higher up, -opposite the Chitpore <em>m’hut</em>, or temple; there, -in tiers, much the same as the shipping in the -Thames, these <em>pariah</em> vessels present a contrast -with the superb edifices under British management, -and at once characterize not only the -ignorance, but the narrow minds of their -owners.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Few <em>donies</em> measure more than a hundred and -fifty tons, or have more than two masts; sloops -are by far most common, and the generality are -equipped with <em>coir</em> cordage, as well as with -country-made canvas.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The greater portion of these vessels return -either in ballast, after delivering their cargoes of -rice, at various ports in the Northern Sircars, or -perhaps in the Carnatic; or they import with -light cargoes, composed chiefly of <em>coir</em> and -<em>cowries</em>, from the Sechelles and Maldivies; to -which they likewise, now and then, make a -bold voyage, at favorable seasons, with small -invoices of coarse cottons, fit for the use of those -islanders.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Here, and there, we see a <em>doney</em> with some -European on board to navigate her; but, in -general, only natives are employed; and the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_506'>506</span>Europe-ships, which arrive with crews from -their respective country, are often compelled to -take a portion of lascars on board, for the purpose -of aiding those who survive the pestilential -miasma, to which they are so inconsiderately, or, -more properly, inhumanly, subjected, while -lying at Diamond-Harbour, &c. Those who -escape with their lives, are usually much weakened -by severe attacks of the ague, of which -they rarely get quit, until relieved by an alterative -course of mercury, in conjunction with the -change of air experienced by getting out to -sea.</p> - -<p class='c001'>I shall, for the present, take leave of my -readers; observing, that I am now preparing for -the press a work intended to give a full, but compact, -‘<span class='sc'>Description of India in General</span>.’ -In that work, it will be my study so to combine -and arrange the several important matters coming -under consideration, as to render the whole of -whatever may relate to that interesting quarter, -fully intelligible, and equally familiar.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>FINIS.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c012'> - <div class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_507'>507</span>1810.</div> - <div class='c000'>A LIST OF BOOKS ON</div> - <div class='c000'><span class="blackletter"><span class='xlarge'>Oriental Literature,</span></span></div> - <div class='c000'><span class='small'><em>&c.</em></span></div> - <div class='c000'><span class='small'>That will be found useful to</span></div> - <div class='c000'><em>Writers, Cadets, and Gentlemen going to the East Indies</em>,</div> - <div class='c000'><span class='small'>SOLD BY</span></div> - <div class='c000'><span class='large'>BLACK, PARRY, AND KINGSBURY,</span></div> - <div class='c000'><span class='small'><em>Booksellers to the Honorable East India Company</em>,</span></div> - <div class='c000'><span class='small'>Stationers, Map, and Chart Sellers,</span></div> - <div class='c000'><span class='small'>7, LEADENHALL-STREET.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class='c019' /> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><em>Oriental Language, &c.</em></div> - <div class='c000'><em><span class='small'>The following valuable Works are by</span> J. BORTHWICK GILCHRIST, <span class='small'>Esq.</span></em></div> - <div><em><span class='small'>LL. D. late Professor of Hindoostanee, at the College,</span></em></div> - <div><em><span class='small'>Fort-William, Calcutta.</span></em></div> - </div> -</div> - -<table class='table11' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='80%' /> -<col width='6%' /> -<col width='6%' /> -<col width='6%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='c008'></td> - <td class='c029'>£.</td> - <td class='c029'><em>s.</em></td> - <td class='c015'><em>d.</em></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Bagho Buhar, or the Entertaining Story of the Four Friars, in Hindoostanee prose</td> - <td class='c029'>1</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>British Indian Monitor, or the Anti-jargonist Strangers’ Guide, and Oriental Linguist, 2 vol.</td> - <td class='c029'>4</td> - <td class='c029'>4</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Dialogues, English and Hindoostanee, on Domestic, Military, and Medical Subjects, &c.</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>10</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Gooli Buchawalee, a celebrated Eastern Romance</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>16</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Hidayet ool Islam, in Hindoostanee and Arabic, or the Moosulman’s Common Prayer Book, vol. 1.