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diff --git a/old/53400-0.txt b/old/53400-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 9833753..0000000 --- a/old/53400-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,12435 +0,0 @@ -Project Gutenberg's The East India Vade-Mecum, v.1, 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, v.1 - or, Complete Guide to Gentlemen Intended for the Civil, - mMilitary, or Naval Service of the East India Company. - Volume 1 - -Author: Thomas Williamson - -Release Date: October 31, 2016 [EBook #53400] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE EAST INDIA VADE-MECUM, V.1 *** - - - - -Produced by KD Weeks, Jens Guld, and the Bayerische -Staatsbibliothek München (urn:nbn:de:bvb:12-bsb10483595-8) - - - - - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - 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 - - - OR - - =COMPLETE GUIDE= - - TO - - GENTLEMEN INTENDED FOR THE - - _CIVIL, MILITARY, OR NAVAL SERVICE_ - - OF THE - - Hon. East India Company. - -[Illustration] - - BY - CAPTAIN THOMAS WILLIAMSON - - _Author of ‘The Wild Sports of the East.’_ - -[Illustration] - - IN TWO VOLUMES - - ------- - - _VOL. I._ - - ---------------------------- - - London: - PRINTED FOR BLACK, PARRY, and KINGSBURY, - Booksellers to the Honorable East India Company, - 7, - LEADENHALL-STREET - - ------- - - 1810. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - Printed by Turner and Harwood, St. John’s Square, - London. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - TO THE - _HON. COURT OF DIRECTORS,_ - OF THE - =East India Company= - - ---------- - -HONORABLE SIRS, - - _A work professedly undertaken with the view to promote the -welfare, and to facilitate the progress, of those young gentlemen who -may, from time to time, be appointed to situations under your several -Presidencies, will, I flatter myself, receive from your_ HONORABLE COURT -_that encouragement the importance of the subject solicits, and to which -my own good intentions may justly offer a claim. Under your auspices, my -labors cannot fail to prove of public utility, as well as to reward that -zeal, and that assiduity, with which they have proceeded, under the -alluring hope of meriting the approbation of your_ HONORABLE COURT. - - _I have the honor to be,_ - - HONORABLE SIRS, - - _Your most obedient Servant,_ - - _THOMAS WILLIAMSON_ - -London, January 1, 1810. - - - - - PREFACE - - ---------- - - -In the volumes now offered to the public, it has been my zealous -endeavour to supply those minutiæ and details, which have not, in any -distinct manner, been heretofore tendered to its consideration. A -residence of more than twenty years in Bengal, during which period I had -every opportunity of visiting the several districts under that -presidency, has enabled me to afford considerable insight into a variety -of topics, which, whether to the statesman, the merchant, the military, -or the civil character, should prove highly important, and guide, not -only to a just conception of the characters of the natives, and of the -European society, in India, but to the removal of that host of doubts, -prejudices, and national opinions, which, if suffered to prevail, must -occasion every object to be seen through a false medium. - -With the view to render my labors more acceptable to my juvenile -readers, whose welfare is attended to in every page, it appeared to me -expedient to adopt rather a familiar, than a didactic, style; so as to -lead towards the goal of instruction, in that easy manner which is -generally found best suited to that intention. The same principle -induced me to avoid any arrangement under abstract heads, or chapters; -as well as to render the contents at large philosophically diffuse. - -The mode adopted in my former publication, ‘THE WILD SPORTS OF THE -EAST’, namely, of spelling the Hindostanee words according to English -pronunciation, having been highly approved, is continued on this -occasion. This plan appears particularly necessary in a work intended -chiefly for the use of persons proceeding to India; since nothing could -be more unpleasant than a deficiency in respect to intonation; which, -being once established in error, must prove extremely difficult of -correction. - -While studying to supply the several desiderata left unnoticed by those -gentlemen who have written on subjects relating to India, I felt it -incumbent on me, both from a sense of delicacy, and from the conviction -that they had already passed through more able hands, to avoid whatever -topics had been abstractedly considered. Therefore, such of my readers -as may seek for particular information regarding the religious tenets of -the several sects, the languages of the East, the literature, &c., &c., -should consult those eminent authors to whom the world is so much -indebted. The whole of their works may be obtained by application to -Messrs. BLACK, PARRY, and KINGSBURY, of Leadenhall Street, London, from -whose ample catalogue I beg leave to cull the following, as being -particularly applicable to the use of students laudably intent on -obtaining the most valuable sources of oriental learning. - -The works of DOCTOR GILCHRIST stand pre-eminent, and, while they do -honor to himself, are highly creditable to the discrimination and -liberality of the EAST INDIA COMPANY, under whom he held a -Professorship. In the purchase of the few volumes necessary towards the -equipment of a gentleman proceeding to India, the whole of Doctor -Gilchrist’s philological publications ought to be included. DR. WILKIN’S -edition of RICHARDSON’S PERSIAN DICTIONARY is equally indispensable to -writers, who may be desirous to attain a proficiency in the Persian -language, by which they become eligible for officers of the highest -rank: but, to cadets, who do not wish to go to the expence of two -volumes, quarto, the ABRIDGEMENT, by MR. HOPKINS, in one volume, royal -octavo, is particularly recommended. DR. WILKINS’S SANSKRITA GRAMMAR -will also be found eminently serviceable; while his translation of the -HEETOPADES will afford much insight into the narratory idiom of the -Hindus. RICHARDSON’S ARABIC GRAMMAR, as also SIR W. JONES’S PERSIAN -GRAMMAR, or GLADWIN’S PERSIAN MOONSHEE, and his GULISTAN OF SADY, should -not be omitted. SIR WM. OUSELEY’S ESSAY TOWARDS FACILITATING THE READING -OF PERSIAN MANUSCRIPTS, will prove a substantial aid. BALFOUR’S FORMS OF -HERKERN, in Arabic and English, should be provided; together with -ROUSSEAU’S DICTIONARY OF MAHOMEDAN LAW TERMS. MR. COLEBROOKE’S DIGEST OF -HINDU LAW, is indispensable; and I strongly recommend his TREATISE ON -THE HUSBANDRY AND INTERNAL COMMERCE OF BENGAL. SALE’S KORAN will supply -the fullest information regarding the fundamental principles of the -Mahomedan religion; and REYNELL’S MEMOIRS, united with his ATLAS, and -MAP, or ARROWSMITH’S MAP OF INDIA, on a larger scale, will prove the -best guides in acquiring the geography, together with many local matters -extremely interesting to persons travelling in any part of our -territory, but especially in Bengal. The AYEEN AKBEKRY will shew what -Hindostan was under the government of AKBAR; and the ASIATIC RESEARCHES, -and ASIATIC ANNUAL REGISTER, will be found to display an immense variety -of subjects connected with natural history, &c. The Tour made, under the -auspices of Marquis Wellesley, by DOCTOR FRANCIS BUCHANAN, through the -MYSORE, CANARA, and MALABAR Districts, may be considered one of the most -valuable productions of the age; inasmuch as it details, with -philosophic consideration, and, in most instances, with alchemic -precision, a variety of matters relating to the climate, the soil, and -those various articles of produce, as well as the mode of manufacture, -which cannot fail to prove highly interesting to those either engaged in -mercantile speculations, or who thirst after useful knowledge. This work -is published by Messrs. BLACK, PARRY, and KINGSBURY. - -With respect to those regulations published for the control, or -guidance, of persons proceeding to, or residing in, India, fluctuations -must at times take place. MESSRS. BLACK, PARRY, and KINGSBURY, publish -yearly a DIRECTORY, under the immediate authority of the COURT OF -DIRECTORS, the latest edition of which ought to be purchased in the -first instance. - -Soliciting my readers’ indulgence regarding any typographical errors, -which may, notwithstanding the greatest attention in correcting for the -press, occasionally appear, and anxiously hoping that he may at least be -amused, if not instructed, by the perusal of my pages, I consign them to -the consideration of a discriminating, just, and liberal public; -trusting that my motives, at least, will be rewarded by its approbation. - - THOMAS WILLIAMSON. - -LONDON, JANUARY 1, 1810. - - - - - CONTENTS - OF - VOL. I. - - -------------- - - PAGES - - _Instructions to Persons proceeding to India 1 to 30 - regarding articles to be provided, and - precautions to be adopted_ - - _Matters relating to embarking, and the usual 31 . 60 - customs on board-ship, sea-sickness, fishing at - sea_ - - _Foreign settlements, Brazils, crossing the Line_ 61 . 68 - - _Religious character of sailors, funerals at sea, 69 . 88 - Cape of Good Hope_ - - _Of St. Helena_ 89 . 109 - - _Island of Johanna, and the Comoro Cluster_ 110 . 119 - - _Whale-fishery in the Mozambique Channel_ 120 . 123 - - _White-squalls, passage round Ceylon, and up the 124 . 126 - Coromandel coast_ - - _Madras, masoolah-boats, debashes, bad meats, 127 . 138 - localities_ - - _General track up the Bay, cautions necessary to 139 . 141 - be adopted by pilot-schooners at the Sand-heads_ - - _General appearance of the coast, modes of getting 142 . 154 - up from the ship to Calcutta_ - - _Coins and weights in use, land measure_ 155 . 160 - - _Taverns to be avoided, instructions and cautions 161 . 172 - regarding servants, women, &c._ - - _Estimate of primary and current expences_ 173 . 175 - - _Acquirement of the language, with advice 176 . 178 - regarding conduct in general_ - - _Reasons for retaining a number of servants, 179 . 185 - religious scruples_ - - _Classification of servants_ 186 . 188 - - _The Banian, and Darogah_ 188 . 192 - - _The Moonshy, the Jemmadar, the Chobe-dar, the 191 . 212 - Soontah-burdar, the Kansamah, the Sircar, the - Cranny, specimen of style_ - - _The Khedmutgar, The Mosaulchy, the Hookah-burdar, 212 . 228 - the Hookah, the Kaleaun, the Goorgoory, and the - Neriaul_ - - _Modes of carrying water, the Bheesty, Tatties_ 229 . 236 - - _The Babachy, the Durzy, the Doby, the Mohout, the 236 . 253 - Mate, and the Surwan_ - - _The Syce, the Grass-cutter, the Mauly, mode of 254 . 266 - drawing water_ - - _The Aub-dar, the Compadore, the Hirkarah, the 267 . 280 - Duftoree, the Fraush, the Mater, the Dooreah, - mode of keeping and feeding dogs_ - - _The Kalashy, the Manjy, the Goleeah, and the 281 . 287 - Dandy_ - - _The Berrairah, description of sheep, and mode of 288 . 293 - fattening_ - - _The Chokey-dar, curious system of vigilance in 294 . 298 - the upper provinces, expert thieves_ - - _The Durwan, the Cahar, insolence of the Ooreah 298 . 310 - bearers_ - - _Hints regarding the lading of cattle_ 310 . 311 - - _Umbrellas, punkahs, liveries_ 312 . 313 - - _The mahanah-palanquin, the boçhah, the 313 . 324 - taum-jaung, the bangy_ - - _The r’hunt, the g’horry-waun, fine bullocks, the 325 . 333 - g’horry, the hackery_ - - _Cautions against engaging European servants, 333 . 336 - either male or female_ - - _The Portugueze Ayah, ridiculously vain of their 337 . 339 - genealogies_ - - _The Hindostanee Ayah_ 340 . 341 - - _The Dhye, domestic secrets_ 341 . 346 - - _Domestic manners and customs of the natives, with 347 . 408 - details of the state of society among them_ - - _Flying kites, great dexterity, natives peculiarly 408 . 411 - tenacious of privacy in their dwellings_ - - _European polygamy, characters of women generally 412 . 416 - domiciliated by Europeans, ordinary expences_ - - _Dress and ornaments of a Hindostanee lady_ 417 . 431 - - _Scented oils, mode of extracting the attar of 431 . 441 - roses, with calculation of expences_ - - _Unctions in general use, bathing, alligators_ 442 . 448 - - _Invitations, visiting, female nomenclature, loud 449 . 451 - music_ - - _Reasons for Europeans retaining native women, and 451 . 458 - impediments in the way of marriage_ - - _Orphan Institution_ 459 . 468 - - _Vaccination in Bengal, mode of inoculating in use 469 . 475 - among the Brahmans, and among the Pahariahs, - making capons_ - - _The Native Hospital at Calcutta_ 479 . 482 - - _Style of building among the natives, mode of 483 . 498 - thatching, domestic furniture, the beetle-leaf - and plant_ - - _Cheroots, women smokers, imitations of native 499 . 502 - manners, dress, &c., and vice versâ_ - - _Mirza Alu Taaleb Khan, his ingratitude and 503 . 509 - vanity, comparison of his poetry with that of - Hafiz and Yuqueen_ - - _Precautions against fire, heavy rains, protection 509 . 514 - against them_ - - _Bungalows, bricklayers, carpenter and smith, 514 . 520 - houses smeared with cow-dung, mindy applied to - hands and feet_ - - THE - _EAST INDIA_ - VADE-MECUM. - -[Illustration] - - -The consideration, that great numbers of young gentlemen proceed to -India without the smallest idea of the customs, &c. peculiar to that -country whither they are adventuring; and, that the want of some -previous instruction has often proved of the greatest inconvenience; -first induced me to assume the pen, for the purpose of submitting, to -those under such circumstances, the result of a long residence in -Bengal. When it is understood, that, merely owing to the absence of any -experienced friend, or to the impossibility of obtaining some -publication suited to guide under a case of no small difficulty, not -only many a guinea, which could perhaps be ill spared, is thrown away, -but many a lasting injury entailed, little apology need be offered for -that earnestness with which I recommend my volumes to the attention, not -only of those who are about to proceed to the East, but of such as have -relatives, or friends, in that remote quarter. - -The first point offering itself to notice, is, whether an appointment is -to be obtained in the Company’s service, either in a civil, a military, -or a naval capacity; or, whether the party is about to adventure as a -merchant, or free-mariner. If the Company’s service be in question, it -will be necessary to follow implicitly those regulations the Court of -Directors, from whom alone any appointment can be obtained, have, from -time to time, judged it expedient to promulgate for the better -management of their affairs, and for obviating misconception on the part -of every candidate, as well as to shield him from imposition. As these -regulations are subject to much fluctuation, and as it would be -burthening this work too much were they to be embodied therein, besides -that it would be, to a certain degree, infringing on the rights of -others, to whose assiduity the public are considerably indebted, I have -excluded them altogether; confining myself to pointing out, that the -‘EAST INDIA DIRECTORY,’ published annually by Messrs. Black, Parry, and -Kingsbury, but edited by gentlemen holding offices at the India-House, -will be found the best guide in all such matters, as it contains the -code in force at the time of publication. - -Formerly, a great number of persons received commissions in the army, -and in the medical departments in India, from the governor-general, for -which necessity was the plea; but that practice was severely censured, -and has been for full twenty-six years completely exploded. The hope of -obtaining an appointment in India, as a Company’s servant, should never -be entertained; none being bestowed but by the Court of Directors; -though, it is true, the recommendations of their government abroad, in -behalf of meritorious individuals, have, in very numerous instances, -been attended to. - -Little argument need be used to demonstrate the superior policy, or -rather the imperious necessity, of sending young men from England in -such a state of improvement as may enable them to become useful -immediately on their arrival at the presidencies to which they may be -respectively nominated. This is effected by the institution of a -college, and of a military academy, under the auspices of the Court of -Directors: at the former, those intended for the civil service are duly -grounded in the languages, &c. of the East; while, at the latter, young -gentlemen are instructed in whatever may be essential towards their -military career. By these means, the natives are induced to entertain -more respect for the junior servants, than could possibly be expected -while a want of every local requisite, and even of the very rudiments of -professional science, were too conspicuously apparent. The ‘DIRECTORY’, -already spoken of, will be found to contain whatever relates to the -proper qualifications of young men aiming at employ under the Company; -but I may be permitted to state, that whenever any undue influence may -be exerted, by pecuniary means, to obtain any appointment, in whatever -branch, expulsion and disgrace, or eventually, fine, &c. will be the -result. - -The opportunity which offers for the selection of civil servants duly -qualified to fill offices of considerable importance, to which either -large salaries, or handsome fees, &c. are attached, affords the ready -means of rewarding the labors of meritorious individuals in that branch; -and, with few exceptions, of enabling them, after a fair term of -servitude, to return to Europe with competent fortunes. Hence, the -Company have not found it necessary to stipulate for their granting any -pensions to civil servants; but, whenever the pressure of infirmity, or -of misfortune, has exhibited to the Court of Directors an object justly -entitled to their consideration, such civil servants, and, on many -occasions, their widows and children also, have experienced that -attention to their distresses which might elevate them beyond the reach -of adversity. - -In the military branch, where a marked level prescribes the rise of -every individual, beyond which, except in a few instances of -staff-appointments, the utmost merit may unhappily remain unrewarded; -and where, in so destructive a climate, the discharge even of ordinary -duties is frequently attended with most injurious results to the -constitution; it has been adjudged necessary to make some provision for -those who may either be compelled to seek the re-establishment of health -in their native country, under the indulgence of a furlough, or who, -having passed the prime of their days in that quarter, may choose to -withdraw from the effective strength of the army, passing their latter -years in retirement, and making way for the more active, to supply their -places in the performance of the more arduous duties. - -In consideration of the important services rendered to the Company by -their military and naval officers and surgeons, as also by their -chaplains, the Company have established certain rates of income, under -the general terms of full-pay, half-pay, and pension, for such of them -as may retire from their service: those rates, together with all the -regulations in force, will be found in the ‘EAST INDIA DIRECTORY’, -before referred to. - -No British subject, not born in India, can claim the right of residing -within the Company’s jurisdiction; which extends from the Cape of Good -Hope, easterly, towards Cape Horn; including all the Indian Seas, and -the great Peninsula of Asia, so far as the British flag is displayed, -with the exception, however, of the Island of Ceylon, on which the whole -establishment appertains to the Crown, though generally some of the -Madras troops, or even a portion of the Bengal army, may be seen doing -duty there, as auxiliaries. - -Necessity has imposed very arbitrary rules on the conduct of government -abroad; none but persons whose political conduct and opinions are -decidedly unexceptionable being permitted to reside within the Company’s -territories. Every European inhabitant is registered, and furnished with -a licence, renewable at times, or subject to be cancelled by the Supreme -Council. Such is the determination supported against whatever may tend, -however obliquely, towards colonization, that, in Calcutta, though -purchases may be made of landed property, secured by _pottahs_, that -correspond generally with our title-deeds, yet there does not appear to -be any actual claim to the soil. This does not create any diffidence on -the part of the purchaser, who, provided there be no latent mortgage, -&c. always holds the property as a fee-simple. This rule does not, -indeed, properly extend beyond the Maharrattah Ditch, which formerly -circumscribed the town on the land side, making nearly a semi-circle, -whose radius might be more than a mile and a half: beyond that ancient -barrier; which in old times was found a considerable protection against -the incursions of the Maharrattah horse: though pottahs may perhaps -exist, their validity would not bear the test of litigation. The -Company, it is true, have in various instances made grants of lands, but -always under such terms as precluded any claim to property in the soil, -as a permanent, independent, and paramount tenure. - -The free-merchant, or, (as some designate him,) the free-mariner, who -may proceed to India with the view of purchasing landed property, or of -becoming a renter in his own name, will find himself in a very awkward, -or even a very hazardous, situation, should he lay out his money in -supposed purchases, or in buildings, _et cetera_, beyond the ascertained -limits of the town of Calcutta. My readers will therefore correct, in -due time, any erroneous impressions arising from misrepresentation, or -from misconception: they must, in fact, alienate their British opinions, -and conform to local considerations; divesting themselves of every -prepossession, and viewing our Indian possessions, not as colonies, but -as conquests, of a peculiar description, to which our laws and -privileges are every way either unsuitable, or unwelcome. - -I shall now proceed to the display of some minutiæ regarding the out-fit -of a gentleman about to embark in a chartered ship; observing, that no -passenger can be received on board without an express order in writing, -directed to the captain, and signed by the secretary. Should an impostor -succeed, of which, I believe, no instance has ever come to light, in -obtaining a passage to India, by means of fictitious documents, he would -indisputably be detected on arrival there, and be subjected to all the -rigors of the law. The several commanders of the Company’s ships are so -bound by agreement, as well as by regulations, not to receive -unauthorized passengers, as to leave no opening for malpractices of the -above description. - -The out-fit of a military passenger will necessarily differ, in a few -points, from that of a person proceeding in a civil capacity: whichever -may be the case, it will be found least expensive to lay in the whole of -the supplies of clothing, so far as may be practicable, from the stock -on hand; obtaining any additional articles from those tradesmen by whom -the family may have been usually furnished. I cannot too forcibly -deprecate the common practice of burthening young folks with a variety -of useless apparel, &c.; the greater part of which becomes the -perquisite of servants, or, being found rather a burthen than a -convenience, is generally thrown about in the most negligent manner. The -grand object should be to provide what may be efficient after arrival in -India. - -The first point for consideration is the quantity and the quality of the -shirts, of which not less than four dozen should be provided. They ought -to be of very fine, stout calico, such as may be used in a hot climate, -where linen is particularly prejudicial to health, owing to its feeling -cold when moist with perspiration. About a dozen of the shirts may be of -rather a superior quality, and have frills. - -Under-shirts, made of chequered calico, of a moderate fineness, will be -found extremely pleasant, and preserve the upper-shirts from being -soiled by contact with the body: of such, an equal number should be -made; if with sleeves, and reaching to the hips, they will serve for -sleeping in: there should be no ties, nor any opening, except for about -eight inches down, on one side, from the neck, but not in front; a -button will suffice to keep the parts together, after the head has been -passed through. - -For wear on board-ship, nothing can equal pantaloons, of which two -pairs of thick, and two of thin, should be provided; together with as -many pairs of wove cotton long-drawers, to wear under them. The thick -kinds may be milled broad cloth, or wove worsted; the thin ones of -light corderoy, aleppine, &c. Half-stockings of worsted, and of -cotton, will be requisite; a dozen pairs of the former, and three -dozen of the latter: they will all be found useful in India. Two or -three black velvet stocks, made to tie with ribbon, will be -serviceable; and, as articles in great request abroad, about four -dozen of neck-handkerchiefs, of very fine linen, not calico, should be -made up: an equal quantity of a coarser kind may be laid in for under -wear. - -Cotton handkerchiefs, of a small size, such as may be put into a -waistcoat pocket, will be found preferable: of these, full four dozen; -they should be white, with very neat, narrow borders. Two good warm -waistcoats of woollen must be provided, and about two dozen of white -waistcoats, made of fine Irish linen. Breeches in the same proportion, -and of the same qualities. To wear with the latter, two dozen pairs of -long cotton stockings, and half a dozen pairs of short, wove, cotton -drawers, should be provided. The stockings ought to be of the best -quality. A dozen pairs of silk stockings will also be useful on arrival -in India, where they are extremely scarce, generally damaged, and bear -an enormous price. - -A substantial great-coat will, on many occasions, be acceptable during -the voyage; as will two pairs of boots, and as many of shoes; one stout, -the other light, for ship wear. - -I cannot too forcibly recommend that measures be left with the tailor, -the shoe and boot-maker, the hatter, &c. in order that regular supplies -may be sent yearly, or half-yearly, through the medium of some friend in -London; who could get all articles of such a description shipped in the -privileges of some of the officers of the Indiamen; the freight payable -on delivery at Calcutta, Madras, or Bombay, respectively. - -It will be proper to have two or three coats to wear on board-ship: two -should be of broad cloth, and one of camlet, or some other light stuff: -a warm dressing gown of flannel, with two lighter, of printed linen, -will be essentially serviceable. - -Hats are so very subject to be injured on board-ship, and, indeed, to be -blown overboard, that I should recommend but little attention to -appearance in that article. In this, as well as in most of the -foregoing, a large portion may be supplied from the stock in use -previous to embarkation. The old saying, of ‘going to sea to wear out -one’s old clothes,’ has so far sense on its side, that whatever can be -decently worn will be found full good enough for that purpose. Persons -who are growing, should observe the precaution of having every article -of apparel made full large; else, by the time they may have been some -months at sea, they will be put to serious inconvenience. It is true, -that few ships sail without a tailor on board, but he is not always to -be had; being generally employed by the purser; or he may be in the sick -list, &c. - -With respect to leather-breeches, two pairs may be taken by those -accustomed to hard riding; though nankeen are in general use for the -greater part of the year. In the cold season, the former are extremely -comfortable. Three, or even four, pairs of boots, as many of shoes, and -two round hats, of the best quality; together with two best coats, of -the lightest cloth, or kerseymere, two waistcoats, and two pair of -breeches, of fine white kerseymere, should be packed, with the intention -of being reserved for use in India. - -It may be said, that tailors, shoe-makers, &c. abound in India; and, -that every article above-mentioned may be made up, or be obtained there. -The truth is, that all artizans in that quarter expect exorbitant -profits, to enable their amassing sums wherewith to return to Europe. -The materials are likewise much dearer; and many, if not all, of a very -inferior quality. Articles of European manufacture, except when the -market is absolutely glutted, bear full £80. and occasionally £200. per -cent. advance on the prime cost: add to this, that sometimes gentlemen -are so far removed from their trades-people, who are by no means -expeditious in their work, and, if at all expert, have ever more on hand -than they can execute, as to render it next to impracticable for them to -be supplied as they would wish. - -With respect to woollens, boots, shoes, &c. Europe is the great source; -no cloths being - -manufactured in India, except a kind somewhat resembling serge; and the -leather in general use among the native cordwainers being so ill tanned, -that, after being once wet through, which is effected by the slightest -exposure to moisture, it stretches, losing its shape and pliancy, so as -to be both uncomfortable and unsightly. The native shoe-makers are -certainly very neat in their work, but, owing to the badness of their -materials, cannot, in this case, be recommended. - -Blankets of a good quality are scarce, and bear an unconscionable price. -I should recommend to every passenger, that he take three of the largest -double milled, and one smaller under blanket. He will find them useful -on board-ship; and, in the cold season, will not be displeased to find -such in his possession. Their value in the hottest time of the year, -when the wind is dry, and clouds of dust every where passing, is -extreme. If a bed be covered with two or three blankets, at that season, -it will always remain cool and pleasant. - -It may be supposed that calico sheets are not adapted to the torrid -zone; and such is strictly the case. Accordingly, we find the greater -portion of Europeans provided with hemp sheeting: many go to the expence -of coarse Irish linen for that purpose, and make their pillow cases of -fine Holland, or of a fabric, called _grass-cloth_, imported from China, -and said to be made from the smaller fibres of what is usually called -_India-gut_, or _weed_. Whatever the material may be, its smooth, glossy -surface, and its disposition to resist absorption, more than any other -cloth in use, qualify it pre-eminently for that purpose to which we -apply it. - -I should recommend that twelve sheets were taken; each formed of one -breadth of very fine Russia, or other hempen cloth, and full eleven feet -in length. During the passage, they may be used in that form; which, if -they are full ell-wide, will be found broad enough. On arrival in India -they should be joined two and two, so as to form three, instead of six -pairs. In regard to pillow cases, one for every pair of sheets in their -original state, will suffice: they should be of Irish linen. - -A good mattress made of horse-hair, is, in the East, a valuable article. -I should recommend one made to fit the cot, or bed-place, on board-ship; -which will generally be from 6 ft. to 6 ft. 2 in. in length, and from 22 -to 28 in. in width. This mattress should be filled to the thickness of -near five inches, and enclosed in a double case of the strongest -ticking: by this means, on arrival, the mattress may be extended to -double its size, with the choicest materials; the hair being spread -thinner, and the ticking reduced from double to single. - -A pillow filled with feathers is scarcely to be seen in India! I would, -however, recommend, that, in lieu of a bolster, a pillow stuffed with -horsehair should be taken, with one feather pillow. On board-ship, the -former would be found acceptable in hot weather, while the latter may be -resorted to in stormy latitudes. Their alternate application, as -uppermost, would prove refreshing and comfortable, at least, if not -conducive to salubrity. - -Table cloths can be had better, and cheaper, in India than in Europe; as -can towels, or napkins, also: it will, however, be necessary to take -about three or four dozen of rather large towels, of a thick strong -texture. Combs of sorts, tooth, nail, clothes, and shoe brushes, with -their respective et ceteras, should not be forgotten. Soap, for washing -hands and for shaving, must be taken; and if about twenty or thirty -pounds of the patent soap, which will wash with salt water, be laid in, -it may be useful in case a few articles should, from necessity, be -washed on board, and will, at all events, be an invaluable present to -any persons who may do little jobs, such as making the bed, cleaning -boots, &c.: to all such, soap and pig-tail tobacco are more acceptable -than either money or liquor.—Cut tobacco is not considered so valuable; -smoking being next to prohibited in every ship. - -A wash-hand bason, ewer, and chamber utensil, will be required: these, -at least the first and last, should be of pewter: the ewer should be in -the form of a bottle, both on account of the convenience it offers in -handling it, and because water is less liable to be spilled from its -mouth; a common quart bottle is no bad substitute. About a pound of good -tea, and five or six pounds of double-refined sugar, may be provided: in -case of indisposition they may be resorted to, without troubling the -captain’s servants beyond the requisition of some hot water. - -Persons fond of shooting, would do well to take with them one or more -good double-barrelled guns, with spare locks, a good supply of flints, -and all the necessary implements for cleaning, &c. in a very solid -wainscot case, firmly clamped with brass at the corners, lid, and -bottom. Shot is to be had in Calcutta, as is gun-powder, of the first -quality. A good pointer dog will be found highly valuable; preferable to -a bitch, which rarely lives in that climate after her first, or, at -most, her second litter; besides, it is common for the captain and -officers to expect whatever pups are born on board: on the other hand, a -male pointer, of established breed and reputation, must be eagerly -sought by all sportsmen, who will cheerfully give a portion of its -progeny to the owner. - -With respect to military persons, whose apparel and accoutrements cannot -be ascertained previous to quitting England, they should confine their -attention to laying in those materials which cannot fail of becoming -useful on their arrival: thus, an officer of infantry ought to purchase -a few yards of the best _super-superfine_ scarlet broad cloth, or -kerseymere, for making up his regimentals; an officer of artillery or of -engineers, blue, &c. The whole establishment not being exactly uniform -in particular points, such as the colors of the facings, the patterns of -the swords, &c. nothing can be done, with propriety, in those instances: -this, however, is the less important, because every cadet is, on -arriving in the country, sent to join a corps composed of gentlemen -under similar circumstances, about sixteen miles from Calcutta, in which -he must serve for two years, or until judged qualified to do duty with -the regiment to which he may stand appointed as an ensign. - -Every thing in the cutlery line should be taken from England; the most -essential are as follow. Two good razors, in a case, with a small strop, -a small looking glass, two or three pairs of scissors, of sorts; two or -three good penknives, a riding knife, with fleam and picker, a pair of -good carvers, a dozen of table knives and forks, ditto of dessert, all -plain bone or ivory handles; a pocket case of apparatus for scaling the -teeth; mathematical instruments may be included under this article, as -may black-lead pencils of the first quality, with colors, hair pencils, -and drawing and writing papers; all of which are extremely dear in -India, and, according to the usual modes of shipping, rarely arrive in -good condition. - -A good gold watch, with light chain and seals, together with some spare -glasses fitted, will be indispensable. A small telescope, that may be -easily carried in the pocket, will prove amusing on many occasions, and, -to a military man, must ever be ranked among absolute necessaries. In -regard to plate, very little is wanted for a single gentleman. Six table -spoons, twelve tea spoons, a soup spoon, a marrow spoon, and four salt -spoons, will be found as much as usually can be required; as will be -better understood when I come to describe the manner of living among -Europeans. - -The very limited space allowed for the baggage of each passenger, -renders it indispensably necessary that every article should be packed -close. Many consider a large sea-chest to be useful; but, in my opinion, -it is the worst receptacle that could be devised; especially as it -becomes useless on arrival in India. I should strongly recommend four -boxes, well covered with leather, and clamped with brass, measuring -about 26 or 28 inches in length, 18 in breadth, and 18 in depth. Each -should have within a lifter, so that half its contents may be taken out -at pleasure, the lower tier remaining undisturbed. The contents of each -part to be noted on a piece of stiff paper, which should be pasted -within the lid: a copy to be written in a memorandum book, so that the -contents of the several boxes (which should be numbered and lettered -with the proprietor’s initials, thus, A.B./1 A.B./2 A.B./3 A.B./4) may -be known without opening them. Only one of these need ever be in use at -a time; the rest being sent down into the after-hold; which usually is -opened once or twice weekly, on stated days, for the convenience of -those who may wish to have access to their packages. - -I have derived very considerable convenience from sorting all my linen -into sets: for instance, a shirt, an undershirt, (commonly called a -_banian_,) a pair of stockings, two neck handkerchiefs, and a pocket -ditto: these I rolled up as tight as could be effected by manual force, -and surrounded with a towel, which, being pinned, kept all fast and -clean. In this form my linen could be packed in a very small space. Foul -linen should always be put up in the same manner. One box, containing -articles in reserve, should be exempted from such as might be -occasionally wanted: it should be allotted to hats, silk stockings, best -coats, linen, waistcoats, &c. Each will occupy about five cubic feet; -therefore, the whole may be comprised in half a ton measurement. - -I should observe, that blankets, &c. not in use, may be put under the -mattress; and, that, if a standing bed-place is in question, about four -yards of coarse woollen, such as serge, perpet, shalloon, or baize, may -be taken on board, wherewith to make a set of curtains; which, in some -situations, such as the steerage, will be found not only comfortable, -but absolutely necessary. Those who have been on board any coasting -vessel, fitted up for the accommodation of passengers, will instantly -accord with this piece of advice, and comprehend how desirable it is -that every box, &c. beyond that in immediate use, should be consigned to -the after-hold. If more than four trunks should be deemed necessary, -they may generally be had ready made at most of the manufacturers. The -size described ought not to be exceeded, on account of the facility with -which such may be suspended in slings made of canvas, and be carried on -bullocks, one trunk on each side. Too much cannot be said on this point; -since the degree of compactness an officer is able to attain, will -generally determine the quantity he may be able to carry, and insure its -early, as well as its safe, arrival. - -Those who are not in the Company’s service, are left to make the best -bargain they can with the commanders of the Indiamen, and to select such -ships for their conveyance as may best suit their views in regard to -destination and time of sailing. The Company, some years ago, issued -their orders, that only certain stated sums were to be taken by the -commanders of ships in their employ, according to the rank of passengers -respectively.—A reference to the DIRECTORY will shew what were -prescribed, any trespass on which was declared tantamount to an _ipso -facto_ dismissal from the service. The regulations formerly included -only as far as majors, under the supposition that all above that rank -would indulge in the hire of cabins; for which they must, of course, pay -extra. The specified sums were what the Company paid on all occasions -where the passage-money was receivable from their own treasury. - -However just and benevolent the intention of the Company evidently was; -since it served to protect their servants from impositions which had, on -many occasions, been ruinous to individuals in low circumstances, and, -in some instances, caused them to apply to the Court of Directors for -loans, to enable their returning to India; still, it cannot be denied, -that the stipulated rates are by no means adequate compensation for the -very heavy expence a commander incurs, when laying in stock for a voyage -generally estimated at six months duration. Whatever may be paid by -individuals of the several classes respectively, each invariably expects -to be received with the same cordiality, and to partake, without -distinction, of whatever the stores may afford. - -It needs no argument to prove, that a ship containing a great number of -cadets, under the limited rates, would by no means be a gaining concern -to the commander. Hence, the outward voyage is not the object of a -commander, who, even under the most favorable circumstances, could not -make any great profit by his passengers; but, by his liberal treatment -of them, he obtains that character which insures him a choice of rich -persons returning to Europe, who, in the aggregate, rarely fail to make -up to him for his former trouble, and deficiency of pecuniary benefit. - -It is usual to enquire among the commanders as to their probable number -of passengers, and to ascertain the dates at which their ships are, -according to the arrangements made at the India House, to be despatched. -The pursers are commonly employed to adjust the rates of passage, and to -dispose of such cabins as may be intended for the accommodation of -passengers. Matters being settled, it is necessary to apply to the -secretary for an order to be received on board the vessel in question; -which order is delivered to the commander, or to his purser, so soon as -obtained. The secretary likewise furnishes every Company’s servant with -a certificate of his appointment; and to each free-mariner, &c. he gives -a licence to proceed to India. These papers must be carefully preserved, -for delivery into the office of the secretary under that presidency to -which the party may be destined. It is always best to consign them to -the keeping of the purser. In cases of certificates having been lost, -much difficulty has arisen, and all the parties have been obliged to -depose to that effect on oath. - -I should advise those who are about to embark, to cultivate an -acquaintance with the respective commanders. Experience fully -establishes, that civility rarely fails to produce good consequences. It -is reasonable to conclude, that some previous acquaintance must engender -some good will. The captains navigating under the auspices of the India -Company, are men who have seen much of the world, and who rarely fail -justly to appreciate those marks of attention, and respect, which flow -voluntarily from persons with whom they have dealings. On the other -hand, it must be rather uncomfortable to go on board a ship where all -are total strangers; or, at the best, where, perhaps, the purser alone, -and that with some hesitation and difficulty, acknowledges ever to have -seen your face! Common sense points out that such is both impolitic, and -uncomfortable. - -Having made a voyage in a foreign ship from Bengal to the Cape, it may -be serviceable to some of my readers to receive a hint or two regarding -the usage he is likely to experience, should he entertain a disposition -to avail himself of that channel of conveyance. The detail need not be -prolix; for it may justly be asserted, in few words, that foreign -vessels are rarely sea-worthy; they are badly equipped, and worse -manned; their decks are low; their accommodations dark, dismal, and -offensive; their water execrable; their provisions scarce and bad; their -commanders ignorant, avaricious, mean, proud, tyrannical, and deceitful! -That some exceptions may exist, cannot be denied; but I never heard of -one who did not, more or less, merit the above stigma. - -Look to the Company’s ships, and see the reverse! The truth is, that in -them we find most of those good points that are established in the Royal -navy, added to much desire in their commanders to be on a friendly -footing with the passengers; while, I believe, there is no doubt that, -in the end, their terms are more moderate than those of any foreigners. - -If the circumstances of a passenger should enable him to hire a cabin, -his comfort will be increased inconceivably, even though he should have -barely room enough to swing a cot, or to put up a standing bed. But, -that he may not deceive himself in respect to the accommodation he is to -derive from such a retirement, it would be proper for him to pay a visit -to the vessel while lying in the river, probably at Gravesend, or the -Hope, and there to ascertain the exact dimensions he is to occupy. It is -an object, if he uses a swinging cot, that the breadth of the cabin -should be such as to allow of its being triced up between the beams -during the daytime; thereby to have it out of the way, and to give more -space in the cabin. When suspended, it should be lengthwise; so that, as -the ship rolls, or lays down on either side, the cot should swing even. -When hung athwart-ships, unless the cabin be very broad, it would be -perpetually knocking against the bulk-head (or partition), and the -ship’s side. Hence it is advisable, wherever the space may admit, to -make a standing bed-place fore and aft, furnishing it with rails, to -keep the occupant from rolling out; for, if it be made athwart-ships, -and the vessel be working against an adverse wind, he must, whenever the -ship goes about, change the position of his pillow, from head to foot -alternately. - -In peaceable times, cabins are ordinarily constructed of wooden -partitions, and have a door, with lock, &c. very complete; but, during -war time, it is usual to make them of canvass, fixed to the beams above, -and rolling up thereto, whenever the vessel may be cleared for action. -Some cabins include a port-hole, which, in large ships, is peculiarly -comfortable; especially under the Line, when a current of air is -invaluable; but, in bad weather, when the port is shut, those cabins -that have only skuttles, about one-fourth the size of a port-hole, -become preferable; especially when they are provided with glass -shutters; which can be at any time made by the ship’s carpenter, if not -previously attached. The skuttles being higher up in the side of the -vessel, and nearer to the deck above the cabin, are well calculated for -allowing rarefied air, which would float above the level of a port-hole, -to escape. They are usually placed at intervals between the ports. When -a cabin is built so as to include a port, the gun appertaining thereto -is commonly sent forward, and lashed up to the ship’s side, the muzzle -pointing forward; but, on emergency, the cabin is knocked down, and the -gun is run into its place. Hence, each kind of cabin has its advantages, -and disadvantages. - -The right side of the ship, from stem to stern is called the -_starboard_; the left side is called the _larboard_: the line on which -the mast stands, _i.e._ straight over the keel, divides them. The -starboard, in most modes of applying the term, implies superiority over -the larboard. Thus the chief mate has his cabin, which is usually 12 or -14 feet long, by 10 or 12 in breadth, next to the great cabin, on the -starboard side of the gun-deck. The second mate has one rather smaller, -on the opposite, or larboard side. Then, again, the third mate on the -starboard side, immediately before the chief mate’s; next before him the -fourth mate; while the surgeon and purser usually have their cabins on -the larboard side, next before the second mate’s. - -What is called the ‘great-cabin,’ is a slip taken off across the stern -of a ship, on the gun-deck, about 14 feet deep, leaving a passage on the -larboard side that the passengers and officers may have access to the -quarter-gallery, or privy, on that quarter. The great-cabin includes all -the stern windows, therefore, is extremely light and airy; but, on the -other hand, its situation is rather disadvantageous to those who are -troubled with habitual sea-sickness. The bows and the stern partake, in -an accumulated ratio, of the ship’s motion, as she pitches; that is, as -she rises and sinks, alternately, at the head and stern; consequently, -the centre of every vessel is the part least subject to agitation. - -The captain occupies, in general, a cabin called the ‘state-room,’ -situated under the fore part of the poop, on the starboard side, with a -glass door towards the quarter-deck: its dimensions, as well of those of -all the cabins already described, vary according to the ship’s tonnage, -but may be taken at about 15 or 16 feet square: the space including it, -and the larboard side under the same parallel, is called the ‘cuddy;’ -while all behind is designated the ‘round-house;’ and has a row of glass -windows in the stern part, with two doors opening into the -‘stern-gallery:’ a flight of steps, rather confined to be sure, serves -as a communication, by means of the starboard quarter-gallery, with the -great-cabin. These steps, under which is a privy, are particularly -convenient to ladies, who usually have the starboard side of the -great-cabin allotted to their accommodation. When the passengers are -very numerous, especially when many families are on board, the -round-house is partitioned off into three or more cabins; the larboard -quarter-gallery, on the upper deck, having also a privy. In such case, -the dinner table is laid in the cuddy, instead of the round-house; but, -as it is rarely spacious enough to allow the whole to sit down at the -same time, the company are, commonly, divided into two parties, -succeeding each other every day alternately. - -The sums paid for cabins entirely depend upon the demand, their size, -the ship’s destination, and the circumstances of the person selling his -accommodations. The several portions of the round-house and great-cabin, -both of which are considered the captain’s property, of course are paid -for in proportion to their respective dimensions: it may, however, be -taken as some guide, that, outward bound, a slip, including one window, -may produce from £200. to £300.; and that the several mates’ cabins may -be averaged at from £3. to £5. for every square foot of the enclosed -area. Homeward bound, on account of the number of children and servants -shipped with a family, the rates are yet higher: I have known, more than -once, the whole of a great cabin let for £2,500.! - -There being an essential difference in the comfort afforded by having -either a cot or a fixed bed-place, it may be acceptable to my readers to -be informed of some minutiæ attached to those conveniences respectively. -A cot is an oblong case of canvas, having a deal frame at the bottom, -with a canvas sacking well strained; the ends are furnished with small -cords, called nettles, which pass round an iron thimble, or _grummet_; -and those again are passed over two strong hooks, placed about seven -feet asunder, fore and aft, whereby the cot is suspended. During the day -time, a cot is commonly taken down, and disposed of in some part where -it may, so far as the means allow, be out of the way: the best mode is -to trice it up between the beams that support the superior deck. In this -kind of bed, the motion of the ship is scarcely felt, unless she is -acted upon by a very short, broken sea; the cot always preserving its -level: hence, those who are much troubled with sea-sickness should -always provide a swinging cot; taking care to hang it in such a place as -may preclude the danger of its being bumped against the ship’s sides, or -the bulk-head, (_i.e._ a boarded partition,) than which nothing can be -more unpleasant. I have several times been canted completely out of my -cot, owing to the want of space at its sides. In very bad weather, when -the ship has rolled many streaks of her deck under water, the frame of -my cot has been forcibly dashed against the beams: at such times, if the -width of the space admits, it is proper to lengthen the nettles to their -utmost: whereby such inconvenience may generally be obviated. - -A standing bed-place is so far convenient, that the necessity for -removing in the morning, and affixing at night, is done away; whereby -the bed-furniture is greatly preserved from filth and injury: besides, -its occupant can ‘turn in’ whenever he pleases, and has the satisfaction -of knowing that his trunk is, by being under him, secured from damage, -as well as from depredation; whereas persons who sleep in cots often -experience considerable inconvenience in those particulars. Those who -have fixed bed-places in the larboard division of the great-cabin, are -by far more privately, and more comfortably, situated than such as have -them in the steerage, ranging along the bulk-head of the chief mate’s -cabin: in either case, there are always two tiers, or ranges, of -bed-places, one above the other; the lower are certainly most -convenient. - -As priority of embarkation, or at least of adjustment, gives a right to -selection, it is advisable to visit the ship so soon as an order for -being taken on board is obtained; when a choice should be made as to the -situation of a bed-place; those of the lower tier, nearest the stern -windows in the great cabin, are to be preferred, they being both more -airy, and more light: the latter will be found an object to those who -are studious, or partial to reading in bed, which, on board-ship, is -held to be a most delectable recreation. - -In adjusting with the captain, or his purser, it is proper to be very -exact in stipulating for a berth in the great-cabin; and it would be as -well to notice the conveniences to be afforded, in the body of the -receipt given for the passage-money. Not that I would lead to the -supposition of deceptions being practised intentionally; but, in the -hurry of business of considerable importance, such lesser items will -occasionally slip the memory, giving birth to disagreements which not -only are attended with future distrust, but may, perhaps, be beyond the -possibility of remedy. It should, however, be considered that a -bed-place in the great-cabin, which generally is fitted up for eight, -or, at the utmost, for twelve, will be charged somewhat higher than one -in the steerage; the latter being an open passage, totally devoid of -privacy, exposed to violent currents of air, not always of the sweetest, -and subject to many obvious inconveniences. - -Among the ship’s company, two or three men, or boys, are usually excused -the general duty of the ship, for the purpose of attending the -passengers: when other matters are settling on board, care should be -taken to engage one of these attendants to do all the work in the cabin, -if one is hired; namely, to clean boots and shoes, brush clothes, clean -the basons, provide hot and cold water, attend to the boxes in the hold; -with a variety of et ceteras which will soon obtrude into notice. For -such good offices, about three or four guineas will be expected; but it -must not be supposed that, for such a compensation, a man will devote -his whole time to one passenger; nor, indeed, is it necessary that he -should, since an active, intelligent fellow, who has been used to such -menial offices, may, with great ease, give satisfaction to at least four -or five. When such an aid cannot be obtained, on account of the scarcity -of hands on board, a douceur to any of the mates’ servants will answer -every purpose, besides probably giving the advantage of being served by -one perfectly conversant with ship affairs, and possessing some -influence with the captain’s steward; with whom I humbly recommend to -all passengers that they keep on good terms; he being no small man in -his way, and having the power to afford many conveniences, which, though -in the estimation of folks on shore apparently insignificant, are, -nevertheless, of considerable value to those unaccustomed to a sea-life, -and cooped up for months within such narrow limits! - -This reflection leads me naturally to the consideration of that line of -conduct which should, on all occasions, be maintained by those who wish -to pass their time as agreeably as circumstances will admit, and to -appear respectable. In the first place, the captain will exact from -every one on board, of whatever class, a perfect attention to the -regulations of his ship: were he to allow any deviation, the whole would -be aiming at the same indulgence, and subordination would be -annihilated! It is customary, whenever a person ascends from the -gun-deck to the quarter-deck, or goes upon it from the cuddy, &c. to -touch his hat; even though no one should appear there: a breach of this -rule would be considered grossly insulting, and might induce to rebuke, -by no means pleasant to the feelings, or adding to the credit, of a -gentleman. When it is considered with what a high hand the officers of -ships are obliged to uphold their authority, over a numerous crew -composed of all nations, and often including the most hardened and -daring culprits, we cannot but applaud every practice tending to -preserve order, regularity, and decorum. - -The hour for breakfast may be generally stated to be eight, for dinner -two, for tea six, and for supper nine. The first is announced by the -great bell on the fore-castle, which always rings a sonorous peal when -the watch, or guard, is to be relieved: tea-time is known by the same -signal. As the dinner hour does not correspond with the relief of the -watch, it is usual to warn the passengers and officers by beat of drum: -the tune of ‘Roast-beef’ being daily heard, though it rarely leads to a -participation of that viand whence its designation is derived. Very -little notice is required to call together those who are disposed to -partake of supper: for the most part, the company amuse themselves with -cards, music, &c. during the evenings; or, when the weather admits, walk -the quarter-deck; observing to keep on the windward side; which is held -to be the privilege only of the captain, the three senior mates, the -purser, the surgeon, and those passengers who board at the captain’s -table. - -Although nothing very sumptuous is to be expected on board-ship, yet -there will be little or no cause to complain of deficiency. The -breakfast ordinarily consists of good tea and coffee, with excellent -biscuit, and, at times, rolls; which, as well as every species of -leavened bread, come under the marine designation of ‘soft-tommy.’ The -butter, to be sure, is not to be boasted of; it being utterly impossible -to prevent its melting, so as to resemble liquid honey. - -It being studied to take on board as much fresh meat as possible, at the -time of sailing, some joints of good beef and mutton may be served up -for the first week; after which the ‘corned’ (or slightly salted) meat -comes into use. The ample supply of poultry, of all descriptions, fed in -coops on the poop, and a small flock of sheep, perhaps from twenty-five -to forty in number, maintained there on hay, &c. enable the captain, for -the most part, to exhibit fresh meat, of some sort, every day; which -added to abundance of prime beef and pork for his use, together with -tongues, pickles, sauces of all kinds, potatoes, rice, pastry, olives, -&c. &c. form a _tout ensemble_, where even the most dainty may find -something acceptable to the palate. - -It cannot be supposed, that wine is so freely dispensed, as when on -shore; the ladies, however, are generally supplied with as much as they -may require during the repast; after the cloth is removed, the bottle is -put round two or three times, according to the liberality of the -commander. The last tour it makes being accompanied with ‘good -afternoon’ serves as a hint for the gentlemen to withdraw, until the -hour for tea; when, as already observed, they frequently amuse -themselves until supper is ready. - -This last meal is little more than a matter of form; it consists chiefly -of cheese and biscuits, rasped beef, sago-soup, lobs kous, which is a -curious medley of various ingredients, forming something midway between -water-gruel and peas-soup. One tour of the bottle, attended with ‘good -night,’ closes the operations of the day. - -The water taken on board being strongly impregnated with filth, of -various kinds and colors, soon becomes so nauseous as to be utterly -unfit for the use of delicate persons: the quantity of animalculæ it -contains could not be credited by a person who had not seen it! On this -account, several filtering-stones are used, through which the water -finds a passage, leaving the impurities behind. This percolation is, -however, extremely tedious, and does not entirely remove the taint; -though it assuredly so far sweetens it as to render the water very -drinkable. The fecula left in the hollow of the drip-stone, are -perfectly putrid. - -The ordinary beverage is table beer, or perhaps porter: in warm weather -excellent spruce beer abounds; sometimes, indeed, the whole crew are -supplied with from one to two quarts daily. Nor is the punch-bowl -suspended for empty shew! By means of prepared lemon-juice, aided by a -good stock of the fresh fruit, carefully suspended in nets in the -stern-gallery, &c. good punch, lemonade, and negus, are often served to -the company. - -I strongly recommend, that all young persons should be embarked at -Gravesend, or the Nore; in preference to being taken on Board at -Portsmouth; by that means they become settled before the generality of -passengers arrive, and escape that indescribable confusion attendant -upon the sudden influx of whole hoys full of dead and live lumber! For -such they appear when interrupting the several operations attendant upon -a vessel’s getting under weigh. Those who purpose delaying to the last -moment, should leave their cards of address with the purser, taking care -not to be far from home, that he may, when proceeding to the India-House -to receive the packets, send notice of his being about to quit town. On -receipt of such notice, no time must be lost in repairing to that port -where the vessel may be; in being customary to sail so soon as the -purser gets on board. Half an hour’s delay has proved the loss of many a -passage. - -The great number of ships employed in the India trade, occasions so -frequent an intercourse, that scarcely two months ever elapse without -one or more being despatched to some part of India. Unless under very -peculiar and pressing circumstances, it is inadvisable to proceed in any -not bound to that part whither the passenger is destined: for, although -it appears, on paper, very easy to get from Madras, for instance, to -Bengal, such will not always be practicable; and so great a delay may -elapse as should allow a vessel bound to Bengal, sailing perhaps a month -or two subsequent to that proceeding to Madras, to arrive at her port -before the means might offer of getting on from Madras. Add to this, -that freight and passage-money are infinitely higher in India than in -Europe; which, combined with the heavy expence attendant upon long -detention on shore, would prove the economy, as well as the speed, to be -on the other side of the question. - -The time of sailing will, under common circumstances, decide the time of -arrival. Ships leaving England, that is, the Land’s End, in all April, -may be expected to arrive at Madras in all September; when, if not -delayed, they may run up the Bay in a week more, with great ease. As the -northerly monsoon often begins to prevail in October, occasioning ships -to stretch over towards Acheen-head, whereby from four to six weeks will -be lost in getting to Balasore Roads, it is rather advisable not to sail -later than March, if at liberty to choose the season. By so doing, the -arrival will take place at a time when the great heats are over, and the -cold weather is approaching: two points not only eligible as they relate -to health, but to society also. The early, or late, arrivals of such -writers and cadets, as are appointed for the same year, make no -difference whatever in the rank they are relatively to bear; that being -determined by a general list transmitted by the Directors, generally in -the last ship of that season. The pay, however, is calculated from the -date of presenting the certificate, before spoken of, at the proper -office. - -The period of sailing will generally indicate the weather which may be -expected during the whole passage. Such as leave the pilot in the spring -will round the Cape of Good Hope about Whitsuntide or Midsummer, when -winter prevails in that Quarter; it being in 34° south latitude: -advancing to the northward, they will meet with the trade-winds from the -tropic towards the Line, where, in all probability, light and variable -winds may cause some delay. Ships leaving England in our autumn, round -the Cape at their Midsummer, and reach Madras generally in from eighteen -to twenty weeks; carrying fair, but warm, weather all the way. If they -arrive about the middle, or latter end of March, they may, by remaining -for a few days, until the southerly monsoon is fairly established, -sometimes reach the sand-heads in Balasore Roads in three or four days. -This is obviously preferable to running over to the eastward. - -I know nothing more unpleasant than being wind-bound! Nor, indeed, can -there be well conceived a more certain recipe for draining the purse! -The passenger must not suppose that, after having repaired to that port -where the ship rides, he is at liberty to go on board instantly, and to -remain until she sails. On the contrary, though he should not fail to -intimate his arrival, and to leave his card of address, he must put up -at some inn, or lodging-house, at his own expence, until the signal may -be made for sailing, by firing a gun, and loosening the fore top-sail, -by that ship under whose convoy a fleet is to sail; or, if there be no -convoy, by the senior captain; who is, by courtesy, designated -‘Commodore.’ - -The Court of Directors have, latterly, in consideration of the inability -of their junior servants to pay the heavy charges to which they are -subject while in port, given an extra sum to the commanders of their -ships for each cadet’s diet in such situations. This was no less -necessary than considerate. It will have been seen, that persons going -out in the civil service have fewer stipulations in their favor; for -which the presumptive reason is, that they are commonly the sons of -gentlemen possessing large property: the sum of £3000. having been so -often given for writer-ships, seems to indicate that very little -occasion could exist for interference in their behalf. - -When a ship arrives at any regular port, where accommodations can be -had, the passengers are, in like manner, expected to reside on shore, at -their own charge. Such, to many, may appear unreasonable, or strange; -but, when it is considered to what heavy losses a commander might else -be subject, which, divided among a number, would appear trifling, and, -at all events, not prove ruinous, the propriety of such a rule will not -be disputed. This explanation may serve as a hint to parents, and -guardians, not to ship young folks _in forma pauperis_, under the -prudent, but here inapplicable, precaution, of taking away the means of -being extravagant. Emergencies often arise, wherein a few guineas are -indispensably necessary; and, as few go to sea with more cash than -ordinary expences may demand, it is not easy to remedy the error. - -Where a young man has established his character for imprudence, the only -recourse is to place a few guineas, say from twenty to thirty, in the -hands of the captain, or the purser, with directions to supply what may -be absolutely required, rather in form of a loan; keeping the youth in -ignorance of his having a banker on board, and giving him, at taking -leave, perhaps five or six guineas, in order to carry on the deception. - -When it is known that no shop of any kind exists in a ship, (excepting -the purser’s slop-shop,) we must conclude there can be little -opportunity for extravagance: the principal danger is to be apprehended -from gaming, which in some ships reaches to a dreadful extent; always -creating difficulty, and rarely terminating without bloodshed. This, -added to emulation for the favorable opinion of the ladies, may be -considered the usual causes of discord. The latter is, in a great -measure, restrained by that custom which fixes every passenger to the -same seat at table during the whole voyage; whereby daily contests for -vicinity are avoided. - -The number of accidents that have happened from trivial causes, renders -it necessary to be extremely cautious in regard to smoking; which in all -men of war, and India-ships, is permitted only on the fore-castle. By -this means danger is avoided, and the stench carried away. It is to be -lamented that so proper a regulation is not observed throughout the -merchant service; in which so much carelessness prevails, that it -appears to me miraculous so many vessels arrive in safety. On my return -from India, I embarked at St. Helena on board a whaler, of which the -captain had a strong predilection for his pipe, which was scarcely ever -out of his mouth. His practice was, to smoke in the cabin where we -dined, throwing his hot ashes down upon the deck, in which was a -skuttle, or small hatchway, under his own seat. Two lieutenants of the -navy, who were fellow-passengers, used to remonstrate very freely, but -without the smallest effect, against so improper a practice. - -It happened, one morning, as we were off the Azores, that a -suspicious-looking vessel hove in sight, laying-to under close reefed -top-sails: we altered our course, and were immediately chased. Having at -least forty-five young fellows, and about a dozen six-pounders, on -board, we cleared ship for action. Imagine what was our surprise at -finding that, under the identical hatchway, over which our captain had -been perpetually smoking, was a magazine of about thirty barrels of -gun-powder; some hooped in, and some having their chimes barely covering -their contents which proved to be ready-filled cartridges! I conceive it -would have been utterly impossible, if the vessel in chace had proved an -enemy, and that we had been compelled to defend our ship, to have -avoided being blown up! - -Many are in the habit of reading by candle light in their beds: this -only requires to be known to the officers, to be completely overruled; -nor will they, unless in cases of indisposition, allow a candle to be -burning after the passengers have generally retired to rest. Hence, only -a few wax tapers, or bougies, can be requisite. When it is considered, -that a ship is composed of materials for the chief part highly -combustible, and, that in such a situation a fire spreads with -astonishing rapidity, defying the exertions of all on board; also, that -there is little chance of many lives being saved, unless other vessels -may be in company; we ought assuredly to adopt every means of guarding -against so terrible a calamity! - -Most ships have a small fire-engine on board, which is not only an -admirable safe-guard, but facilitates the washing of decks; an operation -that usually takes place once or twice weekly. At such times all the -chests are sent below, and all the hammocks hauled upon deck, for the -purpose of being aired. Seamen become habitually cleanly in their -persons, and in their bedding; but when recruits are on board, they, -being less attentive to personal appearance and to comfort, not only -breed vermin, but sometimes propagate infectious diseases. Hence, a -small quantity of vermin-ointment will perhaps prove an useful -succedaneum; its timous application preventing the growth of any colony, -of which some stragglers may have laid the foundation. - -When the decks are washed, it is customary to exercise the seamen in the -use of great guns. For this purpose the drum beats to quarters; when all -repair to their several stations, and, under the instruction of the -several officers, go through the ordinary operations attendant upon that -branch of discipline. No persons, of whatever description, females -excepted, are exempted from being appointed to some post, where their -services may be efficient. The military officers are allotted to -commands on the poop, fore-castle, waist, &c.; having under them such -cadets and recruits as may be on board; the whole acting as marines. The -surgeon, with his mates, those of the sick who are incapable of taking -an active part, together with all females, descend to the cock-pit; -which, being below the level of the water-line, is tolerably secure from -danger; though sometimes a shot, between wind and water, will find its -way to that retreat. - -The crew are always portioned into two watches, except when very -numerous; in which case, as well as during the time a vessel is in port, -they divide them, including recruits, &c. into three watches. The chief -mate commands the starboard-watch; the second mate commands the -larboard-watch; and, when there are three, the other, called the -mid-watch, is commanded by the third mate. It is customary to relieve -the watch every four hours, except in the interval between four and -eight o’clock in the evening, which is divided into two reliefs, of two -hours each, called ’dog-watches.’ But for the intervention of these, -there would be no change in the times of coming upon duty; as each of -the starboard and larboard watches would, respectively, come on at the -same hours daily; and this would be the same, even if a mid-watch -existed: whereas, by dividing the evening-watch, it occasions an odd -number, and changes the tour, or series, every day. - -Where supplies of provisions are not attainable, it necessarily follows -that each person on board can receive only a stipulated allowance of -meat, water, &c. This does not always affect those who are at the -captain’s table; though it is generally recommended to the passengers to -be economical in their expenditure of water for washing, shaving, &c. In -some ships they are restricted to a quart daily, and if the crew are -upon short allowance, which is understood to be the case when each man -receives less than two quarts, the passengers and officers have little -or no fresh water allowed for the above purposes; but their beverage at -table is rarely limited, except under the pressure of actual necessity. - -All things considered, the privations experienced by passengers to India -are by no means so numerous, nor so severe in their operation, as might -at first view be apprehended. In many ships, ladies and gentlemen -skilled in music are adventitiously assembled, and, by their united -talents, afford a most pleasing recreation to all on board: few vessels -are totally destitute of some means to attract the parties towards the -quarter-deck; where, in the cool of the evening, during fair weather, -the merry dance for a while banishes _ennui_, and contributes to give a -wholesome impetus to the circulation. - -Those ladies who are partial to music should be particularly careful -that the piano-fortes they may take with them, be constructed in such -manner as may exempt them from those wondrous effects produced by the -climate of India. I have had the pleasure of aiding several friends in -this instance, and found that the instruments made for exportation could -never be depended upon, unless clamped at every joint with plates of -brass, and secured, in the more delicate parts, by means of battens well -screwed and cemented to the sounding board. Experience has fully -satisfied me, that the pianos most appropriate for hot climates are made -by Clementi, Kirkman, and Tomkinson, at their respective manufactories -in London. - -Ladies will derive considerable convenience and gratification from -having an exterior case made to enclose the piano-forte, leaving a space -of about an inch all around. This outward safe-guard should be of planed -deal, stained of a mahogany color, or painted; and it should open in -front, so as to admit of playing the instrument, while its lid should be -fixed upon hinges, that it may be thrown back at pleasure. The lower -part of the frame may be packed, and laid by; a spare frame of deal -being substituted during the voyage, with a set of shelves below to -contain music, books, &c.; all locked up by means of folding doors. Both -the exterior case, and the frame, ought to be furnished with lacquered -iron handles, whereby to lift them occasionally; but particularly -intended to secure them to the side of the ship, and to the deck: -without such a precaution the whole would be tumbled about, and shivered -to atoms, by the vessel’s motion. - -Gentlemen who perform on stringed instruments, should be careful to -provide an ample supply of strings, firsts and fourths especially; they -being not only very dear, and perhaps damaged, when procurable, but at -times not procurable, in any part of India, for love or money! Reeds for -oboes, clarionets, bassoons, &c. are similarly circumstanced. Nor would -it be superfluous for a lady to take with her several sets of wires for -her piano; they being very scarce. At all events, she ought to qualify -herself to tune the instrument; which may be effected in the course of a -month, or six weeks, by attention to the instructions of a regular -tuner, who would feel himself well satisfied under a moderate -compensation. This is a point whereon I dwell rather particularly; -knowing that, even in Calcutta, Madras, or Bombay, a good tuner is not -always to be had; and that, in all other situations, throughout the -interior scarce a professional person can be found. Besides, in a -country whose climate deranges the most skilful adjustment of the wires, -often in a few minutes, merely by a slight exposure to heat, or to damp, -the expence attendant upon such frequent tunings, as are indispensably -requisite, would speedily absorb the full value of the instrument -itself; the ordinary rates being a guinea for a grand-piano, and twelve -shillings for a square one. Therefore, whether considered as a -convenience, or as a matter of economy, too much cannot be said in -recommendation of every lady’s learning to tune her piano before she -embarks. - -It being impossible to say how soon rough weather may be experienced -after leaving port, (indeed, sometimes ships get under weigh while it is -blowing very fresh,) it is usual to lash the dinner tables to the deck, -placing their feet in mortices cut into small blocks, called cleats, -which, being firmly nailed down, generally keep the whole sufficiently -firm. It is not easy to render the chairs equally secure; but they are -tolerably steadied by nailing two rows of battens on each side of the -table, so as to embrace the legs of the chairs, which, in this mode of -securing them, ought all to be of equal compass from front to rear. It -requires, after all, some management to preserve an equilibrium when a -ship rolls much; which it does chiefly in a calm, or in a gale of wind. -In the former instance, the transitions of reclination from starboard to -larboard, and _vice versâ_, are often very great, owing to the heavy -swell which alternately raises the ship, and again sinks her into the -trough made by two successive waves. However curious it may seem to -persons unacquainted with sea affairs, it is nevertheless certain, that -more masts are lost by rolling in a calm, than by stress of weather. - -In regard to that most distressing malady, sea-sickness, it is not -possible to lay down any specific mode of precaution, or of remedy: it -ordinarily commences with that agitation occasioned in the vessel’s -motion, by either the wind’s force, or the water’s undulation. Few -experience more than a few qualms, while the water is smooth; such as is -the case in going through the Needles with a leading wind, in fine -weather; but when upon a wind, with a chopping sea, and sudden, or -forcible, gusts, all who are not accustomed to the motion, become most -oppressively sick. However much they may be affected by this customary -derangement, those suffering under its influence are more frequently -objects of derisive merriment, than of compassion. The prevalent opinion -is, that, in a few days, the complaint will disappear; hence it is -regarded as a matter of course, and as a seasoning, which, by its mode -of operation, rather conduces to health, than to a dangerous issue. That -such is the usual result, cannot be denied; but there are some -constitutions which cannot stand so forcible an attack: women, in -general, are most severely oppressed by it, and some few fall victims -thereto. - -It would be endless to enumerate all the recipes, which those who fancy -themselves qualified to prescribe, tender on this occasion to the -unhappy sufferers. I believe that acids and laudanum, in repeated small -doses, are most successfully administered; though I have seen them fail. -That unfeeling advice given to the unwary, ‘to drink a glass of -spirits,’ invariably tends to aggravate all the symptoms, and, with -those not habituated to such strong remedies, produces all those -inconveniences attendant upon super-added irritation. The fresh air upon -deck will be found considerably to diminish the force of the complaint; -but the eyes should be kept shut, and the attention be withdrawn from -the sea, and from the rigging; of both which the motion is peculiarly -calculated to increase that swimming in the head inseparably attendant -on sea-sickness. If, notwithstanding these precautions, the nausea and -derangement should continue, it will be proper to retire to bed; -observing the precaution of lying on one side, and keeping the eyes -closed. - -There may, perhaps, be no harm in taking a small case of spirits on -board; but such is by no means indispensable: they do not come within -the scope of a gentleman’s expenditure; and, unless preserved with -uncommon vigilance, will probably be drawn off by some adventuring -fellow, provided with a pick-lock, while the owner is either asleep or -absent. I cannot too strongly inculcate, that every thing should be -under lock and key: ships, of every description, are infested with petty -pilferers, and sometimes with more expert and daring thieves; who will -not fail to purloin whatever can be turned to use, in such manner as may -not lead to discovery. The effects of passengers, especially, are -considered to be fair booty. Blankets, sheets, &c. will all disappear -towards the close of a voyage, or when in a port where they can be sold, -or bartered away, if their owners confide too much in the honesty of -their neighbours. - -The third mate generally has a mess, in the expences of which the -fourth, fifth, and sixth mates sometimes partake; the purser and surgeon -being invariably at the captain’s table. The captain’s clerk, who is -usually a midshipman, the surgeon’s mate, when there is one, and the -second class of passengers, all mess with the third mate, who is allowed -a certain space before the officers’ cabins; which, being enclosed with -canvas, makes a very tolerable berth, wherein the table is laid. Those -of the mess who belong to the ship, subscribe to lay in such articles of -provision, chandlery, &c. as may suffice for their own consumption; the -sums paid by passengers, who associate with them, being applied in due -proportion towards the maintenance of the latter; any balances arising -therein becoming the perquisite of the third mate. I have heard, that, -with the exception of so large a proportion of live stock as is destined -for the captain’s table, the mate’s mess, in some ships, claims the palm -in many respects. When so many passengers are ordered on board, as to -render it impracticable for the captain to accommodate the whole at his -table, the later applicants are consigned to the mate’s mess during -meals; but are admitted, so far as convenience can be extended, to a -participation of the amusements and society of the round-house. On some -occasions the mate’s mess has, from the above cause, been able to boast -of rather eminent characters. - -Those who are fond of fishing, may sometimes derive much amusement from -the possession of a stock of tackle suited to the occasion. In warm -weather, especially towards the Line, when moderate weather and calms -prevail, many sharks may be taken. The hook for this purpose ought to be -about a foot long in the shank (the other parts bearing a just -proportion) which should be firmly attached to a stout piece of chain, -from two to four feet in length, having at its other extremity a loop -and swivel, to which the rope (such as is called inch and half rope, and -ought to be full a hundred yards long) is tied; the bait, a piece of fat -pork, of about three or four pounds weight. The weight of the chain and -hook will suffice to sink the bait to about thirty feet below the -surface, where it will soon be discerned by the sharks, which generally -keep under the vessel’s bottom, or play around her at a considerable -depth; though they will occasionally range along the ship’s side, or -bask under the stern, so as to be easily shot with a musquet ball, or -struck with a harpoon. - -Even at the depth of fifty feet, the shark may be distinguished as he -approaches the bait, by a luminous appearance, extending in an oval -form, in that direction in which he swims. He generally seizes with -avidity, turning on his side at the moment; without which he could not -get it into his mouth, owing to the excessive length of his upper jaw. -So soon as the bait is in his mouth, the fish, on feeling the resistance -of the rope, makes a sudden plunge downward, at the same moment -recovering his former position. The hook, being extremely sharp, rarely -fails to pierce the jaw, when, in an instant, the whole length of line -will be run out. As no human force could properly be relied on to check -the fish’s course, the end of the rope is either fastened to some -timber-head, or to a tackle fall: the latter is preferable, because it -adds to the length of the line, and does not check the fish so suddenly: -without the latter precaution, the rope may be snapped, or the hook torn -away from the shark’s jaw. The quantity of heavy line, added to the -weight of the hooks and chain, soon bring the fish under command, when -he is towed up to the gang-way, and there, by means of a slip-knot -passed over his fins, hoisted into the waist. - -Few persons will taste of a blue shark, it being considered unwholesome; -but of the brown shark, which rarely exceeds five feet in length, (while -the former has been known to measure near thirty,) most of the seamen -will solicit a steak. The average sizes of sharks may be from six to -twelve feet in length: it is very common to collect a pailful of young -ones, each about a foot long, that take refuge in the parent’s maw. -Behind the fins are usually several sucking-fishes, adhering to the -shark’s sides: these are supposed to live upon its blood; but some -doubts may be entertained, at least whether that is its sole -subsistence, when I state, that in Madras Roads I caught, by means of a -hook and line put out for ground fishes, a sucking-fish that measured -rather more than two feet. - -Sharks are in general attended by what are called pilot-fishes: these -are beautifully striped blue and white; in form they much resemble the -chub, and may measure from ten to fifteen inches in length. When the -shark displays himself, the pilot-fishes may be seen playing about his -head and sides; but when the ship is going fast, and the shark keeps -under the bottom, or stern, at a considerable depth, the pilot-fishes -often rise to the surface, assembling in the eddy about the stern-post. -I never could entice one of them to touch a bait. - -In the higher latitudes, the albacore, boneta, dolphin, &c. may often be -seen playing about the ship in great numbers; sometimes as though intent -on keeping company for scores of miles. Porpoises are yet more familiar, -and delight in preceding the ship, at a few yards distance; affording, -to those who are expert, excellent opportunities for striking them with -harpoons. The liver of the porpoise is esteemed by many to be as good as -that of a pig; to which it bears some resemblance; the body of the fish -is by no means palatable. The flesh of the dolphin is extremely dry, as -is that of the boneta, which is commonly replete with small white -animalculæ, not unlike short fat maggots. The albacore is inconceivably -rapacious; often springing several yards out of the water after the -flying-fishes, as they skim above the surface; which they sometimes do -for full two hundred yards; their great enemy darting along under their -course with incredible velocity, and rarely failing to make a prey of -one, or more, as they fall into the water in an exhausted state. - -While bonetas, and dolphins, may be taken by almost any bait, the -albacore rarely can be attracted by any device wherein there is not some -resemblance to the flying-fish. I have seen numbers taken, when the ship -has been going fast through the water, by securing a three-inch hook to -a slip of bacon fat, cut into the form of a fish, and further disguised -by a long white feather, taken from a goose’s wing, stuck on each side. -The line for such a purpose should be stout laid-cord; for, though -bonetas rarely exceed twenty, and dolphins forty pounds, albacores will -often be taken weighing from one to two hundred: I have, indeed, heard -of their reaching to three hundred weight. Their flesh may be compared -with carrion; it being coarse, tough, and very strong tasted; but, -though not pleasing to the human palate, it is a very choice bait, -attracting all fishes of prey. Albacores sometimes snap at the log; -which is a small piece of triangular board, loaded at one corner with -lead, and fastened to a long line wound on a reel. The log being lowered -into the sea, will remain stationary; drawing the line off the reel in -proportion to the velocity with which the ship is then passing through -the water: the number of yards run off, while a minute glass is -emptying, shews the number of knots, _i.e._ miles, sailed within the -hour. - -It is not uncommon, when in the vicinity of islands, to see turtles -lying on the surface of the sea, fast asleep; these can sometimes be -taken, if two or three careful men proceed in the jolly-boat, paddling -her along with an oar out at her stern. The turtle should be secured by -one of the crew dropping gently into the water, and swimming very -cautiously until he can pass a slip-knot over the hind fin, generally -called the _fipper_; the other end of the line being fast to some part -of the boat. - -Touching at Ascension on our way from India, for the express purpose of -obtaining a supply of turtles, I had an opportunity of witnessing the -facility with which they may be taken at certain seasons, when in the -act of copulation; as happened while we were there, in January. The -turtles floated in pairs, in a state approaching to lethargy; allowing -our whale boats to run along-side of them, without, in general, being -alarmed. The first object was to pass a boat-hook over each shoulder of -the male, to prevent his escape; for, on being touched, these invariably -quitted their mates, and endeavored to strike downwards. The instant the -boat-hooks, were placed, their inverted points acting as curbs, a third -hand dexterously passed the noose over the fipper, and left the turtle -in charge of a second or third boat, to which the other end of the noose -line was fastened. In that manner we took about a dozen one morning, in -less than two hours; but were not equally successful in our operations -on shore. There we hid ourselves, about night-fall, behind the masses of -rock every where scattered on the beach, and, allowing the females to -pass us, with the intention of depositing their eggs in the dry sand, -beyond the reach of the surf, endeavored to intercept them in their way -back to the water. Not a doubt was entertained that we should turn them -over by scores; but, with the exception of one unfortunate female, which -by chance ran headlong against a crag, our hopes proved to be visionary. -The awkward gait of these unwieldy animals, added to the clouds of light -sand they threw up, completely defeated our most zealous exertions. We -had recourse to our oars, placing them in the way of the turtle, and -using them as levers wherewith to overturn the shuffling animals; but in -every attempt the turtle only slipped a little to one side: therefore, -after breaking several oars, we found it expedient to desist. - -While we were on shore, the gulls hovered about us like so many gnats; -absolutely darkening the air, and perching familiarly on our heads and -shoulders. These subsist chiefly on the shoals of mackarel cast ashore -by every surf. I am confident that many a heave of the sea threw up a -cart load of those fishes; some of which were drawn off by the next -heave, but thousands lay along the beach time enough to be carried off -by the gulls. Sharks were to be seen in every direction, and of all -sizes; the large ones generally swimming near the surface, with their -back-fins exposed to view, and the lesser ones at about two or three -fathoms deep, on every side of the ship. I was desirous to catch one of -them for the sake of its skin, but we were so environed by shoals of the -_chætodon plectorhenchus_, or pleat-nose chætodon, which took their -station much nearer the surface, and intercepted my baits, though they -were tied down to the hooks with worsted yarn, (some indeed being -enveloped in cloth, and secured in a similar manner), that not one hook -was allowed to descend to the level where the sharks abounded. Many -hundreds of the _chætodon_ were taken, and, after being stripped of -their skins, which make a beautiful black shagreen, though in the water -they appear to be chiefly blue and yellow, were thrown to their greedy -brethren, by whom they were speedily devoured. - -It should be noticed, for the benefit of those who may touch at -Ascension, either on their way to St. Helena outward-bound, or in coming -homeward from that rendezvous, that we hooked several very fine fishes, -especially the much-admired Bull’s-eye, by trailing a bait, about fifty -or sixty yards astern, as we sailed partly round the island. Close in -shore, among the crags, just beyond reach of the surf, we caught half a -boat load of old-maids in very little time. - -The modern course of ships proceeding to India, ordinarily carries them -near the Cape de Verde, and Canary islands; where, if wine is to be -taken in, a detention of ten or twelve days may happen. This being, in -all probability, the first opportunity that may offer of going on shore, -after leaving England, it may be proper to caution the young adventurer -not to ridicule, nor in any way to shew disrespect towards, the -religious ceremonies of the Roman Catholics who possess those islands. - -Under the exercise of prudence and discretion, all persons landing among -the Portuguese are certain of receiving every civility and attention; -but, when insulted, no race of men are more irascible or vindictive: the -offender is sure to fall a victim to their unrelenting vengeance! At -either of these islands, but especially at St. Jago, abundance of fresh -provisions may be obtained: in all of them the tropical fruits abound, -but should not be eaten to excess; lest a dysentery, which, in those -latitudes, proceeds with hasty strides towards death’s portal, should -ensue. - -Many vessels, after proceeding down the Atlantic in a mid direction, -between the Azores and the Canaries, until they catch the trade-winds, -which in that part blow constantly from the north-east, or nearly so, -stretch over to the coast of Brazil, along which they run, to about 30° -south, for the purpose of avoiding the south-east trade-wind prevailing -to the southward of the Line; then being in the way of variable winds, -they shape their course towards the Cape of Good Hope. Few quit this -coast without putting into some port for a supply of wood, water, fresh -provision of sorts, &c. Rio Janiero is the most frequented by British -Indiamen, both on account of its safe harbour, and the abundance of -supplies it can afford. Being in latitude 23°, it will be requisite to -guard against the great heats incident thereto, and to be careful not to -encounter the nightly dews, which are here extremely heavy, and give -birth to the most dangerous species of fever. - -The customs of the inhabitants throughout this coast being nearly alike, -a description of one portion may suffice for the whole. - -The natives of this part of South America appear to be particularly -inoffensive, and to submit with perfect resignation to the authority of -their conquerors. They are of a middling stature and well-proportioned; -their complexions dark, and their hair lank and black. From what I saw -of Pernambuco and Olinda, which lie in about 7° south, it should seem -that the houses of the better class are well calculated to debar access -to the powerful influence of the sun; which, for six months, is nearly -vertical at the above parallel of latitude, and does not form a very -acute angle with the northern horizon at any time of the year. - -The Portuguese have organized several regiments of the natives, clothed -and armed in the European style: it was not easy to ascertain the state -of discipline of these troops; but, if we are to judge from the -equipment and appearance of the regiments in the mother-country, it -might be reasonable to entertain some doubts regarding their prowess. - -Notwithstanding the intense heat of the climate, the Portuguese -inhabitants omit no religious duties; nor do they ever appear in that -deshabille we should expect to see generally adopted among an effeminate -people, under such circumstances in regard to locality. It could not -fail to prove highly amusing, when we beheld boys, of about six or seven -years of age, full-dressed according to court etiquette, with bags, -ruffles, swords, &c. representing the more ancient part of their -population in miniature. These young gentlemen, as well as their -seniors, and especially the ladies, were seen every-where riding in -vehicles very strongly resembling the chair-palanquins of India, but -carried by only two men; one before and one behind. - -The profusion of compliments, and of real civilities, we experienced, -were absolutely burthensome; we were every-where welcomed in the most -kind and liberal manner; barges, rowing from twelve to thirty oars, were -at our command, to take us to and from the ship, which could not pass -the Bar of Pernambuco, and lay full four miles from the shore, in seven -fathoms. As to fruits, fish, vegetables, and poultry, they may be had to -any amount, of the first quality; their beef and mutton are not, -however, much to be praised, and their pork is intolerably fat, without -being firm. This last is one of the principal viands at the tables of -the Portuguese, in every quarter of the globe, and is dressed in various -ways, all equally offensive to a delicate stomach. The serenity of the -weather rendered the acquisition of a supply of excellent water very -easy; the casks being floated to and from the shore; all fastened to -ropes, and towed by the large boats already mentioned. - -The land lying low towards the beach, though backed at some distance by -hills, occasioned us to be within a few leagues before we discovered our -proximity to the Continent; and we should probably have run into shallow -water, had not a large floating object been seen about a mile from us. -Our glasses speedily enabled us to distinguish persons moving on a low -frame, that we conjectured could be nothing less than some great -fragment of a wreck. Boats were immediately hoisted out, and, in less -than half an hour, we had the satisfaction to see our quarter-deck -covered with a variety of fine fishes, chiefly rock-cod, that had been -taken by the industrious Indians, whose catamaran we had mistaken for -the remains of some unfortunate vessel. - -Although we could not converse with these people, it was natural for us -to suppose we were not far from land; to which they directed our -attention, and by significant signs, as well as by leading on the -catamaran, of which they had hoisted the sail, pilotted us to the Roads -of Pernambuco, leaving us in good anchoring water, and gratefully -receiving some beads, and other trinkets, of no value in our estimation, -but highly prized among them, in exchange for the excellent repast they -had afforded to the whole ship’s company. - -A few days before our arrival at Pernambuco, the usual ceremonies -attendant upon crossing the Line were duly observed. Those who had never -been so far to the southward, were impressed with the belief that sundry -operations, by no means pleasant, were to take place: among other -things, it was said they were to be suspended from the fore-yard arm, -and to be thoroughly ducked by frequent dips into the sea. However -unreasonable this may appear, there exists no doubt of such a practice -having been perfectly common about forty or fifty years back; it was -then regarded as an excellent _joke_, affording wondrous merriment to -the veteran part of the crew. In time, the practice ceased; either from -the interposition of good sense, or owing to the judicious distribution -of some liquor among the chiefs of the _dramatis personæ_. - -The amusements incident on this occasion are not very tedious, and, -though filthy in the extreme, cannot be witnessed without exciting much -laughter. About noon, the boatswain, being full dressed as the god of -the ocean, is supposed to hail the ship, enquiring whence she comes? -whither she is bound? and if any persons are on board who never before -crossed the great boundary dividing the northern from the southern -hemisphere? After much pompous and authoritative elocution, wherein -Neptune declares a firm resolution not to relinquish his rights, he -ascends at the bow, under which his car is supposed to be in waiting, -whence, attended by his mates, whose paraphernalia accord with the -dignity of their office, and the solemnity of the occasion, he proceeds -to the quarter-deck, where, after an appropriate speech, he exercises -his powers of divination, and in a few minutes discovers the several -novices who are to submit to his decrees. His god-head, like his -progenitor of ancient times, invariably has an eye to business; and as -the sea deity of the Greeks was supposed to delight in ample sacrifices, -so does his descendant, or rather his representative, of our time, -equally cherish the idea of copious libations in honor of the day. -Hence, there is little difficulty in appeasing his wrath, and -conciliating his good-will towards the vessel and her crew, by the -immolation of from two to three gallons each, of good rum or gin; which, -being duly tendered to the officiating priests, soon reach their -destination, and avert the threatened danger. - -While this is going on, some of the old hands are busied in the -construction of a ship, which is to be launched in the presence of the -deity, under whose auspices she is to sail the world over, and back -again, in perfect safety! This important duty is conducted with great -precision, and takes place in the lee-waist, where all the novices among -the sailors, recruits, &c. are ranged in two rows, face to face, to -represent the ribs of the stately Argo. - -It is usual to select some of the more pliant, or silly, of the party, -to form the head and bows: one of these being placed in the centre, -looking forward, his head covered with a long swab, of which the threads -hang down nearly to his heels, and his face being smeared with all the -filth the ship affords, by way of paint, is considered the typical -figure suited to the nomenclature of the vessel. - -All being in readiness, the builders attend Neptune as he retires, in -order to allow the shoars to be knocked away, that the launch may take -place: the captain and his officers aid the farce by encouraging the -passengers to advance towards the waist, there to view the construction; -when, at a fit moment, the god roars forth his mandate for committing -his _protegé_ to the deep. It, however, unluckily happens that the -vessel does not shew any disposition to quit the stocks; therefore, as -she will not proceed to the water, the only chance of setting her afloat -is by causing the water to proceed to her; which it accordingly does -from some dozens of buckets, &c. previously secreted in the fore and -main tops, and in the long boat, for that purpose. This drenching -concludes the show, and the crew retire to make merry upon the amount of -their collections, which, when not sufficiently abundant to afford a -moderate allowance to each, is liberally augmented from the ship’s -stores. - -The sabbath is always observed on board every Indiaman with perfect -decorum: there being no chaplain on board, unless perchance as a -passenger, the captain, or one of the officers, reads the morning -service, and eventually a short lecture suited to the audience, -consisting of all on board who are not confined by illness. It is not -easy to describe the decency which prevails on such occasions; the whole -standing bare-headed on the quarterdeck, and refraining from every act, -or look, that might trespass on propriety. - -Many sailors, notwithstanding the character in which they are generally -accepted, are of a very religious disposition, and are easily led by -those who shew a reverence for the church establishment. Yet, like most -persons bred up in ignorance, they are shamefully superstitious, and -often entertain notions very little short of those which actuated their -ancestors to throw Jonah overboard. However ridiculous it may appear, -yet it is strictly true, that among hundreds of the bravest tars, one -wag may, by whisperings, groanings, &c. aided by a white sheet, and a -hollow intonation, create a most disgraceful panic. But our terrestrial -population, of corresponding rank, can claim no title to laugh at their -peers on the element. The sermon lately delivered and printed, by the -Rev. Isaac Nicholson, A.M. Curate of Great Paxton, in the county of -Huntingdon, in consequence of two attacks on the person of Ann Izzard, a -reputed witch, whereby Alice Russel, who endeavored to protect that poor -woman, was destroyed, evinces the deplorable state in which the minds of -our lower orders remain, notwithstanding the great expence incurred for -the propagation of the Scriptures among them, and the infinite pains -taken to instruct those who cannot afford to pay for education. - -Funerals at sea can rarely boast of much display, but their attendants -are often sincere mourners. Confined within a narrow space, the loss of -a companion is not easily forgotten; every object reminds us of his -fate, and exacts a sigh! Few linger, either of disease, or of wounds, so -long as persons under similar circumstances would do on shore. The want -of room, of fresh air, of clean linen, of suitable diet, and of a change -of scene, all contribute, notwithstanding the most assiduous attendance, -to depress the spirits, and to aggravate the symptoms. Above all, the -ravages of scurvy are peculiarly distressing, and tend most to -dishearten: even those in perfect health become alarmed, and, from that -circumstance alone, often participate in the dreadful evil. - -It being utterly inadmissible that a corpse should be retained on board, -no time is lost in sewing it up in a hammock; placing a few lumps of -coal, or other ponderous matter, at the feet, to cause its sinking. Thus -prepared, it is laid upon a grating at the lee gang-way; and, after the -usual burial service, at which all attend, is committed to the deep. In -some instances, during calms, sharks have been seen to dart from under -the vessel, and to attack the corpse in the most ravenous manner. It is -well known that all sickly ships are attended by many of those fishes; -which, if numerous in the vicinity of a healthy vessel, are, in the -opinions of the crew, the surest indications of great mortality on -board. Without pretending to doubt the acuteness of a shark’s sense of -smelling, it may be permitted us rather to ascribe their congregating to -chance, than to their supposed powers of anticipation: at the same time -there can be little doubt, that certain effluvia must escape from a -vessel not duly purified by ventilation and ablution; and that such a -neglect will rarely fail to induce diseases of the most malignant -description; thereby giving a latitude, among those who view things -superficially, to adduce instances apparently confirmative of their -assertions. - -Whatever convenience it may be thought to afford to the survivors, it -appears to me, that the customary sale of all the effects of the -deceased, indiscriminately in general, is contrary to the dictates of -prudence, so far as relates to salubrity. That, in such a situation, -whatever is appreciable may produce a better price, cannot be -controverted; but I should rather incline to think it were better to -forego that advantage, than to risk the dissemination of disease, though -not previously malignant, by an unlimited distribution of the apparel of -one demising under any clinical distemper. To say the least, perfect -ventilation should be given to every atom; nor would the trouble or -expence (if any) of fumigating the wearing apparel, and bed-clothes, be -ill bestowed: perhaps baking would be found the safest precaution. - -It has already been stated, that, in rounding the Cape, the weather may -be expected to correspond with the season of the year: this is so well -understood, that it is only during the summer season in that quarter, -vessels are considered to be safe in Table Bay, situated to the north of -a low, flat, sandy isthmus, over which it is evident the sea formerly -flowed into False Bay, lying a few miles to the southward. The mouths of -the two bays have different aspects; consequently, when a channel -existed such as I have described, the Table Mountain, whence the -northerly bay derives its designation, together with Cape Town, which -stands between the mountain and that bay, together with Wineburg, -Witti-boom, Constantia, &c. &c. including a length of about forty-five -miles by four, on an average, in breadth, must have been insulated. - -When a ship is to touch at the Cape, it is very desirable, on every -account, that her arrival should take place during the summer season; so -that she may come to anchor in Table Bay, about half a mile distant from -the wharf. The convenience, thus afforded, of going immediately into -comfortable lodgings, where nothing is wanting that can tend to the -refreshment of persons fatigued by those narrow limits within which they -have been confined, probably for ten or twelve weeks, is not to be -calculated. The Dutch, it is true, are most offensively avaricious; but -that must be compounded for, in consideration of the satisfaction -attendant upon the liberty of taking exercise in a fine climate, -abounding with the most delicious fruits, the choicest vegetables, and -that kind of social intercourse, which, chasing away the recollection of -former langour, gives energy to meet succeeding dulness and inactivity. -The British visitor will, however, experience considerable -disappointment if he expects to witness the performance of dramatic -pieces, or that jocund hilarity which with us prevails among persons -long resident together. On the contrary, the inhabitants of Cape Town -think of nothing but money-making; in which they are neither inexpert, -nor very scrupulous. In public, they are so awkward, stiff, and -unsociable, that I have often been surprised they did not go to sleep at -their visits. If such was the state of society only a few years ago, -what must it have been previous to the occupation of the Cape, during -the American war, by two French regiments; which, according to the -confession of the Dutch themselves, _made a very considerable -improvement in their breed?_ - -Few of those who take lodgers will admit such as do not board with them: -the rates are not in any instance fixed, but the average may be taken at -from three to four rix-dollars for each lady or gentleman, half-price -for young children, and one dollar for each servant, per diem. From this -it may be collected, that a single gentleman must be an economist if he -manages to pay his expences of board, washing, horse-hire, &c. under -thirty shillings daily.—The rix-dollar is fixed at four shillings; but -is an imaginary sum. Notes of any value may be had; but gold and silver -currency are scarcely ever seen; the Dutch being extremely eager to -obtain guineas at twenty-one shillings currency, and re-selling them at -the rate generally of six and a half, or seven rix-dollars. Persons -visiting the Cape should be careful to reserve their cash until about to -pay their bills, and then to account their guineas at their current -value, as above shewn. Such is the estimation in which bullion is held, -that no small coins are any where to be seen; even shillings, and -stivers are paid in paper currency. Passengers from India ought to take -a bag of rupees of the worst description; for, whether sicca or -tersooly, each will be gladly received, without distinction, at two -shillings and sixpence. - -The cookery of the Dutch is pretty nearly on a par with their -flesh-meats; their beef, mutton, veal, and pork, being rarely of -tolerable quality, and invariably made to float in strong sauce, of -which butter and spices are the chief ingredients. The table is, in most -houses, laid in a central hall, looking into a garden; the floors are -all painted, that they may not absorb the damp when washed, as they are -almost daily: the beds are tolerably good, and the apartments of a -moderate size. Before every house, is an elevated terrace, on a level -with the ground-floor, having at each end a seat, usually of masonry -also. On this terrace, called the _steupe_, the Dutch promenade half the -day in fair weather, enjoying their pipes, and occasionally taking their -_sopkies_; which are small glasses of raw spirits, for the most part -hollands, their servants tender to them at intervals, as a matter of -course. - -The extensive gardens of the late Dutch Company, through the centre of -which is a broad gravel-walk full half a mile in length, are crowded -every Sunday evening, and on all festive days, by a promiscuous group, -who walk in parties, to and fro, under the shade of the oaks and other -trees planted on either side. There is also an institution, but of a -more private nature, and frequented, with few exceptions, by the Dutch -only. It is held at a neat house, where wines, &c. are sold, having -attached to it a spacious garden; not unlike some of our tea-drinking -places in the vicinity of London. This is called _Concordia_; a name -perfectly unsuited to the scenes occasionally disgracing the interior, -which has more than once excited the attention of our government, in -consequence of the seditious principles of its visitors. - -The late Lord Macartney did not fail to keep a watchful eye over -Concordia, as well as to check, in their infancy, whatever attempts -might be made to spread, and to inculcate, revolutionary principles. A -large portion of the inhabitants being descended from delinquents who -had quitted their native country, as Gil Blas says, ‘not without good -reason,’ and having rarely paid much deference to their rulers in -Europe, it is not to be wondered at, that those doctrines of the -mountain, which condemned Louis the XVI. should have been adopted at the -Cape. Such was the advance made in the cant of the day, and so numerous -were the meetings at Concordia, that Lord Macartney judged it necessary -to adopt measures for bringing his Dutch subjects to their senses; which -he did in a manner that reflected the greatest credit on himself, and -evinced with what facility traitors may be subdued under a just and -energetic government. Among the many who resorted to Concordia every -evening, was a great farmer, known at the Cape under the designation of -_Boor_, who was particularly smitten with the new-fangled terms of -gallic civism: if I err not, his name was VAN CLOOTZ. He was of immense -stature, and ordinarily wore a round slouched hat, about the diameter of -a gentleman’s umbrella; and as he paraded through the streets, sitting -on the front board of his waggon, drawn by eight Spanish horses, always -appeared like some enormous wild beast belonging to Mr. Pidcock’s -menagerie. - -This _monstrous_ great man (long considered the key-stone of the -arch-traitors of Constantia) was summoned, in a civil manner, by Lord -Macartney; who, in becoming terms, rebuked him for his folly, and -explained the whole extent of what had been reported, regarding the -proceedings of those who visited the garden. Mynheer was not to be -talked out of his veneration for the Revolution in France; and declared, -that, in his opinion, it would be equal to a martyrdom to die in so -glorious a cause. It was in vain his Lordship depicted the horrors -attendant upon so great a reverse; the boor’s enthusiasm rendered him -blind to such trifles, and to all those excesses which inseparably -accompany civil convulsion. - -In the course of a few days, Van Clootz was informed, that a troop of -cavalry had arrived at a farm he had on the borders of Hottentot -Holland, about thirty miles from the Cape, and that it was supposed they -would remain some time in that neighborhood. The boor was delighted at -the prospect of a long bill for hay, corn, &c. &c. folio after folio; -every day’s stay was joyfully noted! It was not long, however, before -complaints were made that the troopers behaved in a licentious manner, -killing his poultry, destroying his fences, plundering his garden, -kissing his maids, and the Lord knows what! Now, as most of his stock -was consumed, it was no longer an object for Mynheer to court the stay -of the cavalry; therefore he went boldly to Lord Macartney with a long -list of damages, and his bill for corn, &c. demanding, in a very haughty -manner, that the farm should be evacuated by his _now_ unwelcome -visitors. - -‘Bless me, Mr. Van Clootz,’ said his lordship, ‘why, I thought you was -delighted with revolutionary principles?’—‘Yes, my lord, I am so; the -acts of the French nation should be written in characters of gold!’—‘And -yet, Mr. Van Clootz, you complain against the troop I sent to be -quartered upon you—no, no, Sir; you have been so fond of the _sweets_ of -revolution, that I am resolved you shall taste some of its _bitters_ -also: therefore the cavalry shall remain at your farm, until you -acknowledge the benefits of British protection, and retire peaceably to -your lands, there to cultivate corn, instead of sowing sedition at -Constantia.’ - -The result may be easily guessed: Constantia was depopulated, and -Mynheer Van Clootz was held in derision throughout the Cape. It should -not remain untold, that, however strict Lord Macartney might have been -during the time he governed at the Cape, such was the impression made by -his equitable, liberal, and firm conduct, that, when he embarked for -Europe, the inhabitants were truly grieved; but consoled themselves -under the hope, that a petition they sent to his Majesty, for the -re-appointment of his lordship, might prove successful. - -Many of the farms, within the compass of a morning’s ride, are well -worth seeing; not as objects of imitation, but as displaying much -novelty, and tending to afford a just idea of the character of a Dutch -agriculturist in that quarter. The vineyards, and depôts of wine at -Constantia, are certainly curious; especially when it is considered, -that the soil which produces that luscious wine, is confined to a very -few acres, I believe not more than forty, beyond which, sets from the -same vines, under circumstances of perfect equality, in regard to site -and culture, produce a very different liquor, little superior to that -sold at the several wine-houses at sixpence per quart, and possessing a -peculiar terraceous flavor, which does not diminish by keeping. The -stranger not habituated to the use of the Cape wines, either white or -red, should be extremely cautious on his first arrival to avoid them; -drinking port in their stead. A neglect of this precaution will produce -considerable inconvenience, and may be attended with habitual diarrhœa. -I was one of four, who, on landing at False Bay, drank about three or -four glasses each, and were violently affected by it during the whole of -the following night. - -Many whalers frequent the coast to the eastward of the Cape, where they -kill numbers of the white species, which supply both spermaceti, and the -oil bearing that name. In False Bay, which includes a space equal to at -least two hundred square miles, black whales may often be seen sporting -about; as, indeed, they may, in Table Bay, close in among the rocks, -about half a mile below the fort. A few are killed by the crews of such -ships as have not been so fortunate as to fill with the former kind; but -it seems to be done almost as much for pastime as for profit; the oil -extracted from black whales being very low in price; it neither burning -well, nor making so good soap as the spermaceti kind. - -Although the winter months are held to be very dangerous for vessels -riding in Table Bay, on account of the dreadful swell that sometimes -sets in from the north-west, towards which it is much exposed, it is, -however, rare that vessels are lost therein during that season; no -doubt, in consequence of their very short stay, and of their usually -proceeding to Seamon’s Bay, the inhabited part of which is about -twenty-five miles from Cape Town. The Sceptre, of 64 guns, together with -a Danish 74, and about ten or twelve other vessels, were wrecked in -Table Bay on the 5th of November, 1799; a period when a gale of wind -from the north-west is never expected. To make up for the deficiency, -that part of the year is attended with very stiff breezes from the -south-east, which drive up the small gravel against one’s face with such -force as to give very acute pain. These south-easters, as they are -called, certainly produce excellent effects; cooling the air, and -destroying an infinite number of insects. - -Nature has been truly liberal in the profusion of flowers she has -scattered throughout this part of Africa: the plains are covered with -heaths, or hethers, of an exquisite fragrance, of boundless variety, and -of the most delicate coloring and formation. The whole country, where -the soil is not absolutely barren, teems with all that could enrich a -pleasure garden; among these, the wild geraniums bear a large -proportion: the plain beyond the camp at Wine-Burg absolutely resembling -a rich carpet! - -The opposite side of Table Bay, as seen from Cape Town, offers nothing -pleasing to the eye; the coast appearing to be low, sandy, and barren, -rising gradually into a range of hills, displaying little arborage, or -verdure, which connect with those on the east side of False Bay, forming -a part of the district called Hottentot Holland; wherein are partially -interspersed small farms, that combine to supply Cape Town with -provision. - -The back of the Table Mountain, so called from its top appearing -horizontal for several hundred yards, indeed, for near half a mile, is -rugged, and of a most dismal hue. When the wind blows from the westward, -the clouds come rolling down, perfectly concealing the mountain nearly -to what appears to be its base. In that, however, the spectator is -deceived; for a block-house erected on a part of the hill where the -signal port stands, called the Lion’s Rump, and which is also apparently -near the base, has been ascertained, by measurement, to equal the -highest part of Gibraltar in elevation above the sea. From this, as well -as from its being discernible at full thirty leagues distance, some idea -may be formed of the stupendous height of the Table Mountain. - -It appears probable, that but for that regulation which disqualifies -persons who unnecessarily put into harbours deemed at certain periods -unsafe, from recovering their insurances in case of loss, few ships -would resort to False Bay. The distance, the badness of the road to Cape -Town, the difficulty of procuring supplies and stores, with various -other inconveniences, combine to give the preference to Table Bay, -notwithstanding the reputed hazard. At Cape Town abundance of -accommodation, of every description, may be had; whereas, at Seamon’s -Bay, there are not more than two or three houses where persons of -respectability could lodge. In saying this, I exempt the quarters -allotted to the officers, which are very comfortable. After all that can -be urged in favour of Seamon’s Bay, it is by no means a safe harbour; as -the bones of several vessels, deep buried in the sandy beach, at the -most retired part, which is a perfect _cul de sac_, sufficiently -corroborate. There are, besides, sunken rocks near its mouth, on which -several ships have struck: one, called the Anvil, from its flat surface, -caused the loss of the Colebrook, Indiaman, some years ago. Another, -designated the Bellows, from the perpetual roar it occasions, stands -about two miles from the southernmost point of the Cape: it is not so -dangerous as the others; being discernible full ten miles off, owing to -the immense surfs, arising from a strong current towards the westward, -which are perpetually breaking over it. - -The Cape, considered as a colony, cannot be said, at present, to be -valuable in any respect, except as an asylum for shipping, homeward or -outward bound. The supplies requisite for the town are derived from the -labors of a few boors, settled at some distance. Hence, provisions are -by no means cheap; nor would they be so, even if the demands of St. -Helena could be answered from any other quarter; since the indolence of -the Dutch agriculturists would, it is to be feared, cause them to limit -their operations in proportion as the consumption might decrease. It is, -doubtless, owing to some such cause, that the greater part of the slaves -are maintained upon a very black, heavy kind of bread, on which the fat -of sheeps’ tails is smeared, as a substitute for butter; and that the -lower classes of the population live in the most wretched manner. This -should seem inexcusable, where thousands of acres of good soil lie -unheeded, within such a moderate distance of the town as could scarcely -fail to repay the ordinary expences of cultivation. - -Although neither coal, nor peat, is found at the Cape, and the colony is -dependant entirely on the arborage of the vicinity for fuel, it is very -remarkable that little, or rather no, pains are taken to insure a -supply. If we except a few plantations, made purely for ornament, at the -several garden-houses within six or seven miles of Cape Town, we may in -vain search for any symptoms of foresight in respect to the future -supply of so indispensable an article. I recollect stating this to a -gentleman, who seemed to be, in other respects, well informed of Cape -affairs; but he silenced me with a remark which appeared unanswerable; -taking for granted it was true. He said, ‘We have endeavored, ever since -taking possession of the colony, to induce the Dutch to plant, and to -till, the adjacent lands; but in vain: they prefer a scarcity, or at -least a pretended one, on all occasions; because they think it -distresses us, while, at the same time, they have an excellent plea for -extorting the highest prices. Possessed of his waggon, and team, Mynheer -can always supply his own wants at a certain rate; but if more is -brought than is required for his own use, the surplus is spared to us -for a sum which covers the whole expence: therefore, the dearer the -article, the better for the waggon-master!’ - -I am free to confess, that where such hauteur, indolence, and extortion -prevail, and that, too, very extensively and actively, against a -protecting power, (for we really do not appear as conquerors in that -quarter,) I should not hesitate to adopt such measures as might fully -meet the exigency. If, in so doing, I should wound the feelings, or -partially injure the rights, of the inhabitants, my argument would be -brief, viz. ‘You created a necessity, and necessity has no law.’ Though, -here and there, something resembling an European vehicle may be seen, -the general instrument of conveyance, whether of families travelling, or -taking the air, is a waggon, usually drawn by eight small, but fiery -horses. One Hottentot commonly holds the reins of the pair next the -wheels, while another, with an immense whip, not less in the whole than -thirty feet long, manages the team with wondrous dexterity. In these -waggons are commonly three benches, slung crosswise, on leather straps; -each bench holding two persons. They are likewise provided with painted -canvas tilts, made to take off at pleasure. The motion of such a waggon, -while going over the rough part between the two capes, is ‘_most -horrible!_’ - -The lumber-waggons are made in the rudest manner, generally with large -truck wheels; some are boarded, or even thatched, above, and absolutely -look like moving houses. Whether owing to the awkwardness of their -construction, or to the badness of the roads, or to that incorrigible -thing called custom, may not be easy to decide; though, possibly, their -joint operation may be reasonably considered the cause; it is certainly -true, that, even with six or eight pairs of rather stout, but -high-boned, oxen, such a waggon rarely travels more than twelve or -fifteen miles within the day. Nor is the plough a whit better managed. -This stupendous machine, which appears calculated to turn up whole -mountains in its progress, rarely gets through more than two roods -daily, though drawn by six oxen, all in a line, and aided by three men; -one of whom holds the plough stilt, (there being but one,) another -drives with the usual enormous whip, and the third guides the leading -ox. - -The operation of thrashing is commonly performed in the open air, within -an enclosed circle, about twenty yards in diameter, surrounded by a -stone, or mud wall, about four feet high: the floor is made of clay and -lime, rammed very hard. The sheaves being scattered within the circle, -the farmer’s horses are turned in, and driven about by a slave, who, -being provided with a whip, stands in the centre, and chases the cattle -about; while two, or more, of his associates in bondage, stir the -sheaves with forked sticks, in order that every part may be equally -trodden by the galloping steeds. The winnowing is done in the same area; -the horses being sent into another circle, to repeat their labors, while -several men, first removing the straw, sweep the thrashings towards the -windward side, and there toss it up, that the wind, which is commonly -rather forcible, may blow the chaff to the lee side, while the corn -falls nearly centrical; of course, as the latter goes with little -further preparation to the mill, the flour may be supposed to contain no -small portion of grit. The quantity of grain bruised, and left in the -straw, must be considerable. - -Few ships remain long enough to allow of passengers proceeding to the -interior; where, however, they would find much to admire. At some of the -farms they may be well accommodated, with the great advantage of finding -their purses far less burthensome on their return! The famous vineyards -of Stellenbosch are well worth seeing, as is the Salt Lake, which -annually dries, leaving a bed of muriate of soda many miles in diameter, -and of unknown depth! Surely, in parts accounted sterile, such a depôt -of manure ought not to be overlooked. The hot baths, situate in a most -romantic valley about forty miles from the Cape, demand the traveller’s -attention. Whether he may proceed on horseback, (as I should recommend,) -or in a waggon, a gun will be useful; both on account of the prodigious -quantity of game, of every description, and as a defence against the -numerous wild beasts which infest all the woody country beyond Hottentot -Holland. - -I have been induced to enter upon the foregoing details regarding the -Cape, from the consideration of its being intimately attached to our -Asiatic possessions; and because so large a portion of those who visit -them, touch there; either in going to, or when returning from, India. -The political importance of a point so advantageously situated, and -having such an expanse of territory annexed, may, perhaps, at some -convenient moment, become a subject for future discussion: in the mean -while, as connected with the Cape, I shall treat of St. Helena. - -This island is most singularly situated, being in the 16th degree of -south latitude, and separated from the two continents of Africa and -America by immense seas, in every part unfathomable: from the former it -is about 1200 miles distant; from the latter about 1800. According to an -analytic description, published in 1805, it appears tolerably certain, -that Saint Helena owes its elevation above the sea to some great -convulsion of nature; probably to, an earthquake: for it does not, like -its neighbour Ascension, shew much remains of volcanic matter, neither -does there appear any cavity at all resembling a crater. On the -contrary, the whole island is composed of immense strata of rock, -chiefly basaltic, which, from the variety of directions they assume, -some declining one way, some another, while a few assume nearly a -perpendicular tendency, may be supposed to have been disrupted, and -ejected from the great sub-marine mass, by some tremendous earthquake. -It would be difficult to form the least idea of the period when that -event took place; nor, indeed, can it be altogether certified that this -island was not coœval with the creation; since which it may have -undergone various changes, from volcanic operations within the deep: the -appearance of cinders without lava, and the regular intermixture of -clay, especially of puzolana, with the rock, by such a gradual -intercourse as to leave it undetermined where the one begins, and the -other ceases, may be considered a _lusus naturæ_, and certainly tends to -involve the origin of this now valuable island still more among the -arcana of nature. - -Situated in the heart of the trade winds, and covering so small a space, -the whole island giving a girth of less than twenty-eight miles, it is -not to be expected that much rain should fall upon it: such is the -incertitude regarding a supply of water, that for three years in -succession scarce a shower fell! This severe drought proved fatal to a -very large quantity of cattle, which had, during the course of many -preceding seasons, been raised by the industrious efforts of the -inhabitants. Such were the chagrin, and the disappointment, felt on the -occasion, that few have, since that period, turned their attention to -the rearing of live stock in any quantity. - -Water would never be wanting, if proper means were taken for its -preservation; as almost every valley has a copious spring, the produce -of which might be retained in tanks lined with the clay every where -abounding. These tanks should be situated as near as possible to the -spring heads; being dug in the form of a cone resting on its base, so as -to leave but little surface for evaporation. By this means they might be -kept in a continual state of overflow, from the upper tank or cone, to -others below the level of its surface, at such distances as should be -judged proper. The source of the spring supplying the stream that flows -through James’s Valley, whence the shipping receive their water, cannot -be less than six hundred feet above the level of the sea; therefore, -admitting that a succession of tanks were to be made at such places as -might be best suited to the retention of water, and to the supply of -cattle, &c. it follows, that any quantity, beyond the actual -consumption, might be upheld for times of scarcity. - -It cannot fail to astonish my readers, that no means whatever have been -taken to prevent even the stream above alluded to from being lost, when -they are informed that it is computed, indeed, has been known to supply -no less than two thousand tons in three days; and could have furnished a -much greater quantity, had it been practicable to bring more boats, at -the same moment, near enough to the wharf-cocks, to have the hoses laid -into their respective casks. I have heard, that a computation of the -spring was made, whence it was shewn to be equal to that conduit which -supplies Liverpool. Now, the whole population of St. Helena are supposed -to be rather under, than over, 3000; which, compared with Liverpool, at -once displays the possibility of guarding against drought; though the -lands should be stocked to their utmost with cattle. This, of itself, is -sufficient reason for the adoption of some plan for preventing the -escape of the surplus fluid; which ought to be retained as high up as -possible; but when we consider, that, under such an improvement, -agriculture would thrive in situations now deemed untenable by any -farmer, merely from a want of water, there ought to be no hesitation in -resorting to the proper means for securing a due supply throughout the -island. - -We should, at the same time, advert to the regular operations of nature, -which ever conform to the changes produced, either by time or by art. -The naturalist well knows, that in all well wooded islands, however -distant from continents, the dews are remarkably heavy, and encourage -vegetation to its utmost luxuriance: if, then, the soil could again be -covered with arborage, (for, when first discovered, about three hundred -years ago, the very summits of the hills were amply clothed with trees, -of which some were peculiar to the island,) it is obvious, that, even -without the aid of irrigation, an abundance of perpetual pasturage might -be found. In that case, every acre might have its inhabitant; whereas, -at this day, computing the whole area to measure, according to a very -accurate survey, about 30,300 acres, and the population to be 3000; it -should seem evident, that, although there is not more than one -inhabitant to every ten acres, at least four-fifths of their provision -are drawn from other countries. - -The author of the ‘Description of St. Helena,’ quotes some anecdotes -which shew the narrow views of those persons who have never quitted the -island. In one instance, ‘a top-mast, or other spar, is reserved as a -great acquisition, to be sold at an immense profit to some vessel in -distress:’ in another, the author states his having been asked, ‘if the -arrival of the India fleet did not make London very gay!’ - -In these, we certainly recognise the language of insulated ignorance; -but when the author makes a jest of that exclamation of a native, who, -in walking with him over a spot luxuriantly verdant, declared, that ‘if -the whole island were like that part, it would be the richest spot in -the world;’ the joke does not fit. I am well aware of the hyperbole of -such an enthusiastic expression; but, from what appeared at the -Government House, where, under the fostering care of Colonel Brooke, the -late governor, wonderful improvements had been affected, especially in -the culture of exotics; and having witnessed the great perfection to -which vegetables had been raised, on a farm in the occupation of the -late Major Edward Smyth, of the artillery; as well as the plantations -upheld, under most inauspicious circumstances, by the late Deputy -Governor Lieutenant-Colonel Robson: I feel no hesitation in avowing an -opinion, that the now dreary, bleak, uncouth summits of St. Helena, -might become both ornamental and useful; while the lower parts should -teem with corn, wine, and oil. - -In a climate where no hurricanes destroy the crops, where the medium -temperature is about 54°, where health and longevity seem to hold their -court, and where there exist the greatest essentials towards culture, -(viz. clay, lime-stone, sand, and manure, in the greatest abundance,) I -really cannot see why this now neglected, and comparatively desolate, -island, should not become a perfect paradise! That health should be a -common blessing among the natives, does not appear wonderful; because -they have not the means of excess, at least not in drinking; for wine, -and spirits, are most exorbitantly dear. I happened to be at Governor -Brooke’s on New Year’s Day, 1800, when intelligence was brought that the -whole of the troops were plunged into the deepest affliction, by the -loss of a cask of rum, served from the stores as the usual basis of -annual festivity: in rolling up towards the barracks, the cask had -burst, and spilled every drop of its precious contents. This, in any -other situation, would not have given a moment’s uneasiness; the -deficiency might have been easily made up: but, at St. Helena, where the -most sparing economy, in regard to all articles of subsistence, is -indispensably necessary, and where no private suttlers could fill up the -blank, it was really a most uncomfortable circumstance! - -It cannot be expected, after the above detail, that provision should be -cheap, or abundant: so far the reverse, that persons of all ranks daily -receive their rations from the stores, as indispensable towards their -existence. Hence, sheep, poultry, flour, &c. are rarely procurable, in -any quantity, for the supply of the homeward-bound shipping; which, -being sometimes detained for months, waiting for convoy, occasions their -passengers to be put to considerable expence, without deriving -proportionate comfort; valetudinarians being the only strangers, who, in -such cases, experience the smallest benefit from the detention. - -It would be difficult to state the expences incident to residence at any -of those houses where lodgings are let: which includes all, excepting -about half a dozen of the seniors on the island: the rates vary -according to the demand at the moment, or the expectation of early -arrivals. It may be concluded, that cheapness neither is, nor can be, -the characteristic of James Town, when I observe, that, merely for the -use of an apartment, such as nothing but the change of scene would have -induced me to occupy, wherein I occasionally slept on a truck-bed, -whereof the whole apparatus might safely have been sent to the paper -mills, the charge made was twelve shillings daily, or rather nightly; -for I never ate a meal in the house. Let it not be understood that I -speak this in derogation of the people: far otherwise; I experienced all -the civility they had the opportunity of shewing, and I really believe -they regretted their want of means to render my slumbers more -refreshing. - -Their exertions might, perhaps, have obtained me a more comfortable -lodging, but there were other matters far beyond their power to remedy: -among these may be noticed the myriads of cock-roaches, (or _blatta -gigantea_,) which at night crawled about the bed; offending not only by -the very unpleasant sensations produced by their claws, but by their -peculiarly nauseous scent. As for rats, of no small breed, nor, indeed, -confined to one species, they made as free, at all hours, as though they -had paid for their lodging, and absolutely seemed to approach with -perfect indifference: their gallopings, not only within the walls, but -over me as I slept, together with some very unceremonious pulls at my -hair, (for I then used powder,) at length compelled me to sleep, when -opportunity offered, on board the vessel, wherein our stock of these -devastators, though not insignificant, was considerably less numerous, -and far more reserved. We had, however, abundance of cock-roaches, about -two inches in length, and an inch broad; but, owing to the pains taken -to catch them by means of saucers filled with oil, of which they are -extremely fond, their numbers were greatly reduced; but we could never -hope for their extirpation, as every crevice afforded them shelter, and -the opportunity of depositing their eggs in safety. - -It may be asked why I did not move to some other house? In reply -thereto, it will be only necessary to observe, that I was recommended to -the good folks, or they to me, (I forget which) by a gentleman to whose -urbanity and kindness I was under much obligation: besides, I was daily -in hopes of quitting the island; therefore judged it most expedient to -remain where I was, lest I might, by avoiding Scylla, stumble upon -Charybdis. There are one or two shops in James Town, where goods of -various descriptions are sold. I had occasion to buy a hat, for which I -paid ten dollars, and on my arrival in England found that it could never -have stood the exporter in more than twelve shillings, even under a -salt-water invoice. But it was the best that was for sale, and I was -compelled to the purchase. - -Such ships as have touched at the Cape, on their return from India, are -usually well stocked with every species of provision, and even import -their own fuel; according to existing regulations: were they to be -supplied with that article, or indeed with any other, to much extent, -the distress occasioned to the inhabitants would be deplorable. This -deficiency of fuel is occasioned, at present, by the number of wild -goats, every where secreting themselves among the crags; during the -night time they descend to the plantations, and to the fields, cropping -every thing within their reach. Until a war of extermination, as is now -proposed, be carried on against these destructive animals, it will be -useless to attempt planting, at least on such a scale as should prove -beneficial to the inhabitants. It may justly be supposed, that no weak -measures could produce so desirable a result; but it is reasonable to -conclude, that, if a party of soldiers were to be posted daily on those -superior points whence the goats could be seen and alarmed; and if a -number of half-bred greyhounds were to be kept to run them down, much -might be done in the course of a few years; especially if a reward were -given for every goat destroyed, by whatever means. - -Yams and potatoes are cultivated in tolerable quantities on various -parts of the island; but the former will not grow except in very choice -situations, such as vallies through which streams flow. In Major Smyth’s -grounds, an immense variety of our esculents were to be seen, growing -luxuriantly: I recollect his pointing out to me a peculiarity regarding -the leek, and the onion, in both which he had been frequently -disappointed, after planting them to stand for seed. As an experiment -which did not promise success, he sowed the little seed vessels which -form the globular head of the stems; and found, that, by so doing, he -could insure a regular, and very rapid succession. He cut off the heads, -and separated the capsules, when they were in their green state, but -rather inclining to maturity. - -Having undoubted proof of the readiness with which many plants, -indigenous to the cold, as well as to the hot, regions, may be -naturalized at St. Helena, it must excite some surprise to be informed, -that no public measures have yet been taken to stock the island with a -variety of quick-growing and useful trees; which, being collected on -favorable spots, might serve as the depôt for future supplies. The -various species of palms thrive amazingly, as does the peepul; of which, -for a long time, there was only one in the island, and no person could -tell whence it came! - -It seems curious, that peaches should thrive so luxuriantly, and acquire -such an admirable flavor, notwithstanding the dryness of the atmosphere: -formerly, this fruit was in such abundance, that large quantities used -to be given to the hogs. Unhappily, an insect, only to be distinguished -by the aid of glasses, was imported with some slips from the Constantia -vines: these attacked the peach trees, devouring their bark, and -destroying at least nine-tenths of their number. It is said, that every -means have been tried to annihilate these minute plunderers, or to deter -them from their wonted attacks, but without effect. I recollect, that, -about twenty years ago, a premium was given by some association, -(probably the society for the encouragement of arts,) to a person who -discovered a means of ridding trees from this description of clustering -insects. It was very simple; and was effected by boring holes with a -gimlet, obliquely downwards, into the body of the trunk, near the -ground, and filling them with quicksilver; after which the holes were -closed by means of pitch, or plugs of wood. As possibly this has never -been essayed at St. Helena, I give it a place under the hope of its -proving useful: it is, however, said to render evergreens deciduous. - -The teak, and poon trees, both of which are of important service in -naval architecture, might certainly be raised to great size in St. -Helena. The burghut, or banian tree, might also thrive; but I should -except against it as requiring too much nourishment, and exhausting the -soil, without being any wise useful as timber. The tamarind tree, though -it supplies a large proportion of fruit, has this objection against it, -that it is peculiarly unfriendly to all others in its vicinity: no grass -will grow under it; and persons who sleep beneath its shelter, or within -its influence, are subjected to fevers: its timber is substantial, being -hard and heavy, but by no means strong, on account of its tendency to -rive, and to start into fissures; especially at those knots whence -boughs have been thrown out. The bamboo may be cultivated to very great -advantage: it grows, throughout India, on the most elevated situations, -and on spots where scarcely a handful of soil is to be found in the -vicinity of its roots. The value of this reed, (for it is nothing more, -though it reaches to the height of seventy feet, and frequently measures -from five to six inches in diameter,) would be incalculable, were it -applied merely to making fences; which, in such a climate, would be very -durable. An invaluable acquisition would be obtained from its more -general culture, especially as it is of very quick growth. But the most -important advantages would certainly attend the formation of vine-yards, -in such parts as might, by their aspect and soil, be best suited to the -purpose. The temperature of the climate is highly favorable, the -thermometer averaging, during the summer season, from 76° to 79° and -80°, and rarely falling below 54°. That great enemy to grapes, rain, is -not much to be dreaded; though it cannot be doubted, that in proportion -as vegetation should be increased by assiduous planting, and by -preserving due supplies of water for the upper levels, more dew and more -rain would fall: however, not to such excess as to ruin the vine-yards. - -Coffee has been found to thrive here; but I much doubt whether it would -be an object to cultivate that which is so abundant throughout the West -Indies, and which can be so amply supplied from countries, whence it -comes as a return for our own manufactures. - -The great, at least the primary, object should be to add to the -resources of the present inhabitants, and gradually to effect such an -excess of provision, of their own raising, as should allow of liberal -assistance being given to such ships as might touch at the island; -especially to vessels from the South Seas, whither numbers of our -whalers now resort, and to such as might, either intentionally, or -accidentally, miss the Cape. This may certainly be effected, by active -perseverance in a well arranged plan; the difficulties are really few, -and the means, of remedy certainly within our power. After maturely -weighing the _pros_ and _cons_, no doubt remains in my mind, that, in -the course of fifteen or twenty years, St. Helena would not only cease -to be a burthen on the parent state; but that it must be able to afford -a large portion of its produce to the accommodation of all shipping -visiting its roads. - -This island cannot boast of a harbour; nor are its Roads so extensive as -to admit a very numerous fleet, owing to the small extent of the bank on -which ships cast anchor; generally in from six to fifteen fathoms. After -the latter depth, the bank falls off so suddenly as to become -unfathomable, within a few hundred yards, rendering it necessary to lay -in, as close as the surf admits, probably about two cable’s length from -the beach. But it is not very easy to get so near in the first instance, -on account of a strong current that sets to the north, and the necessity -for being close hauled to meet the wind which comes down James’s Valley. -It is best to anchor any where about twelve fathoms, and, when the wind -lulls, to warp into a better berth. - -There is but one landing place, which lies to the left of a shallow -inflexion, forming a small bay opposite the sea-line; built nearly on a -level with the water, and mounting a very heavy battery, properly -equipped for heating shot, and always kept in readiness for service. Not -that it would be possible for an enemy to surprize the island, unless -the most shameful inattention might prevail in every quarter. All -vessels must approach on the south-east; where there are guards, and -telegraphs, whereby notice is given full four hours before the -northernmost point can be rounded. This, of course, alludes to the day; -but, so clear is the atmosphere in general, that even during the night a -ship would be discerned at many miles distance. - -After passing the southernmost points, it is necessary to keep well in -with the shore, which is every where composed of immense masses of rock, -without any inlet, or means of disembarkation; even if the tremendous -surf should not impede. Here the coast is guarded, or rather watched, by -various detachments, stationed at commanding points; where strong -batteries are mounted, and the means of communicating intelligence, in -the most rapid manner, at hand. - -The last battery to be passed, previous to casting anchor, is called -Munden’s, and stands immediately between the watering, or landing-place, -and a small bay, in which, it is recorded, that a landing was once -effected during the night: from my own observation, having often gone in -a boat to the edge of the surf at that part to fish, I should think it -by no means easy to get ashore in any manner, much more as an armed body -intending to capture the island. But, whatever may have been effected in -former times, that quarter seems now so well guarded as to leave no -cause for apprehension, of a surprize at least: nor does there appear -the smallest danger of a landing being effected at the watering place; -where a very small party might oppose the boats of a whole fleet. The -swell is here very great, rendering it a matter of some hazard when -jumping into, or out of, a boat; besides, only one boat can come to at a -time, in a position suitable to hostile purposes; and it is not to be -supposed, that the battery above, or that on the landing-place, or the -sea-line, or the works on Ladder Hill, would be silent upon such an -occasion. Certain destruction awaits every person who falls into the -water in this part; where the sharks are as numerous as they are -ravenous. The wall of the wharf is perpendicular, and built on a rock, -under which is a tremendous abyss. - -The whole of the northern part is composed of rocks naturally scarped in -a rugged manner, so as rather to hang over, than to retire from the sea; -rising every where from 800 to 2000 feet, and more. Yet, wonderful as it -may seem, with such force does the surf break on this leeward side of -the island, that the spray, or mist, may be seen constantly ascending, -like clouds of smoke, nearly to the summits of the mountains. The -residue of the coast is equally bold, and inaccessible; except at a part -called Sandy Bay, to the southward. There the shore is nearly flat for -some distance, but is interspersed with rocks, and guarded by reefs of -breakers, which project some distance, and totally obviate the means of -attack. If, however, a landing were to be effected, the guns kept in -readiness, in masked batteries on the surrounding heights, would soon -defeat the enemy’s purpose. - -On account of the difficulty of approach, the several ships take their -water in regular rotation, unless when a vessel is under despatch; in -which case her boats have the preference. The mode of receiving water is -certainly suited to the situation; but is very tedious. The butts being -carried in the long-boats to the edge of the wharf, are there filled by -means of leathern hoses, of which the ends severally attach to cocks on -the pipes that conduct the water to that part. With the upmost -assiduity, I should suppose that not more than forty or fifty butts -could be supplied to any one long-boat within the course of the day, -notwithstanding the shipping lies so close; but, by a regular succession -of boats, full 1000 butts might be received. - -After landing, the way leads under a very high hill on the left, to the -sea gate; within which is a barrier that secures the flank of the -sea-line, and defends the road into the town; it is terminated by a -gate, where the main guard is posted. - -The town is small, and by no means irregular; the houses very low, -generally consisting of two and three floors, in all which there are -abundance of windows, glazed with small panes, which, on the whole, are -not very sightly. The valley, in which James Town is situated, is very -narrow, and, in the hot season, extremely sultry. On the right is Ladder -Hill, where a very heavy battery is mounted, both of guns and mortars, -effectually commanding the road, and the valley, for a great distance. -This hill is so steep, that it is ascended only by means of traverses -cut out of its side, and enclosed with a parapet sufficient to prevent -accidents. The soil is, however, so replete with large loose stones, as -to occasion frequent mischiefs to the houses below; of which some have -been greatly damaged by the fall of rubbish from above. I imagine, that -the ascent, by the road, cannot measure less than a mile; and, that the -perpendicular height of Ladder Hill, above the level of the sea, must be -full 600 yards. - -Major Rennell states the various eminences to be as follow. - - Feet. - - Cuckold’s Point 2672 - - Halley’s Mount 2467 - - Flag Staff 2272 - - The Barn 2015 - - (Over-hanging the sea.) - The Alarm House (centrically situated) l960 - - High Knoll (where the Citadel stands, above Ladder 1903 - Hill) - - Longwood House (residence of the Deputy Governor) 1762 - -This very elevated part, namely, Ladder Hill, is nevertheless commanded -by several small batteries, judiciously situated, which, in their turn, -are subject to the fire of the works at High Knoll, built under the -auspices of Colonel Brooke, and under the immediate direction of Major -Smyth. This little fortification seems to be the _dernier resort_ of the -garrison, of which it might hold about two hundred in the several -bomb-proofs. It has a small arsenal, reservoir, magazine, a well of -immense depth, cut through the rock with great difficulty, and, -exclusive of its outworks, which are peculiarly compact, has a central -block-house, mounting several pieces of heavy ordnance. The site of this -citadel is shewn to be full 1960 feet above the level of the sea: the -highest peak in the island is about 2700; but it is too remote to have -any effect on the citadel. - -The force kept up at St. Helena is, nominally, a battalion of infantry, -and four companies of artillery; but I doubt whether, at any time, more -than 700 men could be mustered: that number is barely equal to the -defence of the several outposts, and to manning the sea-line, Ladder -Hill, and the citadel. It is, fortunately, a very healthy spot, and the -hospitals are rarely known to contain more than four men in the hundred. - -The surrounding ocean supplies abundance of fish; Mr. Brooke describes -no less than seventy-six kinds, though few are much esteemed. From the -stern of a ship, mackarel, of a small size, together with gar-fish, -plaice, a kind of cod, and a very fine species of gurnet, may be caught. -The best bait for these is a piece of raw albacore. Chance supplied us -with a very excellent stock of craw-fish: under the idea of catching -some small sharks, we made a net of spun-yarn, and slung it to a -butt-hoop. A few bones of salt beef were tied within for a bait. This we -lowered down at night, and occasionally drew up very gently to the -surface, the depth being about ten or eleven fathoms. We caught no -sharks, but frequently found two or three very fine craw-fishes, of that -sort called stumps. - -I will now proceed with the regular order of my design, and observe -that, if a ship is not to touch at the Cape outward bound, especially -when that port is in possession of an enemy, or that hostile cruisers -are known to infest the southern coast of Africa, it is not uncommon to -run down to the latitude of 38° or 40°, thereby to avoid those dangers, -and to get beyond the influence of the current, which sets to the -westward at the rate of full three miles per hour. Experience has -proved, that, by taking such a course, the voyage has been quicker than -when the land has been kept in sight. When the Cape is thus avoided, it -will probably be necessary to proceed by the inner passage to the island -of Johanna. This is supposed to be the best route that can be followed, -by such as are bound to Bombay; though the number of shoals, and of -rocks, scattered through the Mozambique Channel, which separates -Madagascar from the Main, subjects it to some disrepute. These are, in a -measure, counterbalanced during war time, by the danger attendant upon -an approach to the island of Mauritius; whence the French have always -fitted out a number of privateers, that have done inconceivable mischief -among our shipping in the Indian Seas. - -A few vessels touch at St. Augustine’s Bay, on the west coast of -Madagascar; but the treacherous disposition of the natives is a great -objection, and causes the generality to pass on to Johanna, which is the -only island of the Comora cluster we have been in the habit of visiting. -The strong current setting round its southern extremity, occasions -vessels to keep close to the shore as they approach Saddle Island, -which, at low water, is connected with Johanna by a ridge of sand, -whereon the Huntingdon Indiaman was lost about forty years back, in -attempting to pass, without going round Saddle Island; which derives its -name from the appearance it bears, when viewed at a certain distance. -The whole coast, from the southern point to the bay where the town is -situated, presents, with very little exception, a bold shore, divested -of those dangerous reefs which render Mohillah, and others of its -neighbours, difficult of access. The country is extremely mountainous; -in some parts abounding with cocoa and other trees: wild goats are very -numerous; but, being much in request among the natives, are very shy, -and, in general, retire to the most rugged eminences. To the left of the -town, about two miles distant, a long reef of black rocks encloses a -bay, of which the beach is covered with a fine sand, shelving very -gradually, and bearing a strong resemblance to that of Weymouth. - -The houses in the villages on the coast are rather mean, though -appertaining to persons who have ridiculously assumed European titles of -eminence. The island swarms with ‘Prince Ruperts,’ ‘Prince Eugenes,’ -Dukes, Marquises, and Lords, all of whom are mean and knavish to an -extreme. The common form of building consists of a long barn-like -apartment, entered by a low door in middle of its length, and having -another opposite thereto at the back, which leads to the most dirty -out-offices that can be imagined; wherein the culinary operations, &c. -are carried on. In the dwellings of those who admit lodgers, which may -be said to include half the town, the places for sleeping, for I cannot -call them bed-places, are raised, towards the two gable-ends, to the -height of full six feet; and, in some, are parted off by a curtain of -coarse chintz, or other cloth. These recesses are from three to five -feet in width, and may be ten or twelve feet long; according to the -breadth of the house. The ascent to them is formed by several very broad -stairs, ordinarily covered with matting made of cocoa-tree leaves, or, -in a few, with carpets. Each step is considered as accommodation for two -persons to repose upon, feet to feet: in most instances, however, the -steps are not long enough to allow more than one person to lie down. -This theatrical arrangement is by no means displeasing, nor is it -attended with so much inconvenience as would be the case were the whole -upon a level. The middle of the room is set apart for meals, usually -served on tables of a wretched construction; the guests sitting, as well -as they can, upon little stools, or eventually reclining on the matted -floor against the lower steps; which, by the by, is not only the most -comfortable, but, among the natives, is considered to be the most -decorous, mode. - -The inhabitants of this island, which lies in 12° south, and 45° east, -are chiefly descendants of some Arabs who settled here about two -centuries ago. Its name is, properly, _Hinzuan_, from which we have, by -a series of corruptions, contrived to affix the present designation. -Most of the inhabitants who are not of Arabian descent, are slaves, -purchased for a mere trifle at Madagascar and Mozambique, with which -places some intercourse is preserved; though the Johanna marine seems -but ill suited to crossing even that narrow sea, which separates it from -either Cape Ambro, or the opposite coast of Mozambique. The number of -vessels called war-boats, may amount to about twenty, each capable of -carrying two hundred men. These barks, which are entirely open, are -usually furnished with an immense number of paddles, and oars, which, -aided by a large square-sail, cause them to make good way through the -water. In such a temperate climate, where the wind always blows from the -south-west, and where, with the exception of those hurricanes peculiar, -to the higher latitudes, fair weather prevails during the whole year, -such a naval armament may prove adequate to the ordinary purposes of its -construction. - -All warfare with any of the neighbouring islands, is supported by -voluntary contributions; each person of consequence taking with him -provisions, and arms, for his respective adherents, or slaves. The -revenues are collected from about two hundred villages; but the three -principal towns are exempted from any contribution beyond the fortieth -part of their moveable property; which all, of whatever degree, pay -annually to the Mufti, or head of their church. - -The king resides at the large and populous village of Domoni, where his -whole train of artillery, consisting of a condemned six-pounder, is kept -in great state! The natives are, in some degree, conversant in the use -of small-arms; these, with cutlasses, spears of immense length, and bows -and arrows, (the latter chiefly pointed with fish-bone, or flint,) -compose their stock of military implements. Their coast being generally -so safe, little skill is required to bring a vessel into a safe berth; -but it is usual to take on board a pilot, who is known by the name of -‘Purser Jack.’ This copper-colored knave never fails to put off, so soon -as any vessel is seen on its way from Saddle Island, and to offer his -services, which are supposed to be well requited by a few dollars. - -It is worthy of remark, that, on account of the rapidity of the current, -which sets off to sea round the black rocks, and would infallibly -prevent any vessel from reaching an anchorage, all ships pass to the -southern extremity, near Saddle Island, and proceed with a fair wind -along the coast. But it is not safe to carry too much sail while under -the shore; as violent gusts come down between the mountains, in the most -abrupt manner. - -The population of Johanna must be rather considerable: perhaps it were -not too much to estimate it at ninety, or a hundred, thousands; -including all ranks and ages: the towns are large and extremely -populous. The Mahomedan religion prevails, though but very few sacred -edifices, worthy of notice, are to be found on the island; the principal -one, which does not seem to have cost any great sum, being a mosque, -built by Halimah, a queen from whom the present king is descended, -situated near the landing place, in the town of Matsamudo. Nevertheless -the priests are sufficiently numerous; and, as in most countries, enjoy -an excellent share of the earth’s produce. - -The areca-nut, which grows wild all over the island, but especially on -its borders, is here chewed with shell-lime, as practised throughout the -East: wild pine-apples, plantains, and the greatest variety of tropical -fruits, are scattered over mountains exhibiting a verdure of peculiar -richness, and presenting, on the aggregate, one of the richest scenes -imaginable. Not a horse is to be seen on the island; but plenty of -excellent cattle thrive uncommonly on the rich pastures of the vallies; -through most of which streams of the purest water, every where broken by -rocks, or gliding over shallow beds of gravelly sand, pursue their eager -course. It is rather peculiar, that, among other poultry, the Guinea -fowl should abound; thousands may be seen in a wild state, if it may be -so termed, when, by throwing a handful of grain at your feet, all will -instantly approach to participate of the bounty. - -Musquitoes are here exceedingly troublesome, and attack the plethoric -mariner with avidity. It is said, that no snakes, or other venomous -reptiles, are to be found at Johanna; but, in exchange for that -blessing, they are plentifully supplied with bugs. The only vehicle -known in the island consists of a machine, termed a palanquin; but which -is, in fact, nothing but a litter made of clumsy net-work on a rough -frame, and borne by four men, who each take an end of the two side-poles -of bamboo on their shoulder. This splendid piece of ingenuity is -appropriated solely to the conveyance of his majesty, and of such -nobles, and European, or Arabian visitors, as may obtain permission to -visit him at Domoni. - -Angling is little understood at Johanna, yet large quantities of good -fish are occasionally to be had. These are either taken by night lines, -or are speared by persons standing at the heads of canoes, who, with -wondrous dexterity, strike such fishes as approach the surface. This -practice, common throughout uncivilized countries, is in great -perfection among the Nicobar Islands. - -I make no doubt, that, if proper means were used, an excellent supply of -stumps might be obtained. What I have said on this subject, when -describing St. Helena, would, most probably, be found equally -efficacious in many other insulated situations, under warm parallels. On -the shoals which lie within the channel of Mozambique, immense numbers -of cowries, called by us ‘_Blackamoors’ teeth_,’ are dredged up: these -being current as money in most parts of India, are exchanged, together -with live oxen, for arms and ammunition, hatchets, knives, nails, &c. - -The oriental practice of dying the hands and feet red, by means of the -_hinna_, which here glows wild in the utmost luxuriance, prevails -throughout the island; especially among the females, who color their -lips and gums black, with a peculiar preparation, similar to the _missy_ -of Hindustan, in order to make their teeth _appear to advantage!_ -Although the men are extremely jealous, the women of the lower class are -allowed to walk the streets, provided they wear veils. We must not by -that word suppose that any particular part of their dress is so termed, -or separately made for that purpose: the only mode of concealing the -face consists in drawing the cloth, or sheet, which is thrown over the -head, so as to cause its meeting forward, leaving a very narrow opening -to enable the wearer to see her way. - -With respect to the mercantile operations of the Johanna people, I -cannot afford a clearer idea than attends the description given by Alwi, -a man of some consequence on the island, to Sir William Jones, who has -recorded it in the following words. He said, ‘His country was poor, and -produced few articles of trade; but if they could get money, they might -easily procure foreign commodities, and exchange them advantageously -with their neighbours in the islands, and on the continent. Thus, with a -little money,’ said he, ‘we purchase muskets, powder, ball, cutlasses, -knives, cloths, raw cotton, and other articles brought from Bombay; and -with these we trade to Madagascar for the natural produce of that -country, or for dollars, with which the French buy cattle, honey, -butter, and so forth, in that island. With gold, which we receive from -your ships, we can procure elephants’ teeth from the natives of -Mozambique; who barter them also for bars of iron, and ammunition; while -the Portuguese in that country give us various kinds of cloths, in -exchange for our commodities. These cloths we dispose of lucratively in -the three neighbouring islands; whence we bring rice, cattle, a kind of -bread-fruit, which grows in Comora, and slaves; which we buy also at -other places where we trade: all this traffic we carry on in our own -vessels.’ - -The foregoing should evince, that, under an effective government, for -the present may be deemed a mere toleration of royalty, the island of -Johanna might become important among its neighbours; and, so long as -European vessels should continue to touch there for refreshments, might, -carry on a brisk trade. Yet the total want of any thing like a harbour, -must inevitably prove a great drawback on its prosperity. While there, -our ship was driven by a sudden squall, issuing from between two immense -mountains, from her anchorage, though she had two anchors out, and rode -within a short half mile of the beach; and this, too, in remarkably -clear weather. - -The mode of killing whales in the Mozambique Channel, and by the -Africans all along their south-east coast, is extremely simple; it shews -how much may be effected by perseverance; and affords, indeed, an -admirable moral, together with no insignificant satire upon the great -expence to which Europeans, engaged in that pursuit, put themselves, -without becoming more certain of success. - -When a whale is seen within a moderate distance of the shore, basking, -as they often do for hours together, with little intermission, during -the heat of the day, the fishermen put off in their canoes, which are -excavated from large trees, and equipped with out-riggers on each side. -Generally, each canoe carries from four to six persons; but those which -are intended to approach the whale, give over their crew, with the -exception of one spearsman, and one paddler, to the other canoes. - -The paddler urges his canoe very gently, until within about eight or ten -yards of the whale; sidling up with extreme caution so as to be parallel -with its shoulders; this is done to avoid that lash of the tail which -the fish invariably gives, as he plunges downwards, on feeling the spear -enter his flesh. The weapons used on this occasion are about five feet -long, extremely elastic, and loaded at each end with iron or lead; -whereby not only the impetus is encreased, but the vibration, occasioned -by the opposite weights, causes the point, which is of iron, very acute -and barbed, to wriggle deeper into the flesh. Previous to striking, the -head of the canoe is turned towards the whale, and a slight retrocessive -motion is given; so that, at the very moment when the spear is -delivered, the paddler may, by a sudden exertion, pull further away, and -avoid the danger. It sometimes happens, that the spearsman is thrown -from his station into the water, by the sudden motion of the boat -opposed to his own action; being invariably expert swimmers, such an -accident is not in the least regarded. After sinking to a great depth, -the whale rises again to the surface, perhaps a mile off, where other -boats are waiting to repeat the attack; by a succession of which he is, -ordinarily in the space of an hour, so completely worn out, as to float -without the power of resistance, when a long spear, pushed through -between his ribs, speedily terminates the struggle. - -The whale being dead, all the canoes join their efforts to tow the -carcase towards the shore; where, upon some sandy part, a division is -made of the spoil; each of the crews cutting away with hatchets and -cutlasses, as much of the blubber as they can expend. The residue is -sold, or exchanged for other articles of consumption, dress, &c. to the -inhabitants of the neighbouring towns: the whale-bone is reserved for -sale to European traders; the ribs serve for the couples of houses, or -rather cabins; and the joints of the vertebræ, after being neatly -trimmed at the sides, and at one end, make very comfortable stools; of -which, however, the strong, rank scent, retained for many months, would -prove highly offensive to any but persons who consider the blubber, -after the oil has been fried, and pressed out, to be a delicate morceau! - -The operation of cutting away the adipose parts; which come off in -immense lumps, of from eight inches to a foot, or fifteen inches in -depth, is rather laborious; it is likewise attended with the danger of -attacks from an immense number of sharks, that instinctively follow the -carcase; and, so soon as it is hewn open, seize whatever falls from it -with the most ferocious avidity. Hence, the fishermen are obliged to be -extremely careful not to expose their limbs, by allowing them to dangle -in the water: such of the crews as fall overboard, are usually snapped -up by their greedy competitors; which, it is said, are known in these -parts to grow to the enormous length of thirty feet! - -It has often occurred to me, that, in lieu of casting loose the remains -of whales, after cutting away the blubber, as our fishermen usually do, -an immense quantity of ammonia might be extracted, were the skeletons to -be towed to the shore, and there to be applied to that purpose. Fuel is -rarely wanting, and there being invariably sufficient crews on board our -whale-ships, which cannot be always employed, it should seem that much -advantage might thus arise, with little or no expence: the price of -ammonia is very high, but if it could be lowered, immense quantities -would be consumed. It is to be remarked, that this valuable alkali has -not hitherto been put under that course of experiments to which it -certainly would be subjected, did the price not stand in the way of its -use on a large scale: the following qualities, as stated in the -invaluable Dispensary given to the public by Dr. Andrew Duncan, may -plead in apology for my digressing so far on a subject, not apparently -connected with my prospectus; but which, considered philosophically, is, -by no means, irrelevant thereto. - -Dr. Duncan states, that, ‘_ammonia_ does not dissolve animal substances; -it extinguishes flame; colors vegetable-blues green; is decomposed by -being transmitted through a red hot tube, and, by the electric spark, -into its constituent gases, and by oxygen, and atmosphoric air at a red -heat; by oxy-muriatic acid, it is converted into water and hydrogen-gas. -It is absorbed, without change, by porous bodies; it dissolves sulphur -and phosphorus; and combines readily with water, in all its states. -_Ammonia_ combines with the acids, forming neutral salts. It is formed -during the putrefactive fermentation; and is commonly classed among the -alkalies.’ My readers will see, at once, how wide a field is open for -speculation! - -After quitting Johanna, which is the only island, in that cluster, -whither European vessels ever intentionally resort, such as may be bound -to Bombay usually make the great peninsula somewhere about Anjengo, -pursuing their course up the western, or Malabar side; while those -proceeding to Coast and Bay, (_i.e._ Madras and Bengal,) endeavor to get -a sight of Dondra-Head, which determines both their latitude, and their -longitude; thence they pass round the eastern side of the island of -Ceylon, of which the shore is sufficiently bold to allow their keeping -within two or three miles of the land with perfect safety, in regard to -reefs or shoals; but this quarter being extremely subject to violent -gales, that come on rather suddenly, or, at least, without much notice, -and are known by the name of ‘white squalls,’ it is generally considered -most prudent to keep a good offing. These white squalls invariably take -place when the sky is free from clouds; but may sometimes be -distinguished, as they approach, by the white spray raised from the -water by the violence of the wind: so soon as that is discovered, all -the small sails should be taken in, and the ship rendered as compact -above as time may admit. The warning spray is too frequently unnoticed; -and, even when perceived, is, for the most part, too close at hand to -admit of much preparation. This insidious danger extends, more or less, -from the south end of Madagascar up to the latitude of Tranquebar, being -most prevalent to the southward of the Line, where the south-west trade -wind prevails at all times. - -The island of Ceylon has been adopted as a royal possession, in the -government of which the Company have no share whatever. The whole of the -civil establishment are appointed by the king; and the military receive -their commissions from the secretary at war, independent of the -Company’s chartered establishment. It generally happens, however, that -some of the Madras battalions are on duty in the island; which has -always been in a most perturbed state, especially since it came under -our dominion. It is rather unusual for the Company’s ships to touch -here, except when sent to Columbo with stores, or calling there on their -way home for cargoes and passengers. None but very small vessels can -pass between Ceylon and the Main, notwithstanding the great width of the -channel, on account of that immense reef, intermixed with shoals, -stretching across its northern part. This reef, called ‘Adam’s Bridge,’ -is supposed to be formed by the summits of mountains, that, by some -dreadful convulsion, were sunk below those waters, between which they -originally formed a stupendous isthmus, like that of Darien, connecting -Ceylon with the continent. - -Notwithstanding what has been said by many authors on the subject of -‘spicy gales,’ the expectation of meeting with perfumed breezes in this -quarter should not be too much encouraged. After coasting the whole -length, from Dondra-Head to Point Pedro, not one puff, conveying the -idea of proximate ambrosia, ever reached my nose. It must, at the same -time, be understood, that a certain terraceous scent, something like -that resulting from rain in dusty weather, generally prevails within a -certain distance of a windward shore; particularly where the country is -well wooded. - -After passing to the northward of Ceylon, the navigation becomes more -difficult; there being immense shoals stretching, in various directions, -all the way from Tranquebar up to the mouths of the Ganges. It is -generally opposite some short interval between these dangerous shallows, -that our principal settlements are situated. Thus, Tranquebar, -Pondicherry, Cuddalore, Negapatam, and some others, to the southward of -Madras, enjoy a partial benefit in that instance; but, to the northward, -our principal sea-ports are under very considerable disadvantages, -arising from the great distance at which all vessels, with the exception -of very small coasters, are obliged to lay out in an open road, subject -to the fury of storms, and to the depredations of privateers, which -seldom fail to take advantage of these localities, whenever the season -may allow them to visit our shores. - -The shallows may easily be distinguished at a considerable distance: -being composed of light, shifting sand, and acted upon by a strong -current, the water above them appears discolored; assuming a dun, or -yellow hue, sufficiently contrasted with the deeper parts, to enable the -eye at once to trace their respective limits. - -Madras Roads being exempt from shoals, for some miles on either side, -are entered without a pilot; ships in general anchoring off the fort, in -from six to ten fathoms; the bottom a firm sand. The surf is here, at -all times, rather high; but when a south-west, or westerly wind, -prevails, becomes so tremendous as to debar all communication with the -shipping. From the beginning of October to the middle of January, the -flag-staff is struck, as a signal to vessels that no insurance is -payable on account of such losses as may happen during that period, -which is held to be replete with danger. So great is the apprehension -entertained of the perils attendant upon a continuance on the Coromandel -coast during that monsoon, that even our ships of war retire from the -protection of such trade as may be carried on by adventurous -individuals, and seek an asylum in some well-sheltered port, such as -Trincomalee. - -Before we obtained possession of that admirable harbour, our fleets were -under the necessity of going round annually to Bombay; there they -employed their crews in putting the respective ships into complete -order, against the ensuing season; whatever vessels required substantial -repairs, being taken into dock. In the mean while, the enemy’s fleet -went to the Mauritius, which could be easily reached at any season; and -whence they could return full a month before our’s could get back from -the Malabar coast. The serious losses occasioned, both to the Company, -and to private traders, by such management, (which then appeared to be -inevitable, though not so in reality, since Bengal could have received -and repaired them,) rendered it a desideratum to obtain some port, not -far removed from our principal settlements. The fortune of war once put -us in possession of Trincomalee; but, somehow or other, it was re-taken: -as we have now command over the whole of Ceylon, it is to be hoped we -shall have the wit to keep it. - -The construction of keeled boats being, in many respects, unsuitable to -intercourse between the shipping and the shore, recourse is always had -to the common country boats, called ‘masoolahs;’ which, however rude -their formation may appear, are perfectly adequate to every purpose, and -convey both goods and passengers with general safety. - -These masoolah-boats may carry from forty to sixty tons; they are made -of plank, about two inches in thickness above, and three below, fastened -together by means of coir; that is, the fibres of cocoa-nut rinds, -passed through small holes pierced along the edges of the several -planks, all around each: these planks appear as though sewed together -with twine of the above description, and are fastened to battens and -sleepers, answering for ribs and floor timbers. At the bottom, planks -are laid in the opposite direction of these, which form the vessel, and -near the gun-whales, several thwarts are secured across; they passing -through the sides, and being firmly pinned in. There is no deck, and the -rudder consists of a large kind of oar, rigged out at the stern. - -At a little distance, the masoolah-boats look like rude imitations of -our coal-barges: they row from ten to sixteen oars, and when unladen -make more speed than persons accustomed to wherries, or to ships’ -pinnaces, would expect; getting through the surf, both coming and going, -with amazing facility: though sometimes, owing to letting them swing -round, instead of steering head-on, they fill, or overset: but this very -rarely happens; and the mere act of ‘swamping’, unless in the first, or -outward surf, is not attended with any imminent danger; the next wave -generally impelling the boat, and all that it contains, high (but not -_dry_,) upon the beach, where it is soon run up out of the water’s way. - -In order to encourage the boatmen to exert themselves towards saving any -Europeans who may be in danger, owing to a masoolah-boat’s upsetting in -the surf, the Company allow premiums, generally medals, to such as may -prove their title thereto. Several of the Company’s servants, and -others, owe their lives to the activity of these people, a few of whom -have been enabled to retire upon a very comfortable subsistence allowed -to them by those gentlemen they had rescued. It is much to be lamented, -that the Company have never been able to adopt the only efficient means -of breaking the surf for a few hundreds of yards; namely, by conical -caissons, forming an angle in front of the landing place. Nature has -done this for the Portugueze at Pernambuco, forming a bar of coral, at -the end of which is a battery: the sea at all times breaks with -tremendous violence upon the Bar, and sometimes, though very rarely, -dashes over the guns. The supposed objection will be, that, owing to the -great expanse of the coast of Coromandel, nothing could be made to -resist the force of the water. But, in answer to this, I must observe, -that Pernambuco is much more exposed than Madras, it being subject to -the force of the trade winds, blowing all the year round from the -south-west, across that immense, uninterrupted ocean lying between the -two continents of Africa and America, while a very strong current at the -same time sweeps round, and causes the surf to rise with full as much -violence as in any part of the East. At Pernambuco, vessels lie within -the bar, where the water is perfectly still, and deep enough for those -of four hundred tons to ride clear of the sandy bottom. At Madras, we -could scarcely expect to see so extensive a desideratum obtained, as -should afford shelter to the numerous ships of great burthen which -frequent its Roads; the expence would be enormous; otherwise, we should -be as well able to form such a barrier there, as the French were at -Cherburg. It may be said, that the inconvenience attached to the works -at the latter place, namely, a vast accumulation of sand, would follow: -that would by no means be likely to take place in so very strong a tide, -with deep water at hand; and if it should, might perhaps rather tend to -facilitate the measure, and to augment the strength of the defences. - -It is indispensably necessary, when going ashore at Madras, or in any -part where the surf runs high, to be well covered with a boat-cloak, or -some ample exterior clothing; for, even under the best management, and -during the most favorable weather, the spray will rise around the boat, -completely wetting whatever finery may be exposed to its action. Nor -must it be considered any way extraordinary, if a large portion of that -surf which propels the boat, should pour over her stern or quarters, so -as to drench the whole party! - -The masoolah-boats are, with great propriety, under the sole management -of the master-attendant, or the beach-master. None can put off without -licence; and no person can be admitted to serve on board who is not an -expert and bold swimmer. I believe, that instances of individuals of any -description being lost are extremely rare: such as are enumerated, took -place chiefly at the outer surf, (there being usually three following -waves to pass, or to accompany,) where the water is very deep, and where -immense numbers of ground-sharks are ever on the watch for what accident -may throw in their way. It may readily be supposed the shore is -tolerably bold, when it is explained, that our Indiamen, deeply laden, -have been several times necessitated to warp to the very edge of the -outer surf, in consequence of an enemy’s fleet having entered the Roads, -with the view to cut them out. - -So soon as a vessel is seen standing into the Roads, signals are -hoisted, which it is expected she should, if a man of war, or a -Company’s ship, be able to answer. On her approach to the anchorage, a -boat puts off, with a deputation from the beach-master, to enquire -whence she comes, as well as to take the purser, &c. ashore with the -despatches. In this first boat, a number of debashes are sure to arrive, -bringing with them various articles of provision, fruits, &c. as -presents to the captain and officers; whose favor each of them courts, -under the hope of being employed as the agent for the ship, or for the -supply of necessaries, and for providing lodgings for individuals. - -These debashes are generally men of property, and of some consequence -among the natives, owing to their having at times so many purchases to -make for those who arrive at Madras; but especially where the supplies -necessary for a whole ship, or sometimes for a whole fleet, are in -question. They all speak broken English, understanding far beyond what -they can express in our language; they are servile to an extreme, and -most completely trained in every money-making device. - -The provision brought on board usually consists of half-starved mutton, -buffalo-beef, which might safely be classed with carrion, some tolerable -fowls, with, eventually, a few ducks and geese, yams, biringals, -capsicums, and other vegetable productions. Fish abound in the Roads, -yet are rather scarce, and are very rarely brought on board: this is in -a measure owing to the greater number of fishermen being private -servants, who are obliged to supply their masters first. It is said, -that the water-serpents, which abound in the Roads, and may be seen, in -beautiful varieties, to rise, at all hours to the surface, destroy great -quantities of the smaller kinds: this I can easily suppose to be true; -but, having occasionally seen the catamarans returning from the offing, -with immense loads of the best sorts, it would be difficult to convince -me, that the scarcity of fish in the market, and on board the ships in -the Roads, does not proceed from either the want of industry, or of -regulation. - -Few people, taking all things into consideration, are more hospitable -than the Europeans residing at Madras: where deficiency in that respect -is supposed to exist, we may, by due consideration of peculiar -circumstances, relating to the person, or to the place, always find some -sufficient apology. Being so much frequented, and the number of European -gentlemen resident on the spot being comparatively trifling, it cannot -be expected they should keep open house, or indulge their friendly -dispositions in the exercise of unlimited kindness. In fact, the -expectations of those who visit Madras, on their way from Europe to -India, are, for the chief part, rather too sanguine: they have heard -much of Indian hospitality, and wonder at that disappointment which is -purely the offspring of their own unreasonable anticipations. I know not -of any situation where a letter of introduction is of more avail, or -indeed more necessary, than this: but such letter should be addressed to -some person resident at Madras; else it may be perfectly nugatory, in -consequence of the immense expanse over which the civil servants, as -well as the military, are scattered. A young gentleman taking out a -dozen letters, may, on his arrival, find them entirely useless, in -consequence of the parties being absent from the presidency. - -The passengers of every class are expected to reside on shore during the -ship’s detention in the Roads. Few, indeed, neglect to avail themselves -of the opportunity offered of seeing one of our principal fortresses, -and of observing the customs of a country so celebrated in history, and -forming so essential a branch of the British Empire. If an introduction -is obtained, by any means, the usual result will be an invitation to -reside with the gentleman if he keeps house; otherwise, every attention -will be paid in seeing the stranger accommodated, at the best house of -that description which admits boarders; and which are commonly called -‘Punch-Houses.’ This designation doubtless arose from the habits of -those who first settled in India, and who, finding spirits, sugar, and -limes, (a small species of lemon,) every where abundant, indulged in -copious draughts of punch. That beverage is now completely obsolete, -unless among sea-faring persons, who rarely fail to experience its -deleterious effects. In all sea-ports, taverns, or punch-houses, are -more frequented than in places where shipping lie in some distant road, -or harbour. This occasions them to be more respectable in the opinions -of those who keep them, but nothing could reconcile a gentleman, long -resident in the country, to seek an accommodation among them: it would -imply a total want of respectable connexions: and, in itself, appear -sufficient cause for avoiding his acquaintance: so different are the -customs of different places! - -Totally ignorant of the language, and without any guide, it is not to be -wondered that so many impositions are practised on our countrymen on -their arrival in India. A debash of the lowest order, and of the most -crafty disposition, perfectly experienced in all the ordinary -requisitions of Europeans, and prompt to gratify their desires so long -as profit attends the speculation, is ever at the elbow of the novice, -serving as banker, purveyor, pimp, and interpreter. What more can be -requisite to ruin an helpless, inconsiderate youth? - -Most of the gentlemen in the Company’s service reside in the fort, or at -houses a few miles off, in the country, or at St. Thomas’s Mount, about -six miles from Madras, where the Artillery are usually quartered, -together with the troops destined to defend the works in case of attack. -The incursions to which the Carnatic was formerly exposed, during the -times of Hyder, and of Tippoo, rendered it expedient to fortify the -Black-Town; which is very extensive, and contains the houses of many -highly respectable European merchants, chiefly British and Portugueze, -together with the entire property of the richer natives of rank and -consequence. I cannot say the Black-Town is an enviable site for -residence; but the situation, being subject to the land and sea breezes, -the latter of which are as refreshing as the former are debilitating, -reconcile the older inhabitants to many inconveniences, among which, -smoke is by no means the least obnoxious. The musquitoes are here -tolerably numerous, as are also rats of all sizes, cock-roaches, and -scorpions: the latter grow to an immense size, and are peculiarly -venomous. That most loathsome companion, the bug, is to be found here in -such swarms, that it is by no means uncommon to see them crawling about -at all hours, and in all places. - -St. Thomas’s Mount is certainly the more pleasant station and may be -fairly put in competition with any of those rural retreats, called -‘Garden-Houses,’ scattered every where in the vicinity of the capital: -at these, many families reside all the year round; the gentlemen who -have offices to attend, being conveyed thereto in the mornings, either -in palanquins, or in their carriages; the climate by no means favoring -much exercise on horse-back. - -Except at that season when the flag-staff is struck, Madras Roads are, -in general, much resorted to by shipping. Being the seat of government -on the Coromandel coast, it necessarily has become the emporium of that -side of the peninsula. Most of the China ships touch there, and very few -of those proceeding to Bengal omit to call; especially when war either -prevails, or is expected to break out. It is much to be lamented, that -no means have yet been devised, nor, indeed, appear easily practicable, -of rendering the Roads safe against the attack of an enemy. The fort -certainly could repel any attempt to land within the reach of its -cannon; but there does not appear any possibility of preventing an -enterprising enemy from causing all the shipping, either to surrender, -or to run ashore. Perhaps hulks might be so stationed, as to become very -efficient in the defence of whatever shipping might remain beyond the -surfs. One or two old 64 gun ships properly prepared against boarding, -might, at all times, suffice, if moored with chains in proper -situations, under cover of the batteries. - -It being indispensable that every person should be conversant with the -several coins, or currency, in which payments are made, or accounts -kept, I recommend to my readers to make themselves acquainted with the -tables of coins, weights, and measures, in use at Madras: observing, -that, throughout the dependant provinces, an endless variety in the two -last are to be found; and that, consequently, all dealings must be -regulated in proportion to the encreased, or diminished, variations, -wherever situated. The ‘EAST INDIA DIRECTORY’ will be found to contain -whatever may relate to this subject, including the three presidencies. - -Conceiving, that, with few exceptions, the customs of many classes among -the natives of Bengal, assimilate greatly with those of the population -on the coast, I shall now pass on to the ordinary occurrences attendant -upon the arrival of a ship off the Sand-Heads, in the Bay of Balasore. -It has been already stated, that the voyage from Madras to Bengal will -depend, in regard to duration, entirely upon the season. If the -southerly monsoon prevails, Point Palmiras, which is at the southern -boundary of Balasore Roads, may be made in from three to seven days: -during the northerly monsoon, it is usual, experience having confirmed -what accident probably first suggested, to stretch over to the opposite -side of the bay upon a wind, and then to run obliquely across on the -other tack, so as to arrive in soundings of the mouth of the Hooghly, -where the tides will speedily convey a vessel up to any place on the -river, notwithstanding the wind’s direction. During the passage, under -the former prevalence, the land is not, in general, seen until the water -becomes obviously discolored with sand. In the first instance, the -course is made directly from Madras Roads, to gain a good offing, -whereby the dangerous shoals of Pulicat, about five miles north of -Madras, may be avoided: the land all along the coast being invariably -low, and the shallows projecting, in some places, full ten miles -seaward, it is prudent to keep rather towards the middle of the bay, -and, from a N.N.E. course, to change latterly to a N.N.W; rounding in, -when the latitude directs, until Point Palmiras may be from four to six -leagues distant. - -It is of infinite importance to be correct in making that point, which -is best regulated by a perfect knowledge of the latitude, there being a -promontory very similar thereto, thence designated ‘False Point’; by -mistaking which many vessels have been lost. When in sight of Point -Palmiras, it is usual to await the arrival of some pilot-vessel, of -which one or more are always on the look-out below the Sand-Heads, and -to proceed into the river under her guidance. The capture of several of -those vessels having occurred within these few years, in consequence of -French privateers anchoring, as though in want of pilots, thus taking -advantage, in the most infamous and unprincipled manner, of an -institution, that ought ever to be held sacred, has given occasion for -many precautions, which must inevitably be attended with inconvenience, -and even danger, on particular occasions. In lieu of proceeding boldly -towards vessels anchored at the usual _ne plus ultra_, the pilots now -draw off towards the channels, allowing the ships to follow at some -distance, and refraining from sending a boat on board, until, by their -knowledge of the soundings, the schooners may be placed out of danger. -If all should prove right, which is soon ascertained by the signals made -by the mate sent on board the ship to be piloted, the schooners may then -proceed with confidence; but if any suspicion should remain, an alarm -would instantly be given; and, if possible, the enemy be decoyed among -those dreadful shoals, where, being once entangled, he must fall an easy -prey to such force as might be sent against him. - -There are various channels by which a ship may proceed to the harbour of -Kedgeree, situated many miles up the river, but those most frequented, -especially by such as import, are the middle, and left channels, which -have, however, barely three fathoms and a half at low water; -consequently, ships of burthen are commonly brought to anchor, in such -positions as may allow their taking advantage of the best part of the -tide for passing the shallows: nevertheless, the sand is ploughed up, by -the action of a ship’s passage over them, in such manner as would lead -one, at first sight, to conclude she were touching the ground, when -perhaps her keel is many feet above it. During daylight, the -pilot-schooner makes few signals, but, after night-fall, on every heave -of the lead, she communicates, by means of _maroons_, (which are -flambeaux of an immense size, alternately exhibited and concealed in a -large tub,) the exact soundings in which she is proceeding. No greater -care can possibly be taken, than in the Company’s pilot-service, to -conduct ships in safety: exclusive of character, there is much at stake; -for no pilot who loses one of the Company’s ships, is retained on the -list: he is, _ipso facto_, dismissed. This regulation, which, no doubt, -may, in a few cases, press hard on very meritorious individuals, must be -considered one of the most important props of the institution, among -persons who may have habitually indulged in the use of spirituous -liquors to a dangerous excess. I knew some of the pilots who were -perfectly sensible of their failings, and could not be induced, either -by temptation, or entreaty, to taste of any beverage stronger than water -or country-beer, until they had seen their charges moored in safety. -That being done—good bye to forbearance! - -It is not a little wonderful, that men who have the power to overrule a -dangerous propensity, merely when their professional characters are at -stake, should at every other moment throw aside that curb, which, if -duly maintained, would preserve their health, and render them far more -acceptable members of society! - -The country all along the sea-coast, on both sides of the river’s mouth, -being extremely low, and there being no hills of sufficient altitude to -be distinguished at sea, especially on the right bank, very little -gratification is offered to the eye by the surrounding scenery. The -shelving beach, on either hand, is overgrown, in most parts, with trees -rarely exceeding twenty feet in height, whose stems are surrounded with -under-wood, or grass jungle, in which abundance of deer are to be found. -The pursuit of sport must, however, be invariably desisted from, on -account of the immense numbers of tigers which occupy the same covers. -It rarely happens that a party land for the purpose of shooting deer, or -wild hogs, (which are equally abundant,) without meeting with some -accident; or, at least, being frightened so as to produce the most -salutary forbearance. About twenty-five years ago, a son of the late Sir -Hector Monro was carried off by a tiger from among his comrades, who had -seated themselves round a large fire, made to obviate the apprehended -danger, while they awaited the arrival of a boat that was to convey them -back to their ship. - -All the way, from Balasore up to Kedgeree, the prospect, if we except -those agreeable sensations arising from the display of vegetation, and -from arriving at the ultimate thule of destination, rather wearies than -pleases: nothing is to be seen but a series of wilderness, perhaps here -and there enclosing a few huts, or, in the broken intervals, displaying -some insignificant village, of which the inhabitants are as poor as they -are idle. No public edifice; no gay villas; no busy hum of men; no -crowded wharfs! In fact, I scarcely know a spot more dreary than the -debouché of the Hooghly, for at least thirty miles; or until arrival at -Diamond Harbour. - -It is usual for the pilot-schooner to return to the Roads, in search of -other importations, unless her tour may be over; in which instance, she -proceeds up to Calcutta; leaving a person on board, lest the vessel -should drag her anchors, and to prevent her getting into foul ground. -The purser, for the most part, avails himself of the attendance of the -_chokey-boats_, which are always plying about the mouth of the rivers -for the express purpose of receiving packets. In favorable seasons, -these boats have been known to reach Calcutta, distant full sixty miles, -in one tide. If a schooner should be proceeding up the river, there -should be no hesitation in embarking in her: no equal accommodation can, -in general, be had: the whole risk, trouble, and delay, attendant upon -making a passage in any of the common country boats, are at once -annihilated. The pilot may possibly expect some return for his good -offices; but, if he likes his company, will, in all probability, set -them ashore at Calcutta free of all expence. - -I should not envy the purser his trip in a chokey-boat, with no other -than a very small semi-circular covering of mats, under which it is -impossible to sit upright, except exactly under its centre. In -tempestuous seasons, and such are generally the periods in which the -Indiamen arrive, there is often a high swell between Kedgeree and Fulta, -the river being in some parts from three to six miles across, and -running to the southward, from which quarter the wind blows very -forcibly for five months at least. Therefore, although so very few -accidents happen, it cannot be considered as a safe voyage between the -ship and the capital. The chokey-boats are all under the -master-attendant, and bear the Company’s colors, on a small staff, or, -at times, at the head of the mast, made of a single bamboo, nearly as -long as the boat; which ordinarily rows ten or twelve oars. Being of a -light construction, and divested of all superfluous apparatus, the -chokey-boats proceed at a prodigious rate; and, on emergency, even when -opposed by the tide, can gain from two to six miles hourly; according as -they may be able to row along the slack water; to pole up against the -more rapid streams; or to track up, when both wind and tide are strongly -adverse. - -When relatives, or particular friends, are on board any ship whose -arrival is expected, it is customary to send a stout pinnace-budgrow to -meet her at Kedgeree, there to receive the persons for whose -accommodation it was provided. When this act of kindness takes place, -all the necessary provision, a bed, table, chairs, &c. are put on board, -together with a proper number of servants of such description as are -generally needful on the water. Few who have any feeling for their -noviciate companions on board, especially those who have been in India, -quit the ship without taking with them as many as the pinnace can, -without distressing all, receive. This wind-fall does not happen every -day; though few ships return to India without conveying one or more old -standards, either civil or military: but it is not always that notice -can be received of a ship’s being about to import; and when such notice -has been received, it is not always thought of, or perhaps practicable, -to send a pinnace to receive an old friend. - -Persons in a delicate state of health should, if possible, wait till -some safe and comfortable conveyance can be obtained. The most certain -mode is, to commission the purser to hire a vessel the moment he reaches -Calcutta, and to send her off under charge of some servant, who should -see that no delay were made by the boatmen; which, if paid by the day, -would inevitably follow. The misfortune is, that very few can endure to -be confined so much longer on board, and often impatiently reject such a -proposition: here we may expect to find that the greatest haste makes -the worst speed; at the same time that the expences are encreased -greatly, while the accommodations are deteriorated in exact ratio. - -Now and then, an adventurous manjee, (or boat-master,) who knows how to -make a good bargain, will linger about Diamond Harbour, or lay up in -Culpee Creek, with the intent of going down, wind and tide permitting, -to the first ship which may arrive from Europe. Such men are certain of -a good fare, it being very common to give from fifty rupees (about six -guineas) to one hundred (about twelve guineas) for the trip. Such an -opportunity, however extravagant the terms may appear, ought not to be -lost; it being a great chance whether a second vessel of the same -description may proceed to the ship. As to small boats, rowing four or -six oars, and having either a thatched cabin, or a semi-circular awning -of mats, several of them may come along-side; but they will not be found -to yield the smallest accommodation beyond shelter from the sun; while -their manjees will not fail to take every advantage of whatever -distress, or difficulty, the passenger may labor under. - -It would not be just to infer, from what I have said, respecting the -readiness with which the boatmen avail themselves of the necessities of -persons desirous to leave a ship, that they are particularly covetous, -or prone to imposition: we need only look at home, where we shall find -that no mercy is shewn to such unfortunate persons as become the prey of -our watermen, along the whole extent of our coast. See with what -hard-hearted, callous apathy, the boatman views the distress of the -unthinking youth, who, either by neglect, or by accident, remains on -shore after the boats that frequent his own ship, then under weigh, have -put off! What prayers, or arguments, short of those issuing from the -purse, can urge him to relieve the anxiety of him, whose whole hope, -whose only resource, lies in that voyage for which every preparation has -been made, and for which expences, often nearly ruinous to friends and -connections, have been defrayed! I speak not of those who are in a hurry -to quit their ships, before coming to an anchor; if they will have their -way, they must pay for such intemperate haste; it is an expence they -have the option of avoiding. - -Really, when we come to a fair computation of the risks attendant upon -taking a vessel, built expressly for accommodation, and not intended to -meet the rude surges of, what may be called, an arm of the sea; that -from twelve to eighteen men are engaged; that much time is lost in -waiting arrivals; that full sixty miles are to be passed over; and that, -perhaps, four or five gentlemen, with all their luggage that may be at -hand, are conveyed; I say, when all this is considered, although we -certainly, from habit of having things cheaper in India, may deem even -the fifty rupees exorbitant, yet there appears far less reason to find -fault with the extortion of the Indian than there is to condemn the -cruel rapacity of the English boatman! - -Whatever may be the rate at which the boat, supposing it to be a -pinnace-budgrow, is engaged, no apparatus of any description should be -expected; for none will be found. There will usually be an open veranda -in the front, having three or four steps to descend from the deck -thereto; it being on the same level with the front, or dining room. The -after-room narrows considerably towards the stern; and, on account of -the vessel’s form, its floor is usually raised one or two steps; this is -the sleeping apartment: at the stern is a small slip, serving for a -quarter-gallery: The roofs of these boats are usually flat; and some -have side-rails above to prevent luggage, or those who sleep there, from -falling overboard. The sides are furnished, for their whole length, with -Venetian blinds, in frames which lift up by means of hinges at their -tops; and a long curtain, made either of tarpaulin, or of painted, or of -white canvas, is nailed on the outside; letting down at pleasure, to -keep out wind, rain, dust, &c. The baling-place is ordinarily about the -centre of the front room; that being the deepest part of the boat’s -bottom. Baggage may be put under the deck; but that part is generally -occupied by the dandies, (or rowers,) if permitted to sleep there; or -perhaps the manjee may think it worth his while to make it a trading -voyage and lay in salt, rice, &c. to be disposed of to advantage on his -arrival at the presidency. - -From this concise detail it will be seen, that some penance must be -undergone, even in this kind of boat, and supposing it to be perfectly -fitted up with the above defences against bad weather: but such will -rarely turn out to be the case. The sea-cot is now of singular use; its -hooks being withdrawn from the ship’s beams, and inserted in those of -the budgrow. Those who had standing bed-places, must spread their -mattresses, &c. on the floor: all must sit upon their trunks, or -whatever may be at hand; and every little article of convenience brought -from the ship will become useful. Candles, candle-sticks, tin-ware, -glasses, &c. are now invaluable. As to table-cloths, there being no -table, they may be cheerfully dispensed with; as may also knives and -forks, there being no plates; it being probable that curry and rice, -prepared by the boatmen, will form the bill of fare. Those who are fond -of savoury dishes, may, in this instance, gratify themselves with a -repast in high estimation among the gentlemen of India: viz. a dandy’s -curry; but I fear, that those who have been in the habit of eating made -dishes, at a distance from the culinary operations, may not altogether -relish the manner of preparation, nor be invariably pleased with the -appearance of the cook; whose habiliments will probably consist of a -cloth wrapped round his waist, then passed between his thighs, and a -small cap, if the party be a Mussulman; if a Hindu, the entire dress may -be composed of a small cord tied round his waist for the purpose of -supporting a narrow piece of cloth passed between his thighs thus barely -answering the purpose of a fig-leaf. Herpetic eruptions, in large -patches, all over the back, breast and arms, together with obvious -symptoms of a more troublesome cutaneous complaint, about the fingers, -&c. are by no means rare, yet never disqualify the scratching sufferer -from officiating as cook to the crew! Were such _trifles_ to be -objectionable, it might be somewhat difficult to get a dinner dressed. - -It being utterly impracticable to row a budgrow against the tide, which -ordinarily runs from three to six miles in the hour, and many -difficulties presenting themselves to render it by no means easy to -track along the shore, especially where the mud-banks shelve out a great -way, the manjee will probably come to near some village, or in some -creek, during the ebb; and, as it rarely happens that the first of the -flood is taken, particularly during the night time, in all probability -the best part of three days will be expended between Kedgeree and -Calcutta. If a few bottles of wine, a small quantity of biscuit, a piece -of beef, or of pork, and a pack of cards, have been supplied from the -ship, so much the more agreeably will the time be passed; but I cannot -forbear from observing, that intemperance at this time rarely fails to -bring on fevers, such as baffle the art of man. Those who heat their -blood on first entering the country, whether by drinking, or by exposure -to the sun, become subject to diseases of the liver which are too often -incurable, and finally, though after some years perhaps, drag their -lingering victim to the grave. With respect to bathing, it is not only -insalubrious, as practised by persons who have not proper apparatus at -hand, but highly dangerous, on account of the incredible numbers of -alligators and sharks, which infest not only the great river, but every -little creek, and puddle, within reach of the tide. - -The manjee generally endeavors to reach Culpee, Fultah, or Diamond -Harbour, with the first tide: at either of those places many articles of -provision may be had, and there will be found some persons who can speak -a little English. These will invariably do all in their power to -encourage the purchase of many things of no use whatever, but which -become perquisites to the manjee, on his passengers quitting the vessel. -Abundance of poultry may be seen; but, with the exception of a curry, -there will no method of dressing them; unless accidentally some person -be on board, in whatever capacity, who can trim a fowl, and roast it. If -fish are to be had, they will come under the same difficulty; so that, -like Sancho, in the midst of plenty, a man may be next to starving, if -he cannot make up his mind to partake of the dandies’ curry. - -It is proper to caution against eating much fruit, though it may be -perfectly ripe: unseasonable avidity in this way has proved fatal to -many on their arrival. A few bananas will not incommode; but the -cocoa-nut, however pleasant and refreshing it may be, should be partaken -of very sparingly; it being extremely apt to affect the bowels, as is -also the jack. - -Those who have never had an opportunity of seeing the fire-fly, will be -agreeably surprized at the millions of those little luminaries, which at -night bespangle every bush: displaying themselves in the most vivid -manner. The hind parts of these insects, which may be about the size of -common house-flies, are replete with a brilliant substance, similar to -that contained in the glow-worm, and, like it, equally innocent. It is -extremely curious, that, in many parts of the ocean, immense shoals of -the luminous sea-maggot, each about the size of a man’s finger, should -be seen at nights, causing the water to assume a phosphoric appearance. -In sailing through these living shoals, abundance may be drawn up in -buckets; while, at the same time, innumerable fishes of prey may be -heard, or seen, rushing among them, and, no doubt, making many a hearty -meal. The great distance from all land at which these shoals are to be -found, must cause us to wonder at their origin, and at their future -purposes; for we can scarcely suppose them to be derived from -terrestrial parents; nor is it very easy to reconcile to ourselves, that -they change into fishes of any kind. It should rather seem that -all-bountiful Providence has created them for the sole purpose of -affording sustenance to those fishes, which, in consequence of their -remaining, perhaps altogether, remote from every shore, would, but for -these _larvæ_, (as we must, for want of knowing better, call them,) be -unable to subsist. - -Persons arriving from Europe, rarely have any but British coins; in the -disbursing of which many impositions will be practised. The best mode is -to tender the whole, without delay, to some of the English agency -houses, who will readily pay their full value; it being often a matter -of difficulty to obtain a few guineas for their friends who may be about -to embark, without paying an exorbitant sum to the _shroff’s_, or native -bankers, who can acquire them only from such persons as import with the -Indiamen, and are rarely acquainted with their real value. - -Accounts are generally kept in current rupees, which are considered, -(though in themselves nominal, there being no such coin,) the standard -to which all other denominations of money should be reduced: this is, in -fact, the application of one term, whereby all others are to be -appreciated. It is often found useful to have a second column, in every -folio, wherein to note the corresponding amounts in sicca rupees, they -being in general use. The infinite variety, both of gold mohurs, and of -rupees, renders it highly necessary for the young adventurer to be -careful, lest he should receive such as are of inferior value; a trick -extremely common among servants, as well as _shroffs_, _sircars_, and -shop-keepers; all of whom will exercise their cunning to obtain the -smallest advantage, and derive peculiar satisfaction from involving the -matter in as much confusion as possible. - -The Calcutta seer is fixed at eighty sicca rupees weight; the factors’ -maund, of the same place, amounts to one-tenth less, on account of its -having but seventy-two siccas to its seer. In the upper provinces, even -the neighbouring villages often vary to a great extent; some seers being -only sixty-four pice, while others are ninety-six; the pice and the -sicca rupee being nearly of a weight. Nor is the value of a pice, which -is a copper coin, less uncertain; on some days they are at sixty to a -rupee, at other times, as high as sixty-five or sixty-six; just as may -happen to suit the _shroffs_, who, by this fluctuation, create a kind of -stock-jobbing traffic; whereby they rob the public as much, and as -often, as they please; no one interfering to control this nefarious and -unparalleled insolence! - -The following varieties regarding the _guz_ should be understood; they -being what formerly were in use, and upon which many details of ancient -occurrences and measurements depend. - -The _guz-soudah_, 24⅔ of a finger, as measured by Haroon Resheed from -the hand of one of his slaves. This was the basis of the nilometer, and -of the yard for measuring cloths. The _guz-me-sahet_ measured -twenty-eight fingers, and that of Humaion thirty-two: the latter was -used by order of Sheer Khan, and Selim Khan, for the measurement of -cultivated lands. Akber also allowed a _guz_ of forty-six fingers to be -used for cloth only, and one measuring forty-two _isecunderees_, (small -coins of base silver,) to be used for other purposes. This is called the -_secundry-guz_. A _coss_ is generally accepted at two English miles, and -will, for the most part, be found to come within a mere trifle of that -measurement. In some places, they reckon by the _puckah_, or long coss; -in others, by the _ghow-coss_, which alludes to that distance the lowing -of cattle may be heard: this is also called the _cutcha-coss_; meaning -imperfect, or short. The fact is, that the length of a coss is perfectly -undefined by any proper standard, or explanation. What else, indeed, can -be expected in a country where there are neither public roads, nor inns, -public conveyances, nor even mile stones, or directing posts, on the -most practised routes. - -Among other salutary and useful, but unfortunately temporary, -regulations, the Emperor Akber fixed the coss at 5000 guz, equal to 4757 -yards, or two miles, five furlongs, of our standard. Shah Jehan -afterwards encreased it, by the addition of one furlong; but both their -measurements gradually fell into disuse, and the old nominal coss of -Hindostan again came into vogue. Including all the variations, however, -in what are called puckah-cosses there appear less anomalies than might -be expected in a range of 1700 miles, throughout which no determinate -law, on that subject, obtains. Computing by horizontal measurements, -between places whose distances are accurately known, it appears that the -coss may be taken at a mile and nine-tenths: in this, one mile in seven -is thrown into the computation, to account against the winding of roads. -In the Malwa country, the cosses are about an eighth longer than in the -Company’s dominions towards that quarter; while, in the vicinity of -Masulipatam they are in the same proportion shorter. The goondy coss of -the Nagpore district, is about three miles. Perhaps the most absurd mode -of ascertaining the length of a coss, which, by the by, must be a very -short one, and, according to the statement of Abu Fazil, was practised -among the Hindus, depended on ‘One thousand steps taken by a woman -bearing a child’ (of what age is not specified) ‘in her arms, and a jar -of water’, (also indefinite as to bulk,) ‘on her head!’ Again, ‘the -distance a man could go, at a quick pace, without being out of breath’, -was accounted a coss! Others determined that measurement by ‘plucking a -green leaf, and bearing it on their heads until it became dry!’ - -The most rational, and simple mode of adjustment, appears to be that -ordered by Sheer Khan, viz. sixty _jereebs_ of sixty _guz_ each. This -would be about 3500 yards; being only twenty less than two statute -miles. Whenever the emperor marched with his armies, persons were -appointed to measure his route, by means of bamboos cut to the length of -twelve and a half _ilahi-guz_; four hundred bamboos being accounted a -coss; which, as already specified, amounted to two miles and five -furlongs. - -The land-measure in use among the Europeans of Calcutta, is thus -arranged. - - 20 feet by 20, equal to 400 square feet make 1 _cottah_, - - 20 cottahs 1 _beegah_ or - _bigah_ - -The natives are more particular in their divisions of the beegah, they -average its parts in the following manner. - - 30 square feet make 1 _chattack_, - - 16 chattacks 1 _cottah_ or - _biswah_, - - 20 cottahs, or biswahs, (_i.e._ twentieths) 1 _beegah_ or - _bigah_. - -Among the peasantry, other beegahs are in use, viz. one which has an -area of 3600 _ilahi-guz_, equal to 3025 square yards; but, in general, -the _dessy-bigah_ of only 1600 square yards, prevails. This _ilahi-guz_ -is divided into twenty-four tesuj, each of which, in the long _guz_ -should be equal to the breadth of eight ordinary barley corns; but in -the short _guz_, only of six. The former was used in great works; the -latter in small ones, such as manufactures, &c. - -All goods being landed under the inspection of custom-house officers, -the passenger will have little opportunity of interfering in regard to -his baggage, or merchandize. Nor should I recommend his attempting, -personally, to transact any business before he may have delivered his -letters of credit, or of introduction. That should be his first step; -both because it will be the means of managing all his concerns with -facility, and, probably, of being comfortably situated, without having -occasion to resort to a tavern. - -Here I deem it an indispensable duty, to warn the young adventurer not -to dissipate his money, ruin his health, and injure his reputation, by -frequenting taverns. In England, where persons who do not keep house -must occasionally sit down to a meal in public, custom has not only -connived at, but sanctioned, the resort to coffee-houses, &c. With us, -these afford convenience to thousands, who could never provide so -comfortably at home, at the same expence. The coffee-houses in Europe -may likewise be considered as the rendezvous of persons in the same line -of business, and offering the opportunity for adjusting a thousand -matters, which, either owing to remote residence, or to the pressure of -other concerns, could not else be brought to immediate conclusion. - -The taverns in India are upon a very different plan: they are either of -the first rate, at which public dinners are occasionally given; or they -are of that mean description which receive all who have a rupee to -spend, under the determination of extracting that rupee, in some shape -or other. The former class is very confined in numbers, but the latter -are abundantly numerous, and may be readily distinguished by the -promiscuous company, the shabbiness of the treatment, and the excess of -imposition practised, especially on novices. It is extremely easy to -avoid the necessity for running into the mouths of these leviathans: all -that is requisite, being merely to call at the first office, or shop, -and to enquire for the residence of the gentleman to whom the letter of -introduction may be addressed. No ceremony should be used in explaining -the circumstances, and in soliciting the aid of a servant to lead the -way. I never yet heard of a want of civility on such occasions. - -In speaking thus confidently regarding a letter of introduction, I am -pre-supposing, that the case alludes to a person not appointed to the -service of the Company: for I cannot conceive what could induce any man -of respectability to visit India, without some substantial -recommendation, or, indeed, unless under some agreement, or sufficient -assurance of being employed in such manner as might tend to certain -advantage. Nothing can be more forlorn than the situation of a mere -adventurer, on his arrival in India! With money in his pocket, he may -assuredly subsist; but, without some friend to introduce him into -society, he may remain for years without being noticed; for, throughout -the East, and especially at the several presidencies, he who knows -nobody, him will nobody know! Residence at a tavern, is, in itself, a -perfect disqualification among persons of repute; as implying either an -addiction to liquor, or a predilection for low company. - -In saying this, I must not be understood as denying, that some worthy -characters have been rescued from perpetual degradation, by accidental -intercourse with persons of peculiar sensibility: but such nice -feelings, and that unqualified liberality, which may have been -occasionally discovered in a few individuals, are rarely united; and, -when they are, it too often happens that the power to render them -effectively beneficial is altogether wanting. A man may be thoroughly -convinced of the worthiness of his protegé, but it will not always -follow that society will join him in opinion. In considering the state -of society in India, this will be evident: its being strongly inculcated -will prove serviceable to many, who may have mis-conceived the subject -in general: or who may have been led, by a too sanguine disposition, to -deem the whole toil, risk, and solicitude as being over, so soon as -their feet can rest on the terra firma of Hindostan. - -The ordinary mode in which an European is attacked, on his first arrival -at Calcutta, is by the tender of a bearer, carrying a large umbrella, to -shelter master from the sun, or rain. There is something about a -stranger, in that quarter, which instantly announces him to all the -predatory tribe, who wait at the wharfs in expectation of living booty: -but, if such were not the case, his total ignorance of the language -would be sufficient to determine their conduct. The bearer, who is in -league with that numerous horde of miscreants called _sircars_, -abounding, not only at Calcutta, but throughout the lower provinces, -speedily conveys the hint to his associates, when a smooth-faced chap, -who speaks English well enough to be understood, and who comprehends -more than he will acknowledge, advances, and making a respectful -obeisance, called a _salaam_, by bending his head downwards, and placing -the palm of his right hand to his forehead, makes an offer of his -services to the stray Briton. - -However prepared a youth may be, by all the cautious injunctions of -friends, and by the detail of knaveries practised by such characters, -still it is by no means easy to avoid the snare! When we reflect on the -anxiety inseparably attendant upon arrival in a country where every -thing is new, every thing strange, and where, in case of disappointment, -all must be misery; it should not surprize us to find so much dependence -placed on those who cheer the novice, by speaking to him in his native -tongue. But, admitting the folly of confiding in any stranger, how is -the case to be ameliorated? Ignorant of the language, as well as of the -customs; totally unacquainted with any soul on the spot; and eager to -obtain a shelter from the oppressive heats; what is the poor adventurer -to do? He cannot remain in the boat! He cannot take root, and vegetate, -at the water side! Nor can he perambulate the public roads, until -fatigue shall sink him to the dust, or some benevolent, and inspired -European may, on perceiving his distress, offer him an asylum! What then -is to be done?—Why, the _sircar_ must lead him to some paltry tavern, in -which he either is interested, or from whose keeper he receives a -douceur for introducing the guest. In the mean time, his baggage, with -the exception of such minutiæ as may adhere to the fingers of the -boat-men, or of those who have the handling of them on shore, will -follow, and there will be no want of attention to immediate -accommodation. - -The tavern-keeper, under the plausible pretext of aiding towards the -completion of the youth’s wishes, never fails to enquire whether the -gentleman has any friends in town? or even in the country? If -affirmatively answered, ‘mine host’ feels himself tolerably secure of -his money: but will probably assert, that the friend in town is out of -the way, and will not be back for some days: should the gentleman be -totally destitute of friends, then comes the rich harvest. Imposition -following imposition, swell the bill; which, if appearances warrant -forbearance, is kept back as long as possible, under the pleasing -assurance of perfect confidence: but, in the end, a catalogue of items -is produced, which never fails to alarm, if not to ruin, the -unsuspecting victim! - -If, unhappily, the guest should so far lower himself as to associate -with the ordinary company of the common drinking-room, he is -irretrievably gone. Quarrels, riots, and inebriety, must follow; in all -probability rendering him subject to the notice of the police. Should -his face ever be seen at that office, it would be next to impossible -that he should be admitted into any respectable circle. What with -lodging, dinners, wines, &c. of the worst description, but all rated at -the highest prices, he must be a fortunate wight who escapes under a -gold mohur (_i.e._ two guineas) per day: in general, double that sum is -charged; so that a person starts at the rate of £1000. per annum, at -least; while, in all probability no established, or even apparent, -provision exists, whereby he may be maintained. - -If we add the allurements held out by the sable beauties, who will -contrive means to retail their charms so long as they think money is to -be had, we shall find no trifling expence incurred. This latter part of -the ceremony is usually performed by some fellow who can speak English, -and thoroughly understands whatever relates to the interest of the -concern; which, among other things, includes thieving, lying, cheating, -pimping, &c. This first essay is ordinarily made by describing the -elegance of the native women, and their great perfection as singers, and -dancers; and rarely fails, especially with youths under such -circumstances, to excite something more than curiosity. The -dancing-girls are introduced, and consequences follow, over which I -shall draw the veil; simply observing, that nothing can be more -dangerous than this irregular indulgence; it never failing, first to -drain the purse, and, in a few days, or weeks, the constitution also. - -Those servants who usually ply at the wharfs, and endeavor to obtain -employment, either among the officers of ships, or among persons fresh -from Europe, for the most part speak broken English with sufficient -fluency: this renders them particularly serviceable to both those -classes, by enabling them to provide, and to act, when, without such -assistance, they would be in distress, and at a stand. It is a very -general custom among the Mussulmans of low condition, to give such of -their male children as are born during their Lent, (or _Ramzaun_,) the -name of _Ramzauny_: meaning ‘born during the _Ramzaun_.’ There being so -many thus designated, renders the name extremely common; and, as an -infinity of rogueries have been practised by persons so called, it has -rather got into disgrace. Hence, the adventurers above described are, by -a slight, but ludicrous corruption, termed _Rum-Johnnies_. - -That a servant thus enabled to act as the medium of intercourse, must -prove on many occasions highly convenient, may be confessed; but, like a -double-edged sword, he may operate either way, as to himself may appear -expedient; and while pretending to serve, may be pillaging his employer. -It is to be lamented, that the stranger has no immediate resource; and, -in case of injury, little redress. The mischief is not owing to any -deficiency in the police, but arises from that invariable precaution -with which _Rum-Johnnies_ carry on their manœuvres: they never fail to -have a third person in the way, who is to disappear with the purloined -articles, and to bear all the blame; while the principal affects great -resentment at the villain’s audacity, and sorrow for master’s loss. This -is often so dexterously managed as to occasion serious quarrels, when -friends, who see through the deception, endeavor to convince the -infatuated party, that his confidential menial is at the bottom of the -roguery. The disreputable circumstance of having a thief at his elbow, -does not sit very easy on the stranger’s mind: deriving so much -convenience from _Rum-Johnny’s_ aid, and, having only the fair side of -the knave’s conduct in view, he is unwilling to give credit to what -appears a gross misrepresentation, founded on prejudice. By this means, -he sinks deeper into the mire, and renders it dangerous for his -well-wisher to attempt his extrication. - -I recollect an instance of a young gentleman’s joining a regiment, about -a hundred miles up the country, who had among his servants a -_khedmutgar_, (or table-attendant,) of whom I never could get a sight. -The fellow was always sick, or busy; or some excuse was invariably made. -At length, one of my own domestics informed me, that he was a -_Rum-Johnny_ who had been discharged from my service, in which he held -the office of _mosaulchy_, (or link-boy,) for theft. I found out, that -he had been employed in the barracks at Fort-William, where he picked up -a little English, and had fastened upon the gentleman, no doubt with the -intention to avail himself of the first good prize wherewith to decamp. -Finding, to his great discomfiture, that I had been removed to that -station, where he found me, the scoundrel kept aloof, under the hope of -carrying his project into execution. Strange to say, it was with extreme -difficulty I could convince my young friend that he was the dupe of a -downright thief; who, if I had not been improperly lenient, would have -had the certificate of his crime noted on his back, by the drummers of -the regiment! - -To state the evil, without pointing out the remedy, would be next to -useless: but, when I suggest the means of avoiding those difficulties, -or any portion of them, attendant on arrival in a foreign land, it must -be understood, that I consider the stranger to be possessed of pecuniary -means: that is, that he can pay his way. Without this, he can do -nothing; and must undergo all the afflictions and miseries attendant -upon despised poverty, in every part of the globe. It may be proper to -point out in this place, that what might here appear to be liberal -calculations, will not suit the East; where every article of European -manufacture bears so enormous a price, where house-rent is so expensive, -and where it is indispensably necessary to retain so many servants. The -first thing to be done, (setting a letter of recommendation out of the -question,) should be to report arrival at the secretary’s office, -depositing the certificate of the Court of Directors’ licence to proceed -to India; without which, the party is treated as an alien, and scarcely -considered entitled to British protection. This does not arise from -ill-will on the part of government, or of the inhabitants; but from that -strict attention the politics of the country imperiously demand to be -paid to the several characters, and descriptions, of persons residing -within our territory. - -The above relates equally to all persons in the civil or military -branches; the certificate granted at the India House must be produced, -in order to identify the party; but if it should have been lost, he -himself, together with the commander who received the order to take him -on board, must attend, to make affadavit to that effect, before the -appointment can be admitted upon the registers in India. - -Such as appertain to the civil service, being always strongly -recommended and often finding many old acquaintances of their families -on the spot, require but little advice; nor does the cadet stand much in -need of instruction, as to the manner in which he should provide himself -with a home. All he has to do is to wait upon the town-major, at his -office in Fort-William, when he will receive the necessary order for his -admission into the Cadet Corps, at Baraset, about sixteen miles from -Calcutta. - -He who has not these advantages, must do the best his circumstances may -afford; he will find temperance to be not only cheap, but indispensable; -for, if he should act so indiscreetly at the outset as to injure his -health, a thousand privations, and a certain encrease of difficulties, -must follow. The first point must necessarily be to get under cover. -This will not be found so easy, as those who have never quitted England -may suppose. It will be after much research, that a small house will be -had, and then only the bare walls; for no such thing is known in India -as a furnished house to be let; and lodgings are, if possible, still -more out of the question. Fortunately, there are, among the European -shop-keepers in Calcutta, some most respectable characters; men -distinguished for their urbanity, philanthropy, and generosity. -Application should be instantly made to one of these firms, for aid, and -advice. The case should be candidly stated; and, in order to insure -confidence, a deposit of money should be made, either with them, or at -one of the Banks. The consequences will be, that, in a few hours, some -small tenement will be obtained, either on hire, or granted as a -temporary accommodation, and the whole of the articles really necessary -will be provided, at some one or other of the auctions which daily take -place within the central parts of the town. - -The appointment of proper servants will be a matter of importance; but, -under the auspices of any old resident, by no means difficult; such will -be not simply the most expeditious, but the safest, way of proceeding; -since those who recommend will, in all probability, be expected, -according to the custom of the place, to become sureties for the honesty -of all persons hired through their means. One servant who can speak -English, or at least, an underling _sircar_, deputed from the warehouse, -will prove a very agreeable resource, on all occasions of difficulty; -but I cannot too forcibly inculcate the good policy, or rather the -absolute necessity, of immediately studying the language: till that is -acquired, to such an extent as may remove the necessity for an -interpreter on ordinary occasions, no person can be deemed independent; -far less, capable of acting in any civil, military, or commercial -capacity, with effect. - -Strange to say I have known gentlemen to be resident from ten, to -thirty, years in India, without being able to summon resolution to -acquire sufficient of the Hindui language even to take their accounts! -With such the _sircar_ was every thing. The consequences were, -invariably, that he was rich, and master ever in distress! - -Without pretending to make a very accurate estimate, I shall attempt to -give an outline of those expences to which every person keeping house, -though in the most retired manner, and on the most economical plan, must -be subjected. In doing this, I consider the instructions given for the -outfit to have been duly attended to; and, that wearing apparel, plate, -bedding, blankets, sheets, and pillow cases, have been provided. If they -have not, the whole of those articles may be rated at from fifty to a -hundred per cent. more than they would cost in England. The following -brief catalogue will be found to contain only those conveniences which -are indispensable. - - Rupees. - - One dozen of chairs; say at four rupees each 48 - - One dining table for six, say 25 - - Two tepoys (tripods) 3½ each 7 - - One writing-table, with drawers 25 - - One bedstead of 6 feet 4 in. by 4 feet 6 in. 30 - - Curtains to ditto; those for the exterior of chintz 20 - - Inside ditto, of gauze, to keep out musquitoes 10 - - Bookcase upon chest of drawers 100 - - China and glass-ware, say 100 - - Shades to put over candles, one pair, say 40 - - (Those with wooden pedestals to be preferred.) - A chillumchee (or metal bason) for washing hands, with its 25 - tripod, &c. - - A palanquin and bedding 100 - - Table cloths and towels 50 - - One large, and one small, satringe (cotton carpet) 25 and 10 35 - - Various culinary articles, say 40 - - A variety of small articles in cutlery, &c. say 45 - - ——— - - Making in all, on a rough estimate 700 - - ——— - -In this I have not included a horse, because it is not every body who -keeps one, nor is it peremptorily needful; but, both as a convenience, -and as tending to health, I recommend that a cheap, safe, and quiet -poney be provided: numbers are sold every week, at all prices; but I -should think that, including the saddle and bridle, from 250 to 300 -rupees, would be going far enough: say the whole expence should be 1000 -sicca rupees, or £125; which will, I apprehend, be as little as any -person can expend, so as to be either creditable or comfortable. The -necessary stock of wines, spirits, wax-candles, sauces, sugar-candy, -tea, coffee, salt-petre, and a number of lesser items, would require -full 600 rupees more; under the supposition that a year’s stock were -laid in. At that rate we may compute £200. to be necessary to establish -a gentleman at his residence, supposing it to be fixed. Travelling makes -quite another concern, and will be found to encrease the disbursements -considerably. - -A comparison with the prices of those articles we, in Europe, consider -to be requisite for the furniture of two or three rooms, will shew that -Calcutta is by no means a favourable market for the purchase, either of -furniture, or of wines, cattle, &c.; and should at once satisfy every -free-mariner, free-merchant, &c. proceeding to India on speculation, -that he must be provided with at least six hundred pounds to answer the -demands of his outset, including house rent, which cannot well be taken -at less than £150. per annum; his servants will amount to about as much -more; and his table expences, pocket-money, &c., on the most moderate -scale, will demand one hundred, after laying in his stock of wines, tea, -&c. So that, in all, we may think he does very well on the £600. If, -indeed, he should be so fortunate as to make numerous respectable -acquaintances, at whose tables he may frequently become a guest, a -considerable portion of the expences, stated at £100. may, perhaps, be -retrenched; but such good fortune does not happen to all; and, when it -does, rarely comes at once; it requires some time to gain that footing -which may relieve the pressure of table charges; and when that footing -has been gained, it may not be attended with more than common civility, -without the smallest prospect of being served. - -I say thus much with the view to correct an opinion known to prevail, -that it is easy to get into society in India; and that then a gentleman -may put his hands in his pockets, while his friends forward him rapidly. -Such, assuredly, was the case in days of yore; but, within the last -twenty years, there have been so many retrenchments in all the public -offices, so many young men have gone to India with the hope of being -engaged in merchants’ houses, and so many have failed in those -prospects, that I should omit a very important branch of that duty I -have imposed on myself, in offering my advice to those who are about to -proceed to India, were I to encourage the idea of such supposed -facilities being realized. It should never be forgotten, that all -persons who are ignorant of the language spoken in common, namely, the -Hindui, (vulgarly called the _Moors’_,) are incompetent to any duty, -beyond what may relate to making out copies of accounts-current, and -registering correspondence: even these demand some local knowledge, to -be performed with correctness. This consideration will lead to the -conviction, that full one year must be provided for before any -employment, on which dependance can be placed for a livelihood, and -affording the prospect of future rise, should be expected. - -Of such importance does this appear, that, were I to advice any young -friend, about to proceed to India, as to the manner in which he should -pass his first year, it would be nearly in the following terms: ‘Rise at -daybreak, and ride gently for one hour in the hot season, and two hours -in the cold season; make a moderate breakfast, avoiding melted butter, -salt meats, salt fish, sweetmeats, &c., good tea or coffee being -assuredly the most wholesome; study the language for an hour; attend -some office gratuitously, with the view to become acquainted with the -accounts, price-currents, markets, provisions, commodities, &c.; about -two o’clock retire to rest; about an hour before sun-set bathe, by means -of three or four large pots of water poured over the head; put on clean -linen, and dine moderately upon plain viands, taking care never to -exceed four or five glasses of the best Madeira; proceed for two hours -with studying the language, and, after taking a cup or two of tea, or of -coffee, or a crust of bread and a glass of Madeira, go to bed, avoiding -to sleep in a strong current of air.’ - -Possibly, it may be urged, that a person intent on learning the Hindui, -so as to be competent to transact business in the course of twelve -months, would not attain that object by three hours only of daily -assiduity. I am, however, completely satisfied, that such a portion of -time, appropriated under the guidance of an intelligent linguist, may -enable the student to make a wonderful progress; especially when -combined with the resolution to enter as much as possible into familiar -colloquy in that language. - -An old friend, long since gone to ‘kingdom come,’ began the study of -Persian at rather an advanced age; which caused many to rally him on the -new turn he had taken. He, however, persevered, and, in the course of -two years, made himself more than commonly proficient. The explanation -he gave, regarding the plan he had laid down, was such as convinced me, -that any person, with a tolerable memory, may, in a moderate time, -acquire any regular language. His mode was, for the first month never to -retire to bed until he had learned twenty words perfectly by heart, so -as to explain them with promptitude, however catechized: after that -first month, he was master of no less than six hundred words. During the -next month, finding that former acquirements greatly facilitated his -progress, he made a point of gaining twenty-five words daily; therefore -that month gave him seven hundred and fifty words; which, added to the -six hundred of the preceding, made a total of thirteen hundred and -fifty. - -In this way he added five words every month, until he found, that, by -aid of derivations and compounds, he was well grounded in the language. -His computation was, that, as few languages contain more than forty -thousand words in common use, when ever he should be able to learn fifty -words daily, he might, to use his own terms, ‘make the language fall -before him in two years.’ - -This is an arithmetical demonstration of the powers annexed to -persevering regularity, and ought to induce every youth, for that is the -season for acquirements, to adopt such a system as should insure the -great object in view. So steady a mode of carrying on a pursuit, cannot, -however, be expected in young folks, many of whom have just escaped from -the trammels of parental vigilance; and who, having passed so many years -at their studies, rarely feel much disposition to prolong academic -labors; while, at the same time, the pleasures of society are open to -their participation. Still, I feel a hope that this volume may prove -intrinsically beneficial to a large portion, by pointing out the means -whereby preferment may be obtained, and by shewing with what facility -the foundation may be laid for a most superb superstructure. - -The number of servants, and the amount of their wages, forming so -conspicuous an item in domestic economy, cannot fail to attract the -attention, not only of persons proceeding to India, but of their -parents, and friends, who often express much surprize at the apparent -extravagance of the young _debutants_ in this particular. Such notions -of improper indulgence in retinue, though perfectly natural, as -resulting from long habits, and the little necessity felt among us in -Europe, for keeping many servants, even in large families, by no means -find a sanction when transplanted beyond the narrow limits of our own -island. In many parts of Europe, custom has rendered permanent various -practices which, no doubt, had their origin in the purest motives, and -did not, in the first instance, appear likely to serve as the basis of -future excesses and encroachments. - -Thus we find that, in Spain, no old servant is ever discharged by any -person of rank; in such families the domestics of deceased parents are -invariably retained. The obvious consequence is, that a young man, on -coming to his title, often finds himself burthened with some scores of -the aged, and of the idle; to discharge any of which would be not only -disgraceful, but deemed illegal; they being considered as heirlooms, by -the rejection of which, the rest of the inheritance would be virtually -forfeited. Here we see an excellent, and meritorious act, converted into -a nuisance, that proves highly injurious, both to the interests of the -successor, and to the morals of the pensioners. But who shall lead the -way to break through so formidable a phalanx! - -The multiplicity of menials employed in the houses of European gentlemen -in Bengal, results from a cause very different from that above -described: it is founded on the tenets of religion, especially among the -Hindus; and is by no means likely to be abrogated within our time. What -may be effected by a relaxation of their present rigid principles, and -by the further extention of our customs, cannot be foretold. Our -situation has ever been critical; now is more so than ever; and we may -be deprived of the opportunity of judging what would have resulted from -the silent operations of succeeding ages, by some sudden burst of -revolt, occasioned by the intrigues of petty rajahs within our own -territory; fomented by the animosity of the native powers on our -frontier, and by the intrigues of French emissaries. - -It being my intention to treat separately of the religious tenets, and -institutions, both of the Mussulmans and of the Hindus, little need be -said in this place, further than, that, owing to the division of the -latter into sects, called by us _casts_, which render the occupations of -all perfectly distinct, a necessity exists for hiring such of each -_cast_ as may attend to those duties they undertake, without becoming -subjected to the animadversions of their priesthood, or to those -penalties attendant upon even the most trifling deviation from the -marked path. Add to this, that the climate arbitrarily imposes the -necessity for retaining some classes of servants, unknown in England; -or, at least, supposed to be exclusively attached to the convenience of -ladies, and of sick persons. When all matters are considered, it will be -found, that that host of domestics appertaining to the establishment of -a gentleman in Bengal, proves, in the aggregate, little, if at all, more -expensive than the ordinary number retained by families of -respectability in most parts of England. What with wages, liveries, -lodging, board, washing, waste, negligence, and, I am sorry to say, -pilfering, we shall find the one man servant, and the two maids, fully a -match, in point of expence, with the whole body of those in the pay of -one of our countrymen abroad. - -A gentleman in this country never can guess at the ultimate of his -disbursements, where his domestics are concerned either in the -appropriation, or in the expenditure: in Bengal, &c. the uttermost -farthing is known; each servant receiving a certain sum monthly, in -consideration of which he is in attendance during the whole day, finds -his own cloaths, provides his own victuals, and pays for whatever cabin -he may build or occupy. As to purloining victuals, there is little -danger; for, with the exception of some of the lower _casts_, which are -held in a state of utter abomination, no native of India, by which I -mean either Mussulman or Hindu, will so much as touch those viands which -an European has partaken: or which have been served up to his table. - -In this I must be understood to speak generally, and without any -reference to those few deviations that have at times been discovered; -being sensible, that some instances could be adduced of servants, -particularly Mahomedans, having so far trespassed against the doctrines -of their religion, as absolutely to eat of _ham_, and other viands, in -secret. Such anomalies must be abstracted from my main position; which -is well known, by all who have resided in India, to be perfectly -correct. - -So strict are all the _casts_, however much the one may be below the -other in a religious point of view, regarding the preservation of that -conspicuous distinction laid down by their sacred code, that, -notwithstanding they may worship the same deities, under the same forms, -and with the same ceremonies, yet will they not allow of participation -at meals; nor even of contact, at such moments. The stranger will, no -doubt, be greatly surprized on his arrival, to see during the evenings, -about sun-set, each individual, or, perhaps, here and there, two or -three, if of the same _cast_, squatting on the bare ground, within a -small space levelled for the purpose, of which the limits are marked out -by the line of dust, or rubbish, moved from the centre towards the -exterior. In such an area, each man, or woman, cooks and afterwards -eats, the principal meal of the day. In fair weather, these areas are -made under the canopy of heaven; but during the rainy season, and -perhaps in winter time, they are made within the huts of the persons -respectively. - -So extremely scrupulous are the natives, in respect to the preparation -of their victuals, and to their consumption, that, if any person not of -the very same _cast_, with the reservation of the brahmans, or priests, -were to touch their bodies, or their cloaths, or any one article within -the area, or even the surface of the area itself, the whole meal, -together with any earthen ware, standing within the circumvallation, (if -it may be so called,) would be instantly thrown away, as being polluted. -Nay, whatever portion might be in the mouth, must be ejected; and the -party be obliged to perform an ablution, before he could attempt to -resume his culinary labors, or to join in society with his compeers. Nor -will either a Mussulman, or a Hindu, drink water out of any vessel -touched, while in a state of repletion, by a person of inferior cast, or -by an European. Earthen ware of every kind, though new, or empty, -becomes defiled by such contact, so as to be utterly useless to the -proprietor. - -Knowing such to be the case, it must be both cruel, and impolitic, to -trespass on a prejudice in itself perfectly innocent, and by no means -interfering with the rights, or the convenience, of others. It is true, -the patient Hindu, even while suffering under those privations attendant -upon the destruction, or at least the disqualification, of his meal, -will rarely proceed to extremity against any European, who may occasion -such an inconvenience and loss: because, under a supposition of the -trespasser’s ignorance, he, in his mind, finds an excuse for, and -pardons, what he mildly terms ‘the accident.’ But, should any native -offend in a similar manner, a war of words would exhibit the irritation -of the Hindu’s mind! Nor would he be passive were one of his countrymen -to step over him while asleep; that being considered not only -indelicate, but productive of serious mischiefs; inducing the -visitations of evil spirits, thereby causing disease, and, at no very -remote period, death. This strange infatuation must appear perfectly -ridiculous in any civilized being, but especially among a race of people -who are, one and all, predestinarians. The European should be careful -not to stride over any of his domestics who may occasionally lay down in -the veranda, &c. of his house: such an act on the part of an unbeliever, -(applying the term to ourselves,) being considered doubly laden with -mischief. - -The servants, whether of Europeans, or of natives of consequence, are -divided into two classes. The first class, which is known by the -designation of _nokeron_, (plural of _noker_,) includes such as, either -from the important, or confidential, offices they hold, are, in general -estimation, judged exempt from all menial duties. They are as follow. - - The _Banian_, or money agent. - The _Darogah_, or _Gomastah_, or factor, or superintendant. - The _Moonshy_, or linguist. - The _Jemmadar_, or chief of the retinue. - The _Chobe-dar_, or silver-pole bearer. - The _Soontah-burdar_, or silver-baton bearer. - The _Kansamah_, or chief table-attendant. - The _Sircar_, or immediate agent for receipts and payments, and cash - keeper. - The _Cranny_, or clerk, or writer in the office. - -The second class comprises the _Chaukeron_, (plural of _Chauker_). - - The _Khedmutgar_, or table-attendant. - The _Mosaulchy_, or flambeau bearer. - The _Hookah-burdar_, or preparer of the _hookah_, (pipe). - The _Bheesty_, or water carrier. - The _Babachy_, or cook. - The _Durzy_, or tailor. - The _Doby_, or washerman. - The _Mohote_ or _Mohout_, or elephant driver, who has always one or - more _Coolies_, called _mates_, to assist. - The _Surwan_, or camel driver. - The _Syce_, or groom. - The _Gaus-kot_, or grass cutter, dependant on the former. - The _Chaubuck-asswar_, or horse breaker. - The _Mauly_, or gardener. - The _Aub-dar_, or water cooler. - The _Compadore_, or purveyor, under the _kansamah_. - The _Hirkarah_, or messenger. - The _Piada_, (or _Peon_,) nearly the same as the _hirkarah_. - The _Hajaam_, or _Nye_, or _Nappy_, _i.e._ barber. - The _Duftoree_, or office-keeper. - The _Fraush_, or furniture keeper. - The _Mater_, or sweeper; a female for the same duties being termed - _matranny_. - The _Dooreah_, or dog keeper. - The _Kalashy_, or camp-equipage keeper. - The _Berriarah_, or shepherd. - The _Chokeydar_, or watchman. - The _Durwan_, or gate-keeper, or porter. - The _Cahar_, or palanquin bearer. - The _Coachman_, or postilion. - The _Ayah_, a female attendant in charge of children. - The _Dhye_, a ditto attendant on a lady. - -Such is the superiority claimed by the _nokers_, that, to ask one of -them ‘whose _chauker_ he is?’ would be considered a gross insult: the -inferior class are, on the other hand, very ready to assume the former -designation; holding it to be far more respectable in the eyes of their -countrymen; who comprehend, and value, that distinction, which, among -Europeans, is little attended to; far the greater portion being, indeed, -absolutely ignorant of any reputed difference. - -The _Banians_ being, without doubt, the first in fortune, as well as in -rank, claim priority of description. These are, invariably, Hindus, -possessing in general very large property, with most extensive credit, -and influence. So much is this the case, that Calcutta was, some twenty -years ago, absolutely under the control of about twenty or thirty -_banians_, who managed every concern, in which they could find means to -make a profit. It is inconceivable what property was in their hands; -they were the ostensible agents in every line of business, placing their -dependants in the several departments over which themselves had obtained -dominion. Was a contract to be made with government, by any gentleman -not in the Company’s service; these became the securities, under the -condition of receiving a centage, and of appointing their friends to -such duties as might control the principal, and save themselves from -loss. When a person in the service of the Company, was desirous of -deriving benefit from some contract, in the disposal of which he had a -vote, and which, consequently, he could not obtain in his own name; -then, the _banian_ became the principal, and the donor either received a -share, or derived advantage from loans, &c. answering his purpose -equally well. The same person frequently was _banian_ to several -European gentlemen; all of whose concerns were, of course, accurately -known to him, and thus became the subject of conversation at those -meetings the _banians_ of Calcutta invariably held, and do yet hold, -after the active business of the day has been adjusted. - -It cannot, however, be denied, that many speculations have been carried -on by the aid of _banians_, which, but for the strength of their -resources, could never have been attempted. We owe our present extended -trade in the fabrics of Dacca, &c. in the sugar of the western and -northern districts, in indigo throughout the country, and numerous other -branches of commerce, to the support given by this class to such -gentlemen as appeared to them likely to succeed. It has ever been a -maxim among them, never to back an unfortunate man; their opinion being, -that misfortunes in trade ordinarily arise from want of management: if -their own prosperity may be adduced in support of that sentiment, it -will be found strongly to exhibit their policy of combining with those -who have not, on any occasion, embarked on a rotten bottom. - -A _banian_ invariably rides in his palanquin, attended by several -underling _sircars_, _hirkarahs_, &c. He, to a certain degree, rules the -office, entering it generally with little ceremony, making a slight -obeisance, and never divesting himself of his slippers: a privilege -which, in the eyes of the natives, at once places him on a footing of -equality with his employer. Under such a system, it has been easy for -the tribe of _banians_ to effect the ruin of any individual; while it -was impossible for any man in distress to conceal his circumstances, so -as to obtain a loan, or to extend his credit: hence, the courts of law -were full of causes in which _banians_ were plaintiffs. Of late years, -the case has altered greatly; for, if we except a few large concerns, -such as banking-houses, and the principal merchants, who, having -valuable cargoes on hand, are each under the necessity of retaining one -of this jew-like gang, for the purpose of obtaining cash to make up -payments, or to advance for investments, _banians_ are become obsolete. - -In former times, there was little alternative how money should be -secured, except on mortgage, or in the Company’s treasury; whereas, few -now think of lending money at less than 12 per cent., which is the legal -interest; and, as the Company do not receive loans at that rate, except -when pressed by exigency and, that the great agency-houses continue to -make such an immense profit as enables them to pay so high for money -accommodation; the floating property belonging to individuals, with -little exception, falls into their hands: consequently, there is little -occasion for _banians_; the principal remains of whose extensive -influence are to be seen in the above concerns, and in the management of -elephant, bullock, or other contracts; which they often buy of the -contractor, either for a specific sum paid down, or by allowing him an -annual contingent; so as to exempt him from the responsibility, as well -as from the management, altogether. - -I shall only add, that this description of persons may be classed with -the superior _debashes_ of the Carnatic; and that, although there -certainly have been found some individuals who might fairly claim -exemption from the accusation, yet, that, generally speaking, the -present _banians_, who attach themselves to the captains of European -ships, may, without the least hazard of controversion, be considered as -nothing more or less than _Rum-Johnnies_ ‘of a larger growth.’ Some of -these gentry usurp the designation of _dewan_, which should imply an -extensive delegated power; that office, under the emperors of Hindustan, -and even now in the courts of Lucknow, Hydrabad, &e. being confidential, -and never bestowed but on persons in high favor. - -The _Darogah_, or _Gomastah_, or factor, or superintendant is an office -rarely held under Europeans, though extremely common in the services of -native princes, and of men of opulence. Some of our merchants appoint -persons to attend to their concerns in remote parts; such as the -timber-dealers in the Morungs; the iron-smelters of various parts; the -contractors for elephants, camels, bullocks, horses, &c. have also their -agents at the various stations. In general, these are common _sircars_, -who assume the title of _darogah_ by way of pre-eminence, without any -authority from, and often without the knowledge of, their employers. The -latter, however, are rarely averse to such an assumption; which, while -it tickles their vanity, costs not a farthing. The _darogahs_, or, I may -rather say, the _sircars_, frequently call themselves _naibs_, or -deputies: this should seem a more modest term; but, among the natives, -is considered at least as consequential as the former; especially when -the principal never eclipses the self-created dignitary, by personal -attendance to his own affairs in that quarter. Many of this class are -considered as approaching to menials. - -The _Moonshy_, or linguist, is ordinarily a teacher of some language, -particularly the Persian and Hindui: though numbers are employed only as -interpreters, or as scribes. Learning is their sole pursuit; and so far -as that can reach in a country where but little is understood of -philosophy and mathematics, some of them do assuredly advance themselves -considerably. But, speaking of them in general, it will be found, that a -few volumes of tales, the lives of those great men who have either -invaded, or ruled, the empire, some moral tracts, and the Koran, (for -_moonshies_ are Mussulmans) constitute the acquirements of this very -haughty class of servants. A _moonshy_ is never so well pleased, as when -the payment of the domestic establishment is confided to his charge. -Here he is sure to touch the penny, and to create an influence very -injurious to his employer’s interests: the whole tribe of menials, -considering him to have full command of the whole concern, and viewing -their master as a mere cypher, dread the _moonshy’s_ authority, and -crouch before him in the most submissive manner. - -The _banian_ rarely receives wages, or any immediate remuneration for -his services; he knows full well, that no money can pass the files on -his fingers without leaving some dust. The _darogah_ is sometimes paid -by centage on the quantity of goods he transmits, or on the amount of -his account; but the _moonshy_ is ever in the receipt of wages, which -vary according to his own talents and reputation, or to the rank of his -employer. Perhaps, a few may be found who receive more, but two gold -mohurs, (equal to four guineas,) per month, may be taken as rather a -liberal, than an ordinary, rate. Some do not receive more than eight or -ten rupees; but, whatever the learning of such men may amount to, their -conduct is generally influenced by motives wide from purity. Many of -this class might formerly be seen attached to those young officers, and -civil servants, who found an easy mode of gratifying their ostentation -by that display of study they never realized, and who employed these -pretended tutors in all the drudgery of expenditure; not forgetting -those meaner offices, which, while they disgraced themselves, levelled -all distinction between the man of letters and the common pander! - -The private habits of _moonshies_, in general, by no means correspond -with the respectability of their profession. Having only to attend their -employers at stated hours, and the residue of their time being wholly -unoccupied, it is not to be wondered, that, with their liberal salaries, -they should rather court, than shun, pleasure. Hence, with very few -exceptions, we find them extremely debauched and unhealthy. What with -venery, drinking, smoking, &c. nine in ten of them exhale the most -intolerable effluvia! This, by no means, lowers their pride: on the -contrary, they apparently resort to arrogance, and to that precious -species of fastidious hauteur, ordinarily to be found under the same -sheep-skin with every consummate hypocrite! - -The _Jemmadar_ is considered the most confidential, and important, of -all that class of servants forming the retinue of a person of -distinction. The despatches, and consultations of the various members of -the council, are usually conveyed by, or presented to, the several -_jemmadars_, in small boxes, of which each member has a key. Some -_jemmadars_ are retained merely with the view to superintend buildings, -and commercial operations; but such cannot be classed, strictly -speaking, with those who are merely state servants; although the wages -of each may be nearly on a par; viz. from twelve to twenty rupees -monthly. This servant bears no insignia of office, but, for the most -part, studies to imitate the appearance of a _moonshy_ of a respectable -class; from which he may, however, be often distinguished by the dagger, -ornamented with gold and tassels, or in a crimson velvet case, tipped -with gilt guards, worn in his _cummer-bund_, or waist-cloth: whereas the -_moonshy_ never wears any weapon whatever. - -The _Chobe-dar_, or silver-pole bearer, is retained only by persons of -consequence; sometimes only one, but usually two are employed, and even -four may be seen in the retinue of very exalted characters. The pole, -(or _chobe_,) may be about four feet and a half in length, tapering -gradually, from the metal ferule at its base, to the top, which may be -about four inches in diameter, and is generally embossed with some -figure, such as a tiger’s head, &c.; while the rest, for the whole -length, is of some pattern such as volutes, scales, flowers, &c. The -pole consists of a staff, perhaps three quarters of an inch in diameter, -spreading towards its top, so as to assimilate to the form of the -exterior case; which is of solid wrought silver, often weighing 150 -rupees or more, into which, the staff being placed centrically, melted -rosin is poured to fill up the intermediate space; the same as our -plated knife handles are done, thereby rendering the whole sufficiently -substantial, without adding too much to the weight. - -The _chobe-dar_ is generally a man of some prudence, versed in all the -ceremonies of court etiquette. He stands at the inner door of the -audience, or receiving, apartment; announcing the approach of visitors, -and conducting them to the presence. The _chobe_ being in itself of some -value, and the office of considerable trust in many instances, it is -usual for this servant to give adequate security, by means of creditable -persons who vouch for, and take upon themselves, the actual -responsibility regarding his conduct. The wages of _chobe-dars_ vary -considerably, but we may take from eight to twelve rupees as the -average. They attend early in the morning; and, besides the -above-noticed duty of announcing visitors, run before the palanquins of -their employers, or, if there be no _jemmadar_, at the sides, so as to -receive orders without being called. They likewise carry messages, or -notes, on formal occasions; especially to superiors. - -To this particular, great attention is paid; it being considered, that -the rank of the servant bearing the message, or note, implies the degree -of respect the person sending would pay to the person receiving. Thus, a -message sent by a _jemmadar_, is held to be more ceremonious, than one -by a _chobe-dar_; by a _chobe-dar_ more respectful than by a -_soontah-burdar_; and by a _soontah-burdar_ than by a _peon_, or -_hirkarah_. So well is this understood, that, the precursors of a great -man always arrange themselves according to the above rules; the -_hirkarahs_ and _peons_ are the foremost; next to them the -_soontah-burdars_; then the _chobe-dars_; and, lastly, the _jemmadar_; -the latter running at the side of the palanquin, but being replaced -during occasional absence by a _chobe-dar_; and thus throughout. It must -not be forgotten, that, in India, the retinue precede the employer: a -custom by no means suited to the climate, though perhaps gratifying to -those who take pleasure in seeing two lines of sweating domestics -preceding them; it need hardly be urged, how unpleasant the clouds of -dust raised by them must be to the person seated in the palanquin. - -The dresses of the _jemmadar_, and of the _chobe-dars_, may be -considered the same; there being no characteristic difference, though -the former usually make their _jammas_, or robes, which are always of -white calico; unless where colored broad-cloath may have been presented -to them for the purpose of making up liveries: which, however, do not -usually extend to this class of messengers; white being considered by -themselves more dignified. Nor do they feel any partiality for colored -turbans, or waist-bands. - -The _Soontah-burdar_ bears a baton of about thirty inches in length, -generally curved at its upper extremity, so as to resemble the ordinary -form of bludgeons. These batons are made of the same materials as the -_chobe_, or pole; but, while the latter are borne, when their bearers -are proceeding with a palanquin, by a suitable balance near their -centres, like trailed arms, the former are held by their lower -extremities; which, since they never are rested on the ground, as the -_chobes_ are, require no ferules; the crooked end of the _soontah_ being -carried over the shoulder. - -_Soontah-burdars_ are frequently employed by persons in a second or -third rate of office, or of opulence, where no _jemmadar_, nor -_chobe-dar_, is kept. As already explained, the absence of one -state-servant calls up the next in rank to supply his place; a -circumstance which by no means impairs the dignity of the _locum -tenens_. The pay of this servant varies according to circumstances, but -may be from six to ten rupees monthly: the dress differs from that of -the superior class; it, in most cases, being confined to a much shorter -_jamma_, reaching only to the knees, or but little below them, and there -being less objection to wear colored turbans, &c. - -The _Kansamah_ may be classed with the house-steward, and butler; both -which offices appear to unite in this servant, who, in his dress, -generally imitates the _jemmadar_, or the _chobe-dar_. Those who have -but rarely seen a table laid out in India, must wonder at the elegance, -and perfection, which may there often be found: this must appear still -more surprizing, when it is considered, that none of those concerned in -the preparation of the viands, would, on any account, taste of them -during the course of preparation, any more than when returned from the -table. It must not be supposed, that every servant bearing this -description is equally acquainted with the several minutiæ the character -ought to include: in fact, but very few of them possess such -qualifications as should entitle to pre-eminence: generally, some of the -more observant, or intelligent, of table-attendants of the lower order, -contrive by application, and even by paying those _kansamahs_ who are -considered clever in their business, to climb up the ladder of menial -rank, and ultimately to reach this station; which is the _ne plus ultra_ -in its branch of servitude. The wages are supposed to correspond with -the talents; but, there being no scale whereby to regulate estimation, -we may be better guided, in this particular, by the rank of the -employer; though a few instances may be adduced wherein epicures, of -very moderate income, have retained _kansamahs_ at very exorbitant -rates. Perhaps I may be right in taking from twelve to fifteen rupees -for a common standard; from fifteen to twenty in families of rank, or -opulence; and from twenty to forty among the first circle. I have known -instances far beyond even that monthly stipend: a few cases might be -adduced where not less than _a hundred rupees_ have been given! As that -corresponds with £l50. per annum of British currency, a sum which all -below princely magnificence could but indifferently afford, it may be -concluded, that, in the East, as well as in the West, there are to be -found individuals who think no expence too great, when their appetite -and taste are to be indulged. - -The _Sircar_ is a genius whose whole study is to handle money, whether -receivable or payable; and who contrives either to confuse accounts, -when they are adverse to his view; or to render them most expressively -intelligible, when such would suit his purpose. These rogues are pretty -nearly the same as the Madras _debashes_: I believe all, who have -experienced the kind offices of either, will readily confess that no -compleater knaves are to be found in any part of the world. And this -under the most sedulous appearance both to please, and to serve, those -whom they are about to plunder. As _peons_ and _hirkarahs_ rise to be -_chobe-dars_, and _jemmadars_; and as _khedmutgars_ succeed to the -appointment of _kansamahs_; so may _sircars_ in time become _banians_, -_dewans_, _darogahs_, _gomastahs_, &c. Many of them even set up as -_shroffs_, or bankers, and establish such an extent of credit as would -astonish the inhabitants of Lombard Street. There are _sircars_ of all -ages, and of all degrees; from the shrewd lad of twelve, to the -superannuated monster, whose sixty, or seventy, years of worldly -intercourse, may be considered a record of fraud and extortion. - -Nothing can perhaps be more forcible in exposing the characteristic -traits of _sircars_, than the fact of their ordinarily tendering their -services to young men, under the declaration that _they seek for no -pay_; nor for remuneration in any form, beyond the _pleasure_ of laying -out master’s money to the best advantage. I should premise, that, on -account of the immense variety of coins current in India, it is -customary, whenever any large sum is to be received, to employ an -examiner, called a _podar_; who, having confined his pursuits to the -acquirement of a most accurate knowledge of their several values, at -once decides upon the correctness of a payment. The precision, -quickness, and touch, of these persons, are beyond description. I have -been assured that many of them can, even in the dark, distinguish -between several kinds of money, whose size and weight bear no great -dissimilarity: besides, even those coins that bear the same value, and -come from the same mint, differ greatly in both those particulars; some -being broad and flat, like a shilling, though not defaced; while others -are more dumpy, and, though of purer metal, not so ponderous. - -Many of the _sircars_, especially of late years, unite the office of -_podar_ with their own business. This, it will be supposed, should -enable them to secure their employer from loss, but is, on all -occasions, made the means of injuring both his pocket and his credit, by -passing inferior money at an unjust value into his chest, and issuing it -at a _less_ rate, if to a native colleague; but, if to an European, then -at a _higher_ value; the _sircars_ of each joining in the device: when -circumstances fit, this operation is reversed. I am prepared for the -following obvious question; viz. ‘If the master knew the rate at which -the money was paid to him, how happens it, that, after entering it in -his books, he allows it to be paid away at a different, or, at least, at -a lower, rate, than that at which it was received?’ - -This query should appear sufficient to stagger any person to whom it -might be put; but to a _sircar_ would not prove in the smallest degree -difficult of solution. He immediately tells master, that the _batta_, -_i.e._ the exchange, is altered, and, in saying that much, he may have -the truth on his side. I have already hinted at the fluctuations that -take place in all coins, whether gold, silver, or copper. This up and -down price of money, if I may use the expression, is managed by the -_shroffs_, or native bankers; who invariably, except on particular -holidays, meet towards midnight, compare accounts, and settle the value -of money for the succeeding day. Notice is accordingly circulated in an -underhand manner; and, throughout the great town of Calcutta, covering -perhaps three thousand acres, and well peopled, the whole of the parties -concerned, nay, even the ordinary retail shop-keepers, are apprized of -the alteration. Sometimes the exchange is allowed to remain at the same -rate for a few days in succession: this rarely takes place except when a -particular currency, say silver, is to be bought up at a low rate, such -as 58 or 60 _pice_ to a _rupee_, to be sold again when the rate has -been, for that purpose, raised to 64, or 65. So soon as either purpose -is accomplished, the exchange alters by the same invisible means. - -The number of _pice_ in a _rupee_ constitutes its value; as the number -of rupees and _annas_ do that of a _gold mohur_; which, if _sicca_, from -the Calcutta mint, ought invariably to pass at sixteen rupees. But the -regulations of government have too often been openly trespassed, in the -most daring manner. This was carried to such a pitch, that the whole of -the silver currency at one time disappeared; the _shroffs_ and _sircars_ -had bought it all up; so that persons in business were induced to offer -premiums for silver; without which mercantile concerns could not -proceed. It is a well known fact, that, for some months, the troops at -the presidency were paid in gold, issued to them at par; but which, -owing to the infamous combinations above described, would not pass in -any part of the market, unless a deduction of one-eighth was allowed! -_Sircars_ contrive to defraud all parties with whom their masters may -have concerns; thereby disgracing them on many occasions, especially in -payment of card-debts; which are soon distinguished by this _Argus_ -race. - -Besides the advantages thus made, the _sircars_ derive a very -considerable emolument from all purchases made in the markets, of -whatever description. Whenever an European, even in person, buys goods -of a native, his servants have, from time immemorial, a claim on the -vendor of half an anna in every rupee the latter receives. This, which -is called _dustooree_, or customary gift, being a thirty-second of the -disbursement, amounts to no less than 3⅛ per cent.: it may therefore be -imagined what immense sums these gentry must pocket, when serving -gentlemen who have large establishments to support, and whose servants -are numerous: for even from the very domestics does the _sircar_ claim -the above gratuity, when paying their wages! - -Military persons have little occasion for such servants; therefore, -unless in eligible circumstances, and of a very liberal disposition, a -_sircar_ will not think it worth his while to serve an officer on a -small salary. But it is quite different where a young civilian is in -question; to him the rogue’s purse is instantly opened; not only with a -view to make him, like the steward in Gil Blas, pay interest for his own -money, but under the hope of attaching firmly to the rising sun, and -ultimately of being _banian_, _naib_, _dewan_; of course, ascending to -the very acmé of prosperity. Those _sircars_ who are employed by -mercantile, or manufacturing persons, derive the advantages attendant on -the foregoing transactions in a less degree than when serving an -individual divested of such concerns; but they gradually acquire large -property, and are often placed in situations of great trust; such as -_darogahs_ and _gomastahs_. In such establishments they are, for the -major part, relatives to the _banian_, who assists with his purse on -emergency; therefore, though they may feel the necessity of paying -attention to their ostensible employer, they pay their court, under the -rose, chiefly to the former. The rates of wages are, in this branch, -progressive; some receiving a bare livelihood, such as from five to -eight rupees monthly; while those of longer standing, or who are more in -favor with the _banian_, sometimes receive from fifteen to thirty. - -The dress of _sircars_ is extremely simple: their heads are shaved, with -the exception of one lock, about two inches in diameter at the base, -which is held sacred, and is tied in a kind of loose bow-knot. The -turban is white, of fine muslin, wrapped perhaps fifteen or twenty times -round the head, leaving the crown nearly bare, and the lock of hair -protruding. Round the waist a piece of cloth is passed, so as to allow -freedom of motion; then tucked in, in a peculiar manner, and one skirt, -passing between the thighs, is, in like manner, secured behind. Unless -in cold weather, the body and arms are left entirely bare; in moderate -seasons, they are covered by means of a cloth sewed into two breadths, -thrown over the shoulders: a chintz quilt is likewise worn at times. - -For the convenience of keeping accounts, and of making payments, one -_sircar_ is allowed by the Company to each battalion of sepoys. It is -surprizing to see how these men, whose utmost legal receipts can amount -to only twenty rupees monthly, get forward, and become possessed of -property. Much money goes through their hands, and, as before observed, -every finger is a file which takes off a trifle _en passant_. This class -of servants rarely associate, in any degree, with the others; they form, -in fact, a separate tribe of Hindus, and devote their time to one -object, viz. making money. They generally read English well enough to -know the contents of a bill; but, in giving receipts, usually sign their -names in the Bengallee character: few of them undertake to write English -accounts; but, in their own way, which appears to us prolix, they are -extremely regular. The superiors seldom touch a pen, leaving that office -to those servants who are entitled to confidence, and causing the less -expert to act as collecting clerks; an employ in which they are -eminently punctual, as most young debtors throughout the East must -acknowledge. It is a peculiar circumstance, that scarcely an instance -has been known of a _sircar_ absconding with the money entrusted to him: -from this, however, I exempt the vile crew of tide waiters, who are by -no means scrupulous; though, for the sake of perpetuating their game, -which any open act of felony might break up, they prefer extracting the -money from the novice’s pocket, by means of extortion and fraudulent -accounts. - -Considering him as being at least attached to, if not of the very same -species, as the knave just described, I shall give a short description -of the _Podar_; of whom mention has already been made. He is not always -an attendant at an office, though, in great concerns, his presence is -indispensable. He either receives from four to ten rupees per month, or -is paid, by a very small centage, for whatever money he examines. We -often admire the dexterity of our money-tellers; but the _podar_, who -counts by fours, (_i.e._ _gundahs_,) finishes the detail of a thousand -in so short a time, as would cause even our most expert money-tellers to -stare with astonishment! It is only mixed money that is counted, when -large sums are passing; most payments are first sorted, when, the -several kinds of rupees being made into parcels, are weighed, fifty at a -time: in this manner, a lac (_i.e._ a 100,000) may be speedily -ascertained; each parcel of fifty being kept separate, until a certain -number is completed: when the whole are accounted, and removed into -bags, to make way for further operations. Here it may be proper to -remark, that no _sircar_ will take charge of money when his employer -keeps the key: nor is it, on the other hand, customary for the _sircar_ -to have the entire charge. So many tricks have been played by changing -the coin, that it is now a general rule for every treasure-chest to have -two large padlocks, of different construction; the _sircar_, or -_tusseel-dar_ (_cash keeper_,) receiving one key, and the master -retaining the other. This prevents aggression on either part, but is by -no means pleasing to the _banians_, though they affect to be highly -satisfied, because a command of specie will often enable them to make -very advantageous purchases in Company’s paper; but such a precaution -inevitably debars their access to master’s cash. - -The _Cranny_, or clerk, may be either a native Armenian, a native -Portugueze, or a Bengallee: the former are not very common; the second -are more numerous; but the third are every where to be seen. It really -is wonderful how well many of the latter can write, without -understanding a word of what is written. They have a steady hand, a keen -eye, and an admirable readiness in casting up accounts. Those who are -habituated to our mode of book keeping, profess to consider it greatly -superior to their own, but it is not a very easy matter to get them into -it. That multiplicity of fractions which prevails, in consequence of the -perpetual fluctuation in their currency, causes them to be very well -versed in that branch of arithmetic, and to produce the most correct -calculations. The rates of wages are different according to the -abilities of individuals; thus, a clever _cranny_ in a public office, -such as the auditor general’s, or the pay-master general’s, or the assay -and mint, may receive from forty to a hundred rupees monthly, while, in -mercantile houses, they rarely receive more than thirty, generally, -indeed, from ten to twenty; while many are glad to serve gratis, merely -for the purpose of an introduction to that line of employment; as well -as to perfect themselves in book keeping, and in a proper style of -correspondence. - -The use these gentry make of English words, is often highly diverting: -they study synonymes very industriously; poring over Johnson’s -dictionary, and carefully selecting such terms, as appear to them least -in use; thinking that such must, of course, make finer language. The -following may serve as a specimen: it was written by a _cranny_ to his -master, in consequence of an exterior window shutter having been blown -down by a severe north-wester. - -‘Honorable Sir, - - ‘Yesterday vesper arrive great hurricane; valve of little aperture -not fasten; first make great trepidation and palpitation, then -precipitate into precinct. God grant master more long life, and more -great post. - - I remain, - - Honorable Sir, - - in all token of respect, - - Master’s writer, - - BISSONAUT METRE.’ - -‘P.S. No tranquillity in house since valve adjourn.—I send for carpenter -to make re-unite.’ - -Those unacquainted with the pedantry of Bengallee writers, may suspect -me of coining for the occasion; placing the above on a footing with -Smollet’s ‘Horse-spittle of anvil-heads,’ &c.; but I assure my readers, -that it is a literal transcript from a note of which the original was in -my father’s possession for many years; it is by no means so preposterous -as many that have, on account of their ridiculous diction, been -published in the Calcutta papers. - -The dress of a Bengallee _cranny_ is exactly the same as that of the -_sircar_, of which tribe he may be considered a relative. The Portugueze -_cranny_, assumes the British dress; but the Armenian invariably retains -that of his own country, which is truly becoming. They shave their -heads, and wear black velvet bonnets, not unlike a mitre in form. Their -vests are of white linen, and reach down to their knees, so as not to -conceal the knee-bands of their small-cloaths. Their coats, or tunics, -are usually made of colored silk, for the most part purple, lilac, -crimson, or brown, and flow loosely rather below their vests; the -sleeves are loose, and there is no collar. They use also stockings and -shoes; and, when within doors, lay aside their black bonnets, wearing in -their stead white skull-caps, round like a small bowl, and often neatly -tamboured with colored silks. They have pockets both in their vests, and -in their small-cloaths: some wear girdles, under their tunics; and some -wear silken sashes. - -Having disposed of those who pride themselves as appertaining to the -_nokeron_, it remains to detail the services, &c. of such as come under -the general designation of _chaukeron_. - -The _Khedmutgar_, or, as he is often termed, the _kismutgar_, is, with -very few exceptions, a Mussulman: his business is to prepare all the -apparatus, and to wait at table. For this purpose, he repairs to the -house of his employer shortly after day-break; when, after seeing that -the breakfast apartment has been swept, and taking care that the bearers -have put on a kettle, he lays the cloth, with small plates, knives, -forks, spoons, &c. together with bread, butter, sweetmeats, &c. but -reserving all the tea-things for a side-table; at which, if there be no -_kansamah_, he officiates, making the tea, coffee, chocolate, cocoa, or -whatever is ordered. Where there is an European lady in the family, she -may, perhaps, have the cups, &c. set upon the breakfast table; but, on -account of the steam arising from the various preparations, this custom -is by no means general; and often, after being persevered in for a -while, is relinquished in favor of the bachelor’s mode; which is in -every respect, the most comfortable. - -Every gentleman must have one _khedmutgar_; but the majority keep two, -or even more; not only adding thereby to their own expence, but -considerably incommoding every party in which they may dine. As every -gentleman, when at table, is attended by his own servants, it may easily -be conceived, that where two or more are posted behind each guest, a -living enclosure is formed, tending by its own exhalations, added to -those from their masters, and from the viands, to banish comfort, and to -render all artificial means of cooling the apartment perfectly abortive. -Hence it is usual, at all public entertainments, to admit but one -servant for each person invited: on some occasions a better plan is -adopted, namely, that of employing only as many servants as may be -deemed absolutely necessary: but this, though obviously judicious, -rarely gives satisfaction; habit having so strongly confirmed, what -luxury so very insagaciously invented. Gentlemen fixed at Calcutta, or -at any place, as residents, cause plates, knives, forks, spoons, -napkins, and glasses, to be laid for the whole company; but at all -military stations, each guest sends his servant with two plates, a soup -plate, a small plate for bones, &c. a tumbler, a long glass for claret, -and a smaller for Madeira, a table spoon, a dessert spoon, perhaps also -a marrow spoon, two or three knives and forks, and a napkin: these are -usually taken to the rendezvous by one of his _khedmutgars_, who -accompanies the _aub-dar_; the latter causing a bearer with a _bangy_, -or sling, to carry the apparatus for cooling water. - -However luxurious the latter custom may seem, yet I do not know any more -gratifying, or more conducive to health. A glass of cold water is at -times invaluable! - -When seated at table, the _khedmutgar_ stands behind his master, -changing his plates, &c. which are cleaned by servants without; and, -either keeping him cool by means of a small hand-fan, made of palm-tree; -or driving away the flies with a whisk, called a _chowry_, made of the -hair from a wild ox’s tail, or of a peacocks’ feathers, or of the roots -of grass, called _cuss-cuss_, &c. often, however, these offices are left -to a bearer, who likewise stands, behind his master’s chair, for that -purpose. After dinner the _khedmutgars_ retire to their own homes, and, -about sun-set, attend their respective masters, if they have remained; -but should they sup where they dined, as is customary where suppers are -laid, the attendance is repeated, the same as at dinner time; after -which the _khedmutgars_ go to their respective houses, without ceremony. -The pay of this menial varies from five, to perhaps ten, rupees monthly; -but the generality receive from six to eight. Much depends on the rank -of the employer, and whether the _khedmutgar_ is ever expected to -officiate as _kansamah_: such is, indeed, the case with the families of -single gentlemen, not in possession of large receipts; but the -officiating _khedmutgar_ is honored, almost invariably, by all the other -servants, with the title of _khansamah_. - -Nor is such distinction always ill-bestowed; many of those who serve -under gentlemen of a liberal disposition, and who take pleasure in -keeping a good table, may fairly competite with, at least, half the -servants actually entitled to that designation, in all the knowledge -requisite to support its character. Few, however, of those who become -thus capable of managing all that appertains to domestic economy, -refrain from making attempts to enter the superior circle. Nor are there -wanting persons ready to seduce such good servants from the employ of -their acquaintances. About eight and twenty years ago, when it was the -fashion to wear the hair, both of ladies and of gentlemen, full dressed, -a good peruquier was an indispensable part of the establishment: the -great difficulty of procuring persons properly qualified, induced -several gentlemen to have lads instructed under those who were known to -be expert; this often cost from eighty to a hundred rupees (ten or -twelve guineas); but, in many instances, so soon as the pupils had -learned the business, offers were made clandestinely from other -quarters, sometimes by intimate friends of their masters; when some -little disagreement was started so as to give pretext for quitting. I -must remark, at the same time, that I believe the gentlemen of India are -more scrupulous, and more delicate, in matters of this nature, than -those in any other quarter: but we must not expect all to be perfect; -still less to be disinterested! - -_Khedmutgars_ are, with few exceptions, the sons of _ayahs_, _dhyes_, -&c. in the service of European, or native, ladies: their first -introduction to the table commonly takes place when about eight, or -nine, years of age; at which period children in that quarter are usually -smart, intelligent, and well-featured. At first they attend only at -home; not receiving any wages, or so little as barely to suffice for -clothing: by degrees they become useful, and are allowed to attend -abroad. From this it may be concluded, that, too often, a kind of -compact, or coalition, takes place behind the curtain, not very -favorable to either the pocket, or the brows, of the employer. When we -consider the various opportunities both for peculation, and for -intrigue, possessed by _khedmutgars_ so initiated, we cannot refrain -from condemning that practice, which is too generally prevalent; and -which we should suppose could not fail to produce some inquietude: such, -however, is rarely the case. - -The dresses of _khedmutgars_ are generally of the same form; but the -quality of the cloth, the length of the skirts, and sleeves, and the -trimmings, are matters of great consequence in the eyes of this vain -tribe. All endeavor to obtain _turbans_ and _cummer-bunds_ (_i.e._ -waist-cloths) of the same color, and are not the less pleased if a -tassel of silver fringe be added to the outer end of the former. During -the hot season, a _coortah_, or vest, reaching at least to the knees, of -white calico, or of chintz, is worn; but, during the winter, one of -perpet, or other woollen of European manufacture, is held to be more -respectable. The long-drawers are ordinarily white, or of striped -gingham; though some great favorites, and debauchees, who pride -themselves on being favorites among the ladies, often wear a kind of -silk stuff, called _gool-budden_, such as is used by women above the -middle class, and denotes effeminacy, or a disposition to intrigue. The -origin of such a type of libertinism may commonly be traced to the -_haram_; probably to that of the fop’s own master. - -The office of _Mosaulchy_, or flambeau-bearer, may be considered another -introduction, or rather an apprenticeship, to the foregoing. A lad -serving in this capacity should be agile, smart, and careful; having to -run for miles as fast as the ordinary rate of a carriage; he will find -abundance of work in cleaning boots, shoes, knives, dishes, &c. together -with a million of et ceteras, which fit him for the title of ‘Jack of -all trades.’ Many valuable articles in glass-ware and crockery, being -given to his charge, for the purpose of being washed, it is -indispensably necessary that his whole attention be devoted thereto. -During the time a lad remains as a _mosaulchy_, he may acquire much -experience relating to the duties of a _khedmutgar_: some are to be -seen, in the service of persons in rather low circumstances, acting in -both capacities, and carrying the umbrella; which is properly the duty -of a bearer: but, where the _mosaulchy_ performs the _khedmutgar’s_ -duties, bearers are rarely kept. Few _mosaulchies_ are allowed more than -five rupees monthly, and then on the proviso of supplying the flambeaux -and the oil, where such are used. The general pay is about four rupees; -the master, as is now almost every where prevalent, using a lantern -instead of a _mosaul_, (or flambeau,) and supplying ends of wax candles, -or whole ones of tallow, for that purpose. Many of this description of -servants begin as _coolies_, or laborers, and gradually acquire -sufficient insight to be admitted into the services of non-commissioned -officers, &c.; whence they take the opportunity of removing into the -employ of gentlemen. Others start from the sepoy regiments, in which -they have served as _goorgahs_, or fags, to some native officer, &c.; -but these are more rare; the generality of our sepoys being Hindus, to -whom various domestic operations occurring in the families of Europeans -are obnoxious, on account of the nature of many aliments in use among -us. The _mosaul_, or flambeau, consists of old rags, wrapped very -closely around a small stick; it is generally about two feet in length, -and may be two inches and a half in diameter; an iron ring fits on, so -as to confine the fire within about an inch at the tip: being refreshed, -from time to time, with oil extracted from the sesamum, it burns with -great fierceness; as the cloth consumes, the ring is brought back, by -means of an old fork, thereby renovating the flame. The oil is either -carried in a glass bottle, to the embouchure of which a reed is fitted, -to prevent spilling; or it is contained in a brass vessel, made -expressly for the purpose, and thence called a _tale daunny_ (_i.e._ -oil-pot,) which may hold nearly a quart. - -The dress of a _mosaulchy_ consists of a turban, generally colored; a -short pair of drawers, reaching half way down the thigh, nearly the same -as the _jangheeahs_ of the native soldiery; and a cloth, wrapped round -the waist. But where this servant is at any time employed to wait at -table, he imitates the dress of the _khedmutgar_, so far as his pocket -may allow. Persons of distinction, among both Europeans and natives, -cause their _mosaulchies_ to carry what are called branch-lights. These -consist of a semi-circular frame of iron, supported on a centre stem, to -which the side ribs join; upon the circumference are five or seven -spikes, on each of which a small _mosaul_ is stuck. When they are all -lighted, and raised above the head, by means of the stem, they make a -great show. Commonly two, or, eventually, three branch-lights, may be -seen preceding a great personage, intermixed with his retinue: two or -more ordinary _mosauls_, or lanterns, are also carried near the -palanquin, to prevent the bearers from stumbling. - -The next upon our list is the _Hookah-burdar_, or preparer of the pipe; -a domestic of wondrous consequence with many gentlemen, who give -themselves up, almost wholly, to the enjoyment of smoking. Some begin -before they have half breakfasted; whiffing away, with little -intermission, till they retire to rest: I know not of any custom which -becomes so habitual! It is inconceivable how distressed some are, in -consequence of their _hookahs_ not arriving in time particularly when on -a march: at such moments, nothing goes right: _hookah! hookah! hookah!_ -seem to be the three indispensables towards happiness. Some few may -plead in apology, that, without its aid, they would be subject to an -irregularity, such as rarely fails to induce severe illness: when this -is the case, we cannot censure the practice, provided it be confined to -that duration which may produce the salutary stimulus; and which, it is -obvious, must be rather weakened, than aided, by the subsequent use of -smoke during the rest of the day. To so great an extreme is this -carried, that I have known more than one instance of two -_hookah-burdars_ being retained; one for the day, the other for the -night. Where such prevails, it may be rationally concluded the wages are -in proportion: in most services, these may be from ten, to fifteen, -rupees per month; occasionally somewhat less, but rarely exceeding; -except where excessive partiality for his pipe induces a gentleman to -give more, under the common error of expecting satisfaction in -proportion to the disbursement. To such an egregious excess has this -opinion led some persons, that I have heard of no less than one hundred -rupees per month having been given to a _hookah-burdar_. Yet, many -gentlemen, supposed to be judges, were unanimous in declaring, that such -high-priced preparations were very inferior to the generality of those -obtained at that moderate expence usually incurred by persons contenting -themselves with mediocrity. - -In some instances, the whole expence lies with the _hookah-burdar_, who -receives such a sum as may, besides his wages, include tobacco, _gools_, -(or fire-balls,) and _chillums_, (or sockets for receiving the _towah_, -or tile,) on which the prepared tobacco is applied. Some even provide -the _snakes_, or pliable conductors. - -With respect to the tobacco used for smoking, ‘_tot homines, tot -sententiæ_;’ in that particular few are to be found of the same opinion: -and among those that are, probably more than half are under the grossest -deception. The little village of Bilsah, in the Maharrattah country, has -been long celebrated, and it should seem not without reason, for the -fragrance of the tobacco raised around it. But the quantity of tobacco -sold annually throughout Bengal, where it produces from thirty to sixty, -and even eighty rupees per maund, (if ascertained to be genuine,) is -known to exceed, full an hundred fold, the amount of any crop ever -raised at Bilsah. The substitutes are various, but one kind, raised in -the _Bundelcund_ district, supplies the greater portion; many, indeed, -are of opinion that it is not inferior. May not its excellence be owing -to the practice, common in that quarter, of sprinkling the plants at -harvest time with a solution of molasses? We know that many fruits yield -but little of their flavor, until excited by the saccharine acid: the -raspberry may serve to coroborate my position. I have known that very -cheap kind of tobacco, the _Cuggareah_, which ordinarily sells for about -four rupees per maund, (of 82 lb.) rendered so mellow, and so fragrant, -by being worked up with molasses, and kept in close vessels for some -months, as absolutely to be admired even by persons who prided -themselves on never smoking any but the true Bilsah! - -The usual mode of preparing tobacco for the _hookah_, is by first -chopping it very small; then, adding ripe plantains, molasses, or raw -sugar, together with some cinnamon, and other aromatics; keeping the -mass, which resembles an electuary, in close vessels. When about to be -used, it is again worked up well; some, at that time, add a little -tincture of musk, or a few grains of that perfume, others prefer pouring -a solution of it, or a little rose water, down the _snake_, at the -moment the _hookah_ is introduced: in either case, the fragrance of the -tobacco is effectually superceded; giving ample scope for the -_hookah-burdar_ to serve up rank _mundungus_, (as bad tobacco is -termed,) in lieu of the supposed, or perhaps the real, _Bilsah_. - -The _hookah-burdar_ rarely fails to smoke of the best his master may at -any time possess; which, however highly perfumed, will rarely be strong -enough for his gratification: the deficiency is supplied by the -admixture of _bang_; a preparation from the leaves of the _ganjah_, or -hemp, (the _cannabis sativus_,) and is extremely intoxicating. The -leaves of that plant, when triturated with water, compose a drink of the -same tendency, known by the name of _subzy_, (_i.e._ green,) which is a -constant beverage among the more established sinners, who rarely fail, -towards nightfall, to take an ample dose, of either _bang_, _subzy_, or -_majoom_: the latter being sweetmeats impregnated with a decoction of -the _ganjah_, or hemp plant, much used by all debauchees, and too often -admitted within the sacred area of the _zenanah_, (or haram). The use of -any preparation of the _ganjah_, or hemp plant, is attended with much -opprobrium: like most intoxicating drugs and spirits, they, in the first -instance, excite to gaiety, but ultimately leave their victim in the -most deplorable state of stupefaction; the recovery from which is -attended with dreadful headache, ill temper, and hypochondria. Some -_hookah-burdars_ indulge freely in the use of musk, which never fails, -after a while, to produce considerable derangement of the nerves; and, -not unfrequently, that complete debility which is ever attended with the -greatest depressure of spirits. - -A very common species of debauchery, in which I have known only one or -two gentlemen to indulge, is the incorporation of opium with the -prepared tobacco, previous to its being spread upon the _towah_; a -custom so repugnant to discretion, as to leave little room for -animadversion, the folly being usually of very short duration, and, -intermediately, attended with the most abject degradation. Many native -princes, and others, who have been hurled from their thrones, or from -offices of trust, are said to have been treacherously overcome by means -of opium thus administered: it appears to me very practicable, by such a -device, to lull a whole guard to sleep; for few can resist the offer of -a whiff when the _goorgoory_ (a small kind of _hookah_ used by the lower -classes) is passing round. Among such trash as is generally sold to the -poor, who care not much about the flavor, so long as they can draw -abundance of smoke, the opium would probably, if at all tasted, rather -give a zest, than prove an objection, to the indulgence. It is asserted, -that if a capsicum be put among the _gools_, or be mixed with the -tobacco, fatal consequences will ensue; an instant attack of apoplexy -taking place. This I have never known to be done; therefore am incapable -of producing any testimony, one way or the other: but it appears rather -doubtful whether any reasoning, or analogy, could be adduced in support -of the assertion; the acrid stimulus would, in all probability, be -dissipated, rendering the residue as inert as any other raw culinary -vegetable. Admitting it to be true, that a capsicum can produce such an -effect, a very strong argument against smoking may be adduced: no man -would, altogether, relish the idea of being so perpetually in the power -of a debauchee, who might, either through resentment, or by a small -bribe, be induced to bestow a _quietus_, without the possibility of a -discovery. In such case, the _hookah-burdar_ would have all the -advantages of an inimical cook, without the danger of his narcotic being -detected. - -However complicated the _hookah_ may appear, it is, nevertheless, -extremely easy of construction. I have been told, that one has been made -in England; and I have seen a few in use, that were brought from Bengal. -The preparation of the tobacco with apples, in lieu of plantains, is -equally simple and approved. The _kaleaun_, or small kind of _hookah_, -used on the west coast of India, is certainly commodious: it has a -larger bottom, in general, than the Bengal _hookah_; though I have seen -some very small, with beautiful imitations of flowers, and of coral, -shells, &c. within them. - -Some of the real Persian _kaleauns_ exhibit considerable ingenuity, and -taste, on the part of their manufacturers. In the centre of the -interior, bunches of flowers, beautifully colored, far too large, and -too delicate, to have been introduced at the embouchures of the vessels, -may be seen. Over these, the glass, which is rarely of the best quality, -though far superior to any I have seen of Hindostanee formation, has -evidently been cast, or blown. Many of these artificial bouquets are, -however, made piece-meal, as I discovered by examining their -construction, after their exterior cases had been accidentally broken: -such were found to consist of a cone of rosin firmly cemented to the -bottom of the _kaleaun_, by heat; it appeared that the several leaves, -branches, flowers, birds, &c. were introduced one after the other, in a -heated state, and applied to the rosin, in which they buried themselves -sufficiently to retain a firm hold. I likewise ascertained that some -models of Persian architecture were combined in the same manner; while, -on the other hand, others, especially small figures of great personages, -seated on thrones, elephants, &c. were never subjected to that device: -in the latter instance, some grapes were, however, joined in the manner -above described. - -The _goorgoory_ is a very small kind of _hookah_, intended to be -conveyed in a palanquin, or to be carried about a house; the person who -smokes holding a vase-shaped bottom by its neck, and drawing through a -stiff, instead of a pliant, pipe, formed of a reed, arched into such a -shape as should conduct its end conveniently to the mouth. In this, the -pipe is rarely more than a yard in length: it is an implement very -generally used by the middling classes of natives; and especially among -the women in _harams_. - -The _neriaul_ is nothing more than a cocoa-nut, with the pipe-stem -thrust through a hole at its top, and a piece of reed, about a cubit -long, applied to another hole rather lower down. The nut-shell, being -half filled with water, the air, or rather the smoke, we might suppose -would be cooled; but, from observation, I much doubt whether any change -takes place in the temperament of either. These little _hookahs_, (for, -however paltry, their owners do not omit to give them that designation,) -are often used without any reed to conduct the smoke; the lips being, in -that case, applied to the small lateral aperture into which the reed -should be fitted. One of these usually serves half a dozen men, who pass -it round with great glee: it often forms an appendage about the feet of -a palanquin, if the opportunity offers for securing it there, without -master’s knowledge. - -The dress of a _hookah-burdar_, in the service of a gentleman of rank, -approaches nearly to that of a _chobe-dar_; a _jamma_ being generally -worn by such, but, in more humble situations, the _courtah_ of a -_khedmutgar_ is common. In the former situation, his office is confined -entirely to the _hookah_; while, in the latter, he is generally expected -to wait at table, at least, on occasion; but wherever the master, of -whatever rank, may go, thither the _hookah-burdar_ is expected to -proceed, so as to furnish the pipe in due season after dinner, or at any -other time it may be required. The ordinary periods for smoking, are, -after breakfast, after dinner, after tea, and after supper: such may be -deemed regular; and, if no more than two or three charges are used, at -each time, are by no means considered extraordinary. I have already -stated, that some gentlemen smoke day and night. - -In such a climate, water is, during four months, at least, the main -spring of existence, both in the animal, and the vegetable, kingdom; -consequently, its supply becomes a profession, giving bread to -thousands. The person officiating in this capacity, if provided with a -bullock for the purpose of conveying two large leather bags, each -containing about twenty gallons, is called a _Puckaully_; but if he -carries the water himself, in the skin of a goat, prepared for that -purpose, he then receives the designation of _Bheesty_. The bags for a -_puckaully_ are made of strong hide, sewed very firmly at the front, -which is at right angles with the bottom, where the leather doubles, -and, consequently, has no seam; the back part, is diagonal, forming a -kind of spout behind, opposite the bullock’s knee; while the top is left -open, rather in a funnel form, for about a foot that the water may be -poured in: the spout is first rolled up, and then tied with a strong -strip of leather. - -Every _puckaully_ carries also a small bag, that he may serve as an -ordinary ‘_hand-bheesty_’, when required. This is made of the skin of a -goat, taken off in a particular manner. Being put into a solution of -lime, the hair soon quits; when the inside fleshings are carefully -scraped off. A tan is then made of the bark of _baubool_, (mimosa), -_khut_, (catechu,) and alum. - -_Bheesties_ are, with few exceptions, Mussulmans; it being contrary to -the Hindu code to touch either the carcases, or the skins, of animals -killed in any way. Hence, a Hindu of this profession is extremely rare, -and will seldom be discovered; owing to the necessity for change of -name, so as to pass for a Mussulman. Hindus will, nevertheless, drink of -the water supplied from the _mussock_, (or _bheesty-bag_); though they -are extremely partial to such as they can draw themselves, by means of a -line and metal pot, with which most travellers are provided. Some few -are, to be sure, extravagantly scrupulous, and will undergo excessive -thirst, rather than partake of the _bheesty’s_ supply. Dust, heat, and -fatigue, however, rarely fail, after a while, to overcome such ill-timed -fastidiousness. The _puckaullies_, or, as they are usually called, the -_bullock-bheesties_, replenish their bags by driving their cattle into -some _tank_, or pond, up to their knees, or even deeper, then baling in -the water, by means of a small leather bucket, holding about two quarts, -or more. The _hand-bheesty_ usually sinks his bag under water, when it -soon fills. When drawing water from the wells, the leather bucket, -called a _dole_, is used by both the _puckaully_ and the _hand-bheesty_. - -The constant application of a wet skin to the cloaths on the hip, -necessarily disposes them to rot: on this account, most _bheesties_ -provide themselves with a piece of cloth, called _karwah_, which, being -dyed in grain with a composition, whereof the solution of shell-lac -forms a large portion, resists the effects of the moisture, better than -any other substance in use for apparel. The wages of a _hand-bheesty_, -may be from four to five rupees, according to the agreement, whether he -is to furnish his own _mussock_, &c. which is the general mode. His -duty, during the cold season, and in the rains, is mere pastime; he has -then but little to do beyond the supply of water to horses, and filling -a few pots for culinary purposes, bathing, drinking, &c. all of which -might be done in half an hour. But in the summer months, his labors are -severe. Exclusive of the above requisitions, which are multiplied -ten-fold, he has to water the _tatties_, (or frames filled with grass,) -applied to the windward side of every house, for the purpose of cooling -the air; at that season not only uncomfortably hot, but absolutely -parching the skin of a person not habituated to its influence. By -day-break the _bheesty_ must begin to fill the several tubs, or immense -_nauds_, (pans) of earthen-ware, placed near the house; this being done, -he brings the _tatties_, and after wetting each thoroughly, as it lays -on the ground, places it against its respective aperture, supporting it -with props, and, during the whole day, indeed often till mid-night, -sprinkling it in every part; occasionally replenishing the vessels, as -their contents may be expended. Though it cannot be said to occur often, -yet, in some very dry seasons, it has been found necessary to continue -the _bheesties_ at their labor during the whole night. I recollect an -instance, in the year 1793, when the winds were, if any thing, hotter at -night than in the day time; rendering it absolutely necessary to keep -the _tatties_ up for a full week, or more; and demanding additional -_bheesties_, who performed the night duty. - -All the houses in India are tarrased, not only on the basements, but on -every floor; therefore, previous to sweeping, the _bheesty_ sprinkles -the tarras slightly; thereby preventing the dust from rising when the -sweeper performs his part. He likewise waters the precincts of the -house, several times daily, but especially towards sun-set, when -gentlemen usually take their tea in the open air. If going any distance, -perhaps two or three miles, in their palanquins, during the prevalence -of the hot winds, it is common for persons of respectability to be -accompanied by their _bheesties_, who carry a small quantity of water in -their _mussocks_; therewith sprinkling the _tatties_ applied to the -sides of the vehicle; the interior, which but for this would be -insufferably hot, is thereby rendered fresh and cool. Those who do not -take _bheesties_ with them, have their _gutta-topes_, (or palanquin -covers,) which are ordinarily made of the _karwah_ before described, -well soaked in water before they set out: this, though not so effectual -as the foregoing mode, is no bad substitute. - -Water, when dashed out from the end of a _mussock_, or _bheesty-bag_, -would be apt to penetrate into the interior of a palanquin; and as its -expenditure, while proceeding any distance, should be economically -managed, a very simple device is in use, which effectually answers every -purpose; namely, the introduction of a small rose-head, similar to those -affixed to the spouts of garden watering-pots, which being firmly -secured within the neck of the _mussock_, by means of the leather throng -always attached to that part, divides the water more minutely, and -checks its too abundant supply; at the same time that it causes the -distribution to be more general and equal. - -_Tatties_ are made of the roots of that long grass of which most of the -jungles in India consist, and which correspond exactly with the Guinea -grass, once so ridiculously sent to the East as a great acquisition; the -fibres are of a rusty brown color, devious in their direction, and may -be from ten to twenty inches in length: we see among us cloaths brushes, -and carpet brooms, made of it. The Hindostanee name is _kuss-kuss_, and -the general price may be about four rupees per maund, (of 82 lb). - -The frame, in which this material is to be enclosed, is made of split -bamboo, chequered into squares, of about four inches each way, and in -the whole sufficiently extensive to overlap the exterior of the door, or -window, to which it is to be applied, at least six inches, or perhaps, a -foot, at the sides and above. The _kuss-kuss_ is then placed very -regularly on the bamboo frame, as it lies on the ground, in the same -manner as tiles; each layer being bound down, under a thin slip of -bamboo, extending the full breadth of the _tatty_. The great art is to -make the _tatty_ neither too thick, which would exclude the wind; nor -too thin, as it would then let the dust pass through, without rendering -the interior sufficiently cool. I found, after much experiment, that a -maund of _kuss-kuss_, applied so as to cover about a hundred square -feet, answered extremely well. But it is best to have one or two -_tatties_ made rather thin; so as to apply in case of light winds: when -it blows hard, these may be applied double; one at the back of the -other. At such times, the interior of a house will be very cool; -sometimes rather too much so; for the great evaporation caused by the -heated air’s passage through the cold medium, produces perfect -refrigeration. - -In the western provinces, and other parts of India, _tatties_ are -frequently made of a short, prickly bush, that thrives during the -hottest months on sandy plains, especially in places inundated during -the rainy season. This shrub is called, _jewassah_; its leaves are not -unlike, but not so numerous, nor of so deep a green, as those of rue. It -is extremely prickly, being every where furnished with spines about the -size of a pin. When fresh, the _jewassah_ is most pleasing to the eye, -and its scent is equally agreeable; but, after the first day, its -verdure disappears, and the whole house is filled with its leaves, and -its thorns. Hence, the _kuss-kuss_, which, when fresh, is rather -fragrant, though the scent is somewhat terraceous, is usually preferred -in making those _tatties_ which roll up, so as to be particularly -applicable to palanquins, and are called _cheeks_; wherein nothing but -_kuss-kuss_ is ever employed: where this root cannot be procured, or -when in the early part of the hot season, little has come to market, -common grass, pared from the soil, or even small boughs, straw, &c. are -occasionally used to fill between two frames of bamboo: they answer -tolerably when well watered; but, on account of their disposition to -rot, soon become objectionable: _kuss-kuss_ will keep for years. - -Very few _puckaullies_, or _bullock-bheesties_, are retained in the -service of individuals; such are usually attached to the establishments -of barrack-masters, and quarter-masters. They answer admirably for the -supply of water at the soldiers’ quarters, and at the hospitals; to -which _tatties_ are allowed, at the public expence, during the hot -season. In most cases, the bullocks that carry the water, as well as the -leather bags, appertain to the establishment, and the driver receives -only the pay of a _hand-bheesty_; where he supplies the whole, his pay -is from ten to twelve rupees per month. - -The _Babachy_, or cook, is a servant who may fairly claim very -considerable approbation, since he prepares most sumptuous dinners, -although he never tastes any of the viands while in a state of -preparation; and is, besides, often put to his wits to guard against the -joint attacks of dust, wind, rain, sun, and birds of prey. In a regular, -settled family, it is true he may have every convenience afforded him; -such as a substantial and spacious kitchen, with fire-place according to -the Indian style; a range of stoves, a scullery, apparatus of all sorts, -&c. &c. But when on a march, the case is widely different; he must then -turn to with his mattock, and dig a number of holes, to receive his -fuel; which is usually green wood, or dried cow-dung; he must make -_choolahs_, or fire places, by placing three lumps of earth, kneaded -into a stiff paste, for each _choolah_, so as to support the boiler it -is to receive; he must burn his wood to embers, over which his meat is -to be roasted, by means of a small spit; perhaps made of slit bamboo, -but if of iron, with a crank at one end, whereby to turn it, as it rests -upon two _dogs_, or iron spikes, driven into the ground, a few feet -asunder; he must, in all probability, kill and flay a kid, or two or -three fowls; some for curry, others for roasting, &c.; and, perhaps, -after all, he may have to turn the spit himself; occasionally looking to -the contents of the several boilers, &c. - -The fixed roasting place in a permanent kitchen is generally made of two -inclined bars of iron, about four or five feet in length, set sloping -against a wall, at an angle of perhaps forty degrees. Each of these bars -is furnished with eight or ten hooks, in any suitable pair of which the -spit is turned by a boy: the spaces under them, that is to say, the -triangle on each side, are filled with masonry, so that the heat may be -retained, and the embers be kept within certain bounds. - -For roasting in this manner, the embers are divided lengthwise, leaving -a vacancy, or kind of trough, under the line of the spit, wherein a -metal platter is sometimes set, to receive the dripping, which is -returned to the meat by a bunch of feathers, (generally those from the -wings of the fowls just killed,) tied to the end of a short stick. This -little neat, _cleanly_, and cheap dripping-ladle, answers admirably; it -being in the power of the _babachy_ to baste any part with great -precision. I know not any thing in the culinary way, that proves more -uncomfortable to delicate stomachs than the sight of this part of the -process; unless it be the very common practice of preparing toast, by -means of melted butter laid on either with the above implement, or with -a piece of old rag! As for straining soup, &c. through dirty clouts, -that is considered as a matter of course; therefore, after a full -conviction that it is so, and that the soup is well flavored, very few -exceptions are made. - -Notwithstanding such _unpicturesque_ operations, the dinner, when -brought to table, looks well, and tastes well: appetite, at that time, -supersedes daintiness, and prevents the imagination from travelling back -to the kitchen; though, to be sure, the number of flies at times found -in the sauces, will occasion a disposition to enquire how they got -there, and whence they came! These obnoxious visitors rarely fail to -visit the purlieus of the _balachy’s_ camp; where they assemble in -swarms; not only covering the garbage, which usually lies but a few -paces distant, but settling on the meat, or visiting the stew-pots, &c. -where they are overcome by the heat, or fixed by the dripping, &c. Flies -may, however, be picked out; but those shoals of dust that skim during -the middle of the day, often render the whole dinner absolutely -unacceptable. I have been in situations where, although a large table -cloth was spread over the knives, forks, &c. as laid for dinner, there -has been collected near a pound of sand underneath; while the upper -cloth was really covered full a quarter of an inch in depth: those who -have been stationed at Lucknow, during the hot season, cannot but -confirm my assertion. This never can be altogether obviated in moveable -camps; but, when fixed for a while, it is usual to set up mats, or -_konauts_, (which are walls of cloth, kept upright by ropes and sticks,) -on the windward side; whereby the inconvenience may be considerably -lessened: but sometimes a _b’hoot_, or whirlwind, comes suddenly, and -not only be-grits the whole of the cookery, but whisks away the fences, -embers, &c. in an instant! - -The boilers in general are made in the country, of copper, tinned; in -shape not unlike the common cast-iron pots used throughout the North, -without feet, and with the addition of a flat rim projecting about an -inch outward, serving both to steady a kind of inverted lid, and, as -they have no handles, for the _babachy_ to apply two wet rags, wherewith -to put the vessel off, and on, the _choolah_. Tinning is performed by -persons who make a livelihood thereby; they receiving a certain sum, -from one to two rupees per score, for the several pieces, counting -boilers, lids, &c., according to their size. The _kully-ghur_, or -tinman, uses but few utensils; he has the vessels well scoured, and -then, by means of powdered rosin, gives the interior a coating, scarcely -distinguishable to the sight, or touch. Some use no rosin; others employ -borax; but, whatever the medium may be, or whether there be none, the -vessel is heated sufficiently, and equally, over embers, when the tin, -being thoroughly melted, is kept rubbing round the interior, with a -large piece of fine cotton wool, so long as any will adhere: the vessel -is then set to cool. - -It cannot require pointing out, that the above mode is retained in vogue -entirely by the cheapness, and expedition, with which it is done; were -it otherwise, its want of durability, could not fail to give the -preference to some more permanent, and less soluble, preparation. But it -happens, that tinning can be performed in almost every town; and, that -there is rarely occasion to have recourse thereto more than once in two -or three months; when a score, of good sized pieces, may be done for as -little money as would be charged, by one of our artizans, for tinning a -very moderate-sized kettle. Some gentlemen use tin boilers, sent from -this country; but, though certainly devoid of the inconvenience, and -danger, attendant upon a want of tinning, such are highly objectionable, -in consequence of their being so soon burnt through, or rusted, when -laid by: notwithstanding the generality of _babachies_ adopt the -precaution of smearing the bottoms of most vessels, but of these in -particular, with fine clay, sufficiently diluted to be laid on thin and -smooth. Our cooks at home might, perhaps, not do amiss, were they to -adopt that excellent plan. - -The _babachy_ has nothing characteristic in his apparel; he is generally -more of a sloven than of a beau, and may often be mistaken for a -_mosaulchy_. In some families, _mates_, or assistants, are allowed, who -do the drudgery, and whose pay is often included in that of his -superior; in which case, four rupees are the common allowance, though -the poor mate seldom receives more than half that sum; the cook-major -adding the residue, as a perquisite, to his own wages, which may be -stated at from six to twelve rupees, according to ability. As in the -case of _kansamahs_, and _hookah-burdars_, a few instances may be -adduced of exorbitant salaries; but we may generally take the single -cook at eight rupees, and the mate at four. Where there is much work, as -in taverns, &c., from fifteen to twenty rupees are sometimes given -monthly to the head _babachy_. - -The _Durzy_, or tailor, however strange it may appear to those who never -left England, is an indispensable domestic in every part of India. It is -to be recollected, that all such branches of servitude are there filled -by males; except for the _zenanah_, or haram, where there may be from -two to four females; all exclusively attached to the lady. These know -nothing of needle-work; not so much as to enable their hemming a -petticoat. Under such circumstances, the only alternative is to employ a -sempster, who understands cutting out, and making, waistcoats, -small-cloaths, pantaloons, shirts, &c.: many, indeed, can make a very -tolerable coat, if furnished with a pattern. The _durzy_ is invariably -expected to be proficient in whatever relates to the apparel of native -women, as well as to be a competent judge of the value of different -kinds of cloths made in the country; nor is it less necessary, that he -should know the exact quantity of materials requisite for the several -parts of dress. All this science is to be had, at the average rate of -seven or eight rupees monthly; the _durzy_ finding his own needles and -threads. _Durzies_ capable of making gowns, &c. for European ladies, -being scarce, and, as I have said in speaking of _kansamahs_, much in -request, double the latter sum may always be earned by one of moderate -skill in that branch. The inferior class of _durzies_, called -_keemah-dozes_, who do no fine work, but principally are employed in -tent-making, rarely earn more than four rupees monthly: or, if paid by -the day, not more than three and a half. - -The various pretexts under which the _durzy_ obtains admission into the -_zenanah_, added to the constancy of his attendance at the house, unless -when any purchase is to be made, gives him an admirable opportunity for -carrying on intrigue; for which the whole tribe are notorious: hence, if -any cause of suspicion appears, the _durzy_ is the first object of -jealousy; when it generally turns out, that, if not the principal, he is -accessary, as a go-between. - -As a tailor is immediately distinguished among us, so is the _durzy_ in -India instantly ascertained by his gait. Some are personable men, but -speedily become emaciated by debauchery; in which their liberal wages -enable them to indulge. Yet they are, on the whole, excellent workmen; -finishing apparel of all sorts in a remarkably neat manner, and often -fitting with great exactness: but they are devoid of invention; mostly -following old patterns, and rarely suggesting the smallest improvement. -The dress of a _durzy_ much resembles that of a _khedmutgar_; but, in -the hot season, the former wear no coortahs, being bare from the waist -upwards; sometimes substituting a small cap, (worn only by Mussulmans,) -for the turban, which is usually compact and neat. - -The _Doby_, or washerman, is also exclusively a domestic, washing for -only one family; by which it should be understood, that, not only his -master’s linen of every description, but the _zenanah_ apparel is given -to him to wash, and to iron. Sometimes, however, the latter operation is -performed by an _Istree-wallah_, or ironer; yet this is rare; only -taking place in very large families, or in large towns, such as -Calcutta, Madras, &c. where proximity of residence renders such a resort -convenient: none but box irons are used; and of these a large portion -are heated by means of embers shut up in their cavities. The _doby_ who -washes for a single gentleman, will sometimes, at the risk of severe -punishment, or of being discharged, take the linen of low Europeans, or -Portugueze, in hand clandestinely: many have, indeed, been detected in -letting out the linen given to their charge. Hence, it is needful to -keep a watch over these folks, who commonly take all the foul articles -every week, bringing home at that time what they received at the former -delivery. The wages vary according to the labor; but from six to ten -rupees may be taken as the standard; the _doby_ finding soap, and every -part of the apparatus, without any demand upon, or reference to, his -employer. When an European lady is in the family, some encrease must be -made to the pay, on account of the great additional labor; nothing but -white being worn at any time. In such case, it is found expedient to -have a small apartment appropriated, in which the finer articles may be -got up by the lady’s maid. - -The usual process of washing in India, is, first to boil all the cloaths -in a large earthen _naud_, mixing plenty of soap, or ley, or sudjee, -(fossile alkali,) or wood-ashes, with the water. This operation is -called the _butteah_; the cloaths are then well rinsed, either in a -large tank, or in a running stream, when they are again rubbed with -soap, and laid in a heap to soak. After a few hours they are washed -again, and, being folded up into whisps, or bundles, of a convenient -size, are beaten forcibly on a board, cut into deep transverse grooves, -and placed aslant in the water; in which the _doby_ stands immersed up -to his knees. After dashing each bundle several times on the board, he -opens and rinses it in the water; repeating the dashing, as though he -were beating the board with a flail, until every part of the linen -appears to be duly cleansed. If a board is not at hand, (though every -_doby_ has at least one, of about four feet long, two broad, and four -inches thick, with a stout stick wherewith a prop it,) any smooth stone -is made to answer. It should seem, that this must be a most destructive -method; but experience proves, that the fine calicoes of India will, -even under such apparently rough usage, wear longer than our stout -linens washed in tubs, &c. - -Every _doby_ has his drying lines, which are fixed at each end to pins -driven into the ground, and then sustained by cross-sticks, on the forks -of which the ropes rest. In the rainy season, the cloaths are hung -somewhere under shelter, where they soon dry; though not so quick as in -the summer months; during which the heaviest articles may be dried in a -few minutes. The _doby’s_ wife, (called the _dobin_,) usually assists in -every part of the process; as do also such of his children as are of an -age to be useful. This sect is very peculiar in many instances, it, and -that of the _comars_, or potters, being the only two privileged to ride, -or even to carry burthens, upon asses, without suffering the most -ignominious degradation: hence, those animals are jocularly termed, -’_dobies’s palfreys_.’ The dress of the _doby_ is generally very plain, -consisting of a turban, a _dotee_, (or waist-cloth,) and a _chudder_, -(or sheet,) worn loosely over the body in cold weather. When _dobies_ -are at work, their lungs aspirate strongly, like those of paviors; which -produces a very singular effect; especially if, as is very often the -case, several of these board-thrashers are assembled at the same piece -of water. - -_Dobies_ are very generally Hindus; and ought, agreeably to the ordinary -tenets of that religion, to refrain from touching any animal substance, -except leather, when used in the construction of shoes, and implements -of war; but a particular exception is made in favor of this _cast_, (or -sect,) who could not otherwise use soap, when made of suet; though, by -far the greater portion of that made in Hindustan, is manufactured with -oil expressed from the sesamum. - -When on a march, the _doby_ in each gentleman’s service loads his -cloaths, wet or dry, upon his camels, bullocks, cart, &c.: the servant’s -own apparatus being conveyed on a donkey; which, in general, is -tolerably well burthened with the wife, or some young children, the -washing-board, its prop, the drying lines, the sticks, box irons, &c. -&c.; forming, in the whole, an abundant accumulation of moveables for so -small an animal as an Hindostanee jack-ass; which is seldom to be seen -half the size of the common breed we have in England. - -A _Mohout_ is a person employed to feed, and to drive, an elephant: most -of this profession are Mussulmans, and very dissipated in their conduct. -Except at particular periods, on a long march for instance, the _mohout_ -has little to do; all the drudgery that relates to bringing in fodder on -the elephant, for its own use, as well as taking the animal to water, -rubbing it down, oiling its forehead, painting its cheeks with -vermilion, or with ochre, putting on the pads, clearing away the dung, -with a variety of such matters, being in general done by the _mate_, or -deputy, who is often nothing more than a _cooly_, or common laborer, -employed for this especial business, but who ultimately succeeds to the -charge of an elephant. _Mohouts_ receive from three to six rupees -monthly: the lowest rates of wages being confined to those countries -where elephants are caught; and the highest attainable only in the -service of gentlemen of rank; who require this, as well as all other of -their domestics, to dress more correctly than such as appertain to -persons in less opulent, or less dignified, circumstances. - -The duty of a _mohout_, when actively employed, is to sit upon the neck -of his elephant, bare-footed, and furnished with an instrument, called a -_haunkus_, (or driver,) wherewith to guide the animal. This is commonly -about twenty, or perhaps twenty-four inches in length, generally made of -iron, though some have wooden hafts; the tip is pointed, and, about six -inches below it, is a hook, welded on to the stem, forming nearly a -semi-circle, whose diameter may be four or five inches. At the butt of -the shaft, a ring is let through, for the purpose of fastening the -_haunkus_ to a line; the other end of which is fastened to some soft -cord, about half an inch in diameter, passing very loosely eight, or -ten, times round the elephant’s neck, and serving, in lieu of stirrups, -to keep the _mohout_ from falling over to the right or left, on any -sudden motion, as well as to retain his feet in their due direction. - -When the elephant is to be urged forward, the point of the _haunkus_ is -pressed into the back of his head, while the _mohout’s_ toes press under -both the animal’s ears: when it is to be stopped, the _mohout_ places -the hook part against the elephant’s forehead; and, throwing his weight -back, occasions considerable pain, which soon induces to obedience: when -it is to turn to the left, the _mohout_ presses the toes of his right -foot under the right ear of the elephant, at the same time goading him -about the tip of the right ear; thereby causing the animal to turn its -head, and to change its direction: to turn to the right, _vice versâ_. -When the elephant is to lie down, in order to be laden, the _haunkus_ is -pressed perpendicularly upon the crown of the head: but most elephants, -after a year or two, become very well acquainted with the words of -command; obeying them readily, without being mounted, or even -approached. - -Each _mate_, or _cooly_, is generally provided with a cutting bill, -called a _d’how_, for the purpose of lopping off the lesser branches of -_barghuts_, _peepuls_, and other trees, in common use as fodder. An -elephant will usually carry as much of these on his back, as he can -consume in two days; but it is not customary to load more than will last -for one day, when on a march; as it would be superfluous. Boughs, as -thick as a man’s arm, are very easily chewed by this stupendous animal; -which often uses one, of full a hundred weight, to drive the flies from -its body. - -Besides the _d’how_, each _mate_ is furnished with a spear, about six or -seven feet in length, having a long pyramidal blade, ornamented at its -point with a tassel, and armed at its other extremity with a blunter’s -pike: the former is used to urge the animal to exertion, the _mate_ -goading his hind quarters; the latter serves to stick the implement -upright in the ground, or to press upon the elephant’s arm while the -load is putting on, or the rider ascending into the howdah. - -The dress of the _mohout_ is, in most points, similar to that of the -_khedmutgar_; and that of the _mate_ is, if any thing, but little better -than the ordinary costume of poor laborers, though their pay may be -rated from three to four rupees per month: in those provinces where -elephants are caught, provisions are extremely cheap; there, few _mates_ -receive more than a rupee and a half, or two rupees. The occupation of a -_mohout_ is considered by no means conducive to longevity; a premature -decrepitude generally disqualifies after a few years of service. This is -supposed to arise from the motion of the elephant; but may, perhaps very -justly, be attributed to the too great intervals of leisure, which are -generally passed in conviviality. - -The health of a _Surwan_, or camel-driver, is yet more subject to early -decay, than that of a _mohout_: the motion of this animal being most -oppressively severe; causing such a vibration of the loins as is -attended with great pain, and often with suppression of urine, together -with tenesmus, especially in tender persons not accustomed thereto. It -is said to be less severe when trotting, than when walking: the former I -never tried; being perfectly satisfied with a _gentle ambulation_, which -made every joint of my vertebræ crack at the time, and ache for some -hours after. The dress of this class resembles that of a _mosaulchy_ of -the superior order; the pay may be from four to five rupees, if in -charge of only two camels; but, if three, it is usual to allow a rupee -more. The duty consists in seeing the camels fed properly, for which -purpose the _surwan_ proceeds, every second or third day, to some -village, for chaff of various kinds: the usual quantity of _gram_, (a -kind of pulse wherewith laboring cattle are fed,) is given, part in the -morning, and part in the evening; or perhaps all at the latter time: -three _seers_, equal to about six pounds, are considered good keep. - -Camels being rarely very tractable, especially when lustful, must be -approached with great caution: their bite is dreadful, not only from the -size of the mouth and the strength of the jaw, as well as the form of -the tushes, but because they rarely quit their hold. It often happens -that the same camel kills several _surwans_: probably, if there were -lords of the manor to claim such beasts as deodands, fewer accidents -would happen. The only mode, hitherto ascertained, of governing these -vicious animals, is, by boring a hole in the nostril, and passing -through it, from within, a piece of tough wood, with a knob about as -large as a nutmeg. A strong piece of line is then fastened to the outer -extremity of the wood, that, on being pulled, causes the camel to lie -down at pleasure. This contrivance, which is called _naukell_, keeps him -in tolerable order; though it is prudent to have a stout bludgeon, in -case of any attempt to seize. When camels are very vicious, it is common -to cut off their noses, so far as the gristle extends: this privation is -supposed to do much good; but I have seen numberless instances wherein -it totally failed; while, on the other hand, it greatly depreciated; -since few would like to purchase one bearing so obvious a type of -treachery. - -A good _surwan_ will always distinguish himself by the order of his -cattle, by their freedom from injuries in consequence of galling under -the saddle, and especially by the compact manner in which he places -whatever burthen is to be carried. This should never exceed six maunds -of 82lb each; though the Company require, in all their contracts, that -the camels furnished for their service should carry much more. Possibly, -on a soil suited to the camel’s foot, he may, on emergency, carry as far -as eight maunds, equal to no less than 656lb; but such must not be -expected to last. If the soil is boggy, half that weight will be found -sufficient; especially where slippery; for, when overladen, the animal -will, in such places, be very subject to ruin; his hind legs sliding -asunder, so as to bring the pelvis to the ground: this, which is termed -‘splitting,’ renders him unable to rise, or, if raised, to proceed, in -consequence of the violent injury sustained. On such an occasion the -animal’s throat is cut by some good Mussulman, who, as he performs that -operation, and during the time the blood is flowing, recites a prayer -and benediction, whereby the meat, which is esteemed a great delicacy, -is sanctified, and may be eaten. - -The _Syce_, or groom, attends but one horse, and has attached to him an -under servant, whose business it is to provide grass for fodder, and to -do various jobs relating to cleanliness, &c.: this may be looked upon as -the extent of duty the latter has to perform while stationary; but, when -marching, the assistant, or, as he is called, the _Gaus-kot_, (_i.e._ -grass-cutter,) has to carry the pickets, headstall, head and heel ropes, -curry-combs, cloathing, &c. &c. to the next place of encampment. The -labor is certainly severe, but is undergone, with tolerable alacrity, -under the hope of one day succeeding to the post of _syce_. - -In every country a good groom is invaluable; but if any where more -particularly enhanced, it certainly is in India: the horses there being -invariably high spirited, from want of castration, and often becoming, -under the least provocation, or licence, incorrigibly vicious. There we -see gentlemen, when mounted, afraid to approach each other within ten or -twelve yards, lest their horses should begin fighting: some few have, -indeed, been tempted, by the supposed passiveness of their respective -steeds, to ride boot to boot; but rarely without experiencing some -dreadful misfortune; many legs having been thus broken! Although much -may depend upon the natural temper of a horse, still there will remain -much in the power of the _syce_. If he be timid, and the animal -spirited, the affair is soon over, by the latter gaining such an -ascendancy as to render him ungovernable. Being once let loose, and a -mare within sight, or scent, away goes the steed, completely -disqualified for future saddling. - -It is inconceivable what control some _syces_ obtain over their horses, -which will allow the approach of no others. This, though it may be an -admirable mode of temporizing with a vicious beast, is often attended -with most ludicrous, or rather most distressing, circumstances; it being -very common to see persons sitting on horses from which they dare not -alight, until their own _syces_ may arrive, and, by securing the head, -with a _baug-door_, (or leading-halter,) grant master leave to quit the -saddle. This occurs so frequently as to cause no surprize; though it -often excites some merriment, not always pleasing to the sufferer. - -When a person falls from his horse, the whole troop separate, lest the -stray animal should attack them: in such case, two or three active -_syces_ may prevent mischief; but, few will attempt to catch a horse -whose character for gentleness is not established. Every _syce_ is -provided with a strong cotton cord, rather thicker than a stout window -line, of several yards long, which he fastens to the left cheek of the -bit when leading, and does not loosen until his master has mounted; -when, by drawing a slip knot, the animal is liberated from the groom’s -control. - -In general, the line (_baug-door_) is affixed before dismounting: a -neglect of that precaution is frequently attended with unpleasant -consequences; for, to say the least, the horse will in all probability -gallop away to his stable, which may be some miles distant; leaving his -incautious rider to walk after him; not always very cool, either in -regard to the weather, or to his own state of mind. - -In consequence of the immense number of gad-flies to be seen at all -times of the year, each _syce_ carries a whisk, made by fastening -horse-hair to a short stick, commonly lacquered in rings of alternate -colors. This implement, with which the flies are driven away, is called -a _chowry_, and may cost about sixpence, or eight-pence. A small sheet -of _karwah_, either double, or single, is usually thrown over the -_syce’s_ shoulder, or fastened around his waist, before he sets off to -accompany his master: this is carried to lay over the horse’s back, so -soon as given in charge to the groom, to prevent the accession of -dry-gripes; to which the animal would be subjected, if much heated, but -for that precaution, added to walking him about gently until perfectly -cool. Hence it will be seen, that no gentleman ever rides unless -accompanied by his groom; many of whom run remarkably fast, keeping up -for many miles with a gig going at a smart pace: by habit, they become -long-winded, and capable of enduring great fatigue. The dress of a -_syce_, taken generally, is a medium between the _khedmutgar_ and the -_mosaulchy_; while that of the _gaus-kot_ is rarely better than that of -a common laborer. The former receives from four to six rupees per month; -five being the general rate: the latter usually has three, when paid -independently of the _syce_; but when through his hands, a small -deduction is often made; to resist which would lead to discharge, either -peremptorily, or by the imputation of some neglect, &c. - -The grass-cutter is always expected to provide a net for carrying a -large bundle of fodder, and a kind of paring instrument, called a -_koorpah_, wherewith to cut the grass, about half an inch under the -surface of the soil: the upper part of the root being considered -extremely nourishing. No hay is ever seen in India; nor would it answer -that purpose nearly so well as the common expedient of paring it for -daily consumption. The Maharrattahs, it is true, make a coarse kind of -hay, wherewith to feed their large bodies of horse at certain seasons; -but the condition of their cattle in general by no means recommends such -a measure in private studs. Nevertheless, that practice has its -advantages, for while our cavalry horses would starve for want of green, -or succulent fodder, the less delicate Maharrattah charger plucks at any -old thatch with great readiness; and even on such diet will perform -wonders. I have always thought that our public cattle were too highly -pampered; at least, that the mode of feeding them by no means -corresponded with that ready adoption of any kind of coarse foraging, -which might become necessary under the most ordinary circumstances of a -campaign: a pig will gradually become dainty, and rather starve than -return to its former coarse provision. The practice of soaking _gram_ -for cavalry horses, is peculiarly objectionable; as not only causing -them to expect it at all times, even when water (much less soaking-pots) -cannot be had in any quantity; but inducing most horses to swallow the -grains whole, without mastication. In my humble opinion, the whole of -the grain supplied to cavalry horses ought to be reduced to a coarse -meal, mixed with hay, and straw, in equal quantities, cut very fine in a -chaff-trough. - -It may be readily supposed, that when a camp has been settled for a few -days, on even the most luxuriant verdure, the whole must disappear: it, -however, speedily springs again after the first fall of rain, presenting -a beautiful light-colored blade, very small, and of rapid growth. The -kind of grass prepared for horses, is the _doob_, or _sun-grass_, nearly -corresponding with our fine creeping-bent. This should be well beat with -a stick, and be washed before used; if kept for a day or two in an airy -place, it is supposed to be more wholesome, than when given immediately -after being cut, as is generally done. The _doob_ is not to be found -every where; but, in the low countries about Dacca, Mahomedpoor, &c. -where the inundation is general during near three months every year, -this grass abounds; attaining to a prodigious luxuriance! I have often -seen it full two feet and a half high, absolutely matting the ground. -Cattle are turned into it promiscuously, and never fail to thrive. It -appears curious, that in a part where, during the rains, nothing is to -be seen of the soil; the little villages built on eminences being the -only discernible objects, if we except the tops of large trees staring -out of the water; no provision should be made for the maintenance of the -cattle; which, at such times, depend entirely on what can be drawn up by -means of forked poles, from, perhaps, a depth of twenty feet. This green -food, highly impregnated with moisture, surely cannot be wholesome at -such a season for these poor animals, which are then cooped up in the -hundreds of boats that surround every village! Whereas, if the _doob_, -such as I have described, were to be cut, and stacked in the month of -February, when it is in high perfection, and the atmosphere moderately -warm, there might certainly be provided a more appropriate, and less -hazardous, species of fodder. But the truth is, that cattle are, in -every part of India, left, so long as possible, to shift for themselves: -and this, notwithstanding that a load of the finest hay in the world -might be made in the low countries for about half-a-crown; even -admitting that labor were paid for! - -It gives me very great pleasure to observe, in the Gentleman’s Magazine, -for February, 1809, that a grass has been discovered in Ireland, called -the _fiorin_, which perfectly corresponds with the _doob_ of Hindustan. -This invaluable plant stands the severest cold of Iceland, as well as it -does the scorching heats of tropical summers. In the latter instance, -the verdure certainly disappears; but the root remains unimpaired, and -abounds with succulence. I feel no hesitation in asserting, that if the -_fiorin_ be what it is described, namely, the _doob_ of Hindostan, it -will prove an invaluable acquisition to the British agriculturist. A -rich grass that will stand either heat or cold, or immersion for many -successive months, cannot fail to abridge our catalogue of Georgic -desiderata. The _doob_ is rarely sown in India; but, after being cut -below the surface by the tool in common use among grass-cutters, called -a _koorpah_, is chopped with a hatchet into pieces about two or three -inches in length, when, being mixed with mud, it is plastered on the -surface of the plot where it is intended to remain; the plot being -previously saturated with water. In a very few days, the _doob_ will be -seen to vegetate, especially if care be taken to keep the mud moist for -a short time. This grass is likewise well suited for transplanting, by -which operation very large plots are sometimes turfed. The stems all -throw out roots at every joint that is suffered to touch the ground; but -when very thick, and abundant, it is disposed to tower and spindle, not -unlike our pink and carnation plants. If set in small tufts, at a foot -asunder, they will soon cover the surface. - -The _Mauly_, or gardener, next claims attention. The dress of this -servant, unless he be at the head of a large establishment, is scarcely -better than that of a common laborer; nor are the wages much higher; -four rupees being a very common rate, though sometimes as much as six, -or seven, are given to men of superior ability, that understand some -particular culture of moment to the employer. Those who act under the -_maully_ are, for the most part, _bildars_, hired by the day, probably -at five or six pice, equal to about two rupees and a half monthly. These -_bildars_ work with a kind of mattock, called a _phourah_, consisting of -a blade, about as large as that of a common garden-spade, furnished with -a very strong eye at the top, rivetted to the blade, and set on so as to -give the handle a direction of about 70° from the plane of the blade, -which is slightly curved inwards. The handle may be about thirty inches -in length, and is driven nearly through the eye, where it is -occasionally wedged, to keep the blade from turning upon it; as would be -the case, on account of the eye being round, were it not made very -tight. While working with a _phourah_, the _bildar_ stands in the same -position as if using a pick-axe: throwing up whatever soil may -accumulate at each stroke. When the tool is new, much may be lifted in -this manner; but when worn down nearly to the eye, the most active -laborer cannot effect much more than might be done by an ordinary -bean-hoe. Those _maullies_ who serve gentlemen, are usually provided -with rakes and hoes; but, in any other situation, they content -themselves with using short iron spuds, set into wooden handles, the -stem being cranked, and the whole rarely exceeding eighteen inches in -length: with these they beat the clods to pieces, and level the surface -admirably: but, of course, not so quickly as our gardeners. With the -same kind of tool, though of a smaller size, they dig up weeds; keeping -the garden remarkably clean; and, under proper observation, raising an -immense quantity of vegetables. - -It would surprize an European to see with what precision _maullies_ sow -and cover their seeds; the seasons for which they are perfectly -acquainted with, even though the greater portion of the horticultural -produce in that quarter consists of exotics: this is the more -remarkable, because there is no book of gardening extant in the Hindui -language; and if there were, the chances would be, at least a thousand -to one, that the _maully_ could not read it. - -The greater part of the manure used in gardens is known by the name of -_kallah-matty_, (_i.e._ black-earth,) and is collected from such places -as are set apart for the reception of filth of all sorts. Horse-dung, -cow-dung, &c. are generally too much valued to be appropriated to the -soil: these are almost invariably preserved carefully; and, being made -into a mass, are formed into cakes, between the hands, about the size of -a plate; while moist, they are stuck up against some wall exposed to the -sun; where, in a day or two, they become thoroughly dry, and make an -excellent kind of fuel, burning very like good peats. These _guttees_, -as they are called, are generally prepared by the _syce’s_ wife, and -kept in a stack for culinary purposes. - -The gardens of Europeans are, with few exceptions, laid out much in the -same way as our kitchen-gardens; having one main walk, with a few -ramifications and parallels, all of which are covered with _soorkee_, or -brick-dust; though sometimes, where gravel, or rather shingle, can be -found, it is used in preference. The whole area is intersected by little -channels made of earth, or perhaps lined with semi-circular tiles, -whereby water is conveyed to every part at pleasure. The peculiar -gratification afforded to the eye, and, indeed, to the feelings, by the -proximity of perpetual verdure, in a country where, for many months -together, scarcely a green spot is to be seen, induces most persons, -when laying down a garden, to appropriate such a piece of ground as may -be in view, to the formation of a grass-plot. This is refreshed every -third or fourth day by laying on water from the well, always made on -some more elevated spot, so as to command every part to which the -irrigation is to extend. The _doob_ is invariably selected for this -purpose; and, in consequence of its numerous seeds, as well as owing to -the cool shelter it affords, never fails to attract great numbers of -ants, of various colors and sizes; all of which are a perfect nuisance -throughout the East. Gentlemen who rear turkies, find from experience, -that few can be brought up except where such grass-plots exist; and -where shade, and water, are at hand for the birds to avail themselves of -at pleasure. - -Most of our garden esculents thrive in India; cabbages, cauliflowers, -lettuces, celery, beets, carrots, turnips, peas, cucumbers, French -beans, radishes, potatoes, &c. are cultivated in abundance; together -with capsicums, love-apples, egg-plants, gourds of various kinds, -calavanses, yams, sweet potatoes, and hundreds of the indigenous tribe. -The common fruits are guavas, peaches, nectarines, grapes, a few apples, -but no pears, melons of sorts, pine-apples, mangoes, oranges, citrons, -limes, pomegranates, byres of a very huge kind, comringahs, (or winged -apples,) currindahs, and, in general, most of the tropical fruits. -Within the last twenty years, very considerable additions have been made -by the introduction of various trees, and also of gardeners, from China: -the former have thriven admirably; while, to the latter we are indebted -for many valuable practices, common among that industrious people, and -which promise to contribute greatly to the perfection of Asiatic -horticulture. The best of _maullies_ could not be ranked with the least -capable among the Chinese gardeners; though it cannot be denied, that -they possess many strong recommendations; and are not a little proud of -any improvements, or novelties, committed to their management. In the -art of irrigation they cannot be surpassed. That indispensable operation -is performed, in most instances, by drawing water from a narrow well, -into a cistern, or hollow, at its edge; whence, by means of the channels -before described, each bed receives the necessary supply of moisture. A -pair of very small oxen, worth about twelve or fifteen shilling’s each, -suffice to draw up a _moot_, or leather bag, containing from twenty-five -to thirty gallons. - -In general, a small hut is erected in the garden for the accommodation -of the _maully_; most of whose operations are performed after sun-set: -especially that of laying on water, and the setting of plants. -Rat-catching is also an object of importance, and most successfully -followed during moon-light nights; when those large black rats, called -_bandycoots_, equalling most cats in bulk, are often speared, as they -ramble among the cucumber and melon beds, wherein they make prodigious -havoc. Nor is there any deficiency of other sorts, or sizes, of rats: -they are to be found both in immense numbers, and in every variety; but -the large Norway rat is most abundant. I never saw, nor heard of a mole -in the country: most probably the soil does not suit; as it becomes so -hard and dry during the hot season. - -The _Aub-dar_, or water-cooler, is scarcely less indispensable than the -cook; for, without the exercise of his art, all the delicacies of the -table would be of no value. Hot wine, and hot water, are by no means -acceptable to those who inhale so rarefied an atmosphere; and who -generally prefer such made-dishes as abound in spice. It is true, that, -sometimes, a _khedmutgar_, or a _bearer_, may be found, capable of -cooling liquors nearly as well as _aub-dars_ of the lower class; but -such are rare, and cannot always be depended upon. In saying this, I do -not mean to attribute the success of even the best qualified _aub-dar_ -to any chemical knowledge, or to much comprehension of the manner, or -moment, in which the refrigeration takes place: far from it; they are -all the children of imitation, and by keeping within certain parallels, -wide enough asunder, hit upon their object; though not without much loss -of materials, as well as of time. - -The apparatus necessary for the operations of this servant, consist of a -large pewter vessel, near half an inch in thickness, and in its form not -unlike a very thick Cheshire cheese, of which the edges are much rounded -off. At the top, a circular aperture, about a foot in diameter, is left, -for the introduction of two pewter flasks, (each containing about a pint -and a half,) of a spherical form, and furnished with long narrow necks, -nearly cylindrical, about ten inches in length, and fitted with caps, of -the same metal, that come down about an inch and a half, every where -close. The great bason just described is called a _taus_, and the flasks -are called _soories_. When water is to be cooled, about a gallon is put -into the _taus_; which, by means of a small wooden frame, made for the -purpose, or, for want of it, a few bricks, &c. is sloped a little, that -the water may lie more towards one side: a handful or two of salt-petre -is then put in, and the _soories_, being about two thirds filled with -the water to be drank, are moved about in the _taus_, one in each hand, -while the salt-petre is dissolving. So soon as that is effected, which -is usually in two or three minutes, the _soories_ are laid at rest; -their necks projecting out at the opposite side of the aperture, the -sphere part being immersed, and a wet cloth laid over the whole of the -opening: in that manner the intense cold, generated by the solution, -acts upon the water within the _soories_; so effectually indeed, in many -instances, as to be unpleasantly condensed. As to cracking the glasses, -that is extremely common, but is rather to be imputed to their being -somewhat heated by the atmosphere; when the cold water, being suddenly -poured in, causes nine in ten, so acted upon, to fly. Wine is always -cooled in the common glass bottle wherein it is drawn from the cask, and -so soon as taken from the _taus_, which may be in about five minutes -after being left at rest, is covered with a petticoat made of _karwah_, -or other cloth, well wetted. Being placed in a stand made of turned -wood, to receive the drippings, the bottle is placed on the table; -usually stopped with a silver-mounted cork. Decanters are rarely used in -any part of India; both because they are extremely subject to crack, -and, that they certainly do not keep wine so cool as the common glass -bottles do. - -The dress of the _aub-dar_ generally resembles that of the _khedmutgar_, -and his wages may rank with the superior classes serving in that -capacity: he has, in general, some perquisites, both in charging for -more salt-petre than is used, and from the sale of the salt-petre water; -which, throughout Calcutta, and in many other places, is carefully -preserved in large jars, to be sold to persons who boil it down for the -purpose of producing the nitre in a more purified state. _Aub-dars_ -should not be allowed to cool water within the house; the salt-petre -doing considerable injury to the walls, from which it cannot possibly be -extracted. - -Wherever a gentleman dines, thither his _aub-dar_ repairs, in time to -have water cooled as the dinner is served up: when a large party are -assembled, it is curious to see perhaps two dozens of these servants, -laboring at their profession under the shade of the house, and making a -noise not very dissimilar to the quick motion of a stone-saw. Custom -occasions it to pass unheeded, unless so far as relates to the -anticipation of a cool draught. It should be remarked, that water is the -common beverage: the smallest hole in the bottom of a _soories_ utterly -spoils it; therefore the defect must be well closed with solder. All the -wine used at the table is cooled by the host’s own servant; though, when -any particularly famous _aub-dar_ is in attendance, he is often asked to -exert his skill: a request always complied with, in a manner fully -exhibiting that vanity pervades this, as well as other classes of -mortals. - -The _Compadore_, or _Kurz-burdar_, or _Butler-konnah-sircar_, are all -designations for the same individual, who acts as purveyor, sometimes -under the orders of the master, but more generally of the _kansamah_, -who never fails to participate of the profits made by over-charges, and -by the receipt of _dustooree_, (or customary gift,) from the venders of -whatever may be provided for domestic, consumption. This servant may be -considered as appertaining to the order of _sircars_, of which he should -possess all the cunning, the smooth tongue, the audacious and -persevering effrontery, when maintaining a palpable lie, together with -that obsequiousness which should conciliate master, and make him believe -it! Without these, the _compadore_ could never thrive. The pay of such a -rogue is generally about four, or, at the utmost, five, rupees per -mensem; but that is comparatively no object, in any family where some -hundreds are spent in house-keeping. In order to aid the deception, he -invariably dresses so very meanly, as to claim our commiseration in -behalf of his apparent poverty: while, at the same time, it is probable -that, one way or other, he contrives to retain about an eighth part of -the money entrusted to his disbursement. The usual custom is, for the -_kansamah_ to enquire, during the evening, what is to be done in the -culinary department on the succeeding day: if the family dine abroad, no -directions are necessary; otherwise, fish, flesh, and fowl must be laid -in. As the best of the market is between day-light and sun-rise, after -which all the prime articles will have disappeared, the _compadore_ must -proceed with his catalogue of desiderata, attended by one or two -under-servants, (_mosaulchies_, _kalashies_, &c.) to purchase the -required articles. No time must be lost in returning home, at least -during the hot months; for such is the rapid progress towards -putrefaction, that I have more than once seen veal, which had been -killed after midnight, become perfectly offensive in ten hours, -notwithstanding every possible precaution was taken to keep it cool. - -It will be understood, that a _compadore_ must, of necessity, be a good -accountant; like the _sircar_, he is well versed in fractions, and -carries his computations down to a single _gundah_ of _cowries_, (_i.e._ -four _Blackamoors’ teeth_). This minuteness passes with many for -honesty; but by far the greater part of house-keepers either put those -very small parts out of the question, (regardless of the old saying, -that, ‘if the pence are well taken care of, they will nourish the -shillings; while the pounds acquire strength to take care of -themselves,’) or they content themselves with the reflection, that the -accounts are correctly taken, without even examining their contents. -Every charge thus becomes sanctioned when committed to paper; therefore -each knave is anxious to have his items noted, under the full -conviction, that, thenceforth, they are beyond the probability, if not -the possibility, of refutation. But such will never be effected, unless -a few of the filberts are, according to the old fable, dropped into the -_compadore’s_ bag; so as to diminish the bulk of the hand, and to allow -its retiring with the remainder of the booty. Not a _cowrie_ can stir -without the _compadore’s_ knowledge! Under the plea of fidelity to his -employer, he insists upon being privy to every disbursement; never -failing to preach up his own vigilance; and (which is the best of the -joke,) making a point of attending every morning with his hands full of -papers, and his ink-pot, &c., in readiness to give a detail of the -expences of the preceding day; though he perfectly knows that detail is -never attended to. - -Let us not suppose that such deception is local: in other, or in -various, forms, we may find it throughout the world. Some, who boast of -the excellence of English menials, &c. may, perhaps, affect to believe -them to be less infected with such knavery as is above displayed; but an -appeal to that too correct history of the times, yclep’d ‘The Newgate -Kalendar,’ must remove every doubt of the instability of such an -exemption; and should assure us, that, whenever temptation solicits, and -opportunity favors, few, of any sect, color, or rank, have the virtue to -resist, provided the object be proportioned to the risk! - -The _Hirkarah_ was, formerly, a servant used solely for carrying -expresses, or such letters, messages, &c. as were to be sent beyond the -circle of ordinary, or daily, communication: he was, in fact, what is -now commonly called a _cossid_. We have retained, however, the -designation of _dawk-hirkarahs_ for those who convey the _dawks_, or -posts. In every other instance, the duty of the _hirkarah_, as an -attendant upon a gentleman in office, &c. is similar to that of the -_peon_, or _piada_, or running footman. His pay is generally the same; -but the former usually bears a lacquered walking-stick, armed at its -extremity with a square spike, the ferule of which is ornamented with -dark-colored fringe, or tassels. This stick is carried over the -shoulder, and is the only distinction between the _hirkarah_ and the -_peon_: but, though the latter has no such insignia, he frequently -claims precedence, causing the _hirkarah_ to precede him in the retinue, -while attending their employer’s palanquin. - -Both these servants, whose capacities are now perfectly blended, when -serving Europeans at least, receive from four to five rupees monthly. In -every respect, beyond the foregoing exceptions, they dress much the same -as _khedmutgars_, but generally have turbans and _cummer-bunds_ of the -same color, by way of livery; and, when in the employ of great -merchants, agents, and especially under the principal officers of the -government, wear belts of colored broad-cloth, with metal breast-plates; -bearing either the initials, or the arms, of their employers, or -inscriptions stating the offices to which they appertain. The generality -of such inscriptions have the English designation in the centre, with a -translation in the Persian, or the Bengallee, language, (perhaps both,) -around, on the margin, or _vice versâ_. - -Many most extraordinary journies have been made by _hirkarahs_: -instances have been adduced of their travelling full a hundred miles in -the four and twenty hours. - -The _Duftoree_, or office-keeper, attends solely to those general -matters in an office, which do not come within the notice of the -_crannies_, or clerks; such, for instance, as making pens, keeping the -ink-stands in order, ruling account books, and perhaps binding them, -preparing and trimming the lights, setting pen-knives, together with a -great variety of little jobs, easily performed by an individual allotted -thereto, but trenching deeply on the occupations of those engaged in -more connected and important business. The pay of the _duftoree_ may be -from four to six rupees monthly; though a few may receive rather more; -but such is unusual. The dress depends on the _cast_ of the individual: -if he be a Mussulman, it will correspond, in some measure, with that of -the _khedmutgar_; but, if a Hindu, it will, probably, assimilate with -that of the _cranny_. - -The _Fraush_, or furniture-keeper, is generally a Mussulman, and -receives about four or five rupees monthly: his dress corresponding with -that of a first-rate _mosaulchy_, or an inferior _khedmutgar_. The duty -of this menial, among Europeans, consists chiefly in cleaning the -furniture, putting up, or taking down beds, (which, in India, is always -effected without the aid of a carpenter,) beating carpets, preparing and -trimming the lights, opening and shutting the doors for guests, handing -chairs, setting tables for meals, together with a variety of minutiæ of -a similar description. Among the natives, the office comprehends far -more laborious employments, among which the arrangement of tents may be -adduced: in this they aid the _kalashies_, or tent-men, reserving to -themselves the performance of whatever relates to the interior. -According to the account of Abu Fazil, who wrote regarding the -establishment of the Emperor Akber, that monarch retained no less than -one thousand _fraushes_, for the purpose of attending his encampments, -or parties of pleasure. These, however numerous, must have had plenty to -do; for we find that ‘the equipage, on such occasions, consisted of 1000 -elephants, 500 camels, 400 carts, and 1000 men, escorted by 500 cavalry. -There were employed in this service 1000 _fraushes_, 500 pioneers, 100 -water-carriers, 50 carpenters, 50 tent-makers, 50 link-men, 30 workers -in leather, and 150 sweepers.’ The number of large tents was prodigious; -but some idea may be entertained of their amount, when it is stated, -that the royal precinct was enclosed by _konauts_ (walls of cloth) eight -feet high; and, in the whole, nearly two miles in length! Such a display -in this country, would attract half the population to witness its -enormity! - -The _Mater_, or sweeper, is considered the lowest menial in every -family: his _cast_ is held in execration, on account of the filthiness -of his occupations. There are, nevertheless, various stages, or classes, -even among these abhorred people; of which the _hullalcore_ may be -considered the lowest, while the _loll-baygies_ assume the upper rank of -infamy. But, however much they may arrogate to themselves, in -consequence of such distinctions of _cast_, all are considered, by both -Hindus and Mussulmans, to be equally impure, alike polluting whatever -they touch. Hence, it would be considered the height of disrespect, were -a _mater_, in the service of a native gentleman, to handle any part of -his master’s raiment, or to step on the carpet intended for his master’s -seat: as to touching his cooking utensils, &c. that would be an -unpardonable offence, and subject the delinquent, not simply to private, -but to public, castigation. - -Hair, or birch, brooms are never seen in India: there the instrument for -sweeping, called a _jarroo_, is made of bamboo, split to the size of a -wheat straw, about thirty inches long, and tied together very firmly, -for about six or eight inches at one end; forming a bundle of, perhaps -two inches and a half in diameter. This instrument is furnished by the -_mater_, who generally receives three, or sometimes four, rupees -monthly. The dress corresponds in general with that of a decent _cooly_, -(or laborer;) but some wear a short _coortah_, and take a little pride -in this particular. - -The _mater_ is generally at little expence for provisions; he being the -only servant that may, according to his tenets, partake of what has been -served up at the table of any person, whether European, or native, not -of his own sect. In this, the _matranny_, or female sweeper, whose -duties are exactly the same, but usually confined to the women’s -apartments, must be included. The latter is, however, in general far -more sober, cleanly, and dainty, than the male sweeper. In such a -climate, it is of the highest importance that all filth should be -speedily removed: therefore it is established as a custom, that the -privy should be cleansed so soon as soiled: the _mater_ attending for -that purpose, with his _jarroo_, and a _tickra_, or piece of broken -earthen-ware, into which he sweeps away the ordure. This operation is -facilitated by a slight layer of grass placed below the seat, which is -usually of masonry. Wooden seats are highly objectionable; both on -account of being subject to collect filth, and because they harbour -centipedes, scorpions, &c. Many very ludicrous accidents used to happen, -some thirty years back, before a reform was made in the construction of -these conveniences; which are now on an admirable plan. - -When a dog is kept, and that there is not occasion for retaining a -professed _dooreah_, or dog-keeper, the _mater_ is always expected to -dress its victuals, and to supply it with such refuse from the table, as -he may not deem worthy his own acceptance. - -The _Dooreah_, though properly an out-door servant, residing at the -_dooreah-konnah_, or kennel, occasionally officiates as _mater_, -performing all the duties of that menial; but this is rarely done with -good will; _dooreahs_, though of a _cast_ held equally in abomination -with the ordinary sweeper, by persons of a different persuasion, -invariably considering themselves to be far superior thereto. Although -confined to one occupation, in general, a _dooreah_ can have very little -knowledge of its duties, beyond the mere mechanical routine of dressing -a little rice, and meat, for the dogs, and taking them out for an -airing. He is usually provided with a short whip, consisting of a thong, -or two, of raw hide, fastened to a piece of small bamboo; with this he -corrects the animals under his charge, the number of which necessarily -varies according to their size. - -Thus, a brace of greyhounds, or, at the most, a leash, are considered as -many as a _dooreah_ should lead out; while of small dogs, it is common -to see him surrounded by seven or eight. Each dog has a collar, to which -a strong metal ring is sewed very firmly: this serves to fasten a piece -of stout cord, the other end of which is looped, so as to pass over the -_dooreah’s_ hand, and to sit round his wrist; in general, the whole are -led by the left hand, the right exercising the whip. The dress of this -servant mostly resembles that of the _mosaulchy_: their pay is also much -on a par. - -The manner of preparing victuals for dogs is simple: the _dooreah_, -being provided with a large earthen pot, proportioned to the quantity of -provision to be boiled, puts in the meat, cut very small, the rice, some -turmeric reduced to a pulp, some _ghee_, or granulated butter, some -salt, and abundance of water. The pot is placed on a _choolah_, or -stove, and its contents are stirred until they are sufficiently boiled, -when they are taken out; the water being first drained off into a -vessel, and the more solid contents spread upon a mat to cool. Each dog -is led out to separate picket, always in the ground for that purpose, -and there tied; so that he cannot quarrel with his neighbours. A parcel -of old earthen vessels, every where abounding, are collected for the -purpose of receiving each dog’s mess: the meat and rice are first -allotted among them, according to bulk, and the gravy afterwards added. -Each then receives his portion; though not without exhibiting, both by -vociferation and greediness, how eager he is to obtain his meal. In this -manner, dogs are usually fed night and morning. - -The business of a _Kalashy_ is, properly speaking, confined either to -what relates to camp-equipage, or to the management of the sails, and -rigging, on board a _budjrow_. In the former instance, he is expected to -understand how to set up tents of every description; to pack, and -unpack; to load and unload: to make tent-pins; to sew the _taut_ (or -canvas bags,) in which each part of a tent is generally enclosed, when -on the elephant, camel, bullock, or cart, by which it is conveyed; to -handle a _phourah_, or mattock, to level the interior; and, in short, to -compleat the whole preparation, within and without. - -Many _kalashies_ are extremely expert in all the foregoing duties, and -are, besides, excellent domestics; not hesitating to perform a variety -of services about a house, such as swinging the _punkah_, (or great -fan,) suspended in most dining halls, rattaning the bottoms of chairs, -helping to arrange, and to clear, furniture, and doing, besides, the -duties of _hirkarahs_, or _peons_. This general assemblage of useful -talents, no doubt, renders the _kalashy_ a most useful servant; hence, -more are retained at this time, than were formerly employed. - -As a public servant, whether attached to the train of artillery, or to a -quarter-master’s establishment, his merits are equally conspicuous: in -the former he is enrolled in some company, in which rank may be obtained -by a due continuance of good conduct. Though in a private capacity he -rarely receives more than five rupees, he may, in the latter instance, -consider his average pay at six rupees; which, with the chance of -promotion to the several ranks of _cossob_, _tindal_, and _serang_, with -consequent encrease of wages at each gradation, is considered a very -respectable situation. His duty in the above instance, is, however, by -no means trifling: during the whole day he is employed, generally in the -arsenal, or the store room, or the artillery shed; or, eventually, in -drawing timbers, cannon, &c. on transport carriages; mounting, or -dismounting great guns, cleaning arms, working in the laboratory, -piling, or serving out, shot; with a million of et ceteras in the -various branches of that department. Whether attached to the train, or -serving with a regiment of infantry, or cavalry, the _kalashy_, (or, as -he is often termed while in the public service, the _lascar_) must be -adroit in whatever relates to camp-equipage, making up ammunition of all -kinds, sorting stores, packing, loading, serving, and drawing -field-pieces, limbering, yoking the cattle, marking out lines for a -camp; and, in short, whatever relates either to the ordnance, or to the -quarter-master’s duties. All appertaining to these branches, are -cloathed in woollens of English manufacture: those in the artillery -wearing blue jackets with red trimmings, and such as appertain to -regiments of cavalry, or of infantry, being served with such colors as -may assimilate with the dress of the corps respectively: unless when a -quantity of any particular color is on hand in the Company’s stores; in -which case, it is disposed of by varying the dress of regimental -lascars, _pro tempore_, as far as it will go. - -The whole of the _kalashies_ wear blue turbans, of rather a flat form, -having on their edges a red tape, about three fourths of an inch in -breadth; which greatly relieves the sombre appearance of their jackets. - -The _kalashies_ on board _budjrows_, which are generally of the pinnace, -or keeled, kind, may be placed, nearly on a footing with those retained -by individuals; allowing for a certain imitation of the public servant, -and a smattering in what relates to the management of sails. This class -is by no means numerous, being confined entirely to the aquatic -equipages of great men: one of this description is by no means flattered -when directed to handle an oar on board the _budjrow_, though he prides -himself in rowing a jolly-boat furnished with oars on the European plan. - -The _Manjy_, _Goleeah_, and _Dandy_, are the steers-man, bow-man, and -common rower in a boat, respectively. Where a gentleman keeps a boat, he -must always retain the two first, and, if in constant employ, the last -also; or he may generally, by previous notice, obtain a crew of -_teeka-dandies_, that is, job-watermen, at any of the _ghauts_, or -wharfs, along the river. The _manjy_ is usually paid from five to seven -rupees per mensem; the _goleeah_ from four to five; and the _dandy_ from -two and a half to three and a half, or even four; all according to the -kind of boat, and the dignity of the employer. There is no established -dress for either of the above classes; though the _manjy_ will, in -general, be found to adopt a mixed costume, between the _kalashy_ and -the _mosaulchy_. His business is to steer, and to give directions -regarding the several operations incident to the very numerous -metamorphoses of circumstances in rivers perpetually changing their -direction: thus, it is by no means uncommon to see a _budjrow_ hoist, -and lower, her sails, take to her oars, or to the track-rope, some -scores of times during the course of a day’s progress; just as the -localities may render necessary. Whatever authority may be vested in a -_manjy_, it is rare to see one able to enforce his orders: each of the -crew has an opinion of his own; and, knowing that his services cannot be -dispensed with, will, in most cases, adhere to his way of thinking, -until peremptorily compelled by the master’s interference, to submit to -orders; or overcome by absolute force. - -The _Goleeah_ has particular charge of the bow, where he either rows the -foremost oar, or, when necessary, keeps the boat from running against -the bank, or upon shoals, by means of a _luggy_, or bamboo pole, -probably thirty feet, or more, in length; first casting it out in the -proper direction, and then lapping it round several times with the end -of a strong tail-strap, fastened to a ring on the forecastle; so as to -prevent the pole from returning. - -Those who have not witnessed the dexterity of this class of people, and -the rapidity with which they recover their poles, so as to make repeated -resistances in dangerous situations, can form no idea of the strength, -activity, and judgment, necessary to qualify a man for this arduous -situation. Often the fate of a boat depends on the certainty of the -_goleeh’s_ throw; especially under a _cutchar_, or sand bank, perhaps -twenty feet, or more, in height, under which a strong current cuts away -the foundation, occasioning immense bodies of the soil to fall in, -attended by a noise competiting with thunder. One of these falling upon -a boat, could not fail to sink her; as experience has too frequently -proved. The very swell occasioned by the fall of such ponderous and -bulky rubbish, amounting perhaps to fifty or sixty loads, is sufficient -to sink the smaller class of vessels. Fortunately, the _cutchars_, in -general, subside, as it were, perpendicularly; without casting outwards; -otherwise, no vessels could navigate the Ganges, or the other great -rivers, at certain seasons; especially during the early winter months, -when the _cutchars_ are high, and the current rather strong. - -The _Dandy_ certainly leads as hard a life as any scavenger’s -cart-horse; and really I know not what more picturesque instance can be -given of his consummate drudgery! Imagine the effects, even upon the -most hardy constitution, of exposure to all weathers; at one moment -under a burning sun, or numbed by a cold northerly blast; by turns on -board, or at the track rope; moving at a slow pace against a rapid -current; and wading, without the smallest hesitation, through a million -of puddles, often up to the neck, or even obliged to swim: the footing -perhaps rugged, or along a heavy sand, or a deep mud; and the path lying -through briars, bordering steep precipices! All this the _dandy_ -undergoes for the small wages before specified; rarely equal to -three-pence daily! It is true, he has some reliance on the produce of -the fields he passes through, appropriating it, together with fire wood, -and, occasionally, some stray poultry, or a kid, to the participation of -his companions. Nor do this class, which consists promiscuously of -Hindus and Mussulmans, act very fastidiously as to the means of -obtaining their cloathing: they are, indeed, perfectly divested of those -prejudices entertained by our judges, and law officers, respecting the -iniquity of purloining whatever may offer itself to their acceptance: -far otherwise; all is fish that comes to their net. Knowing such to be -the invariable disposition of _dandies_, the European must blame -himself, should his valuables be missing in consequence of an ill-placed -confidence, or of neglect in regard to securing his property, so far as -may be practicable. Hence, it is advisable never to allow any one of the -crew to enter the cabin of a _budjrow_, under any pretext, unless -attended by a servant; who must direct his whole attention to the -prevention of theft. Most boats are baled by means of a skuttle in the -cabin: this affords a very reasonable plea for entrance; but too much -caution cannot be used, when that operation may be necessary; which may -be from two, to fifty, times within the twenty-four hours; accordingly -as the hirer may be in luck regarding the soundness of his vessel’s -bottom. - -As to describing a _dandy’s_ dress, that is scarcely practicable; but a -tolerable outline was given when treating of the passage from the ship -at Kedgeree to the presidency: the perpetual changes from hot to cold, -and from wet to dry, (for each _dandy_ reserves a dry clout, to put on -when he returns on board,) must, one would think, at all events, keep -the poor wretches something like clean, and free from vermin. Such, -however, is not the case; for what with ring-worms, itch, and _a -certain_ loathsome, and infectious disease, added to an inexhaustible -stock of body-creepers, no mortal can well be more disgusting than a -Bengal _dandy_. It would be injustice to class them all under one -general anathema; there being, doubtless, some among them who are -tolerably clean in their persons; but such most assuredly form a very -disproportionate minority! - -The _Berriarah_, or _Gurrearah_, is a person who, according to the -general custom of the country, devotes his life to tending sheep and -goats; and, in most situations beyond the metropolis, obtains a place -among the usual servants attendant upon the out-door concerns of a -family. This is not owing to the scarcity of meat, but to its bad -quality; there being plenty of sheep in India, which, however, are -rarely slaughtered for table expenditure, even by the natives; who very -justly consider it to be an unclean animal, feeding on all kinds of -filth. This occasions them to prefer the meat of a castrated goat, -commonly denominated _kussy_, which is certainly not to be despised; -though its taste is somewhat strong, and the meat itself rather coarse, -and dark colored: but it abounds with fat, and is very juicy. Be it -good, or bad, prejudice has proscribed it from the tables of persons in -respectable stations, or in easy circumstances; a joint of _bazar_ -mutton, that is, such as the butchers sell in the market, being -considered no treat, and proving extremely obnoxious to the generality -of delicate persons: though I have frequently seen them partake of a -joint of _kussy_, when palmed upon them as home-fed wether, in such -style as led me to believe, that the imagination was a principal agent -in condemning the unfortunate goat-mutton. I do not mean to deny, that a -certain difference exists; but, when the former could not be had, I -rarely failed to make an excellent meal off the latter; while some of my -more fastidious friends have been grievously disappointed of their -dinners. - -Sheep may, in a few instances, be purchased in tolerable good condition, -especially during the hot season, when they nibble the short stems, and -even the roots of the finer grasses; yet it must not be expected that -any, which may be procurable in the villages, should cut up well: they -are usually mere skeletons; and if they have any fat it is of a bad -color. This compels gentlemen to keep small flocks, perhaps from thirty -to sixty, according to the average of expenditure; which, among officers -in the army, may amount to one sheep in every fifteen, or twenty days: -observing, that the meat is seldom good, nor the animal comparatively -the better for his keep, until it may have been put up for about three -or four months. The most approved mode of fatting sheep, is to have -about a dozen on full feed; allowing as much _gram_ as they can well -eat; say about two pounds daily for each: another dozen should be upon -half feed; having an allowance of very fine chaff to complete their -diet; or perhaps some cut grass, the same as is brought in for horses. -All these twenty-four sheep should be confined in an area, enclosed -either by mud walls, or by railings of a suitable height; taking care to -allow them access to sweet water, and to have a small quantity of salt -in a flat vessel, accessible to them at pleasure. In this manner they -will fatten admirably in the course of six or seven months; their flesh -becoming fine grained, juicy, and high flavored. - -Besides the above number, about as many more should be kept on a small -allowance of _gram_; allowing them to graze, in company with half a -dozen milch goats and their kids, under charge of the _berriarah_, in -some place remote from any camp or town; so as to insure their feeding -clean. This precaution may seem unnecessary, but is certainly proper; -for all sheep, especially those of India, are particularly partial to -certain excrements, abounding in a country where the goddess is -worshipped on the plains: the borders of tanks being particularly the -resort of all descriptions of persons, when pressed to pay their -_devoirs_ to the deity. The dress of the _berriarah_ is usually similar -to that of the _cooly_; with this addition, that, on account of the -oppressive heats at one season; the heavy falls of rain at another; and -the sharp cold during three months; he has constant recourse to a -substantial blanket, generally black: that being the ordinary color of -the sheep. In the hot season, the blanket serves to repel the heat; -during the rains, to keep him dry; and in the winter, to keep him warm. -As any cross folds, or pleats, would infallibly rather retain, than cast -off, the rain, these people have recourse to a most effectual mode of -managing the blanket; tying it together in a very regular manner, after -puckering the longest side, and placing that part over their heads. -Whatever portion of moisture may lodge within the short pleats above the -tie, cannot sink downwards, if the ligature be properly made; while all -the pleats below it, being in a perpendicular direction, serve as -channels to carry the water downwards. In fact, the blanket becomes a -bell-tent, of which the inhabitant is himself the pole. The wages of the -shepherd are usually about three and a half, or four rupees monthly; but -some gentlemen regulate them by the number of sheep maintained: this by -no means answers their expectations; for if the number be great, one or -two deficiencies, imputed to the wolves, are rarely noticed; and if the -flock be small, the only chance a shepherd has, is to make away with a -fat sheep, now and then. No sheep can be fatted, taking all things into -consideration, under four rupees, equal to about ten shillings, -including the price given; which of late years has risen to about a -rupee per head, for such as have six teeth: all below that age are -generally rejected, because their food goes more towards their growth, -than to their flesh; which is seldom of a good color, but retains a -certain light hue, like very young beef, until the second year be -passed. - -The wool of the Bengal sheep is by no means valuable, as an article of -commerce; it being coarse and lank, more resembling dog’s hair than a -fleece. The natives manufacture a good deal of it into _puttoos_; which -may be made in any form, being nothing more than a very heavy close kind -of felt, which, when well made, stands proof against the severest -weather. The usual shape of these _puttoos_ is nearly conical, and more -resembles a bell-tent, than any thing now occurring to my memory; the -generality are made with a border, rudely worked, of some color strongly -contrasting with the body of the cloak: thus, a black _puttoo_ would -have a white pattern, another white _puttoo_ a black pattern. This -manufacture is extremely simple, and performed by means of a kind of -carding machine that entangles the wool; which is previously mixed in a -very strong lather of soap. - -I have already stated, that the average price of a sheep fit for -fatting, is about a rupee; but that price has only existed for about -twenty years. Before that date, the common value of a _coarge_ (or -score) was from six to eight rupees; and I recollect, about twenty-nine -years back, when marching from Berhampore to Cawnpore, with a detachment -of European recruits, seeing several _coarges_ bought for their use, by -the contractor’s _sircar_, at three, and three and a half rupees! at the -latter rate six sheep were purchased for a rupee; which, in British -currency, would be _five-pence each!_ - -It is true, the sheep were not fat; far from it; being driven into the -camp from the flocks grazing in the adjacent plains, and, in general, -taken without much selection. They were the only animal food we could at -times get; for the Hindus would never sell us an ox, knowing it was -intended for slaughter. Notwithstanding the very low rate at which the -sheep were purchased, many proved dear bargains. Some had their livers -in such a dreadful state as disgusted every spectator, and caused an -insuperable objection against the meat: fluke-worms crawled about in -hundreds; while, of many, the stomachs, as well as the intestines, were -completely lined with bots, which stood as close as they could stow, -keeping each other parallel, like pins on a cushion! Strange to say, -some few of which the entrails were thus preyed upon, seemed as though -they would have thriven, provided they had been turned into a good -pasture. - -The _Chokey-dar_, or watchman, is a very different sort of being from -such as guard the British metropolis. In India, no man dare undertake -this office, unless he be a professed thief, or in league with the local -chief of all the thieves of the district. Were any person of a contrary -description to assume the protection of a house, &c. he would be -outwitted, and, in all probability be implicated; or he would lose his -life in the Quixotic attempt! This may give but an unfavorable idea of -the police; but, on examination, it will be found by no means so -injurious to the interests of the public, as persons ignorant of the -fact, and of its derivation, might suppose. Thieving is there put on a -par with other speculations; it becomes a monopoly, the invasion of -which carries with it the most fatal effects. - -To explain this, I must state, that, in the vicinity of all great towns, -there will be found some person of apparent respectability, whose word -indeed passes with the same validity as other mens’ bonds; and who is -considered the chief of the _chokey-dars_, or watchmen; of which he will -furnish one, or two, perhaps three, according to the extent, and -situation, of the premises to be guarded. - -For each person thus supplied, four rupees are paid monthly to the -individual employed; the head-man being responsible for whatever losses -may be occasioned by professed robbers. The _chokey-dar_ attends during -the day, often performing many little offices, in the most willing and -effective manner; at night parading about with his spear, shield, and -sword, and assuming a most terrific aspect, until all the family are -asleep; when—HE GOES TO SLEEP TOO!!! - -Thus the matter is compromised; the gang receive a tribute, and the -gentleman is insured from nocturnal depredation: though, by way of -deception, slight feints are now and then made, in order to keep up the -system of terror, and to uphold the _chokey-dar’s_ vigilance. I am -sensible, that instances may be adduced of houses being plundered, and -of the _chokey-dars_ being cut to pieces. These, however, do not confute -the well known fact I have above delivered; on examination it will -always appear, that such robberies were committed either by some gang -from another quarter, or where the premises were in charge of military -guards. - -So audacious are the thieves in India, that they have been known to come -into a cantonment with lighted _mosauls_, in imitation of a marriage -procession, or of a religious ceremony, and thus to attack a treasury -where a strong guard was posted. They likewise crawl about in dark -nights, so as to be mistaken for dogs, or other small animals; thus -gradually lulling the vigilance of a sentry, and making their way good -to the interior. On such occasions their bodies are usually well oiled, -thereby rendering it impossible to retain a hold; which is, in most -cases, prevented by a small sharp knife, always carried in a girdle by -these insinuating rogues: that girdle consists only of a stout piece of -twine carried round the waist, supporting a _lungooty_, or clout, -passing between the legs, and as narrow as an exception from absolute -nudity can possibly admit. - -When travelling through any part of the Company’s territories, it is -proper to require _chokey-dars_ from such villages as may be in the -vicinity of the encampment: on failure of this precaution, robbery will -very often take place, without the most distant chance either of -recovering the lost goods, or of tracing the thieves. Nor should such -_chokey-dars_ be sent away unpaid for their night’s labor: two annas, -equal to nearly four-pence, should be given to each; otherwise, -intelligence of the _deficit_ will be conveyed to the next halting -place, and no _chokey-dar_ will be forthcoming; unless, indeed, one of -the collector’s peons accompany, or, that his order be sent, -particularly cautioning all the inhabitants to provide whatever may be -wanting. The reader must not imagine himself in England, but transplant -his ideas to a country where there is no public place of accommodation, -no relay of horses, no public conveyance, and perhaps no other Christian -within scores of miles! His fancy may have abundance of scope, in -picturing to him the variety of preparations necessary to be made before -a party, much more a single gentleman, breaks ground, for the purpose of -sporting, or of repairing to some distant station. He will then see how -very necessary it is to adopt the local customs, as well as every means -that prudence can devise; observing particularly, that when a gratuity -is to be bestowed upon any villager, &c. for provisions, or services, he -should never fail to see the full sum paid into the poor fellow’s hand: -otherwise, the servants will at least diminish, if not altogether -withhold, the donation. - -In consequence of the great number of servants that sleep within the -houses, and the circumstance of each dwelling having a separate gateway, -where a _durwan_, (or porter,) constantly attends; as well as owing to -the great number of _chokies_ or patrole stations, every where to be -seen; few _chokey-dars_ are employed in the town of Calcutta, unless by -merchants who have warehouses full of valuable commodities; or -_shroffs_, (_i.e._ bankers) residing in that part of the town inhabited -principally by natives: at the _baugeechahs_, or garden-houses, which -generally stand, like our farm-houses, at some distance from other -dwellings, _chokey-dars_ are found to be indispensably necessary. Within -the Company’s provinces no head _chokey-dars_ are to be seen: there the -watchman may perhaps be exempt from the imputation of belonging to the -local gang: though circumstances do sometimes authorize the suspicion, -that he aids the perpetrators of the robbery. Generally speaking, -however, there appears no ostensible person who comes forward to -guarantee the safety of goods under charge of a _chokey-dar_: when this -most desirable assurance is wanting, the greatest vigilance is sometimes -inadequate to the prevention of theft. It is not a very easy matter to -defeat the machinations of a most expert banditti, in a country where it -is necessary to throw open every door, and window, during the night, -lest suffocation should ensue! - -I have said that a _Durwan_, or porter, is stationed at the gate, on -entrance into that area, (called the _compound_,) within which most -houses in Calcutta are situated. This servant usually receives from four -to five rupees monthly, and dresses little better than a _cooly_; -though, in some instances, he may be seen more respectably cloathed. So -soon as a palanquin enters the gate, the _durwan_ vociferates lustily; -informing, that a visitor approaches; when immediately some other -servant, such as a _peon_ or _hirkarah_, runs to enquire the name, &c. -which is immediately announced to the master or mistress. - -The _durwan_ is always allowed a small lodge near the portal, where he -is in constant attendance day and night. When the family have retired to -rest, he shuts and secures the gates: formerly, it was an invariable -rule to close them during meals, and to retain them in that state, until -notice was sent by the head servant that all the plate, &c. were safe. -This certainly was not a bad custom; and, no doubt, operated as a check -upon many, who, but for such a restriction, would purloin some valuable -article of a portable description: I regret to think it should have been -not only relaxed, but nearly abandoned: probably owing to mistaken -delicacy. - -The _Cahar_, or palanquin-bearer, is a servant of peculiar utility, in a -country where, for four months, the intense heat precludes Europeans -from taking much exercise; and where, during a similar term, the -constant state of puddle, in every place not artificially raised, and -drained, at a great expense, utterly precludes them from walking. -Indeed, even in the cold months, it is not always that the palanquin can -be dispensed with: at all events; the _chattah_, or large umbrella, must -accompany. Many gentlemen who arrive during the winter season, find the -sun little more than comfortable; they therefore, very foolishly, -dispense with the _chattah_, and allow themselves to be heated -extremely. So many instances have happened of persons being carried off -suddenly, in consequence of such exposure, that I cannot too earnestly -exhort all visiting India, to be very cautious of placing reliance on -strength of constitution: the strongest are in most danger; on them -fever seizes firmly, giving but little time for the adjustment of -affairs, and even less scope for the exercise of medical skill. - -The number of, what is called, a set of bearers, varies according to the -situation, the occupation, and the weight of the employer. In Calcutta, -where there is much visiting, at least seven must be kept, of whom one -stays at home to cook victuals for the rest; and as another of them will -probably be the _sirdar_, or head-bearer, who attends personally when -his master is dressing, and generally has some charge of linen, &c. he -will not, except on emergency, officiate under the bamboo. Thus, in -fact, only five will be left to carry the palanquin and the umbrella; -the man bearing the latter at times relieving one of the four that carry -the vehicle; and they, in exchange, assuming his part of the labor, -alternately. - -There are, however, various tribes of bearers, generally provincial, all -of which are to be found at Calcutta; those chiefly employed in that -capital are called _Ooreeahs_, _i.e._ natives of the province of Orissa; -a tract of country lying between the Roopnarain and the northern -_sircars_: this occasions them to be generally designated -‘Balasore-bearers:’ Balasore being the principal town. - -Language is scarcely adequate to describe the influence this set of -menials had obtained, throughout those parts to which they extend their -services; which is rarely more than a few miles around Calcutta. They -are, in fact, a commonwealth, governed by one or more of their gang, and -subject to the regulations, from time to time, established by councils -convened, in the most imperious manner, by the old _sirdars_; every -trespass against which is attended with, not only immediate punishment, -by means of ejection from among their society in the town, but -absolutely by a species of out-lawry, even in their own country! - -To such a pitch had these gentry carried their audacity, that, more than -once, they withdrew from Calcutta, leaving its inhabitants in the most -awkward predicament, until they thought fit to return, or that their -insolent demands were complied with. If any offence be given to one or -more, especially to a whole set, the matter is instantly submitted to -their superiors; who have, on many occasions, issued their mandate, -interdicting all _Ooreeahs_ from engaging in the offender’s service. -Where real injury is done, they never fail to carry the matter either -before the commissioners of the police, or into the supreme court: the -costs being defrayed by a general assessment. The prudence with which -they proceed, in this mode of prosecution, is by no means unworthy of -notice; if imitated by some of our own litigious spirits, it could not -fail to save infinite vexation, trouble, and expence. They put the case, -very fairly, before a fictitious tribunal, consisting of _sircars_, -writers, &c. who, having been employed by gentlemen of the law, have -picked up a smattering of that profession, and are perfectly acquainted -with all the forms attendant upon most civil causes. These ‘base -epitomes of legal greatness’ possess wonderful shrewdness; and, by means -of two fictitious advocates of a corresponding description, who, with an -acuteness scarcely to be equalled, argue their respective sides of the -question, _i.e._ plaintiff and defendant, are enabled to decide on the -case with strict propriety. The fact is, that this mock court, being -instituted for the purpose of preventing any native, who chooses to have -his cause pleaded before it, from being entangled in that glorious net -of perplexity, the supreme court, every endeavor is made to sift the -several turns and arguments, that may be resorted to by the defendant. -Consequently, it is ever the study of the accusing party to strengthen -his opponent’s side, with every subtlety that can be devised. The sages -give their opinions the same as in our courts; but are very cautious -never to decide in favor of a plaintiff, unless the case appears fully -established. - -It is a well-known fact, that, with the exception of a few haughty, -opinionated individuals, who, relying on their own judgment, and -thinking such a resort would degrade them, or perhaps discover that -chicanery on which they rely for success, omit the above very sagacious -precaution, scarcely an instance is to be found where a native, residing -in Calcutta, has failed to gain his cause against an European. To such a -tribunal, as above described, the _Ooreeahs_ almost invariably resort; -when, if its decision is in their favor, the _real_ court soon becomes -arbiter on the occasion. - -It is perhaps fortunate for the inhabitants (I mean the European -families) of Calcutta, that, within the last twenty years, great numbers -of _Patna_, _Dacca_, and other _cahars_, or bearers, have resorted to -the presidency, to participate in those services formerly monopolized by -the _Ooreeahs_. The latter, after some struggle, by endeavoring to -intimidate their rivals, and by debarring the _teeka_, or job-bearers, -who were formerly, to a man, of the Balasore tribe, from serving, even -for the day, those who retained Patna, or other _cahars_, were, in the -end, obliged to lower their tone, and rather to conciliate, than to -arrogate, upon all occasions. Not that they are by any means reconciled -to the new system; but they find their mandates of less force, their -influence nearly extinguished, and their numbers considerably decreased: -at least, they bear no proportion to the _cahars_ from the country; who -now ply for _teeka_, _i.e._ job-work, in every quarter. - -Still it must not be denied, that the _Ooreeahs_ are, in some respects, -excellent servants: they are very careful of furniture; and being -able-bodied men in general, are capable, even with less numbers, of -proceeding great distances: they are, besides, far more cleanly in their -persons, and neater in their dress; which, however, consists merely of a -_doty_, wrapped round the middle, and tucked in, together with a -wrapper, to be thrown over them in very inclement weather, but usually -folded up, and carried over the shoulder. When their heights are -unequal, they use a small quilted pad, of linen, stuffed with rags, or -cotton, which is suspended from the palanquin pole, or bamboo, and being -placed between it and the shoulder of the shortest bearer of the two, -(they carrying in pairs, two bearers before, and two behind, serves to -bring about an even bearing on each. - -The Balasore bearers, _i.e._ the _Ooreeahs_, all preserve but one lock -on the top of their heads, the same as the _sircars_, and other Hindus -in general; they wear no turban, but paint their faces, arms, throats, -and breasts, with sandal-wood and vermilion. Some wear a few small -beads, chiefly of turned wood, about their necks; and, occasionally, a -stout silver ornament, of the ring kind, called a _bangle_, or _kurrah_, -on either wrist, or a pair of tigers’ claws set in silver, back to back, -suspended by a number of black threads from their necks. This is -considered a potent charm against _J’haddoo_, or witchcraft: and a -preventative of various dangerous diseases. It is peculiar, that the -_Ooreeah_ bearers never wear shoes, and that they prefer cloaths of an -almond color. The number of _Ooreeahs_ in a single set, is generally, as -before stated, seven: the head-bearer or _sirdar_, receiving five, or -even six, rupees monthly; sometimes a mate receives, or is said to -receive, five, and the residue about four. Formerly the rates were -generally one rupee less than the above for each rank: but ‘the hay was -made while the sun shone,’ and these gentry did not fail, _while in -power_, to raise their respective wages. - -Where there is a lady in the family, three more bearers must be added; -or perhaps five: and a good comfortable building must, at all events, be -set apart for these domineering servants: without that is done, they -will not stay. Nor will they handle a _chillumchee_, (or wash-hand -bason,) after it has been used: though they will officiate in pouring -the water, serving the napkin, laying the shaving apparatus, and a -variety of matters formerly supposed to be repugnant to their tenets; -but which objections are not so much insisted upon since the country -_cahars_ have resorted, in such numbers, to Calcutta, and aided to -overthrow that immense edifice of insolence, imposition, and pride, so -conspicuously rearing its head; whereof, fortunately, the foundation was -thus destroyed. I perfectly recollect the time, and, indeed, the matter -is not yet obsolete, when the _council_, as the _sirdar_ vainly termed -their meeting, used to send their summons to any _Ooreeah_ in an -European’s service; and, in case of refusal, or neglect, mulcted the -party according to their pleasure. Thus, no individual, however attached -to his master, or tired of the noxious and tyrannic mandates of the -_sirdars_ dared to disobey; the smallest relaxation in points of -forbearance, or in the least tending to augment the duties of the whole -class, whether individually or collectively, was certainly followed by -the most severe inhibitions, and by fulminations, perfectly terrific to -those brought up in ignorance, and under the complete domination of a -persecuting priesthood. A few instances occurred wherein the masters -almost forcibly debarred their servants from obedience to the -adjudications of this overbearing usurpation; but it was in vain: the -government, perhaps prudently, discouraged every attempt to change the -system; while the Supreme Court, then newly robed, and panting for the -exercise of power, whereby to shew their extensive authority, and their -sedulous attention to the rights of ‘an oppressed people’, favored every -complaint wherein a native was to be redressed: this was done with the -view to annihilate those multifarious extortions, and severities, not to -say cruelties, under which it was supposed they were groaning. The farce -had its day, like all other good farces; but, in the end, Blacky found -out that law was very expensive, and that it had so many ins and outs, -with which they were then unacquainted, that the disease fortunately -carried its own remedy: the fact, as it now stands, being simply this; -that all are ready enough to complain to a _justice_, but are very shy -of bringing the subject before a _judge!_ - -Where bearers are not constantly wanted, (a very uncommon case, by the -by,) the best mode is to hire _teeka-bearers_, when occasion may demand: -for ordinary excursions, five are usually employed; each receiving four -annas, or the quarter of a rupee, daily. This has its advantages, and -its disadvantages; for it is not always these job-men are to be had; nor -will they come at the hour appointed; then, again, they must go (the -Lord knows where) to their meals; and they are by no means so careful of -the palanquin, &c. as regular servants; nor will they attend to a -variety of in-door matters, which may be peremptorily requisite. It must -further be obvious, that, if the occasions for employing them be -numerous, they will prove very expensive: consequently, can only suit -those whose incomes are confined, and whose ordinary avocations do not -lead them further than may be walked, without danger, or great -inconvenience, under the shade of a _chattah_, or umbrella. It is -evident, that one _sirdar_ at five, one mate at four and a half, and -five bearers at four each, amount only to twenty-nine rupees and a half -per mensem; whereas five _teekas_, if employed every day at a rupee and -a quarter daily, will amount to thirty-seven rupees and a half. This -would be like riding in a Hackney-coach all day, when an excellent -equipage might be kept for less money. - -The Patna, Dacca, and other up-country bearers, in general receive less -wages than the _Ooreeahs_; but require to be more numerous in a set; few -consisting of less than eight, including the _sirdar_, who generally -remains at home. His usual wages are from four and a half to five -rupees, and the rest receive from three up to four rupees monthly; -according to circumstances. When in their own country, they serve for -less wages than when employed elsewhere. Those at Dacca, where -provisions are very cheap, seldom have more than two, of two rupees and -a half; and it is wonderful how reluctant they are to quit that part of -the country, even under a very considerable advance of pay; therefore, -when a corps marches from the Dacca district, every endeavor is made to -procure bearers who are going to the several districts lying in, or -near, the route. This is sometimes attended with considerable -convenience; since it obviates the necessity of exchanging servants -while on the march; it being extremely common for bearers to proceed -only to an appointed town, there to leave their employer, who must use -his endeavors to obtain others in their stead. Thus, in marching from -the frontier to Lucknow, or Cawnpore, it is necessary to obtain a new -set of bearers at either of those places, to proceed to Benares; at -Benares they will engage probably to go no further than Patna, if -proceeding by the river route; or, if by the new road, only to -Hazary-Bang, or perhaps to Rogonautpore, or to Bissunpore; where a final -exchange must be made, for a set that will proceed to Calcutta, -Midnapore, &c. Yet it cannot be said that this occasions any very -serious difficulty; the occurrence being so common, and the prices so -well settled by the ordinary practice, that, unless a gentleman has the -character of using his servants ill, there seldom appears any deficiency -of candidates for employment. - -Bearers, of all descriptions, are extremely apt to carry too much -luggage for themselves, stowing it, to an unmerciful amount, on the back -of some poor camel, or on some cart, which their master thinks is very -lightly laden. The mischief is not suspected, until he notices, day -after day, the late arrival of his baggage, or receives a report that -his cattle have sore backs, &c. &c.; which must, of course, prove highly -pleasing in situations where no substitutes for the disabled beasts can -be found! - -Let me recommend my mode of correcting this evil; under which I was so -often, and so grievously, a sufferer, that, at length, a radical cure -became indispensable. I made a point of lagging behind sometimes, or -perhaps of riding back, and of stopping my camels, &c., to see what, -besides my own property, might be on their backs. It is inconceivable -what bundles of cloaths, pots, and pans, were burthened: nay, even -perroquets sometimes formed a part of the group. In the first instance, -I gave fair warning, that whatever was found thus clandestinely laden, -should be destroyed: after that, I spared nothing; but caused all the -brass vessels to be beat up with a tent-mallet, and the rest of the -luggage to be burnt. The consequence was such as might be expected; my -baggage was always up in excellent time, and my cattle were no more -chafed, and galled, by excessive burthens. - -I anticipate the observation, that, ‘the drivers were to blame.’ True, -but few of them have the resolution to withstand solicitation, or, -perhaps, a small douceur, in some shape or other; and as to discharging -them, it is not always practicable, the greatest fear being that they -should discharge themselves. Elephants and camels must not be put into -the hands of novices: neither will they always submit to be ruled by -strangers. - -As I have just said, the bearers are almost always principally concerned -in these instances; the reason for which is, that every other servant -has usually some family, or goes share in some _tattoo_, (poney,) which -conveys his luggage: not that they would be a whit more scrupulous, were -it not for the fear of discovery; to which they would be peculiarly -liable. On the other hand, the Bearer, being perhaps merely a temporary -servant; and, if I may so term it, an alien in the camp, has no such -means of disposing of his luggage, as falls to the lot of the regular -servants: besides, all this tribe are either most penurious, or most -dissipated. They either hoard every _cowrie_; or run in debt, and then, -to avoid payment—run away. - -The immediate business of a head-bearer is to prepare for his master’s -dressing; seeing that the linen is all properly in order, boots and -shoes cleaned, coat, &c. brushed, side-arms, &c. bright; also that the -palanquin is clean, and free from defect; that the water used for -drinking be purified; that the kettle is put on in due time: in general, -the inferior bearers clean the furniture, and carry the _chowry_, (or -whisk,) and swing a kind of _punkah_, (or fan,) made either from a large -palm leaf, or with split bamboo, and printed cotton; of which pieces are -to be had stamped expressly for that purpose; they are swung backwards -and forwards to cool a room: the butt of the _punkah-stick_ resting on -the ground. A _punkah_ is, by some, used instead of a _chattah_, (or -umbrella); but it is very inferior as a defence against either sun, -wind, or rain. The natives in some parts, especially to the northward, -use these _punkahs_ very generally; but, of late, they seem to have -rather changed in favor of the _chattah_, great numbers of which are now -conveyed, as an article of merchandize, from the lower provinces to -Benares, Lucknow, &c. - -The dress of the _cahar_, by which I mean the up-country bearers, -usually consists of a colored turban, blue being, if anything, the -prevailing color; the head-bearer generally has a short _coortah_, not -unlike that of the _mosaulchy_, and, as well as all the inferiors, wears -a _doty_, in the usual manner: though some few wear a kind of -petticoat-trowser, not unlike the Highland kelt. _Cummer-bunds_ are also -in general use; though, with few exceptions, of a very coarse quality. -Many gentlemen present their _bearers_, _hirkarahs_, _peons_, _syces_, -_khedmutgars_, and _mosaulchies_, annually, with a set of _turbans_ and -_cummer-bunds_, all of the same color; so that the whole appear, to a -certain extent, in livery. In this indulgence many of the natives take -great pride: on the whole, indeed, they are as vain as our beau-footmen; -and, like them, can assume wondrous airs, when they have to deal with -the servant of a person inferior in rank to their own master. - -While speaking of bearers, I shall describe the various kinds of -palanquins in use; observing, that the greatest improvements, which -perhaps ever took place in any vehicle, have been brought forward in the -construction of this _sine quâ non_ of Indian luxury. In order to -preserve due order, I shall commence with a description of the -_naulkeen_, or _naulkee_, it being the first in rank among the -contrivances of this description. - -This immense carriage is only used by crowned heads, and may be -compared to a portable throne, on which the prince sits with his feet -crossed, and tucked up under his hams, (the usual sitting position of -Asiatics,) having at his back an immense pillow, and under him a -suitable bedding, both sumptuously ornamented; besides these, many -smaller pillows lie scattered about, to be applied as may be found -agreeable. The frame of the _naulkeen_ may be about five feet long by -four broad, well secured at the corners, and taped at the bottom in a -very close manner, both lengthwise and breadthwise, so as to leave no -interstices. The sides are raised with richly carved wood-work, -generally gilded in a very shewy style. The _naulkeen_ is carried, -like a litter, by eight men, who support two poles, one running under -each side-bar, and projecting before and behind; two bearers being at -each extremity, the same as in a palanquin. This vehicle, though it -appears extremely ponderous, is said, by the bearers, to be far -lighter than one of those _Mahannah-palanquins_ I am about to -describe: no doubt but eight men must feel less pressure, -individually, from such a weight, supposing it to be equal to that of -the _mahannah_, which is, to say the truth, a very heavy, though a -very comfortable, machine. - -The _dooly_, or covered litter, was certainly the parent of all the -_palanquin_ kind; it is yet in very common use among the less opulent -classes, and especially employed for the conveyance of women; in our -armies this little vehicle affords excellent means, of transporting sick -and wounded men, either to the hospitals, or on a march. Its usual -construction is extremely simple; consisting of a small _carpoy_, or -bedstead, perhaps five feet by two and a half; having four stump feet, -about nine or ten inches from the ground, into which the sides, and end -pieces, are tenoned. A very slight frame of bamboo work, equal in size -to the frame of the litter, is placed over it horizontally; serving as a -roof for the support of a double cover, (generally of red _karwah_, or -of blue, or white calico,) which lies over the roof, and falls all -around; so as to enclose the whole space between the roof and the -bedstead. There is seldom any bedding but what is provided by the party -carried in the _dooly_; unless it be one appertaining to some family, -thereby it is frequently used: in such case, the interior is made very -comfortable, and the cover ornamented with borders, fringes, &c. This -last kind, being almost exclusively appropriated to the _zenanah_, is on -a very small scale; rarely exceeding three feet, by little more than -two: of such, thousands are to be hired at Calcutta, and most of the -provincial towns. They carry very easy; often, indeed, having only two -bearers under the bamboo, with one carrying a _bangy_, or a bundle, who -relieves the others occasionally; but, for the most part, four bearers -are employed. The closeness of the interior, added to the very trifling -elevation, (whereby the dust cannot fail to be offensive,) and the very -insufficient guard against rain, combine to render this vehicle by no -means pre-eminent for comfort; especially to delicate females. - -It should seem that, in the course of time, an improvement was made in -the construction of litters, by giving the bamboo, or pole, a -considerable arch in that part which went over the interior. Thus the -frame was raised considerably; while the rider was enabled to sit -upright, rather more conveniently than when the bamboo was straight: -this, however, could only be done towards the centre; the legs being -crossed under the hams, according to the usual sitting position of the -natives. To them, such a posture, being confirmed by long habit, in use -from their infancy, is a relaxation; whereas, to a person not so -accustomed, nothing can be more irksome and fatiguing. Gradually, the -sides of the vehicle were ornamented, and changed from the simple -parallelogram to an oblongated hexagon; which is now very common: the -bamboo was also yet more arched, and its anterior projection carried out -in an upward curve to the length of full twelve feet or more: it was -also covered with broad-cloth throughout; that part above the seat being -ornamented with silk fringes, and the fore-end furnished with a brass -ornament; either a tiger’s, or an alligator’s head, or perhaps some -imaginary non-descript, placed at the end of a brass ferule, enclosing -the bamboo for half a yard at least. - -Still there was abundant room for amelioration; but the natives could -brook no encroachment on the publicity thus given to their persons, -while seated in a vehicle, which, owing to the weight being nearly on a -level with the bearers’ shoulders, (a great portion, namely, the head -and shoulders, being far above it) added to the awkward arch above, -which operated as a lever, was peculiarly unsteady; ever threatening to -upset with the least inattention to equipoise. The danger of adding to -the superincumbent weight, of which the mischief was sensibly felt, -caused a slight reduction of the lever, by lengthening the suspending -laths a few inches, so as to lower the centre of gravity. But, by way of -recompence, perhaps, for the supposed degradation, a rich covering of -broad-cloth was thrown over the arch; having in it several bamboo-laths -running at right angles with the bamboo; and forming a canopy, -corresponding in form with the curve, about four and a half feet in -width; of which the corners were tied down to those of the palanquin -frame, and the edges were trimmed with an open quadrated, or reticulated -fringe, full six inches in depth. - -As it would be a sin to spoil so costly an awning, it was taken off in -bad weather, and put into a bag made of wax-cloth, to be carried on one -of the bearers’ shoulders; in the mean while, a large sheet, of the same -material, was thrown over the bamboo, to keep the inhabitant from being -washed away. It is not above twenty-five years back, that this kind of -palanquin was in use among the European residents of India, and -especially among the military. - -Probably in consequence of a painted canvas awning being used, curving -down gradually at the sides, not unlike a _testudo_, this machine was -called a ‘_fly-palanquin_.’ It was, however, made full six feet in -length, and of a comfortable breadth, being also furnished with a good -pillow or two, and a neat bedding, stuffed with that kind of cotton -known by the name of _seemul_. The bamboo frame, on which the canvas was -stretched, and of which a ruffle about six inches in depth remained -pendant, was lined with colored silk, chintz, &c. giving the interior -rather a finished appearance. I have no doubt but the form of this kind -of palanquin, as in use among the natives, gave rise to the use of -_punkahs_, in preference to _chattahs_; it must be obvious that the -former, being flat, and furnished with a flounce full half a yard in -depth, was more conformable to the lateral apertures than an umbrella -could be; while, at the same moment, it was far more portable in passing -through those narrow streets and gullies, characterizing every great -city in India. - -Time ‘astonished the natives,’ as well as the Europeans, by bringing -forth the _Mahannah-palanquin_. This vehicle, now so common, has -entirely banished the _fly-palanquin_, of which it would probably be -difficult to find one in use with any European throughout the country: -so general, indeed, has been the adoption of the former, that many of -the natives, in every part, now either ride in _mahannahs_, or have -their _doolies_ constructed in imitation of them. The _mahannah_ -resembles an immense chest, standing on four feet, raising it nearly a -foot from the ground. About two-fifths of each side is open, serving for -a door; the residue being usually closed up, either with very thin -pannels, or with canvas, leather, &c. The doors are sometimes made to -close, by means of two Venetian frames, that, when brought from their -recesses, meet in the centre, but at other times run back, on small -metal wheels, in grooves behind the pannels respectively. - -The roof is made of very thin pannelling board, laid longitudinally over -slight battens a little cambered; though some are quite flat: over the -boards a stout, but thin, canvas is well stretched, and beaded down at -the edges: this is usually painted white. The fore, and back, parts are -in general closed, with the exception of two small Venetian, or perhaps -glass, windows, near the top; to allow a draught of air. The exterior is -painted according to the fancy of the proprietor; often very handsomely, -and well varnished. The front and hind poles attach at about -three-fifths up the body of the vehicle; being rivetted to iron ribs, -firmly screwed by means of diverging claws to the main pieces, they are -further steadied by iron stays, proceeding from the top and bottom -corners, of each end respectively, to the pole; to which they are bolted -at about eighteen inches from the body. The poles are always covered -with leather. - -The body of a _mahannah_ is generally about six feet, or six feet two -inches long, and from twenty-six to thirty inches in width; the height -is sufficient to allow a tall person’s sitting upright, without a hat. -The beddings of most are covered with chintz of neat patterns; while a -small piece of carpet, tiger’s-skin, morocco-leather, or some such -article, is spread at the feet, to prevent its being soiled. - -In most _mahannahs_ there are racks, which serve to support the back; -others are provided with two small, or one large pillow, also covered -with chintz. Above the doors it is common to screw in flat brass knobs, -whereon to button either canvas or leather curtains, that will roll up -occasionally, and buckle like the aprons of gigs, &c.: there are also -studs, of the same description, fixed at the sides of the doors, to -fasten down the edges of the curtains. One principal use, however, of -such studs, is, to affix _cheeks_ made of _kuss-kuss_, to be watered -when journeying any distance. - -The _mahannah_ is unquestionably a very heavy vehicle, and, being -totally devoid of elasticity, far more oppressive to the bearers than -any machine on a slighter construction. Yet the average rate of -travelling may be computed at from three and a half, to a quarter -wanting of four miles, within the hour, in going great distances; such -as from Chunar to Calcutta, at the proper season, when the waters are -not out, and the heat not too oppressive. That estimate includes all -stops for changes of bearers, which, in travelling _dawk_, (that is, -_post_,) will take place at certain stages, from ten to fifteen miles -apart. Thus, a journey of four hundred miles may be made in about five -days, with great ease; the night being often more favorable than the day -to making progress; especially from March to the middle of June. During -that period, the roads are every where good, the grass jungles in most -places burnt away, and fewer tigers lurk near the highways. It is often -necessary to lie by for a few hours during the mid-day; when the ground -is so hot as absolutely to scorch the bearers’ feet. At such times, the -_kuss-kuss tatties_ are peculiarly serviceable; but, in case none are -affixed, the _guttah-tope_, or palanquin-cover, must be kept wet; as -already observed, in describing the occupations of the _bheesty_, or -water-carrier. - -Ladies are usually conveyed about Calcutta, or any where for short -distances, in a kind of palanquin, called a _boҫhah_. This has its poles -fixed much in the same manner as in the _mahannah_, but its body is of a -very different form; being a compound of our sedan chair with the body -of a chariot. Its deep shape, and its seat, much resemble the former; -but having two doors, one on each side, with one window in front, as -well as a small one behind, all furnished with Venetians and glasses, -give it, in those respects, some claim to alliance with the latter. I -should have observed, that most of the gentlemen residing at Calcutta, -ride in _boҫhahs_; which afford a better look-out, are more portable, -and can turn about in narrow places, where a _mahannah_ could not: -besides, they are far lighter. The _boҫhah_ made expressly for a lady, -is fitted up in some style, and always has four large tassels, commonly -of white silk, hanging at the four upper corners. There are usually -pockets in front, and to the doors; the same as in chariots, &c. - -About Dacca, Chittagong, Tipperah, and other mountainous parts, a very -light kind of conveyance is in use, called a _taum-jaung_, _i.e._ ‘a -support to the feet.’ This consists of an arm-chair, with a low back, at -the sides of which two poles are affixed, even with the seat; from the -two fore legs of the chair, iron stays project forward, supporting a -foot-board, placed diagonally, so as to meet the natural position of the -soles when the feet are thrown forward, much the same as the foot-boards -of coach-boxes, only on a very light construction. In some instances, -the _taum-jaungs_ (vulgarly called _tom-johns_) are carried the same as -the _naulkeen_; that is, by the four ends of the poles resting on the -shoulders of as many bearers, all independent of each other. Experience -has, however, proved such to be a very dangerous practice; for, if one -of the bearers stumbles, the machine must inevitably be overset: the -fall from such a height, especially if proceeding at a quick pace, is -not devoid of danger. To remedy this, it has latterly become a custom to -suspend two stout batons, by means of strong doubled cords, between the -ends of the poles, before and behind; making such an allowance in -respect to the length of cord, or sling, as may allow the poles to come -down about as low as the bearers’ hips. The batons are slung by their -middles, one bearer supporting the fore, the other the hind, part of -each; all moving between the two side poles, but nearly in a line one -behind the other. This does not altogether obviate the possibility of -falling, by means of a stumble; but it lessens that danger considerably, -and renders the accident less severe; the seat being much lowered. - -In this respect, the _boҫhah_ is also safer than the _mahannah_; the -former being so much nearer the ground, and the erect position of the -rider rendering him less liable to injury. When the hind bearers of a -_mahannah_ fall, not only the legs of the vehicle, but the head of its -inhabitant, may be injured: such accidents are rarely attended with any -other inconvenience than a job for the carpenter. If the fall takes -place when a bearer is pushing behind, resting the palm of his hand -against the butt end of the hinder pole, as is very common, there will -be an additional impetus, by no means favorable to the machine; -especially if the foremost bearers give way. Most of the _mahannah_ -palanquins have a box under the feet, and perhaps one under the head -also, made water tight, and furnished with a lock. This, when -travelling, is extremely convenient; insuring the presence of many -little articles, both of raiment and refreshment, which, if trusted to a -_bangy_, might not arrive in due time. - -The _bangy_ is a slip of bamboo, perhaps five feet in length, which, in -the middle, may be four inches in width; the thickness about an inch; -towards the ends it tapers a little, and has shoulders left, whereby to -secure the nets, wherein are two baskets, made either of rattans, or of -reeds, very closely worked, and probably covered with painted canvas, of -leather. The _bangy-wollah_, that is, the bearer who carries the -_bangy_, supports the bamboo on his shoulder, so as to equipoise the -baskets suspended at each end. If not overladen, the _bangy_ will -generally keep pace with the palanquin; the bearer shifting the bamboo -from one, to the other shoulder, as he proceeds. - -Many gentleman have _r’hunts_, or _r’huts_, for the conveyance of their -native ladies, either on a march, or to take an airing occasionally: in -such case, a man must be employed to drive, and to take care of the -bullocks. He is designated the ‘_g’horry-waun_;’ or carriage servant. -His dress cannot be reduced to any exact standard, but will generally be -found to resemble that of the _khedmutgar_; his pay being ordinarily -from four to six rupees monthly. The generality of persons following -this avocation, are rather elderly, and possess the outward shew of -great decency and respectability; but I believe they are, with few -exceptions, by no means of a character such as would be supposed from -their venerable and sanctified appearance. I have seen so much, and the -instances are so common, of the intrigues carried on, or connived at, by -_g’horry-wauns_, as to satisfy me of their being as great hypocrites as -are to be found on earth. The construction of a _r’hut_ is so very -curious as almost to defy description. - -The _g’horry-waun_ sits astride that part of the fore-frame which may be -compared with the pole and traverse of one of our four-wheeled -carriages, under a _seiwaun_, or _semiaun_, made of the same stuff as -the covering, supported in nearly a horizontal position, by two slight -poles fixed into iron ferules at the body of the frame, and proceeding, -at and angle of about 45° to the foremost edge of the _seiwaun_. The -bullocks are managed by means of a strong cord, passed through their -_septums_, or divisions between their nostrils, and tied over the crowns -of their heads, where the rein, made also of rope, attaches: this -effectually curbs the cattle. Possibly such a device may appear to -partake of cruelty; but experience has proved, that no other mode is -adequate to keeping this fiery, restless, and vicious, breed of cattle -in tolerable subordination. The _g’horry-waun_ is provided with a severe -goad: the application of which, to the hind quarters of the bullocks, -causes them to keep up a good smart trot. When they are tolerably quiet, -the driver’s feet generally suffice, to keep them to their pace: but, -when all other modes fail, he twists their tails, and thus urges them to -their best speed. The reins should serve both to stop, and to guide; -but, as the bullocks are not always prompt in turning when only so acted -upon, the tail is often resorted to, as a never-failing rudder! - -Your true home-bred Englishmen can have little idea of the rate at which -a pair of oxen can draw one of these _r’huts_; he cannot readily -imagine, that they can travel from four to six miles within the hour; -and that, too, where the _g’horry-ka-leek_, or track of a wheel, is -scarcely to be found. I have seen a pair of _Nagore_, or of _Guzzerat_, -bullocks, (I forget which,) standing full sixteen hands at the withers, -(making allowance for the humps on the shoulders of all cattle bred in -that quarter;) that could with ease trot with a _r’hut_ at the rate of -eight miles within the hour. But such must not be considered as common: -perhaps five miles may be the truest average. Nor is it to be -understood, that bullocks keep up an even pace, as horses do; on the -contrary, they either proceed at their quickest trot, or at a walk; -there is little medium: the fact is, that, not being trained to a -continuance of one set pace, but urged by starts, at the will of their -driver, they want that habit which would improve their wind. - -That breed of oxen said to be chiefly raised in the Guzzerat, and Nagore -districts, is very fine. The animals are of a milky whiteness, -handsomely formed, with fine eyes, and horns generally not more than a -foot in length, but gracefully turned, partly forward, and partly -upward. The natives invariably either paint or gild the horns; and -sometimes mark the sides, necks, hams, and shoulders, of their favorites -with _mindy_; that is, with the plant generally known among botanists, -under the name of _hinna_. Of this I shall have occasion to speak more -fully when treating of the ornaments in use among the ladies of India: -at present briefly remarking, that, whether owing to the coarse manner -in which the _mindy_ is applied, or to my want of taste, the practice -never pleased me; although the color itself, namely, a tawny red, forms -by no means a bad contrast to the brilliant whiteness of the animal. - -A conveyance on two wheels, but in most other respects perfectly similar -to the _r’hut_, is extremely common in India; being used by men, as well -as by women. The body of this kind is usually square; and the roof by no -means so elevated. With few exceptions, these have red covers, in the -sides of which, as also in those of the _r’huts_, are small slits, -serving for peep-holes. In this two-wheeled kind, called generally -_ghorries_, (_i.e._ carriages,) such are more necessary than in the -others; the former being almost invariably fitted up with _cheeks_, or -screens; one of which is ever appended to the fore-part, between the -interior and the driver. The common _g’horry_, now under description, is -rarely, if ever, kept by any European; but may be seen plying for hire -in various parts of Calcutta. Some of these have shafts in which a -_tattoo_ (poney) is fixed, with very slight harness; barely sufficient -to keep the crook-saddle in its place. This is a recent improvement; as -is also the application of _tattoos_ to _r’huts_: I understand they are -found to be more manageable, and far cheaper than bullocks; besides, -their pace is much quicker; and, in case of failure, they are most -easily converted into cash: an object of great moment to the -parsimonious Hindu! - -Neither the dress, nor the emoluments, of the persons driving such -carriages, can be estimated with precision, but, in regard to the -latter, we may safely conjecture that something handsome is made; -knowing them to be employed more in the conveyance of prostitutes than -in any other kind of fare. The usual hire of a four-wheel _r’hut_, drawn -by _tattoos_, is, I believe, about three rupees per diem; while those -with two wheels, and only one _tattoo_, at the utmost earn only two -rupees: I never could ascertain any fixed rate; the _g’horry-waun_ -always endeavoring to make his bargain for the trip to the best -advantage. Judging from the rapid strides made in various parts of the -country, especially at the several presidencies, to bring all matters to -that kind of system, without which nothing could be done in Europe, we -may expect, in a few years, to see regular fares and rates established, -as in use among us, for the prevention of misconduct, and over-charges, -on the parts of Hackney-coachmen and watermen. - -The _g’horry-waun_ may further be employed in a more subordinate -capacity; namely, in driving a common cart, usually called a _chuckrah_, -and known by the designation of a ‘_hackery_’ among Europeans. This kind -of vehicle may carry, on an average, about eighteen or twenty maunds, -equal to about thirteen or fourteen hundred weight: it is drawn by two -oxen; though, in the northern parts of the country, we often see four -attached to those which convey cotton, or other gruff merchandize, I -confine myself, however, to such as may be retained by gentlemen, either -for the carrying on of works, or for the transportation of baggage. Such -as are hired by the day, usually cost half, or, at times, three quarters -of a rupee daily, when employed on the spot; but, if required to proceed -many stages, a whole rupee is demanded. When the _g’horry-waun_ is the -menial of any officer, &c. his pay, generally, is from four to five -rupees monthly; or sometimes four when stationary, and five when -marching. His dress is little better than that of a common _cooly_. Like -all other servants to whose care the feeding of cattle is entrusted, -this domestic will continue to extract some perquisite from whatever he -either receives, or has to purchase. What with _dustooree_, short -weight, over-charges, repairs, medicines, I have always found the -_g’horry-waun_ fully a match for his British compeers, in the proportion -of emoluments derived from whatever money, &c. passed through his hands. -Fortunately, the sum total of expences in the maintenance of a -_hackery_, is very small, when compared with those attendant on a -handsome chariot and pair, parading daily in the park. - -The duty of a _g’horry-waun_ is confined to the charge of his cattle; he -seeing them properly rubbed down, and supplied with provender, which -usually consists of the small chaff from various kinds of pulse, or of -the stems of _badjra_, _jewar_, &c. (various kinds of millet,) or of the -_bootah_, (or Indian-corn,) which, being purchased in bundles, he chops, -with a common bill, on a log of wood. When bullocks are allowed _gram_, -(already mentioned,) the usual portion for each is about two, or, at the -utmost, three seers each; the seer weighing about two pounds -avoirdupoise. It is indispensably necessary that this servant should -understand how to load his carriage to advantage, and be able to repair -such parts as may not actually require the aid of artizans. Thus, he -must be competent to sew _saleetah_, or large sacking cloth spread at -the bottom of the _hackery_, and lapping up, over every part, so as to -prevent articles from being lost; and, in some degree, keeping them from -being injured by the weather. He must likewise be able to take off a -wheel, and above all things, he must be a careful, steady driver. This -is the more necessary, owing to the distance between the wheels in all -Hindostanee carriages being very small; and the load being placed, in -most instances, above the level of their upper fellies; causing the -gravity to be thrown very high in a _hackery_ laden with bulky articles; -and, consequently, very liable to be overturned. On the whole, few -accidents of this kind happen; which, considering how much night -travelling prevails in India, is rather surprizing. Possibly this is -owing to the deepness of the ruts on roads frequented by carriages; -whereby the wheels are presented in their course, so as to prevent the -bullocks from deviating. As to the distance a _hackery_ can travel in -the course of a day, that must depend entirely on the state of the road, -the strength and condition of the cattle, the heat of the weather, and -the weight to be drawn: under fair circumstances, from fourteen to -sixteen miles may be effected; but the latter distance is considered a -forced march. To the weight of the carriage and its load, that of the -driver must be added: he usually sitting immediately behind the -bullocks. When the load is unavoidably rather too heavy behind, so as to -cause a tendency to tilting, he sits more forward, between the cattle, -and even occasionally upon the yoke itself. It is evident the latter -position must be extremely oppressive to the cattle; but in _hackeries_ -laden with cotton, where the burthen necessarily occupies a great space, -hanging over the rumps of the cattle, such a position is nearly -inevitable. - -The _hackeries_ used in that branch of trade, are peculiarly strong, and -invariably drawn by at least three bullocks; though more commonly by -four. Sometimes buffaloes are used; but their pace is very slow, and -they are extremely addicted to lying down in every puddle: their immense -strength is, nevertheless, a great inducement to employing them, where -very heavy commodities are to be carried; but it is found eligible, when -buffaloes are yoked, to travel entirely by night; those animals being by -no means calculated to bear the solar heat, which oppresses them -inconceivably. The native merchants commonly mix one or two among their -teams, and, not unfrequently, cause full thirty-five maunds, equal to -about twenty-four cwt., to be laid on one _hackery_: but the distance -travelled under such an immense load, can seldom amount to twelve miles. - -While on the subject of drivers, which I have purposely made the last -among the male servants, it may be as well to offer a few hints -regarding European servants, and English cattle. It might be said, in -brief, that neither the one, nor the other, is found to answer in India. -An European servant must have nearly as many natives to attend him as an -officer requires; he must have a house; and a million of indulgences, -such as nearly abrogate his services, must be shewn towards him. Many -have been taken to India, but the result has generally been, that, after -saving a little money, or making a few friends, especially by farriery, -they have set up in some business, and with very little warning, or -ceremony, quitted their masters; who, on the other hand, were usually -far from desiring their continuance. I think my own memory would furnish -sufficient instances to warrant the assertion, that few, if any, of this -class, can be exempted from the charge of ingratitude. - -Really, when all things are considered, it must be owing to excess of -vanity, or to some kindred folly, that any gentleman would retain an -European coachman, or postilion, at full two hundred rupees monthly, all -items included, when an excellent substitute may be found, among the -many natives who follow those professions, and to whom a twelfth part of -that sum is a little fortune. As to an European butler, steward, &c., -the same objection exists; with the additional inconvenience of having -not only an extra guest at all times, (for his fare will, in every -respect, equal that of his master,) but a spy in livery, who will hear -all the table talk, commercial, military, or political, and retail it, -together with his own opinions and comments, to the whole of the native -domestics. - -Whenever a lady has carried out an European female servant, whether old -or young, ugly or beautiful, it has usually happened that a speedy -separation has taken place: many, indeed, have deserted from their -mistresses while touching at Madras. Consequently, nothing but vexation -and disappointment are ever to be expected from the attempt to fix such -a person in her situation after arrival in India. No matter what bonds, -contracts, or agreements, may have been entered into: these are all got -rid of, by the party’s behaving in such a manner as totally precludes -the possibility of detention. It may perhaps be urged, that, by -reference to a magistrate, any unwarrantable conduct might be punished; -but, however reasonable such an expectation might appear in Britain, it -would be found totally inapplicable to India. I much doubt whether any -justice would take cognizance of such a complaint, unless connected with -some felonious proceeding, which might warrant him in committing to -prison. This may appear a strange doctrine, and give but an indifferent -opinion of the police; which, nevertheless, is superior to our own: it -is far easier, for either European or native, to obtain redress in -Calcutta, than at any of our public offices. The fact is, that the -necessity for upholding the British character, however much formerly -neglected by some persons in power, is now so well understood, that, -nothing short of absolute compulsion would actuate a magistrate to -commit an European woman, upon a charge of neglect of duty, inebriety, -insolence, or other such impropriety: the litigation of pecuniary points -would, of course, be referred to the Supreme Court; where the expences -are at least three times as heavy as in the British tribunal, and the -prosecutor would, in the end, have little to boast in regard to gaining -his cause; though, possibly, he might gratify his resentments at a -precious price! - -Ladies embarking for India should seek for some female attendant, native -of that country, wishing to return to her home. Many of these women, -whose characters will bear ample scrutiny, come to England in charge of -children, or with their mistresses, and would be extremely glad to go -back under the joint advantages of emolument, and protection. An -advertisement will bring forward many applicants: and a constant search -among the advertisements in the various newspapers, will rarely fail to -answer the same purpose. As numbers of this class promulgate their -wishes to return to India, an additional advantage results from this -measure; because, on arrival in the river, an useful interpreter is at -hand; while, perhaps, a trusty and able servant is obtained; who, being -attached, by many little kindnesses while on board-ship, would continue -to serve, at least until some other might be obtained. - -The female who attends a lady while she is dressing, &c., is called an -_Ayah_; pretty nearly corresponding with the ‘lady’s maid’ among us. The -wages of this servant are by no means settled, but may be taken on -average at from eight to twelve rupees monthly. Some are _half-cast_ -children; that is, of European fathers and native mothers: brought up in -families from their infancy. To these, good treatment and kindness -should form a valuable compensation for the smallness of wages; and -induce some among them to remain for numbers of years, faithful and -affectionate; but such are by no means numerous, when compared with the -thousands who, at a certain age, either quit in search of places -affording either higher pay, or handsome perquisites; or who, if -handsome, engage as ‘house-keepers to single gentlemen!’ The majority of -_ayahs_ are of Portugueze extraction, being descended from those heroes -who, in times of yore, ‘laid bleeding Asia prostrate at their feet;’ but -who now compose the most contemptible race to be found on earth; -affording to the natives ample scope for comparison between the modern, -and the quondam European. These Portuguese are all ‘good Christians,’ -and, in several parts of the country, have small church-establishments, -where they support missionaries; but in that humble style which strongly -represents that abject state of Christianity, when the disciples were in -a state of persecution. - -However much their ancient splendor may have been tarnished, yet it -cannot be denied, that, in religious matters, the sable Portugueze of -Bengal have out-done the British completely. They had long ago churches, -and have now one in Calcutta, built at a great expence by an opulent -individual, which may at least competite with the only English steeple -to be seen under the presidency of Fort-William. This solitary type of -English devotion, was built some twenty years ago, in an old burying -ground, where the bones of many worthy men, among whom I reckon my own -grand-father, had lain in peace for scores of years; but which, in -making arrangements for the new edifice, were torn up, and exposed, -without much regard to decency. It would be difficult to pourtray the -horror expressed in the countenances of many natives, who were witnesses -of the disgusting scene: as to their observations, they were indeed -pointed; and conveyed their decided detestation of so sacrilegious an -act. I say sacrilegious, because no Mussulman would allow even the -remains of his most bitter enemy, to be ejected from their last asylum! - -Many Portugueze _ayahs_ affect to be in possession of genealogies, -whereby it should appear they are lineally descended from most -illustrious characters; most of whom would, no doubt, be indeed abashed, -could they now take a peep at their ill-fated and degenerate posterity! -It is scarcely to be conceived how much pride is retained by women of -this class: they are fond of adulation, and love the dear word -‘_Signora,_’ even to adoration. To see one of them full dressed on -Christmas Day, is truly diverting; their costume being, as nearly as -circumstances will admit, that of the days of royalty in France, with a -dash of the antique VERA-CRUZ: to remind them, I suppose, of that -eclipse which a gradual intermixture with the natives, has cast upon -their once tawny, but now sable, countenances. One would think, that the -humiliating reflections attendant upon such a comparison, should prompt -them to burn their pedigrees, and to avoid whatever could induce to -retrospection! But, no; the _ayah_ prides herself on that remote -affinity, to which her records give the claim; she retains all the -offensive hauteur of her progenitors; which, being grafted upon the most -obnoxious qualities of the Hindu, or Mussulman, characters, makes a -_tout ensemble_ as ridiculous as it is despicable! - -The Hindostanee _ayah_, (by which I mean a woman born either of -Mussulman, or of Hindu, parents,) is rather rare, unless in cases where -young women have lost their _casts_, and, in a manner, become aliens to -their own sects. These are said to be far the most valuable servants; -much superior to such as come under the designation of _baundy_, (_i.e._ -slave,) and which have, for the most part, been purchased in their -infancy, from those miserable beings who, during times of scarcity, have -been compelled to sell their offspring; thereby preserving the lives of -both. The obligation, however, does not hold good, according to the -existing regulations, under the British government; slavery being -totally repugnant thereto; though the Mahomedan law authorizes the -purchaser of a child, thus obtained, to retain it, and to command its -services, upon the condition of proper food and raiment, until a certain -age; when liberation takes place. There is, nevertheless, in this a wide -latitude; it being extremely difficult for the slave to substantiate his -age, which can only be computed according to what the purchaser may -choose to assert it to have been when the sale took place: it is -obvious, that he may sink many years in that particular. - -Although very few of the Hindostanee women, except such as come under -the above description, serve in the capacity of _ayahs_ attendant upon -ladies, many are employed as nurses to children after quitting the -breast. In such case, an _ayah_ rarely attends more than one child; -hence, in some families, this class of domestics would be extremely -numerous, were it not that few children, born of European parents, are -retained beyond their third, or fourth, year in the country. The -generality of those remaining, even for that term, under the care of -_ayahs_, become crafty, proud, and unmannerly; which has occasioned -several ladies to engage as few as possible of those attendants, and to -give their little ones in charge to bearers, or other male servants; -under whose care they are found to be less vitiated, and, in general, -far more healthy. Unless great attention be paid, _ayahs_ will initiate -their young charges in many practices, and especially in language, such -as must require infinite assiduity to subdue; and, after all, may not be -completely suppressed. Besides, they are usually very slovenly, and -offensive in their persons. - -The _Dhye_ is more generally an attendant upon native ladies: many of -these are perfect in all the arts of intrigue; and, while they appear to -be tottering to their graves, are often on their way to manage an -assignation! The dress of these, in most points, corresponds with that -of the Hindostanee _ayah_, but their pay is much less; few receiving -more than five rupees, and the majority serving for four. But, according -to the old saying, ‘what they loose in the dance, they gain in turning -round;’ for what with little presents from both parties, and a number of -domestic perquisites, especially the remains of victuals, cast-off -wearing apparel, donations on certain festivals, overcharges in -purchases, _dustooree_ on all articles bought by the lady, &c. &c. &c., -these Oriental ‘Mother Coles,’ manage to pick up a very good income, -and, not unfrequently, lend money to their mistresses at the moderate -rate of one _anna_, (_i.e._ a sixteenth,) per month, for every rupee -advanced. This is never done without a pledge, generally of silver or -gold ornaments, which the cunning jades lodge, under various pretexts, -with some friendly goldsmith, by whom they probably were made. - -Such a rate of interest may appear very high, but is in general practice -where money is lent for short dates; and then under good security. It is -to be understood, that the money-lending business, especially that on -_bunduck_, or pledge, is confined entirely to the Hindus: Mussulmans are -prohibited by their sacred institutes from receiving, though they are -not so strictly tied down in respect to paying, interest; indeed, owing -to the less frugal habits of this sect, and their greater indulgence in -ostentatious display, few of its individuals can be considered totally -exempt from that heavy fine collected by the Hindu _shroffs_, and -_mahajans_, from such inconsiderate persons as have occasion to seek -their aid. - -It is, nevertheless, remarkable, that the generality of such -money-lenders as reside at our several cantonments, are extremely -liberal in their advances to officers, who, when much in arrears, are -often extremely pressed for cash to defray their immediate table -expences: and that, too, even on the most economical plan. I have been -repeatedly kept from starving, by the accommodation afforded by -_shroffs_; whose civility and forbearance form a most striking contrast -with the punctual, and greedy, claims of both the Christian, and the -Jewish, Shylocks of Britain. It must not be denied, that, when -practicable, they will obtain some kind of security for their loans; -which is but reasonable: but many hundreds of rupees have been furnished -to me, simply on my acknowledgement, on a scrap of paper, barely -specifying the sum and date, without any form such as could have -validated the claim in case of my demise, or of my being prosecuted on -the occasion. The truth is, that, where they see no danger, they feel no -reluctance. - -The generality of _dhyes_ attendant upon native ladies, hold a regular -intercourse with some one of the above class, by whom all difficulties -resulting from irregular receipts of pay are removed. This is -wonderfully facilitated by the circumstance of being related to some -young _khedmutgar_ in master’s service. Of this kind of family compact I -have already spoken; therefore it is not necessary to enter into details -at this moment: my readers will form a just opinion of the situation in -which a gentleman is placed, when parties are formed, both before and -behind the _purdah_, (curtain,) to watch his motions, and to carry on -the great work of deception. In this, I speak feelingly, having, like -hundreds of others, many of whom appeared studious to perpetuate their -misfortune, been the dupe of such coalitions; from which it is, indeed, -very difficult to escape. The attachment of many European gentlemen to -their native mistresses, is not to be described! An infatuation, beyond -all comparison, often prevails, causing every confidence, of whatever -description, to be reposed in the sable queen of the _haram!_ I do not -mean to say that the above deceptions are universal; for I could adduce -instances, wherein native women have conducted themselves invariably in -the most decorous manner, and evinced the utmost fidelity, in every -particular, to their keepers; some have absolutely sacrificed property -to no inconsiderable amount, and given up every pretension to _cast_; -that is, to admission among those of the same sect, or faith, braving -the most bitter taunts, and the reproaches of their friends and -relatives. - -Here it may not be out of the way to notice that strange medley of -religion, and of interest, some may say of love, which is observable in -the conduct of the native women, either residing under the protection of -Europeans, or coming under the ordinary description of _kusbeen_, -(_i.e._ prostitutes). Their rigid adherence to, or, at least, their -superficial observance of, whatever relates to the purification of their -persons, after contact, is admirable! It is not uncommon, among those -professing immense purity, both of body, and of soul, to get up several -times during the night, for the purpose of ablution. However ridiculous -such a practice may appear, yet we cannot refuse to bestow some -commendation on so strict an etiquette: lamenting, at the same time, -that so much perseverance should be thrown away. Must it not strike -every person, as being highly curious, that a woman should make no -scruple of cohabiting with a man, whose very touch, indeed, his entrance -within a certain area, or even treading on that carpet whereon she were -eating, should pollute the whole of the viands, and occasion their being -thrown to the dogs, or given to some _matranny_, or other equally -debased character? It really becomes a very serious question, I believe -hitherto overlooked, under what plea a woman can allow her child, born -under such a connection, to participate in her meals? But, reason is one -thing, and maternal affection another! Still, though it may require no -great sophistry for a woman to find an apology for such a decided -inconsistency, it seems unaccountable how she is suffered to escape that -vigilance, with which the priesthood, and others of her sect, watch her -every act. I can ascribe it only to a certain deference, which has -habitually sprung up in favor of all relating to Europeans, and -regarding their domestic concerns. This, doubtless, saves many from -those punishments, ordinarily attendant upon the most trifling -dereliction of religious or civil ordinances. - -The following description of the private lives and customs of those -native women that are secluded from the public eye, was furnished to me -by a friend, whose extensive researches have rendered him conspicuous as -a Member of the Asiatic Society. I give it in his own words as a -faithful detail, which cannot fail to prove interesting. - -‘The very confined knowledge which Europeans have of the domestic -manners and customs of the inhabitants of the Company’s territories, and -of their ally the Nabob Vizier, arising principally from the total want -of familiar intercourse with the natives, and a consequent ignorance of -the language, is a circumstance which, by the inquisitive European -traveller, would scarcely be credited. There are few countries in which -a year’s residence would not give a more intimate knowledge of the -language and manners of the inhabitants, than is generally to be -acquired during a whole life spent in India; particularly in Bengal and -the eastern provinces. Europeans have little connection with the -natives, of either religion; except what relates to business of a -public, or of a private, nature: and, though acquaintances, which -originate from such intercourse, may continue after the causes which -gave rise to them have ceased, yet seldom or never do they extend to -domestic communication. A native will attend rather in a ceremonious way -at a _nautch_[1], or other exhibition given by an European; but no -Hindu, and very few Mussulmans, would eat in an European’s house; at -least at his table. The native will, in his turn, invite his English -friend to a _nautch_, to an exhibition of wild beasts, and so forth; and -sometimes an entertainment may be given, (of which, however, the master -rarely partakes,) while his conduct and behaviour on such occasions can -afford but a slight insight into the domestic manners of the people when -free from that constraint, which the eye of a stranger, who is generally -treated, if not considered as a superior, throws upon all their actions. - ------ - -Footnote 1: - - Or public dance, generally performed by hired women. - ------ - -‘With the native women, of any rank in society, the European has not the -most distant communication. It will be observed, therefore, how -impossible it is for an European to speak from his own personal -knowledge of the familiar manners of the native of Hindostan. The -following sketch is collected from the various accounts received from -sensible and respectable people of different ranks in society. It will -probably correct some prejudices respecting the fair sex in Eastern -countries, or at least afford some reasonable explanation of the manner -in which they are treated. Their confinement is in general solely -ascribed to the jealousy of the husband, and to the number of wives -allowed to one man, to which the voluptuousness of a warm climate is -supposed to conduce. But, in speaking themselves of the confinement of -their women, they offer the following reasons for the custom, viz. the -variety of tribes, and intermixture of strange people; the instability -of their government, and consequent confusion in the country, requiring -that their families should be placed in secure places; the tyranny of -their former rulers and their favorites, with whom it was no unusual -occurrence to seize by force the wives of others; and, lastly, because a -passage in the Koran[2] seems to recommend a reserved deportment in -women. It says, ‘You shall not shew your _zeenut_[3] to any one except -your husband, your own father, or your husband’s; (the present custom in -Bengal precludes him;) your own son, or your husband’s son; or your -brother, or his son, or your sister’s son; or your own female servants, -being of your own faith; or your male servants of the following -description: such as old men, eunuchs, debilitated men, or fools, who -think of nothing but eating, or little children, unto such are you -allowed to shew your _zeenut_[3].’ Such exceptions from so sacred an -authority, which leaves little but the fingers and toes for general -inspection, would seem to render the seclusion of a Mussulman lady a -matter of necessity, not choice. - ------ - -Footnote 2: - - The Institutes of Mahomed, held in the same estimation as our Bible. - -Footnote 3: - - _Zeenut_, literally _ornamented_, means such parts as are usually - covered; such as the breast, from the knee to the ancle, from the - wrist upwards, the hand, shoulders, &c. - ------ - -‘Neither the husbands, nor the wives, will, by any means, allow jealousy -to be the cause; for they say, ‘Were a woman viciously inclined, even -encircled by walls of iron, she would, by some contrivance or other, -find means for accomplishing her purpose. It is not,’ say they, ‘against -such their precautions are aimed: it is, that the minds of those who are -really pure may not be contaminated through the force of bad example; -and, that women, being naturally weak, and easily led astray, as may be -inferred from the story of poor Eve, it becomes the duty of the husbands -to guard them from the flowery paths of temptation.’ Such, indeed, is -the force of education, that a lady of Hindostan, of decent parentage, -would rather suffer death than exposure to public view. In imprecating -the greatest evils on the head of an enemy, a female could not conceive -any term so severe as those which conveyed a wish that the veil of -concealment might be rent asunder. However, notwithstanding the -seclusion of the ladies is so much talked of, and deemed so harsh, it -will, probably, on investigation, be found, that the prohibition extends -only to such as could have but a slight intercourse with them, even if -the full influence of social communication obtained. Their rules -respecting _muhrem_ and _na muhrem_, words implying _forbidden_ and _not -forbidden_, are, in their principle, simple enough, viz. ‘That a woman -may be seen by any man whose relationship to her precludes marriage’; -though custom has established many deviations from this rule; all which -seem to have arisen, not from jealousy, but from a mistaken sense of -modesty. - -‘In the upper provinces, all the brothers visit each other’s wives -without distinction; but, in Bengal, only those junior to the husband. -Indeed, in Bengal, the distinctions of _muhrem_, and _na muhrem_, are so -whimsical, and amount to such a mixture of Hindu superstition and -Mahomedan prejudice, as would render a detailed account of them -disgusting to the reader. I shall therefore comprize what I have to say -on the subject in as few words as possible. - -‘A wife, even in Bengal, may enjoy the society of all her own male -relations. In this light are considered _chellas_, children brought up -in the family, and the relations of the nurse; the nurse being -considered as standing in the same relationship as the natural parents; -and often, among the great in the upper provinces, where two females are -solicitous to form an intimate connection, it is accomplished, as -completely as marriage could do it, by obtaining a female of one family -to suckle a child belonging to the other. Male friends, of the -respectable class, though never permitted to see each other’s wives, -make enquiries after the ladies’ healths, send and receive compliments, -and are sometimes permitted (with the precaution of the curtain) to free -and unrestrained conversation. It may be seen from the above, that the -circle of a lady’s male acquaintance may be much more extensive than -Europeans would in general suppose; for, taking advantage of the spirit -of the regulations, and waiving the more preposterous, half a dozen -sisters might enjoy the society of a number of men, little less limitted -than falls to the lot of most ladies of the middle ranks in colder -climates; and it must be remembered, that, what is said here generally -applies to the middle ranks, including the lesser _Ameers_.[4] - ------ - -Footnote 4: - - _Ameers_ are persons high in office, or of illustrious families. This - title is also bestowed on military commanders. - ------ - -‘In the upper provinces, the ladies and gentlemen, at least among the -_Sheeaus_,[5] generally eat together; but in Bengal this is not the -case; there the wife does not even presume to eat in the husband’s -presence, and never partakes of any of his amusements. In the upper -provinces the social qualities are better understood; for when the -company consists of persons admissible into the _zenanah_, they all go -in; the men and women dine together, and, in general, sit on opposite -sides. The ladies, like ours, indulge in _tiffings_, (slight repasts,) -it being delicate to eat but little before company. - ------ - -Footnote 5: - - A particular _cast_, or sect. - ------ - -‘When there is an assemblage of fair visitors, the husband seldom enters -the _zenanah_, that he may not disturb their amusements, which, when -unobserved by men, take a free range. The wife never mentions her -husband by name. This respect, as it is termed, is reciprocal. Indeed, -people in general avoid addressing each other by name, substituting some -title; as ‘your ladyship;’ or by the name of a favorite child, as -‘William’s mother;’ or by a periphrasis. It is so strictly observed by -some wives, that they would not mention an indifferent matter by the -same name as their husband is called by. Should, for instance, the -husband’s name be ‘_Year_,’ the wife would say, ‘I am sixteen -twelvemonths old,’ rather than sixteen ‘years.’ However, this excessive -nicety will only be found among villagers. - -‘Some _ladies_ pride themselves much in the arts of needle-work and -cookery: excellence in the former being deemed a good criterion to form -a judgment of a lady’s education: a wife, therefore, who did not take -upon herself the whole internal management of the household, would be -held in great disrepute. They are, in general, allowed a certain sum -yearly for cloaths, and all expences of the house within doors, from -which, by good management, they often save considerable sums of money, -and, in times of distress, when the inconsiderate husband thinks his all -is gone, often does his wife relieve his distresses from her little -treasury. - -‘In addition to the established allowance, there are other fixed sums -appropriated. In their holidays, which frequently occur, dinner is -always dressed within the _zenanah_, except upon occasions of great -feasts and entertainments, when, of course, the arrangement must be made -by men. When only a few friends are expected, the wife, being informed -of their number and rank, issues her orders accordingly, through her -female attendants, to the male servants of the house. The education of -the daughters, and sons also, whilst young, is entirely entrusted to the -mother. Should one of the former forget those lessons of chastity, and -of correctness of behaviour, which it is her mother’s constant -solicitude to impress on her mind; nay, should her conduct even be such -as to create suspicion; immediate death from the hand of the parent -would be the consequence. I am speaking here of rather the higher -orders; for people in the middle ranks of life are more restrained in -their conduct, more within the reach of the law, and, besides, the point -of honor which acts with such force in high-minded families, loses its -impetus with them.—Such is the influence the women possess in Hindostan, -that, whenever _Soonees_ and _Sheeaus_[6] intermarry, (a circumstance -not unusual,) the children are always instructed in the tenets of the -mother, and often their first prattle consists in a ridicule of their -father’s faith. - ------ - -Footnote 6: - - Two different sects of the Mahomedan religion. - ------ - -‘At all marriages, (the ceremonies of which will be hereafter detailed,) -or on the occurrence of much-wished-for events, such as the return of a -son safely from the wars, the recovery of a lost child, &c., or when a -lady wishes to be enrolled among the _naik zuns_, or _pure matrons_, a -feast is given in honor of Fatima, the daughter of the Prophet, which is -termed _kundooree_, a word implying _off-falls_.—No woman can partake of -this feast, unless she be of the purest morals; and it is generally -imagined, that an impure person, even tasting the sacred food prepared -on that occasion, would surely die. The lady who gives the feast, -performs menial offices to the guests, such as washing their feet, &c. -The victuals served up, consists of such articles as Fatima is supposed -to have preferred, viz. rice, ghee, sugar, pulse, and vegetables. A -share is sent to the men; but not of that set apart for the offering; of -which the pure matrons may alone partake. To be considered as such, a -woman must have regularly kept all the annual feasts, and be married; -or, if a virgin, she must then at least disclaim all intentions of -changing her condition. No woman contracted in marriage only for a time, -such as the _moota_[7] of the _Sheeaus_, and the _nekaw_[7] of the -_Soonees_, can be admitted. The word _nekaw_, among the vulgar, implies, -but improperly, the secondary kind of marriage. No woman, who has -married a second time, though she may not have conversed with the first -husband, can partake of the _kundooree_. - ------ - -Footnote 7: - - A loose state of irregular matrimony, sanctioned by the Mahomedan law. - ------ - -‘The females are seldom married before the age of fifteen. (I wish it to -be understood, when I speak indefinitely of the Mussulmans, that I -allude to those of the upper provinces; for the manners of the Bengal -Mussulman partake so much of the Hindu, as to leave but few traces of -their original character perceptible). An earlier period is frequently -fixed on, where purposes of interest and policy may be answered. Old -maids, at least among the great, are not at all uncommon; caused by a -kind of false pride, or I know not what to term it, of the parents, who -cannot bear that their daughters’ nakedness should be known to any one. -Nadir Shah, it is said, either from a prejudice of this nature, or more -probably from a jealousy of too highly honoring any of his subjects, -destroyed all his female children, which were extremely numerous, -immediately on their birth, except one; who was concealed from him till -she had attained her thirteenth year. It was then contrived that she -should be brought into his presence. She is said to have been all that -was beautiful in nature! She flew to his embrace, which he fondly -returned, ignorant that he clasped his own daughter. But, when this -devoted child addressed him as her father, the hardened monster seized -the innocent victim by the legs, and kept her head immersed in a -fountain till she expired! Such an account, even of the unfeeling Nadir -Shah, is scarcely to be credited; but the story may shew the name he has -left behind him in Hindostan. - -‘The late vizier, Asoph ul Dowlah, left about thirty sisters unmarried; -not that I believe _his_ delicacy would have suffered from any such -fastidious notions as above alluded to; their celibacy was owing to the -difficulty of obtaining suitable matches for women of their rank; which, -in the present state of the country, must be almost impracticable. - -‘Reading and writing are not usual accomplishments with the ladies of -Hindostan. Among the great, there are, however, some who read such books -as the Koran, &c. and some few who write; but of all delightful -intercourse by letter they are entirely debarred; it being deemed -indecent even for a wife directly to address her husband; therefore, -whether she employ an amanuensis to pen a letter, or be capable of -transcribing it herself, it must be written as from a third person; such -as a son, or near relation. - -‘Among the better order, about ten in a hundred can read the Koran; but -it must not be understood by reading, that they thence comprehend one -single word of it; that book being to them, what our Bible, in a Latin -version, must formerly have been to our common people. The mode of -passing their time, though apparently not affording all that variety -which an European lady enjoys, is not devoid of amusement. They -generally rise, or should do so, at daybreak; that they may have time to -purify themselves before the rising of the sun, at which time the first -prayer is repeated.—After prayers, the important business at the -toilette commences, in which, as is usual among ladies, two or three -hours, at least, are _profitably_ spent. The _missee_ is applied to the -feet and sweet-smelling oils, &c. to the body; while their flowing -ringlets (those nets which entangle unhappy lovers, and which their -poets are so fond of describing) are now nicely adjusted. In short, the -toilette is become with them a perfect art, and much of a young lady’s -time is engrossed in attending to instructions on this head. After the -toilette, comes the breakfast; which does not, like ours, consist of -fixed articles, but varies agreeably to the taste of the parties, and to -the management of the mistress. It will not appear unnecessary to -observe, that they never use knives or spoons; and, indeed, they seem to -think that we lose much of the relish of the food by the artificial aids -we employ on such occasions. - -‘After breakfast, and having issued the necessary orders for dinner, the -lady of the house, attended by her daughters and slave-girls, sits down -to needle-work; an excellence on which, as well as all kinds of -embroidery, they greatly pride themselves. Among the middle ranks, such -as can write, often employ themselves in copying the Koran, which, when -compleated, is either sold for, or given to, some poor person, to be -converted into property more needful to him. - -‘The sound of the _cherky_, or spinning wheel, is always considered -indicative of poverty, and is therefore seldom heard in the houses of -the great; but women of a middling class, often spin large quantities of -cotton-wool into fine thread, intended to be wove into mulmuls, &c. for -their own apparel. The coarser skeans being allotted to their -_baundees_, or female slaves. - -‘Between twelve and one they generally dine, every person washing the -face and hands before the company sits down at table, or rather -table-_cloth_; which is spread on the ground, and around which all the -party arrange themselves: except it be among the Bengal Mussulmans, or -among such as have adopted the Hindu manners, by whom a wife is not -permitted to eat in the presence of her husband. This meal generally -consists of boiled rice, or of wheaten cakes, stewed or _curried_ -vegetables. Curry is made of fowls, kid, and goats’ flesh. Beef is -seldom sought after, except in cities; and mutton is by most considered -as an inflating, unwholesome food. The head, heart, lights, feet, &c. of -animals, are rejected. The dinner is usually divided into as many shares -as the company consists of, and brought in that way from the cook-room; -except on great occasions, when the servant serves it out. They have no -change of plates until the sweetmeats are brought in. Tooth-picks, and -the wash-hand bason, are presented to each, except there should be a -large company; in that case, they perform the ablution apart. - -‘They have not the custom of any particular person saying _grace_ before -or after meals; each repeating in a low voice the _name of God_. After -meals, thanks are returned by the male part, but not by the female: a -curious distinction! the reason for which, my Mussulman narrator -ungallantly alleges to spring from the nature of woman in general. -Immediately after dinner, the parties retire to take their -afternoon-nap; on arising from which the toilette again engages the -ladies’ attention. Disengaged from it, they walk round their gardens -(which are enclosed,) to enjoy the evening air. After sun-set, when the -evening prayers are over, the relations and friends visit each other; -and this is the hour in which the husband withdraws himself from general -intrusion, and retires to the _zenanah_. Here, surrounded by his wife -and children, he enjoys the pleasing converse of the one, and the -innocent diversions of the other. The young folks of both sexes play at -_blindman’s buff_, and such-like sports, which are generally succeeded -by the proposing of enigmas, the narration of enchanting tales, -unpremeditated rhymes, and other various, and not unuseful, exhibitions -of wit. In such disports, great part of the night glides away unnoticed, -as the female visitors do not return home till the next morning. Games -are not much encouraged among them. _Patchees_, a game in high vogue -among the ladies, is, I believe, the only one allowed. The word means -twenty-five. The game is played with _cowries_, which answer for dice. - -‘It is a well-known circumstance, that no Mussulman, or Mussulmanee, -ever thinks of dancing for the pleasure of the thing. The _meerassen_, -(a set of women whose province it is,) are called in on particular -occasions: but, among people of high rank, it is usual to have a number -of slave-girls, termed _gaeen_,[8] taught music and dancing, who are -always ready to amuse the family. - ------ - -Footnote 8: - - Probably from _gownah_, (_i.e._ to sing). - ------ - -‘Europeans may, on such a subject, be surprized with the _singular_ -sound of ‘_the wife_’ so often repeated, so impressed as they -generally are with the idea of a Mussulman and his seraglio of -‘_wives_.’ However, it will be found, by such as will take the trouble -of investigation, that those travellers, whose relations have given -rise to such erroneous ideas, have deceived themselves, by mistaking -individual instances for general traits; thus holding up the picture -of one man as the exact portraiture of a nation. We are not to -suppose, that it is common for men to avail themselves of the example -of their prophet, or the option he has allowed to others of having -_four wives_. In fact, not one man in twenty, of the class now under -consideration, has more than one wife, nor one in five hundred more -than two. Even the permission given by Mahomed is not free from -restriction; for his words are, ‘Marry, O ye people, whomsoever -pleases you among women, even to two, three, or four: but, if ye -apprehend that you cannot do them justice, be content with one.’ This -considerate advice of the prophet however would probably carry but -small weight, if there did not exist other obstacles, not so easily -surmounted; for it frequently forms a clause in the _quballa_,[9] (or -_cabooleat_,) in a marriage contract, that the husband shall not take -a second wife: besides, no parent, possessed of a proper regard for -his child, would willingly place her in that degraded situation a -second wife is always considered to be; and subjected, as she is, to -the entire control of the first; who, it may be supposed, must, from -various motives, in general prove a harsh and unpleasant mistress. -Neither ought we to be led away by the idea that any influence of the -husband will prevent such consequences; for the wives of Hindostan, -however problematical it may sound, will be found to have, in reality, -even more power than those of Europe. It is true, a husband is allowed -by law the privilege of divorcing his wife whenever displeased with -her conduct; and this, on the first glance, appears to leave no -alternative but implicit obedience in the woman: but it will be found -otherwise, in fact; for the relations of the bride take care, in the -marriage-settlement, that the _mahir_, or marriage-portion, payable in -case of separation, shall be fixed at an amount far exceeding the -circumstances of the husband to pay; which, of course, proves an -effectual check to a divorcement. In addition to this, general opinion -strongly opposes a separation, though not a second marriage, where -there exists no sufficient cause to justify the step; such as -barrenness, chronic disease, &c., in the woman. - ------ - -Footnote 9: - - Agreement and settlement. - ------ - -‘Wherever there are two or more wives, an equal distribution of favors -is rigidly insisted on, (unless the secondary one happens to be of -inferior rank;) yet, let it not be inferred that any lady could be so -lost to delicacy as to urge her claims in direct terms. The sex have -always the command of general signs, whereby to intimate their -expectations in the most delicate manner. But, though jealous of her -rights, a wife of rank and education would, during the whole period of -her existence, deem it highly indelicate to neglect, in the most -secluded moments, a modest reluctance to comply with the solicitations -of her husband. - -‘Among the slave-girls, there are always two or three who are considered -as the handmaids of the husband, and with whom, even by their religion, -an intercourse is permitted: however, this must be conducted in a -concealed manner. They, too, aping the manners of their mistresses, are -not always at the command of the master; and I have been assured, by men -of eminence and affluence among them, that, even in the midst of plenty, -they have suffered all the tantalization of want. - -‘It is said, that Soojah Dowlah, whenever he paid a visit to any other -lady, always imposed on himself a fine of two thousand rupees, which he -sent to his wife. The prophet himself had only five wives, one of whom -he preferred to all the rest; yet, though much inclined, he durst not -visit her oftener than the others; two of whom, however, he ventured to -divorce, that the period of his enjoyment might more quickly revolve. - -‘A wife may, in certain cases, insist on a divorce, such as inefficacy -in the husband, &c. under which circumstances she receives the -marriage-portion. It must be remarked, that, although the _mahir_ is -always fixed in the marriage articles, yet that there does not exist any -method of settling it on the wife independently, as among us; therefore, -this settlement consists only of terms, except in cases of divorce. The -word _mahir_ means, literally, the price paid for any thing. - -‘A wife never brings a dowry to her husband, except her plentiful stock -may be so considered, such as cloaths, jewels, &c., which her parents -send with her, sometimes to so great an extent, as to preclude for years -the necessity of any supply from the husband. - -‘When a divorce occurs, even on the demand of the wife, the husband is -obliged to support her as long as any possibility remains of her -affording nourishment to his offspring; and, should she then be -pregnant, the allowance must be continued to her, agreeably to her rank -in life, until the period of her delivery, when the child is taken from -her; unless she chooses to support it at her own expence, and is allowed -to do so by the father. - -‘Should a man catch his wife in the act of adultery, and revenge himself -by the death of both parties, the Mahomedan law would acquit him of -murder; but, should he take the life of only one of the offenders, they -would sentence him to death. The laws of the Koran, relative to trials -for adultery, one would almost think were framed with the sole view of -prohibiting such suits; for, whereas, in common cases, two respectable -male witnesses are deemed competent to establish a fact; in cases of -adultery, four male witnesses must be produced. The testimony of a -thousand women would be of no avail, and that of the men must be clear -and circumstantial. The smallest disagreement would invalidate the -depositions of the whole. In short, such are the difficulties, or rather -impossibilities, the law throws in the way of substantiating the charge, -that causes of the score of adultery, or of fornication, are seldom -heard of. - -‘They seem not to have distinguished these two crimes by different -appellations, though the punishment is different. For the first, the -criminal is stoned to death; for the second, a hundred lashes are deemed -an adequate punishment. So the award to a married man and unmarried -woman, convicted of _zinnah,_ (a general term for unlawful -co-habitation,) would be death to the man, and flagellation to the -woman. Such is the law; but custom has left the injured parties to -pursue private measures of revenge, in which the courts never interfere. - -‘Mutual intercourse among female friends and relations is kept up by -visits; for which, however, previous permission from the husbands must -be obtained, except when the wife intends a visit to her parents. In -such a case, she _intimates_ her intention; and, though he may dissuade, -he has not the power to restrain. When first informed of this privilege, -so contrary to received opinion, it excited my surprize, which I evinced -by minute enquiry. The following is the answer I received from a person -of rank and character: ‘A wife’ (said he) ‘is not a slave to a husband. -He is her guardian, it is true; and, when she pursues a path that would -lead to disgrace, it is his duty to control her, on common occasions, by -advice: should that prove ineffectual, her relatives are informed of her -refractoriness, and they lend their aid. If still untractable, she may -be confined to her room. He may abstain from her bed; but where is the -Mussulman of character that would lift his hand to the wife of his -bosom? Is he devoid of all regard to his own honor, that he should treat -the mother of his children with disgrace? or has he become regardless of -the good opinion of his brethren? or could he, for a moment, forget that -her relations, to a man, would start forward to resent an insult offered -to their family? No man’ (continued he) ‘can, with impunity, oppose that -general opinion which has for its foundation both propriety and justice. -A wife must, therefore, be permitted to visit her parents whenever she -is inclined to do so.’ - -‘It must appear curious, however, that custom has made it indecent for -her to return, without an invitation from her husband! This may produce -considerable effect, when a mutual regard, or children, attach them to -each other; but, while the lady continues young, if she be any way -coquetish and takes a pleasure, as is sometimes the case, to teaze her -husband, she will, under various pretexts, continue obdurate for months, -until his patience, and his ample stock of promises of future kindness, -are expended. In short, the Hindostanee ladies are possessed of a -thousand arts whereby to secure their influence, and to domineer over -the _lords of creation_. - -‘In the absence of her husband, a wife, though she may receive, pays no -visits. When the women travel, or move from one house to another, they -are concealed with all the precaution generally attributed to an Eastern -journey; their palanquins are carefully shut up, and attended, when the -rank of the person demands it, by guards composed of eunuchs, and -sometimes by armed women, who are called, from their countries, -Toorknees, Zillmaknees, Oorda-Bignees, &c. This jealous care, however, -is not taken by all classes. The Rohillas, for instance, are less -scrupulous: among themselves, their women travel unveiled, and without -ceremony. Indeed, among the northern nations, we can trace but little of -that guarded precaution so conspicuous in the cities of Hindostan. - -‘No ceremony is observed at the naming of a child. The parents choose a -name, which habit soon confirms. The great are credulous, and often call -in an astrologer, who is mostly a Bramin, to cast the child’s nativity, -and to fix on, or to approve of, a name; but this is not usual, nor is -feasting, nor merry-making, as at our christenings. - -‘A son is at no age debarred from freely entering the _zenanah_, though -it may contain numbers of women not at all related to him; and, should -the encreased bulk of any of the slave-girls shew symptoms of his -attention, it will hardly be deemed a crime in either party. However, as -the parents are solicitous to prevent such an intercourse, they rarely -fail to provide the young gentleman with a wife, so early as -circumstances will admit. Should this be delayed, a slave-girl would be -allowed him, but the intercourse must proceed in such a manner, as if -the parents were ignorant of the affair; the progeny from this -connection would be received into the family on equal terms with those -born in wedlock; being once acknowledged, they are entitled to every -privilege of inheritance. Primogeniture, among the Mahomedans, gives no -superior claims to their real, or personal property: the division of the -estate is easy, for a son gets double the share of a daughter. - -‘The evidence of women of rank is taken by male relations, or by women -properly authorized by the _Cazee_[10] for that purpose; but female -testimony is inadmissible in cases of life and death. A woman of rank -never suffers public punishment, for the parents or husbands, to prevent -her disgrace, would themselves cause her death; the only kind of -punishment, indeed, that a woman of this description seems liable to -undergo. - ------ - -Footnote 10: - - _Cazee_ is a judge, or justice. - ------ - -‘When they are indisposed, application is made to the doctor; who, upon -enquiring into the symptoms, and examining certain QUACKISH _tokens_, -prescribes accordingly; but, if the disorder be obstinate, the doctor is -permitted to approach the _purdah_, (_i.e._ curtain, or screen,) and to -put _his hand_ through a small aperture, purposely made, in order to -feel the patient’s pulse. The lady’s hand or arm is never exposed to -view, at least not to any male: on this occasion, the doctor’s hand is -guided to the pulse by a female attendant. - -‘Widows seldom take a second husband, though allowed to do so. Young -widows are sometimes married to the husband’s brother, but even this is -not frequent. Women of rank sometimes suckle their own children. In the -choice of a wet-nurse, they are extremely particular, as all her family -are by that means considered in the light of relations; a custom so far -adhered to, as to preclude the possibility of intermarriage between the -child thus suckled, and the children of its nurse. - -‘Women in India never go to public baths. Each house in general is -furnished with hot and cold baths. Where the former cannot be afforded, -a boiler is always in readiness. Bathing is commanded as a necessary -purification after most of the common occurrences of life. So much so, -that most married ladies, under certain circumstances, are obliged to -perform the ablution even in the middle of the night; and, as in these -ceremonies if the parties are at all particular, it requires the hair to -be wet, it affords occasion the next morning for their female friends to -exercise their wit on the occasion. - -‘The dresses of the single, and of the married, ladies, differ but -little. The former never wear ornaments at the nose, _ungeeas_, or -supporters to the breast, no _black ointment_[11] to fill up the -interstices of the teeth, nor antimony to the eye-lids. It has been -erroneously supposed, that a turban was peculiar to a spinster, from the -similarity of the words _cheerna_ and _cheera_; the latter meaning a -colored turban, which would be disgraceful for any modest woman to wear. -The word _cheerna_ has a very different etymology, which will be -sufficiently evident to any one acquainted with the Hindostanee.[12] - ------ - -Footnote 11: - - The _missee_, before described. - -Footnote 12: - - The _hymen_ of anatomy. - ------ - -‘The present fashionable dress of our fair country-women, having had for -its object the imitation of the Hindostanee, might be supposed to -preclude the necessity of a particular description, did not the same -inconstancy equally pervade their taste. Within these few years, the -shoes with the long-turned-up tops have been introduced and abolished, -in consequence (as the story goes,) of a lady in Asoph ud Doulah’s -_haram_ being thrown down by the entanglement of the string of a kite -round the curvature of her shoe. The _n’hut_, or large ring, worn at the -nose, is also going out of fashion: indeed, considering the -inconvenience that must have been experienced from this ornament, it is -strange it should so long have continued in use. The disuse of it is -accounted for in the following manner. On the death of a married woman, -or of her husband, (for no widows wear it,) this ornament, according to -long-established usage, becomes the property of the _meeraseens_, a -particular kind of _nautch_ women. A lady of Oude, of a delicate way of -thinking, being in possession of a _n’hut_ of great value and elegance, -thought she observed the longing eye of the _meeraseens_ continually -fixed on this jewel; and, dreading the effects of their envy on her own -life, or on that of her husband, took off the _n’hut_ and threw it away; -a circumstance that created much consternation in the family, and -astonishment in the husband, as it had hitherto been deemed a necessary -part of a married woman’s dress, and was guarded with as much -superstitious care as the marriage-ring among us. However, the -explanation of her motives set all to rights again; the husband -applauded her prudence, and the neighbouring families, taking up the -same idea, the long-established rights of the _meeraseens_ in that part -of the country suffered almost total abolishment. - -‘The dress of the ladies of rank has become comparatively simple, and -seems to evince a considerable improvement in the national taste. -Instead of both ears being weighed down, as was formerly the case, they -now only wear a slight ornamented ring in the left ear, in general. The -having both ears ornamented they consider as the height of vulgarity. A -pearl necklace, slight golden rings at the wrists and ancles, termed -_zewaree ichanjeeree_, include all the ornaments worn by a lady of -fashion. For the wrists they prefer silken bracelets, decorated with -jewels. The hair, which was brought down over the brow in two -semi-circles, so as almost to bear on the eye, is divided as before, but -not permitted to conceal any part of the forehead. - -‘The _pyjama_, or drawers, were formerly worn so tight, as to render it -a work of some labor to get them on. Indeed, to such a length did this -taste go at one time, that many of the famous courtezans had themselves -painted in imitation of _keemkab_[13] from the waist downwards. In the -upper provinces, they are now made to fit exactly above the knee, but -from thence downwards quite loose, and so long as to press on the shoe. -In the lower provinces, the exact reverse takes place. In Bengal, it is -deemed immodest to wear the _ungeeas_, or supporters to the breast. In -the upper provinces, a woman would be ashamed to be seen without them. - ------ - -Footnote 13: - - _Keemkab_ is a sort of silken fabric, in which flowers, &c. are woven. - ------ - -‘The _coortee_, or kind of banian, must be of the thinnest muslin, so -that the tapering waist, which they so much admire, and of which our -ladies now deny us the view, may be distinctly seen. The sleeves short, -and the _coortee_ itself so much so, that the _nicfa_, a different -colored cloth at the top of the _pyjama_, may not be concealed, the -_doo-puttah_, or two breadths of muslin, formed into the shape of a -scotch plaid, and worn nearly in the same manner, is thrown over the -whole. - -‘The _paishwaz_, meaning _open in front_, is not now in fashion. This is -the robe from which our ladies have taken their present dress, but which -they have modestly closed before, having no painted _keemkabs_ to shew. -Petticoats, (called _bandanas_,) are sometimes worn by Mahomedan ladies, -especially in the rainy season, when the diversion of _swinging_ -commences, but never without drawers under them.—Widows should not wear -cloaths stained with any but what are termed _pukka_, or lasting colors; -nor should these be of the glaring kind. Their _pyjamas_ must always be -white, which a married lady never wears. - -‘On the commencement of the seventh, in Bengal, and the ninth month up -the country, of pregnancy, it is usual to give a great entertainment to -the friends of the parties; on which occasion the mistress of the feast -is decked with flowers, and dressed with new cloaths and ornaments. One -of the females, to whom Lucinda may have been more propitious than to -the rest, comes forward with a present, consisting of seven kinds of -fruits, and of the flower of rice, kneaded into round and oval pieces: -this part of the ceremony is confined to Bengal. The first is said to be -emblematic of girls, the latter of boys. This offering is poured out -into the pregnant lady’s lap, who, without tasting the fruits herself, -distributes them among the company. This feast, if practicable, is given -at her father’s house, where the lady is generally delivered. Here the -midwife attends, who is seldom, or can be, expert in her business. -Hence, unlucky births are very frequent. I need not observe, that males -never officiate in this line; however, the old ladies sometimes, in -dangerous cases, venture to perform chirurgical operations. A few lines -from the Koran, sent by some celebrated religionist, and placed at the -bed-head, or a little water sanctified by being poured on the KORAN, is -supposed to be wonderfully efficacious; but, in difficult births, some -person, woman, boy, or girl, who has been fortunate enough to come feet -foremost into the world, is called in to jump seven times over the womb -of the person in labor. On these occasions, all the keys are taken out -of the locks, doors opened, boxes unlocked, and a sword hung up in some -part of the room, to frighten away the evil demons. If the danger -encreases, the husband opens his turban, and spreads it over the -patient’s womb, and then makes it up the wrong way. They have a stone -called _k’ho_, or the _power of seals_, which is tied about the neck, -and many other superstitious practices; the same as in all countries, -among the common people. The child being born, the rooms are kept as -close as possible, and it is not permitted to get milk for three days. -During the first six, the mother tastes nothing but light caudle. On the -night of the sixth, the child is brought to the door, that the starlight -may shine upon it. Pen and ink are placed at the head of the bed, that -the angel of fate may write on its forehead its future destiny. The -first ablution is performed by the lady on the fortieth day. When the -child is four months old, a feast called _keer chittaee_ is given, to -which all friends and relations are invited. _Keer_ is a preparation of -rice and milk, which the child is now made to taste, or to _lick_ or -_lap_, as the term _chittaee_ implies. - -‘Smoking the _urqu_[14] is not so general a practice as is supposed, at -least among the middle ranks. The great, in this, as in other luxuries, -indulge themselves more freely. _Zeebool Nissa_ daughter of Alc Geer, -and Noor Jehan, invented the present form of the _goorgooree_ snake;[15] -and _Khummer Mahomed Shah_, the arched snake now in use; which is said -to have been contrived by him for the convenience of smoking as he -travelled. _Zeebool Nissa_ appears to have been a lady of great -accomplishments, whose hard fate it was to lead a single life, as may be -gathered from the following lines of which she was the author. - ------ - -Footnote 14: - - Commonly pronounced _hookah_. - -Footnote 15: - - A smaller kind of _hookah_, with a short stiff snake. - ------ - -‘Ill-luck befall that arm that never has encircled the neck of a love! O -may the eyes be dim that draw not enjoyment from the glance of a -beloved. A hundred seasons have passed away, and every favorite rose has -been plucked to ornament a turban: - -‘But the rose-bud in the garden of my heart has been allowed to decay, -and has not been plucked as a nosegay by any one.’[16] - ------ - -Footnote 16: - - Contrast this simple lamentation with the absurd effusions of Mirza - Abu Taalib Khan, at a succeeding page. - ------ - -‘And yet, when her father proposed a husband to her, she replied: “that -learning was only to be found among the lower orders, and with such she -could not wed, that princes were in general ignorant, and with such she -could not be happy.” - -‘In the _zenanahs_, the ladies divert themselves by bringing up pets of -different kinds, such as minas, (a kind of starling,) fowls, goats, -pigeons, &c. The cat, in particular, has an exclusive privilege, in -consequence of the prophet’s having had a favorite puss, which he took -much pleasure in feeding: hence, that animal is held sacred, and the -murder of it considered as the highest sacrilege. They tell a story, -that Mahomed, when ascending into heaven, happened to take a peep, _en -passant_, into hell, where, observing an old woman making a sad -lamentation, he asked the angel Gabriel why she suffered? The angel -referred him for information to the old lady herself, who replied, that -she underwent such torments for having caused the death of a cat! When -this holy personage returned to the earth, he told the story as a -warning to his disciples; but, notwithstanding such holy interference, -the cat is considered as an envious animal, wishing the decrease of the -family, that the mistress of it may caress her the more; whereas, the -dog, (though deemed an unclean animal,) is thought to pray for encrease, -that he may have more bones to pick! - -‘It is a general custom among the _Soozees_[17], both men and women, to -choose some holy man to be their guide and instructor, (not dissimilar -to the office of a confessor,) whom they call their _peer_;[18] -designating themselves his _mooreed_, or disciple. When a lady of rank -has fixed on this holy personage for her _peer_, he is invited to the -house, where the following ceremony ensues. Standing on the outside of -the _purdah_, or curtain, he holds one end of a handkerchief, the other -end of which is held by his intended _mooreed_ within the _purdah_. In -this position he reads aloud select passages from the _Koran_, allusive -to the subject, and finishes with a lecture on morality. Thus adopted, -he is thenceforward to her as her God and the prophet. In all difficult -situations, she looks to him for relief, calling on his name in danger; -and the death of the _peer_ does not even dissolve the contract. After -the first ceremony, the _peer_ seldom visits his _mooreed_; indeed, as -thousands may choose the same spiritual guide, such duty would prove too -much even for his _spirit_ to bear. However, there are instances of a -_peer_ being chosen from motives very different from what may be -supposed in general to operate; hence, we sometimes discover, that, -under the cover of a _peer_, the lady indulges herself with a private -lecture from a young _lover_. Indeed, the _Sheeaus_ give this as a -reason for their discontinuance of the practice. - ------ - -Footnote 17: - - A particular sect. - -Footnote 18: - - _Peer_ literally means a prophet. - ------ - -‘Fatima, the Prophet’s daughter, is invoked under different -appellations. Her general name is _Khatoon ul junet_, or _Mistress of -Paradise_. There are, besides, several male saints, whose peculiar -province is the protection of the fair sex; but _Peer Bawhoor_, is the -hastener of lovers’ return. Among the lower ranks, _Shaik Saddoo_ is -often invoked. This was a good and great man, whom the devil tempted in -the shape of a beautiful young lady; and, as he happened to die before -he had time for purification, he was (as is _usual in such cases_,) -turned into a _kubbeess_, or wandering wicked spirit, of whom the women -are much afraid; for he is said often to enter them in the shape of the -devil, such as in the times of our forefathers were used to possess the -females. They give great feasts in honor of _Shaik Saddoo_, at which a -goat forms part of the sacrifice. Hence, when a woman is in her -tantrums, she is ironically said to require a slice of the _Shaik’s -goat_. At the entertainment given in his honor, one of the women -personates the _Shaik_, being dressed in male habiliments, and furnished -with sword and target. When a woman is said to be possessed, she -undergoes all the agitations of the prophetic beldames of former times; -she foams at the mouth, and appears in strong convulsions. In this -deplorable situation, true answers are supposed to be received to all -questions put to her relating to past, or to future events. Some women -affect to be married to this saint, and, consequently, become very, very -devils to their husbands and neighbours. _Zaen Khan_, particularly in -the upper provinces, is a saint of a similar complexion and history. One -of the _bhaguts_, or doctors, famous for his dexterity in exorcism, gave -me the following detail of his proceedings. - -‘When a woman appears heavy and unwell, her friends, suspecting the -cause, call in a _bhagut_, who generally, as may be imagined, accords -with them in opinion. On hearing this sentence from so learned a -personage, the patient’s imagination begins to operate, and, in a short -while, she feels the spirit move within her. The _bhagut_ loses no time -in making up a magic sacrifice, which he sets on the fire under the -woman’s nose. The devil being thus smoked out, loses no time in mounting -upon the body of the patient, and begins (permit me the use of a vulgar, -though not inapplicable term) to ride away “at a devil of a rate.” The -patient now suffers violent agitation, tossing her arms, head, and legs -about, in a dreadful manner, in consequence of the kicks and buffetings -from the fiend; who all this while is totally invisible to every one -except the _bhagut_. This is the moment for the display of the doctor’s -art and dexterity! He springs forward, and seizes the _possessed_ by the -hair; which he holds fast, as it gives him an entire command over the -spirit, whom he now interrogates in the following peremptory and bold -manner:—“Who art thou? whence comest thou? and why disturbest thou this -woman?” - -‘To these queries, the fiend, through the mouth of the _possessed_, -makes answer, “Be it known to you, that I inhabit a certain tree,” -specifying one in the neighbourhood; “and that, being on my rambles, in -passing this female, I espied her body to be _pure_ and _undefiled_, and -fit for habitation; therefore I entered into it.” The fiend now offers -to quit his habitation, if it be the _bhagut’s_ pleasure; which, after -some ceremony, is done. The doctor now receives his fee, and, were it -not for the fear of spoiling trade, before his departure, probably would -advise the husband not to permit his wife to have too long intervals of -undefilement in future, lest the devil should again take possession of -her! - -‘When speaking of the ornamental parts of the ladies’ dress, mention was -not made of their blackening the eyelids with antimony. This practice is -supposed, besides giving additional brilliancy to the eyes, to preserve -and improve the sight. But, as in that country there is no antimony to -be found, they employ in its stead a lead ore, unconscious of the -difference; while such, as cannot even afford the ore, use _caugull_, or -lamp-black. One reason given for this predilection to antimony is, that, -when Mount-Sinai was set on fire by lightning from above, the whole was -transfused into that semi-metal; thence their belief that it is not to -be found in any other region of the earth. It will naturally be -supposed, that this is a singular story, gaining belief only among the -ignorant; but, though their men of learning, and science, cannot be -comprized under that appellation, yet it may once for all be observed, -that all their ridiculous tales, of which they have abundance, gain -equal credit among people of all ranks. Rich and poor, learned and -unlearned, the _cazee_ and tipstaff, the _peer_ and _mooreed_, are -equally credulous, and very few, if any, instances indeed will be found, -wherein they are above the most preposterous prejudices; still, many -from interest, and some who choose not to encounter the taunts of -Europeans, will, in their presence, affect to be free from the -prejudices of the vulgar. - -‘Besides the antimony to the eyes, the women apply a black stain to the -teeth, called _missee_: it is made of the rust of iron and _kurra_ -compounded.[19] It is, in fact, ink-powder: for the _kurra_ is a _nut_ -equally astringent with galls. The powder is rubbed on, or rather -between, the teeth, and leaves a black stain, which is deemed both a -preservation and an ornament to them. The use of the plant _hinna_,[20] -has been described by travellers in all Eastern countries. The leaves -are pounded and mixed up into a paste, which is applied to their nails, -palms, and soles; after an adherence of a few hours, it is shaken off, -and leaves a beautiful red stain, which lasts many days. It is supposed -to have a cooling quality. - ------ - -Footnote 19: - - Likewise a preparation of _kino_. - -Footnote 20: - - Called _mehendy_, or _mindy_, in Moors. - ------ - -‘The dancing-women are of different kinds. The most respectable are the -_meeraseen_, sometimes called _doominca_; though the real _doominca_ -exhibit in public before men, which the _meeraseen_ never do. The word -_meeras_ means an _inheritance_, and _meeraseen_ an _inheritress_, from -the custom that has obtained in families of never changing the set. -Indeed, custom has so far established it as a right, that any deviation -would be considered an injustice punishable by law. Many of the -different trades claim similar privileges, and a barber _prepucian_,[21] -if I may use the expression, for instance wishing to retire from -business, would dispose of his custom to any individual, in the same -manner as he would any part of his private property. As the _meeraseem_ -are never accompanied by male minstrels, they seldom play on other -instruments than drums of different kinds, such as the _tubla_,[22] -_dholuk_,[23] and _munjeera_;[24] though the _meeraseens_ never perform -before assemblies of men, yet the husband and his sons may be present. -They are modest and chaste in their manners, and dress; but, -notwithstanding this, it sometimes happens, that a fair _meeraseen_ -attracts the attention of the male part of the family; in such cases, -any intercourse they may have is conducted with secresy. - ------ - -Footnote 21: - - The barbers in India have the sole privilege of performing the - operation of circumcising. - -Footnote 22: - - The _tubla_ are small drums usually fastened in pairs round the waist, - and much resemble kettle drums. - -Footnote 23: - - The _dhol_, or _dholuk_, is a large sort, carried horizontally, and - seems to be the original of our Turkish drum. - -Footnote 24: - - The _munjeera_ is sometimes beat with a stick. - ------ - -‘The _kunchenee_ are of an opposite stamp; they dance and sing for the -amusement of the male sex, and in every respect are at their command. -They are attended by male minstrels, to whom they are often married. It -is said these women always consider their first lover as their real -husband, during the rest of their lives; and, on his death, though they -should be married to another, they leave off their pursuits for a -prescribed period, and mourn agreeably to the custom of widows. They do -not consider any part of their profession as either disgraceful or -criminal; and are not therefore liable to those pangs of conscience -which, at some period or other, are supposed to oppress females of this -description in other countries. Their profession is emphatically termed -_the trade_, and the female a _trader_; and I must do them the justice -to say, that many a _fair_ trader is to be found among them. There are -many other kinds of dancing women, such as _hoorkenees_, _bazeegarnees_, -_dharee_, &c. &c. - -‘Women do not attend public worship, though particularly commanded -thereto in a verse of the Koran. It is not, however, uncommon for ladies -of quality to have their own _muzjeed_, or _mosque_[25], within the -_haram_, as is the case with the Begums of Fyzabad. At Mecca there seems -to be no distinction kept up; both sexes there offering up their -adoration at the same time and place. - ------ - -Footnote 25: - - These are small buildings answering the purpose of our churches, and - many have large tracts of land attached for the maintanence of the - priests. - ------ - -‘It is as incumbent on women, as on men, to visit Mecca; however, they -generally (I mean ladies of rank) leave orders to depute a -representative to perform the pilgrimage after their death. The lower -classes, putting on the dress of _faqueerens_[26], or religious -mendicants, frequently undertake the pilgrimage in company with their -husbands or other relatives, after the accomplishment of which they are -termed _hudjeecau_.[27] The various ceremonies required in prayer, -demand a long apprenticeship before a proficiency can be acquired. -Indeed, so particular are the rules, prescribed for every inflexion of -the body, that a new disciple has to undergo as severe a drilling as -falls to the lot of a raw countryman in his progress through the various -stages of military discipline. One single false motion renders the whole -ineffectual, and a re-commencement becomes absolutely necessary. - ------ - -Footnote 26: - - _Faqueer_ is a male mendicant, and _faqueeren_ a female. - -Footnote 27: - - The designation of _hudjee_ (commonly pronounced _hadjee_) is assumed - by all who have visited the shrine of the prophet: hence the term - _hudjeecau_. - ------ - -‘People of respectability seldom have more slave-girls than are -absolutely requisite for the common purposes of the house; viz. -generally two for the cook-room, one who has charge of the provision, -&c., one for the wardrobe and to attend the mistress’s toilette, &c., -and two or three others for general purposes. There are, besides these, -two or three women hired, (who are termed _asseel_,[28]) at the rate of -two or three rupees per month, exclusive of food; one of these is always -stationed as a kind of running sentry at the door of the _zennanah_,[29] -for the purpose of conveying messages. There may be, besides these, one -or two _Mogulanees_[30] to instruct the rest in the arts of sewing, &c. -The above-mentioned number are equal to all the purposes of the house; -where there are more, confusion generally reigns. - ------ - -Footnote 28: - - The word _asseel_ literally means perfect, real, original, - unadulterated; and here implies superiority. - -Footnote 29: - - _Zenanah_ means the _haram_, or women’s apartments. - -Footnote 30: - - _Mogulanee_ is a Mogul woman. The Moguls are one of the four principal - sects of Mohamedans. - ------ - -‘In the houses of some nobles, where there may be two or three hundred, -or even more, slave-girls kept for state, the possessor of them -generally has his quiet much disturbed by their endless quarrels and -cabals. Indeed, to such lengths do they proceed, as often to force the -master even to inflict death on some of the most refractory. After his -demise, the whole disperse, like a swarm of bees, many of them to misery -and distress. The handsomest are usually selected by the heir, for his -own use; while such as may have superior attractions, though they may -even have been the favored mistresses of the father, will not, on many -occasions, be the less acceptable to the son. - -‘It is a very extraordinary fact, and as little known as it is -extraordinary, that, among all the Mussulmans who retain slave-girls -only for the purposes of the house (with the exception of those probably -originally from _Iran_,[31]) it is an established rule to turn them out -when the family retires to bed, to seek husbands for themselves. These -women generally attach themselves to some particular persons; and -whatever progeny arises from this intercourse, become slaves of course. -They are taught to dance, sew, and embroider; and often, in cases of -unlooked for distress, the family is supported by their labors. Thus we -see, that the situation, in general, of their slave-girls, is, of all -others, that which would meet with their own approbation. However, the -case is altered with those immured in the _zenanahs_ of nabobs, and men -of elevated rank: there, they are strictly confined, and precluded from -all possible communication with men.[32] In such case, they wait -anxiously for the moment of escape, or embrace the only means left them -to mitigate the natural irritability arising from restraint, by forming -a connection with some individual of their own sex. This kind of -attachment, it is said, is often carried to the most romantic lengths, -and, one would think, must be pretty common, from the circumstance of an -appropriate term, viz. _moosacqek_, being adopted to distinguish that -species of amorous dalliance. - ------ - -Footnote 31: - - A province of Persian Tartary. - -Footnote 32: - - There have, however, been many instances to the contrary. - ------ - -‘It is not allowable, by the Mahomedan laws, to purchase any slaves, -except those taken in battle; but, as at present that resource proves -not a plentiful one to the true believers, they have been forced into a -method of escaping the law, by making out, what they term, a paper of -service; by which it appears, that the parents of the child disposed of, -in consequence of extreme distress, agree to give up its services for -seventy years, the actual age of the child being taken into the account: -a trifling sum is fixed on as a yearly stipend for the child’s services, -part of which, viz. the real price, is acknowledged to have been -received in advance: the remainder, it is supposed, will be expended in -raiment, food, &c. - -‘Children, thus purchased, are, in general, extremely well used; there -being little distinction made between them and those of the family, -except in the trifling work they have to perform; when they are married, -and have children, the little ones always address the master and -mistress of the house with the familiar appellation of grandfather and -grandmother; and, indeed, are by them always considered in the light of -relations. - -‘The following is a detailed account of their marriage ceremonies, as -written out at my request by a Mussulman friend of considerable -abilities and of a most liberal disposition. - -‘When a daughter reaches the age of fourteen, some youth, of equal -condition, makes offers of marriage, by sending letters to the parents, -soliciting their favorable notice, (in Bengal the father himself looks -out for a proper match,) and begging they will admit him within the -chain of relationship. This letter is forwarded to the father in charge -of some friend, and never by the hands of a common messenger. The higher -the rank, and the greater the beauty, of the fair one, the more numerous -are the solicitors. - -‘The parents, consulting together, and having made their selection, -return a favorable answer to the person approved of, and to the rest -such as the occasion demands. This is followed by a ring, and a dress, -being sent to the intended bridegroom, which, though it gives him an -assurance of ultimate success does not accelerate the consummation of -his wishes; for he has still a _Jacobian period_ to toil through in -service, and in attentions to the parents: nor is it before he has thus -evinced his subjection to their commands, and his devotion to their -interests, that their assent is given for the celebration of the -nuptials. - -‘To give publicity to that assent, and to his own happiness on the -occasion the favored youth gives a great entertainment: the greater the -expence he incurs in preparation, the greater is supposed to be the -force of his love. The ordinary ceremonies take up three days (in Bengal -twenty-one). On the afternoon of the first day, about sun-set, a -cavalcade of the friends, male and female, of the bridegroom, issue -forth to present a dress, ornaments, and fruits of all kinds, to the -bride. The bridegroom always furnishes the marriage-dress, which arises -from a refined delicacy on both sides: on his, that he takes her for -herself alone; on her’s, or rather her parents, that she may not appear -like a loose woman, who ornaments herself on going abroad. - -‘The parents of the bride send him, on the second day, a dress in -return; which is received about twelve o’clock at night, together with -the _hinna_,[33] or _mehendy_, left from the bride’s hands, which he -applies to his own in their presence. This is one criterion by which -they judge of his devotion and attachment; it being considered, on -common occasions, highly disgraceful to use cast-off _mehendy_. On the -night of the third day, about eleven o’clock, the bridegroom, being -arrayed in the nuptial dress, and accompanied by all his party, goes in -procession, with drums, trumpets, &c., to the bride’s house, making more -parade and noise than can easily be conceived by such as may not have -been spectator of similar exhibitions. - ------ - -Footnote 33: - - See note, page 385. - ------ - -‘During three days, the processions are always met at the court of the -house, where both parties attack each other with slender branches of -trees, on which flowers are fastened. After this kind of sport is -finished the party visiting is admitted, and offered sherbet. Each -guest, as the bowl is presented, throws in money, according to his -circumstances and rank, which becomes the perquisite of the cup-bearer. -When about to depart, after refreshments being offered, the visitors are -crowned with garlands of flowers. - -‘On the third night, when the bridegroom arrives to carry home the -bride, he is annoyed by a thousand tricks, passed on him by the servants -and other dependants. For instance, the _darwan_, or porter, shuts the -door on him, and, until he supplicates much, and pays well, there is no -admittance for him. Some mount his horse, others seize his shoes, &c. -none of which are returned till the parties possessing them receive -considerable presents, and have had the pleasure of raising a laugh -against the bridegroom. - -‘After conquering these obstacles, he is introduced to the company that -has assembled, and obtains, in honor of the day, the first seat in the -assembly. The contract is now drawn up, as prescribed by the laws. Two -persons are appointed as the _vaqueels_, (or attornies,) of the parties. -The questions being now put to the bride, as she stands concealed behind -the curtain, whether she chooses him as her _vaqueel_?[34] and whether -she is willing to enter into the proposed contract or not? After some -little delay, to give the appearance of consultation to what has been -already arranged, she gives assent to both questions, uttering, in a -voice scarcely audible, the final, I had almost said fatal, “Yes.” (In -Bengal, silence gives consent). The two servants who led the _vaqueel_ -to the curtain, certify the circumstance of her assent. - ------ - -Footnote 34: - - _Vakeel_, as it is pronounced, literally means ambassador, deputy or - other _locum tenens_ but here is meant to imply protector, advocate, - trustee. - ------ - -‘The _vaqueels_ and relations, on both sides, now proceed to fix on the -_mahir_, (or portion;) the adjustment of which sometimes occasions much -altercation and delay; nay, it has even been the cause of much -bloodshed, and of total suspension of the ceremonies; but, in general, -an umpire is fixed on to determine on a medium sum, which is inserted in -the _cabala_, or marriage contract, between the extravagant demands on -the bridegroom, and his unwillingness to comply therewith. - -‘The bridegroom is then conducted by the female attendants into the -presence of the bride, who sits veiled, on a place raised on purpose, in -her own apartment. The _meeraseens_ lead him up, and seat him near her. -The females of the family, who stand behind a curtain, send him a -present of gold mohurs, rupees, &c. The Koran is now placed between the -couple, and a looking-glass is placed immediately opposite the bride, -who, on modestly refusing to unveil, is forced thereto by the attendant -_meeraseens_, so that one ray, as my author expresses it, from her fine -countenance, may illumine the mirror, towards which all the bridegroom’s -attention is fixed: however, this ray, transient as it is, cannot be -obtained without considerable presents to the _meeraseens_. - -‘This part of the ceremony being concluded, permission is given to the -bridegroom to convey the bride home: her parents send with her great -quantities of cloaths, jewels, bedding, cooking utensils, &c.; and, in -short, every thing she can possibly want for years; nay, frequently, as -long as she lives. The bridegroom and his female relations lift up the -bride in their arms, and convey her to the palanquin. On their arrival -at his house, the bearers, or carriers of the palanquin, refuse to set -down their burthen until bribed to do so. The bridegroom takes her out -of it, and conveys her, in his arms, into an apartment of the house, -where, her feet being bathed with rose-water, the bridegroom repeats a -thanksgiving prayer, in gratitude for her safe arrival, and for his own -deliverance from this scene of harassment, and trouble, which his -friends and servants force him to submit to, from the time he quits his -own house until he returns to it with his bride: such, indeed, are the -effects of his sufferings, that often the unhappy gentleman cannot hold -up his head for some days to come. - -‘On the following morning, the cloaths in which the bride slept are sent -to her parents; a strange, indelicate custom, and highly indicative of a -total want of refinement among the people who practise it. In the -province of Bengal, this is not done; nay, so particular are they in -avoiding the appearance of any thing of this kind, that the bridal bed, -with all its appurtenances, is of a deep red. This day, being the fourth -from the commencement of the ceremonies, the bride and bridegroom return -to her parents’ house, where he has admission into the assembly of the -women; and on this day the bride appears in garments furnished by him. -(This visit, in Bengal, is not made till the fifth day after -consummation). In this assembly, the bridegroom suffers by a general -assault of the ladies, who unmercifully pelt him with fruit, flowers, -&c. - -‘On every Friday, for several weeks, the bride pays a similar visit to -her parents; receiving, at each visit, a new dress. On these occasions, -she never returns home until the husband’s relations wait on her, and -entreat her to do so. For a month, at least, after the marriage, she -would be considered as deficient in modesty were she to address her -husband with her face uncovered: and a considerable time elapses before -she appears unveiled to her other relations. She never speaks of her -husband, in the presence of men, until she becomes a mother. It is a -curious circumstance, that her own relations, ever after the marriage, -avoid visiting at her husband’s house, under the fastidious apprehension -of being suspected of having bestowed the lady from motives of interest. - -‘Should the dispositions of the pair not accord, and the fault appear on -the side of the lady, her own relations threaten her with their -displeasure. Should this prove ineffectual, the husband refrains from -her society, though still leaving the management of the _zenanah_ in her -hands; but if, on the contrary, it appears that their unhappiness -proceeds from the husband, her relations procure a common friend to -expostulate with him on the impropriety of his conduct. Should it, -however, after this, continue unaltered, the wife returns to her -parents, who retain her until the husband has not only made base -submission, but has evinced the strongest contrition. In cases where the -wife displays any levity of conduct, her parents are more ready than the -husband to punish her. - -‘From the birth of a child, until they give it the breast, it is fed -with boiled cassia. On this occasion, most of the female relations -attend, accompanied by a _midwife_.[35] This description of people are -from the lowest _casts_. On the sixth day from the delivery, an -entertainment is given in the _zenanah_; when the child’s head is -shaved, and its nails cut; while money is distributed to the poor. It -may be proper to observe, that the barber will not commence his -operations before he has received handsome presents: sensible that he -runs no risk in refusing, as they could not, even if so inclined, -prevail on others of the tribe to officiate.—The barber, like several -other trades in Hindostan, possesses a prescriptive right with -particular families, whose custom he considers to be an inheritance, -which cannot, without injustice, be taken from him. - ------ - -Footnote 35: - - The _Chumars_, or shoemakers, are one of the lowest, and most degraded - sects. Their wives are termed _chumynes_, and are supposed to inherit - a perfect knowledge of midwifery, in which no other woman is employed. - ------ - -‘On the fortieth day, a grand entertainment is given, every one, -according to their respective rank and consanguinity, making presents to -the infant. In general, the children are suckled by hired nurses, but -they never are sent out from the parents’ house. In the choice of a -nurse they are extremely particular, as she becomes henceforward -considered in the light of relative of the family;[36] she of course is -never discharged, unless at her own request. The protection of her, and -of her family, is of the greatest consideration; and when the child -grows up, and has it in its power, he would be deemed an unnatural -being, did he neglect to pension his nurse comfortably. Even the very -slave-girls who assisted her are always treated by him with the utmost -regard and attention. - ------ - -Footnote 36: - - The child always calls this foster-brother by the name of - ‘_dood-baiee_’, _i.e._ milk-brother. - ------ - -‘About the fourth month they allow of light food being given to the -child; on which occasion a great entertainment is made, and repeated -when a twelvemonth old; when the _string_ which is to mark his future -years, receives the first knot. This custom seems to point out the -origin of our metaphorical _thread_ of life. They never wean the child -before eighteen months sometimes delaying it till two years and a half; -on which occasion, great presents, and new dresses, are bestowed on the -nurse, and an entertainment is given to the friends. - -‘Before the child is put under the direction of a schoolmaster, the -ceremony of circumcision takes place, which is celebrated with much -rejoicing and entertainment. One schoolmaster generally teaches the -children of two or three neighbouring families, but the school is always -at the house of one of the parents. After being perfected in the -alphabet, the children are taught to read, but not to understand, parts -of the Koran. Then, in succession, come the Goolestan, Bostan, -Secundar-Nameh, and some of the Persian authors; in which language, when -the pupil is tolerably well versed, he is led on to the study of the -Arabic. - -‘All are obliged to be at school a considerable time before sun-rise, -that they may be present at prayers, which are ordered to be said -previous to that period: from sun-rising to ten o’clock they continue at -their book; thence, till dinner-time, at writing. After dinner, a short -respite is given; when prayers are again said, and reading re-commenced: -this is continued till an hour before sun-set; when they are permitted -to separate till summoned for the evening-prayers; after which, they -repeat the day’s lesson, and receive their final dismission. We may -reasonably conclude, that such severity of restraint must be destructive -both to mind and body. - -‘When arrived at the age of sixteen, or seventeen, the parents in -general provide their son with a wife; after which, should he continue -to reside with them, his cloaths, &c. are provided for him, as if he -were still in a state of pupilage: it is only after marriage that he -begins to learn the business of his father, and the rules of conduct -necessary in the world; nay, it is often years before he obtains -permission, or the proper means, to separate himself and his wife from -their superintendance. Should the father die before this separation -takes place, though the son should succeed to his property, yet the wife -could have no interference in household affairs during the life of his -mother; and not till then, could he effect any change in the interior -arrangements. - -‘The general method of passing their time is as follows. They arise a -little before day-light. On coming out of the _zenanah_, it may be -supposed necessary to visit the bath. Then the morning-prayers are -repeated: a slight breakfast succeeds, consisting of fried almonds, -coffee, &c.: after this, attendance at the _Durbar_,[37] and other -business of the day. Returning home about ten o’clock, all the male part -of the family assemble to partake of a more substantial breakfast than -the former. This consists of bread, mint, onions, peas, limes, _kubabs_, -_kullia_, and _pillaw_,[38] &c. After passing a short while in -conversation, a nap generally concludes the scene; arising from which, -ablution and prayers are performed. They then assemble in the hall; -coffee &c. are served up; and here they continue to enjoy society, -receiving the visits of their friends, &c., till the approach of the -evening; when the company separate. - ------ - -Footnote 37: - - _Durbar_, properly means Court, or Residency. - -Footnote 38: - - Different modes of dressing meat, &c. - ------ - -‘After prayers, if the master be a young man, he generally retires to -the _zenanah_, where, in company with his wife, and some of his female -relations, he enjoys his _hookah_, and some trifling refreshment of -sweetmeat, &c. till about ten or eleven o’clock, when the rest of the -females retire to their own apartments. The husband and wife always -sleep on separate bed-steads, placed adjoining to each other. From -motives of refinement and delicacy, the wife, without an adequate -motive, abstains most rigidly from sleeping on the bed appropriated for -the husband. - -‘Formerly, a good deal of sociability reigned among them, and they -frequently dined at each other’s houses; but at present, the practice is -in disuse; owing to frequent acts of treachery having been committed at -such meetings: however, sometimes, on sacred days, they still meet; but, -if of the higher orders, never without much caution and suspicion. - -‘When an assembly is convened to communicate an event of grief, the -invited always sends the provisions to the habitation of the inviter; -who is supposed to be too much afflicted to attend to such -circumstances. - -‘The hour of audience at the _Durbar_, is generally soon after -sun-rising; when all those in the employment of the great personage, -attend to make their obeisance. A few are admitted to the presence; the -rest wait the great man’s coming out: but, should he not, they must -retire without enjoying the sun-shine of his countenance. The modes of -salutation, and the different etiquettes, have been so frequently -detailed, that here it becomes unnecessary. Indeed, it is not their -public, but their private, manners that we are in search of. When the -levee, or _Durbar_, is over, the great man diverts himself with his -companions, and intimate friends, till dinner-time. Their amusement -consists, during the first part of the day, of desultory conversation, -the repetition of poems, &c., and, towards the end, the learned men, -poets, &c., are introduced to rehearse their works. Should the evening -not be devoted to the _zenanah_, buffoons, dancing-girls, &c., are -summoned to close the entertainment. - -‘On joyful occasions, when an entertainment is given, the males assemble -in the outer apartments, and the females in the _zenanah_; the master of -the feast exerting himself to the utmost in providing for his guests: -indeed, the expences incurred on such occasions are excessive to a -fault; even to the utter ruin often of the fortunes of such as give -them. First, _pawns_,[39] _ottah_ of roses, flowers of various kinds, -together with fried coffee, _sooparee_,[40] _cardamoms_, ginger mixed -with acids, are offered to the guests, and such as may be unprovided -with _hookahs_ are supplied with them. After this, sugar and water, -boiled up together, forming a kind of sherbet, is presented. Now the -_taiffa_, or dancing women, buffoons, comedians, &c. exhibit for the -amusement of the company. After the repast, various kinds of musicians -are introduced, fire-works exhibited, drums, noise, and confusion, -continuing not unfrequently for three days successively. - ------ - -Footnote 39: - - The beetle leaf filled with spices, &c., universally chewed by all - classes of the natives. - -Footnote 40: - - The beetle nut. - ------ - -‘Their burials are performed in the following manner. On the death of a -person, all the friends attend, the corpse being put into a winding -sheet called _cuffin_.[41] This being covered with a green canopy, the -corpse is borne on the shoulder to the grave, in which it is laid, and -the dust thrown, without any funeral services being read, as is usual -among us. Sweet cakes and bread being distributed to the poor, the whole -return to the house of the deceased, where they partake of some -refreshment. After this, for three days, no victuals are dressed in the -house. On the third day, the whole again assemble, offer up prayers for -the _manes_ of the deceased; and a great quantity of victuals being -ready, presents of it are sent round to such as attended the funeral, -who give it to the poor. They meet again on the tenth and fortieth days, -when the apparel of the deceased is given away. On the sixth and twelfth -months also, the last being termed the _bursee_,[42] or annual -commemoration; which is strictly observed by the children of the -deceased during the remainder of their lives. - ------ - -Footnote 41: - - May not this be the origin of our coffins? - -Footnote 42: - - From _burress_, _i.e._ a year. - ------ - -‘It should here be noticed, that green is the color devoted exclusively -to the mourning of a Mussulman; thus, in the great festival of what is -commonly called ‘HOSSEIN, HOSSAN,’ all the fictitious messengers, -combatants, &c. are clothed in green. Hence, we never see a Mussulman -habited in that color, nor even wearing a green turban, unless on some -funereal occasion; from this, however, we are to except such menials, in -the services of European gentlemen, as occasionally receive from their -masters pieces of green perpet, shalloon, &c. for the purpose of being -made into _jammas_, or vests. The whole of the Mahometan population seem -to avoid the use of green, even in the ornaments of their carriages, -elephants’ trappings, _purdahs_, tents, &c. considering it to be, in a -certain measure, sacred to the Prophet. In this they are fastidiously -scrupulous on some occasions; I have known a Mussulman _syce_, or groom, -object to the handle of a _chowry_, (or whisk, for keeping flies from -horses,) merely because some of the ornaments were of that color. On one -occasion, a refractory _zemindar_ reproached me with insulting not only -himself, (he being a _Seyed_, a superior sect of Mahomedans,) but the -whole of the population, by pitching a tent, lined with green perpet, -within sight of a _nimauz_, where the pious Mussulmans of the -neighbourhood used daily to offer up their prayers to the Prophet. When -the same hero perceived that the furniture on a little elephant I used -to ride with a saddle, was also of that color, he affected to be -perfectly outrageous; and, in all probability, if I had not at that time -had possession both of his person and of his means of resistance, under -charge of a company of Sepoys, would have used his endeavors to rouse -all the fanatics, of the neighbourhood on the occasion. - -‘Commonly, a _cherauk_, or lamp, is kept burning in a little niche, made -in the pillar of masonry usually erected at the head of a Mussulman’s -grave. For forty nights after the interment, and on Thursdays -especially, the nearest of kin frequently pass many hours in vigils over -the grave. Some confide this unpleasant duty to a priest; who, for a few -annas, performs various ceremonies and does all in his power to keep the -deceased from troubling his surviving relatives and friends; most of -whom, at such times, are partaking of sweetmeats, which, being prepared -on Thursdays, (_joomah-raut_,) are called _joomah-raut ke metie_; that -is to say, ‘Thursday’s confectionary.’ - -Many of the native ladies, as well as the men, but especially the -Mahomedans, are very dexterous in flying kites, called by them -_puttungs_. The construction of these varies greatly from such as our -boys use in their pastimes; they are made more in imitation of a bird -with its wings distended, though the extremities are short and rounded -off. - -In order to preserve that figure, they are bordered with bamboo-wire, on -which paper, of the lightest kind, but very tough, is pasted. The loop -fastens to a very slight bamboo-rod passing down the centre. These kites -have not tails, like ours, but are, nevertheless, easily managed by -persons accustomed from their infancy to raising them; which they can do -to an incredible height. - -The lines used for this purpose are chiefly of cotton, well twisted, -thin and strong: about forty or fifty yards of the upper end, nearest to -the _puttung_, the cord is rubbed with a fine size, in which levigated -glass is mixed; this, when dry, gives it something the appearance of -very fine sand paper, such as is used for cleaning grates, &c. - -Sometimes, in the great cities, thousands of these kites are to be seen -floating in the air, to the great amusement of their respective owners; -and, indeed, of the spectators; who often take considerable interest in -the numerous contests which are perpetually presented, by the -intentional crossing of the several cords; which, being armed, as above -described, are calculated ‘to cut the thread of life,’ and precipitate -their several opponents. - -No sooner is the crossing of an adverse cord felt, as may readily be -ascertained by the vibrations of that in hand, than a sawing motion is -given to each by the respective operators, when, in a very little time, -commonly less than a minute, one of the kites is seen to give way. On -this sometimes considerable wagers are pending. - -The great art appears to be, to pass over the adversary's cord, and then -to let the kite lower suddenly, so as to make, momentarily, an angle in -the cord thus passed over; an instantaneous pull sometimes succeeds in -severing the opponent’s cord; it acting like a drawing cut, and -presenting a succession of points, perhaps to the length of three or -four yards, while the under line, unless managed with similar activity, -presents but one point, and thus is subject to friction on that point -only; consequently must be considerably injured. - -The greatest judgment is, however, necessary, to determine whether, or -not, the operator presents an armed portion of his cord to an unarmed -part of that of his opponent. Should the former be correct in this -instance, he may generally command success; but, if the reverse be the -case, he may lose the day. An unpractised eye would be at a loss in -computing the proper distance, when the length of line let out may -perhaps exceed three or four hundred yards; but the natives in general -form a correct estimate, and display great dexterity in avoiding to -cross any cord under unfavorable circumstances. - -This amusement generally takes place during the cool of the evening, on -the flat tops of houses. The inhabitants of the _zenanah_, (or _haram_,) -enjoy it either from their _compounds_, (or enclosed areas,) or on the -roofs of their chambers, on tarrasses so built up, with thin brick -walls, as to prevent their being over-looked by neighbours. - -This trait of jealousy is every where apparent: nothing could offend a -native more than the erection of an edifice, that should afford a -command over the interior of that enclosure in which his family resided. -An instance of this was attended with considerable trouble and -disadvantage. The late Colonel Watson, who was Chief Engineer under the -presidency of Fort-William, had obtained the grant of a large piece of -land, for the purpose of forming a spacious dock for building and -repairing ships. - -It happened, that, in enclosing the allotted space, he overlooked the -untoward circumstance of a claim on the part of a very opulent native, -who resided close by, to a part of the circumscribed area, which was the -_sine quâ non_ of the undertaking. The native said nothing; and, in all -probability, would have given up his land, or at least have sold it on -equitable terms, rather than have thwarted the Colonel’s views; but, -unfortunately, the latter erected a large wind-mill, so near to the -native’s house, as to annihilate all that privacy his family had -formerly enjoyed. - -The native remonstrated, but to no effect: the grant was urged against -him; and, in lieu of soothing measures, defiance was proclaimed. The -consequence was, that the matter went into court, when, the plantiff -gaining his cause, the wind-mill was stopped in its career, and, with -the exception of a slip, on which some vessels have since been built, -the important, and immense, fabric, has been suffered to fall into -decay! - -No woman can be more jealous than those of Hindostan: their animosity -towards rivals is unparalleled; and this, even when they do not care a -farthing for the bone of contention. Yet, on the other hand, when more -than two ladies are retained by the same gentleman, the whole generally -become perfectly passive, at least in exterior, appearing to associate -with tolerable cordiality. The mention of plurality, may possibly -startle many of my readers; especially those of the fair sex; but such -is common among natives of opulence, and is not unprecedented among -Europeans. I have known various instances of two ladies being conjointly -domesticated; and one, of an elderly military character, who solaced -himself with no less than SIXTEEN, of all sorts and sizes! Being -interrogated by a friend as to what he did with such a number, ‘Oh!’ -replied he, ‘I give them a little rice, and let them run about!’ - -This same gentleman, when paying his addresses to an elegant young woman -lately arrived from Europe, but who was informed by the lady at whose -house she was residing, of the state of affairs: the description closed -with, ‘Pray, my dear, how should you like to share a _sixteenth_ of -Major ———?’ The courtship was allowed to proceed, merely to make sport -of the good man’s _foible_: a term peculiarly appropriate! - -Nine in ten of the women domiciliated by gentlemen, are Mussulmans; the -Hindus being far more scrupulous: with few exceptions, the small portion -not of the former sect are Portugueze. These latter prove, in many -instances, very good house-keepers; looking after the disbursements with -great acuteness, and, on a thousand occasions, shewing more promptness, -and more fitness for such an employment. They are remarkably fond of -rearing poultry and swine; in which they certainly succeed. But there is -a certain something about this description of women, which few are -partial to, and which I never could tolerate. I have already spoken of -the pride of these miserable descendants of renowned characters; but it -really is beyond my power to describe that _fierté_, that vindictive -spirit, that authoritative consequence, which excite at least contempt, -if not hatred, in every person towards whom they are exercised. These -viragoes have no scruples as to what they are to eat and drink; many of -them, indeed, can manage a bottle as well as any man in the kingdom: -they are, however, staunch Catholics, and, on calendar days, dress out -in all the finery their kind keepers can be coaxed out of. It is not to -be supposed these ladies are more continent than Mussulmans, or Hindus -of similar condition: far otherwise; but they are extremely crafty, and -carefully lay the scene of action at some place to which they resort to -offer up their prayers, in common with other equally good Christians: by -this means, they are tolerably secure from the prying curiosity of -ordinary menials, who are not permitted to enter within the sacred pale! - -In regard to the expences attendant upon concubinage in the East, they -will depend greatly on the circumstances, and the disposition, of the -gentleman, generally speaking; though, after a while, the lady commonly -gains a kind of ascendancy, and goes beyond those limits, which, in -almost every case, are marked out by previous contract. A certain sum to -be paid monthly; the pay of two, or three, female attendants; an -allowance for beetle, tobacco, (it is very rarely they _chew_ it,) -shoes, cloaths, and _gynahs_, (_i.e._ gold and silver ornaments;) are -articles in almost every capitulation! Taking a broad outline, we may -put down the whole at about forty rupees monthly; equal to sixty pounds -sterling per annum; which must certainly be considered no great price -for a bosom friend, when compared with the sums laid out upon _some_ -British damsels; who are not always more scrupulous than those I have -described. But, when we estimate the Asiatic _chere amie_ according to -her merits as a companion, then, indeed, will my fair country-women, -appear most conspicuously pre-eminent! Their agreeable manners, their -polished language, their highly cultivated minds, and their pleasing -attentions, are so irresistible, as to level the barriers of discretion, -and to render every attempt at comparison nugatory; indeed, -incompatible! - -In taking the above average, viz. forty rupees per month, I have -supposed the gentleman to be in easy circumstances; otherwise, that sum -will be found to exceed the proportion of his other expences -considerably: at the lowest, we cannot estimate the charges at less than -twenty-five rupees monthly; which, to say the truth, must be attended -with several deficiencies, or privations, by no means creditable. In -this particular, the natives are very scrupulous, and hold it the -highest disgrace, for a woman to be retained, without due attendance, -suitable cloathing, and a participation of the comforts, if not of the -luxuries, of life. The men, especially the Hindus, are indifferent in -regard to their own apparel; which is often mean to an extreme; but -pride themselves on the splendor, and profusion, to be found in their -_zenanahs_. As an instance in point, I must state, that, in the year -1784, a detachment of six companies was sent out from Cawnpore, on the -road to Etayah, in compliment to the _B’how-Buxey_, a General of some -note in the Maharrattah army, who was proceeding on an embassy to -Lucknow. We met him about twenty miles to the Westward of the -cantonments; where we were nearly smothered by the dust raised by his -immense retinue, and absolutely stunned by the unmerciful clangor of -cracked trumpets, and of great bells suspended from the sides of -elephants, whose motion caused the pendulous monotonists to ring ‘a -sonorous peal’. It was natural to expect that the _B’how_, who knew we -were waiting to receive him, and, that an officer of rank was deputed on -the occasion, would have exhibited himself to advantage; but, to our -great surprize, when he alighted from his elephant, which was -sumptuously caparisoned, he appeared the veriest _bunyah_, (or petty -shop-keeper,) my eyes had ever beheld! His cloaths were absolutely -filthy, and of a fabric such as disgraced the wearer. None of our -_khedmutgars_ could have changed apparel with him, without being -considerable losers by the bargain. The _B’how_ was, nevertheless, -attended by a _nautch-tuffah_, or set of dancing-girls; whose equipage -announced his liberality, and whose talents evinced his judgement. Let -me not be misunderstood in this last expression: the dancers of India -can suit only particular tastes, and those perhaps only from habit: they -are not to be classed with persons of the same profession in Europe; but -are a distinct genus. It cannot, however, be denied, that some among -them possess very superior powers in the vocal part of their profession; -and that certain individuals dance, in their style, with peculiar -effect; indeed, with much graceful delicacy, and with undeviating regard -to the measure. The _B’how’s zenanah_ was of course secluded; but the -number of the elephants, _r’huts_, _palanquins_, _doolies_ and other -conveyances, satisfied me that the ladies were in better plight than -their most abominably filthy lord! - -The Hindostanee ladies do not wear shoes, but when walking, a pair of -slippers are put on for the occasion; so soon as the lady returns to her -seat on the _satrinje_, or carpet, they are thrown aside. Such as are -formed without heels, and have the back part made to flatten down under -the foot, for that part is seldom, if ever, raised, are known by the -name of _k’hous_; while those made without any back-piece, the quarters -terminating under the ancles on each side, and that have raised heels, -to perhaps the height of an inch, are designated _chinauls_. In either -kind, as well as in the _jooties_ worn by men, the toe-part is -terminated by a long pointed strip, usually of leather lined with cloth, -that curls inwards over the toes; without this, the shoes would be -considered both unfinished, and vulgar. Men commonly wear only -embroidered shoes, but the women have frequently an abundance of various -colored foils, principally purple or green, fastened down to the body of -the vamp, (which is of some bright colored broad cloth,) and serving, by -the manner in which they are disposed, to fill up the pattern of the -embroidery: this may be either of gold or silver thread, or, perhaps, -very small bugles, not dissimilar to seed-pearls. Those who cannot -afford such decorations, which may raise the price of a pair of shoes to -about four or five rupees; content themselves with silken ornaments. The -low price of a pair of shoes ornamented as above described, cannot fail -to strike the reader, who will be yet more astonished to learn, that an -admirably well-dressed hide may be had in any part of the country for -less than five shillings; such as would sell with us for about thirty -shillings, or even more. Those stout shoes worn by our native soldiery, -rarely cost more than from four to eight annas the pair, (equal to from -eight to sixteen pence.) Neither men nor women use stockings; though, -during the winter months, the more opulent sometimes wear a short kind -of sock, called a _jooraub_, made of cotton, or of silk, perhaps both -intermixed, and of various colored patterns. These are remarkably thick, -but rarely reach above the ancle. Persons of the first rank, have their -_jooraubs_, as also their _dustannahs_, or gloves, made of shawl; -strange to say, these are usually of the form in use among us for -children; that is, they have a receptacle for the thumb, but the fingers -are all contained in the same bag, or _cyst_. It is, however, very -uncommon to see a woman, of whatever rank, wear gloves: this is, no -doubt, owing to the pride they take in their hands, which are invariably -ornamented with gold or silver rings, &c., to the utmost extent of their -purses. In fact, the whole attention of a Hindostanee woman, retained in -the family of an European, is directed towards the accumulation of -trinkets, which may be supposed to be tolerably expensive, when it is -understood that nothing less than solid silver is admissible. Gilt, or -plated, ornaments, are held to be disreputable, and unlucky; hence, the -_moolumbah_, or plating trade, is very little followed in India; though -the jewellers will sometimes pass off a coated, for a solid article; -especially in gold work. - -The following are the ornaments chiefly worn by the Hindostanee ladies. -The _maung-teekah_, meaning the frontal, ornament, has usually a star, -or radiated centre, of about two inches in diameter, set in gold, and -richly ornamented with small pearls, of which, various chains are -attached, aiding to support it in its position; namely, on the centre of -the forehead. A triple, or quadruple, row of pearls, passes up the -centre of the _maung_, or front; the hair being divided, and kept down -very flat. The centre piece, (and, occasionally, each end piece also,) -is composed of precious stones, such as the topaz, the emerald, the -amethyst, the ruby, &c.: sometimes the centre is of one color, and all -the rays of some other; or perhaps the latter are alternate. The -_maung-teekah_, as may be judged from the above description, is not a -very light ornament, but is extremely splendid, and, being generally set -in gold, often very valuable: one of a very ordinary description will -cost full twelve or fifteen guineas, though composed of colored glass, -or chrystal, or foils: when made of precious stones, the price may reach -to any extent. - -The _kurrum-phool_, is not unlike the centre piece of a _maung-teekah_, -and may be about the same size, though usually somewhat less in -diameter. This ornament is fastened to the lobe of the ear, both by the -usual mode of piercing, and by a chain of gold passing over the ear, so -as to bear the weight of the _kurrum-phool_; which would else cause the -lobe to be greatly extended downward. It is, however, to be remarked, -that most of the common women have large holes in that part of the ear, -wide enough to pass a finger through; and that even the higher orders -consider an aperture such as would admit a pea, rather honorable, than -otherwise; under the opinion of its indicating the great weight, and -consequent value, of their jewels. - -The _joomkah_ is ever of solid gold, silver being in this absolutely -interdicted by the laws of taste; in framing which, pride seems to have -had no very small share. This ornament consists of a hollow hemisphere, -or bell, curiously fillagreed, and about three fourths of an inch in -diameter; the edges suspend small rods, or pendants of gold, each -furnished with one or more small pearls, garnets, &c.; perhaps to the -number of a dozen pendants being attached to the circumference of each -_joomkah_. The upper part is furnished with a small perforated stud, -sometimes ornamented, through which a ring, about the thickness of a -fine knitting-needle, and not less than half an inch in diameter, is -inserted; it previously passing through the ear in the part usually -pierced. This ring, as well as every other kind of fastening made to -pass through the ears, or nose, is made of the purest gold, and so -pliant as to allow the little hook made at one end, by bending the wire, -for the purpose of fixing into a minute loop, or eye, formed, at the -other end, by twisting it, to be straightened, at pleasure, by means of -the nail only. - -European ladies content themselves with one appendage at each ear; while -the females of Hindostan think it impossible to have too many: thus, -they affix a number of small rings, of pure gold, or, in case of -poverty, of silver, or even of tin, all along the border of the ear; -which is pierced for that purpose in at least a dozen places, to receive -these ornaments, from which much distress often arises, owing to the -veil (already described) frequently hitching upon the small hooked ends -of the wire. - -The nose has its share in the decorations of the Hindostanee fair, it -usually bearing two ornaments; one, called a _n’hut_, commonly passed -through the left nostril, consists only of a piece of gold wire, as -thick as a small knitting-needle, with the usual hook and eye, and -having the centre, or nearly so, furnished with several garnets, pearls, -&c. perhaps to the number of five or six, each parted from its neighbour -by a thin plate of gold, usually having serrated, or escaloped edges, -and being fixed transversely upon the wire, which passes through their -centres, as well as through the garnets, pearls, &c. The diameter of the -circle of a _n’hut_ may be, ordinarily, about two inches and a half. On -the coast of Coromandel, a similar ornament is worn by men of -respectability, in each ear. - -The other nasal trinket is called a _bolauk_; it is flat, something in -the form of that article of furniture called a footman, and has a small -ring, with hook and eye, at its narrowest part, for the purpose of -appending it to the middle of the nose, by means of a gold ring passing -through the _septum_, or division between the nostrils; the ornament -lying flat upon the upper lip, and having its broad end furnished with -pendants, similar to those on a _joomkah_. It is inconceivable what some -women undergo for the sake of displaying their riches in this way! Not -only does the _bolauk_ interfere with the operations of the lips during -meals, but sores of the most unsightly description are often created, in -that very tender part to which the ornament attaches, by those -innumerable accidents, which not even the most constant vigilance can -prevent. - -The neck is not forgotten among those lavish decorations of which the -sable ladies are so fond; it is furnished with various kinds of -necklace, of which I shall describe only the _chumpauk-gully_. This is -made of separate rays, each intended to represent a petal of the -_chumpauk_, (a flower indigenous throughout Asia,) and having a fixed -ring, or staple, at its butt, so that the whole may be strung close -together, perhaps to the number of forty pieces, or more. This ornament -is usually worn rather loose, that it may reach half way down the bosom. -The mounting is gold, or silver, according to the means of the wearer; -and the rays, or petals, are, in imitation of the _maung-teekah_; either -chrystals, set on foils, chiefly white; or they are precious stones, of -one color, throughout the ornament. - -The _haunseah_ is a solid collar of gold, or silver, weighing from -perhaps, four ounces to near a pound. I have seen several that -approached the latter weight, and must have been highly oppressive to -the wearer; especially as they only came into use on high days and -holidays: the general standard may be computed at about six or seven -ounces. Being made of pure metal, they are easily bent, so as to be put -on and off. _Haunseahs_ are commonly square in front, under the chin, -for several inches, and taper off gradually to not more than half their -greatest diameter; terminating at each end with a small