</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>15</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Hindee Arabic Mirror, or Improved Tabular View of Arabic Words in the Hindoostanee Language</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>5</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Hindee Moral Preceptor, or Persian Scholar’s Shortest Road to the Hindoostanee Language, <em>et vice versâ</em></td> - <td class='c029'>1</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Hindee Roman Alphabetical Prospectus</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>2</td> - <td class='c015'>6</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>. . . . . . Orthoepigraphical Ultimatum</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>4</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>New Theory of Persian Verbs, with their Hindoostanee Synonymes</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>12</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Nuzri Benuseer, an Enchanting Fairy Tale, in Hindoostanee Prose, from the Original</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>16</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Oriental Fabulist, or Polyglot Fables, in English, Hindoostanee, Persian, Arabic, &c.</td> - <td class='c029'>1</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Rose Garden of Hindoostan, a Translation of Sady’s celebrated Goolistan, 2 vol.</td> - <td class='c029'>1</td> - <td class='c029'>10</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Strangers’ ‘East India’ Guide to the Hindoostanee, bound, 8vo.</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>9</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_508'>508</span>Tota Kuhanee, or Tales of a Parrot, in Hindoostanee</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>10</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Uklaqui Hindee, or Indian Ethics, a Hindoostanee Translation of Hitoopudes</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>16</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<hr class='c019' /> - -<table class='table12' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='80%' /> -<col width='6%' /> -<col width='6%' /> -<col width='6%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Ancient Indian Literature, being a Summary of the ‘Sheeve Pouran,’ the ‘Brahme Vivërtte Pooran,’ and the ‘Arthe Prekash Shastre;’ with Extracts and Epitomes, 4to. bds.</td> - <td class='c029'>1</td> - <td class='c029'>5</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Anvari Soheily of Hussein Vaen Kashefy, Calcutta printed, 1805, half bound</td> - <td class='c029'>3</td> - <td class='c029'>10</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Baillie’s Arabic Grammar, 2 vol. 4to.</td> - <td class='c029'>1</td> - <td class='c029'>1</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Sixty Tables on ditto, folio</td> - <td class='c029'>1</td> - <td class='c029'>1</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Balfour’s Forms of Herkern, Arabic and English</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>10</td> - <td class='c015'>6</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Barretto’s Persian and Arabic Dictionary, 2 vol. 8vo.</td> - <td class='c029'>6</td> - <td class='c029'>6</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>. . . . . Shums-ool-Loghat, or a Dictionary of the Persian and Arabic, the interpretation being in Arabic, 2 vol. 4to.</td> - <td class='c029'>12</td> - <td class='c029'>12</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Carey’s Sungskrit Grammar, with Examples for the Exercise of the Student, and complete List of the Dhatoos, or Roots, boards</td> - <td class='c029'>8</td> - <td class='c029'>8</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Carlyle’s Specimens of Arabian Poetry, 2 vol.</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>16</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>. . . . Maured Allatafet, 4to. bds.</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>15</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Dudley’s, Rev. John, Nerbudda, or The Metamorphosis of Sona</td> - <td class='c029'></td> - <td class='c029'></td> - <td class='c015'></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Forster’s Bongalee and English, and English and Bongalee Vocabulary, 2 vol. 4to. bds.</td> - <td class='c029'>4</td> - <td class='c029'>4</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Gladwin’s Gulistan of Sady, with an English Translation, 2 vol. 4to.</td> - <td class='c029'>5</td> - <td class='c029'>5</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>. . . . Gulistan of Sady, Pers. 1 vol. 8vo. bds.</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>16</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>. . . . Gulistan of Sady, translated, 8vo.</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>10</td> - <td class='c015'>6</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>. . . . Persian Moonshee, Persian and English, 4to. half bound, russia</td> - <td class='c029'>3</td> - <td class='c029'>3</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>. . . . Tootinameh, or Tales of a Parrot, Persian and English</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>18</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>. . . . Dissertation on the Rhetoric of the Persians, 4to. bds.</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>18</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Hadley’s Moors’ Grammar, with a Vocabulary</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>10</td> - <td class='c015'>6</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Hager’s Elements of the Chinese Language, folio</td> - <td class='c029'>2</td> - <td class='c029'>2</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Howison’s Malay Grammar and Dictionary</td> - <td class='c029'></td> - <td class='c029'></td> - <td class='c015'></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Jones’s (Sir Wm.) Persian Grammar, 4to. bound</td> - <td class='c029'>1</td> - <td class='c029'>1</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>L’Herbelot’s Bibliotheque Orientale, 4 vol. 4to.</td> - <td class='c029'>4</td> - <td class='c029'>4</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Moise’s Persian Interpreter, with a Vocabulary</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>18</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Ouseley’s (Sir Wm.) Persian Miscellanies, an Essay to facilitate the reading of Persian Manuscripts, 4to. bds.</td> - <td class='c029'>1</td> - <td class='c029'>11</td> - <td class='c015'>6</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_509'>509</span>Ouseley’s Bahktyar Nameh, Persian and English</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>14</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>. . . . Oriental Collections, 2 vol. 4to. bds.</td> - <td class='c029'>4</td> - <td class='c029'>4</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>. . . . Oriental Collections, vol. 3, part I. bds.</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>10</td> - <td class='c015'>6</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Persian Lyrics of Hafiz, 4to. bds.</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>15</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Pendeh-i-Attar.—The Morals of Attar, a celebrated Persian Poem, Pers. 12mo. bds.</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>7</td> - <td class='c015'>6</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Richardson’s Persian, Arabic, and English Dictionary, by C. Wilkins, Esq. LL. D. 2 vol. 4to. bds.</td> - <td class='c029'>12</td> - <td class='c029'>12</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'><em>Vol. II. will be delivered gratis when published; A few Copies are printed on Imperial Quarto.</em> Richardson’s Arabic Grammar, 4to. bound</td> - <td class='c029'>1</td> - <td class='c029'>1</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Ramayuna of Valmeeki, in the original Sungskrit, with a Prose Translation, and Explanatory Notes, by W. Carey and J. Marsham, vol. 1, bds.</td> - <td class='c029'>5</td> - <td class='c029'>5</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Ramayuna of Valmeeki, translated from the original Sungskrit, by W. Carey and J. Marsham, 8vo. vol. 1, bds.</td> - <td class='c029'>1</td> - <td class='c029'>1</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Rousseau’s Flowers of Persian Literature, 4to. bound</td> - <td class='c029'>1</td> - <td class='c029'>1</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>. . . . . Dictionary of Mahomedan Law, &c. 12mo. bds.</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>7</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Weston’s Conformity of Languages, 12mo. bds.</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>7</td> - <td class='c015'>6</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Wilkins’s Grammar of the Sanskrita Language, bds.</td> - <td class='c029'>4</td> - <td class='c029'>4</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>. . . . . Heetopades of Veshonoo Sarma, from the Sangskrit, 8vo. bds.</td> - <td class='c029'></td> - <td class='c029'></td> - <td class='c015'></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Willmet’s Arabic Lexicon, 4to. bds.</td> - <td class='c029'>1</td> - <td class='c029'>1</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr><td class='c030' colspan='4'><em>In the Press.</em></td></tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Dictionary, English and Hindoostanee, by John Borthwick Gilchrist</td> - <td class='c029'></td> - <td class='c029'></td> - <td class='c015'></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr><td class='c030' colspan='4'><em>Geography, History, &c.</em></td></tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Asiatic Researches, 9 vol. 8vo. bds.</td> - <td class='c029'>5</td> - <td class='c029'>8</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Annual Register, 9 vol. 8vo. half bound</td> - <td class='c029'>5</td> - <td class='c029'>1</td> - <td class='c015'>6</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Ayeen Akberry, or the Institutes of the Emperor Akber, 2 vol. 8vo. boards</td> - <td class='c029'>1</td> - <td class='c029'>1</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Barrow’s Travels to the Cape of Good Hope, 4to.</td> - <td class='c029'>3</td> - <td class='c029'>3</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>. . . . Cochin China, 4to.</td> - <td class='c029'>3</td> - <td class='c029'>13</td> - <td class='c015'>6</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>. . . . Travels in China, 4to.</td> - <td class='c029'>2</td> - <td class='c029'>12</td> - <td class='c015'>6</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Bolt’s Considerations on Indian Affairs, 2 vol. 4to. bds.</td> - <td class='c029'>2</td> - <td class='c029'>2</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>British India Analyzed, 3 vol. 8vo.</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>18</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Brooke’s Gazetteer, 8vo. bound</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>10</td> - <td class='c015'>6</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>. . . . Hist. of the Island of St. Helena, 8vo. bds. 10<em>s.</em> 6<em>d.</em>—royal</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>15</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_510'>510</span>Buchanan’s Tour into the Mysore and Cannara, 3 vol. 4to. with plates, bds.</td> - <td class='c029'>6</td> - <td class='c029'>6</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Ditto, large paper</td> - <td class='c029'>9</td> - <td class='c029'>9</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Chatfield’s Historical View of Hindustan, 4to.</td> - <td class='c029'>1</td> - <td class='c029'>16</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Colebrook on the Commerce of Bengal, bds.</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>5</td> - <td class='c015'>6</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>. . . .’s (H. T.) Digest of the Hindu Law, 3 vol. 8vo. bds.</td> - <td class='c029'>2</td> - <td class='c029'>2</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Dallas’s Vindication of the Marquis Wellesley</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>5</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Dangers of British India from French Invasion and Missionary Establishments, second edit. by D. Hopkins, Esq.</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>7</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Debates on the India Budget</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>5</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>. . . . . . . Carnatic Question</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>5</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Dow’s Hist. of Hindostan, 3 vol. 8vo. bds.</td> - <td class='c029'>1</td> - <td class='c029'>7</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Ditto, 3 vol. royal 8vo.</td> - <td class='c029'>2</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>East India Register and Directory, for 1810</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>7</td> - <td class='c015'>6</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Fuller’s Apology for the late Christian Missions to India, parts 1, 2, and 3, each</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>2</td> - <td class='c015'>6</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Guthrie’s Grammar, 8vo. bound</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>18</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Historical View of Plans for the Government of British India, 4to. bds.</td> - <td class='c029'>1</td> - <td class='c029'>1</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Johnson’s Oriental Voyager, 8vo. bds.</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>10</td> - <td class='c015'>6</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Jones’s (Sir. W.) Works, 6 vol. 4to. bds.</td> - <td class='c029'>10</td> - <td class='c029'>10</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'><em>Ditto, superfine imperial paper, with proof plates</em></td> - <td class='c029'>25</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Ditto, 13 vol. 8vo. with Life by Lord Teignmouth</td> - <td class='c029'>6</td> - <td class='c029'>16</td> - <td class='c015'>6</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Jones’s (Sir W.) Life, by Lord Teignmouth, 4to.</td> - <td class='c029'>1</td> - <td class='c029'>10</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>8vo.</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>10</td> - <td class='c015'>6</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Indian Recreations, by Tennant, 3 vol. 8vo. bds.</td> - <td class='c029'>1</td> - <td class='c029'>7</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Lauderdale (Lord) on the Government of India, 8vo.</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>7</td> - <td class='c015'>6</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Macpherson’s Annals of Commerce, 4 vol. 4to.</td> - <td class='c029'>8</td> - <td class='c029'>8</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Maurice’s Dissertations on Indian Antiquities, 7 vol. 8vo. bds.</td> - <td class='c029'>3</td> - <td class='c029'>3</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>. . . . Ancient Hist. of Hindostan, 2 vol. 4to. bds.</td> - <td class='c029'>3</td> - <td class='c029'>17</td> - <td class='c015'>6</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>. . . . Modern ditto, 2 vol. 4to. bds.</td> - <td class='c029'>4</td> - <td class='c029'>4</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Orme’s Hist. of Hindostan, with Fragments, 4 vol. bds.</td> - <td class='c029'>4</td> - <td class='c029'>8</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Ouseley’s (Sir William) Epitome of the Ancient Hist. of Persia, bds.</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>7</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>. . . . Geography of Ebn Haukal, 4to. bds.</td> - <td class='c029'>1</td> - <td class='c029'>7</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Patten’s Hist. of the Asiatic Monarchies, 8vo. bds.</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>8</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Percival’s Account of Ceylon, 4to. new edit. bds.</td> - <td class='c029'>1</td> - <td class='c029'>11</td> - <td class='c015'>6</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>. . . . . 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Translation of Ferishta’s Hist. of the Dekkan, 2 vol. 4to. boards</td> - <td class='c029'>2</td> - <td class='c029'>2</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Syms’s Embassy to Ava, 3 vol. 8vo. and a 4to. vol. of plates, bds.</td> - <td class='c029'>1</td> - <td class='c029'>11</td> - <td class='c015'>6</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Trial of Robert Henshaw, Esq. Custom Master at Bombay, 8vo. boards</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>7</td> - <td class='c015'>6</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Vindication of the Hindoos, Parts I. and II., in Reply to the Observations of the Christian Observer of Mr. Fuller and his anonymous Friend; with some Remarks on a Sermon preached at Oxford, by the Rev. Dr. Barrow, by a Bengal Officer, sewed, each</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>5</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Walker’s Pronouncing Dictionary, 4to. bds.</td> - <td class='c029'>1</td> - <td class='c029'>11</td> - <td class='c015'>6</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Ditto, 8vo. bound</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>13</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Wellesley’s (Marquis) Hist. of the Mahratta War, notes, &c. 3 parts, 4to. bds.</td> - <td class='c029'>1</td> - <td class='c029'>16</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='small'><em>A large Collection of scarce and valuable Books in the Oriental Languages, also</em></span></div> - <div><span class='small'><em>on the History, Antiquities, Voyages, Travels, Natural History, and</em></span></div> - <div><span class='small'><em>Trade of the East Indies, are constantly kept on Sale.</em></span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<table class='table13' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='80%' /> -<col width='6%' /> -<col width='6%' /> -<col width='6%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr><td class='c030' colspan='4'><em>Atlasses and Maps.</em></td></tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Arrowsmith’s New Map of India, cloth and rollers</td> - <td class='c029'>3</td> - <td class='c029'>3</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Ditto, varnished</td> - <td class='c029'>3</td> - <td class='c029'>15</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Ditto, on cloth, in a portable case</td> - <td class='c029'>3</td> - <td class='c029'>8</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Ditto Map of Asia, cloth and rollers</td> - <td class='c029'>1</td> - <td class='c029'>11</td> - <td class='c015'>6</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Ditto, varnished</td> - <td class='c029'>2</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Rennel’s (Major) Map of India, cloth and rollers</td> - <td class='c029'>1</td> - <td class='c029'>11</td> - <td class='c015'>6</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Ditto, varnished</td> - <td class='c029'>2</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Ditto, on cloth, in a portable case</td> - <td class='c029'>1</td> - <td class='c029'>13</td> - <td class='c015'>6</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Rennel’s Bengal Atlas, folio, half bound</td> - <td class='c029'>2</td> - <td class='c029'>17</td> - <td class='c015'>6</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Small Map of India, in a portable case</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>16</td> - <td class='c015'>6</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr><td class='c030' colspan='4'><em>Military.</em></td></tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Act for Punishing Mutiny and Desertion, and Articles of War</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>5</td> - <td class='c015'>6</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Adye on Military Courts Martial, 12mo. bds.</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>4</td> - <td class='c015'>6</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Baker’s Practice of the Rifle Gun, 8vo. bds.</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>5</td> - <td class='c015'>6</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Bombardier, or Pocket Gunner, 12mo. bound</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>5</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Cadet, a Military Treatise, 8vo. bds.</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>6</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Cunningham’s (Major) Tactics of the British Army, bds.</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>18</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_512'>512</span>Herries’s Instructions & Regulations for Cavalry, 2 vol.</td> - <td class='c029'></td> - <td class='c029'></td> - <td class='c015'></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Hutton’s Mathematics, 2 vol. 8vo. bds.</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>18</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>James’s Military Dictionary, 8vo. bds.</td> - <td class='c029'>1</td> - <td class='c029'>1</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>. . . . Regimental Companion, 3 vol. bds.</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>18</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Landmann’s Field Engineer’s Vade Mecum, 8vo.</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>7</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>. . . . . Practical Geometry</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>7</td> - <td class='c015'>6</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>. . . . . Principles of Fortification</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>3</td> - <td class='c015'>6</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Manual and Platoon Exercise, 8vo. bds.</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>2</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Military Mentor, in Letters from a General Officer to his Son, 2 vol. 12mo.</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>12</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>. . . . . Essays on the Theory and Practice of War, 3 vol. 8vo. by the Author of the ‘Mentor’</td> - <td class='c029'>1</td> - <td class='c029'>16</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Muller’s Works of Fortification, Attack and Defence, Engineering, Artillery, &c.</td> - <td class='c029'></td> - <td class='c029'></td> - <td class='c015'></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Officer’s Manual in the Field, or a Series of Military Plans, bds.</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>15</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Regulations for Riflemen and Light Infantry, 8vo. bds.</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>3</td> - <td class='c015'>6</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>. . . . . and Instructions for Cavalry, &c. 8vo. bds.</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>7</td> - <td class='c015'>6</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Elucidation of ditto</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>7</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Reid on the Duties of Infantry Officers</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>5</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Rifle Manual, with plates, 4to. bds.</td> - <td class='c029'>1</td> - <td class='c029'>1</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Rules and Regulations for the Formation of His Majesty’s Infantry, 8vo. bds.</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>6</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Ditto for the Sword Exercise, 8vo. bds.</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>7</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Russell’s Instruction for Drill, 18 Manæuvres, &c. 8vo. bds.</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>7</td> - <td class='c015'>6</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>. . . . . Movements, &c. of Infantry, 8vo. bds.</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>7</td> - <td class='c015'>6</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Smirke’s Review of a Battalion of Infantry, 8vo.</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>7</td> - <td class='c015'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c008'>Struensee’s Fortification, 8vo. bds.</td> - <td class='c029'>0</td> - <td class='c029'>7</td> - <td class='c015'>6</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>BIBLES—PRAYER BOOKS—STATIONARY, &c.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='small'><em>Where may be had, the most Esteemed Works and Modern Publications,</em></span></div> - <div><span class='small'><em>also the latest and most accurate Atlasses, Maps, Charts, &c.</em></span></div> - <div class='c004'>Printed by Turner and Harwood,</div> - <div>St. John’s Square, London.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> - -<p class='c001'><a id='endnote'></a></p> -<div class='tnotes'> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='large'>Transcriber’s Note</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c001'>At the top of p. 175, the line ‘Brought forward 170’ represents -a continuation of table begun on the previous page. That page -break being moot here, the line has been removed as redundant.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The following issues should be noted, along with the resolutions. -There are frequent characters, particularly punctuation, which -were not visible in the copy upon which this text is based. Where -the missing character is obvious, it has been restored, as noted.</p> - -<p class='c001'>Keeping in mind the vintage of the text, spelling has generally -been followed. Where obvious printer’s errors occur, they have -been corrected, as noted below.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The city ‘Allahabad’ is printed twice, incorrectly, as ‘Allahahad’ -on p. 257 and p. 327. It appears correctly elsewhere. These two -instances have been corrected.</p> - -<table class='table14' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='15%' /> -<col width='61%' /> -<col width='23%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>p. vi</td> - <td class='c014'>brackis[h] waters</td> - <td class='c016'>Restored.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>p. 11</td> - <td class='c014'>regularl[y]</td> - <td class='c016'>Restored.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>p. 13</td> - <td class='c014'>compet[it]ing</td> - <td class='c016'>Corrected.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>p. 14</td> - <td class='c014'>harder kinds of <em>gutty</em>[;]</td> - <td class='c016'>Restored. (Most probably.)</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>p. 15</td> - <td class='c014'>in with sufficient[missing word?] to heat</td> - <td class='c016'><em>Sic.</em></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>p. 42</td> - <td class='c014'>wo[o]llen</td> - <td class='c016'>Added.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>p. 47</td> - <td class='c014'>as large as a quartern l[ao/oa]f</td> - <td class='c016'>Transposed.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>p. 93</td> - <td class='c014'>rem[ar]kably sweet</td> - <td class='c016'>Restored.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>p. 202</td> - <td class='c014'>The enig[n/m]a</td> - <td class='c016'>Corrected.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>p. 218</td> - <td class='c014'>th[er/re]e</td> - <td class='c016'>Transposed.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>p. 239</td> - <td class='c014'>is [c]onfined to the care</td> - <td class='c016'>Restored.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>p. 243</td> - <td class='c014'>Moorshada[ba]bad</td> - <td class='c016'>Redundant. Removed.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>p. 257</td> - <td class='c014'>Allaha[h/b]ad</td> - <td class='c016'>Corrected.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>p. 261</td> - <td class='c014'>either o[n] account of</td> - <td class='c016'>Restored.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>p. 263</td> - <td class='c014'>c[o/a]ntonments</td> - <td class='c016'>Corrected.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>p. 272</td> - <td class='c014'>ordinar[il]y</td> - <td class='c016'>Added.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>p. 277</td> - <td class='c014'>atmosphere[;] while</td> - <td class='c016'>Restored.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>p. 288</td> - <td class='c014'>succombed</td> - <td class='c016'><em>Sic.</em></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>p. 328</td> - <td class='c014'>Allaha[h/b]ad</td> - <td class='c016'>Corrected.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>p. 333</td> - <td class='c014'>less expence tha[t/n] twenty-five rupees</td> - <td class='c016'>Corrected.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>p. 358</td> - <td class='c014'>lie to the wes[t]ward of Saugur</td> - <td class='c016'>Added.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>p. 385</td> - <td class='c014'>notwithstandi[n]g</td> - <td class='c016'>Added.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>[a/i]t will be proper</td> - <td class='c016'>Corrected.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>p. 395</td> - <td class='c014'>ea[r]gerness</td> - <td class='c016'>Removed.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>p. 405</td> - <td class='c014'>ascertain[in]g</td> - <td class='c016'>Added.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c014'>[s]hould be placed</td> - <td class='c016'>Restored.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>p. 412</td> - <td class='c014'><em>sine [qûa/quâ] non</em></td> - <td class='c016'>Corrected.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>p. 415</td> - <td class='c014'>Colonel Richar[sd/ds]on</td> - <td class='c016'>Transposed.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>p. 420</td> - <td class='c014'>encomiu[n/m]</td> - <td class='c016'>Corrected.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>p. 461</td> - <td class='c014'>the Company’s [stalions]</td> - <td class='c016'><em>Sic.</em></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>p. 468</td> - <td class='c014'>sad[d]lers</td> - <td class='c016'>Added.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>p. 484</td> - <td class='c014'>pursuant to the [desicion/decision]</td> - <td class='c016'>Corrected.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>p. 496</td> - <td class='c014'>Hyd[e]rabad</td> - <td class='c016'>Added.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>p. 505</td> - <td class='c014'>but, in [in ]general,</td> - <td class='c016'>Line break duplication.</td> - </tr> -</table> - -</div> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The East India Vade-Mecum, Volume 2 -(of 2), by Thomas Williamson - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK EAST INDIA VADE-MECUM, VOL 2 *** - -***** This file should be named 51472-h.htm or 51472-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/1/4/7/51472/ - -Produced by KD Weeks, deaurider and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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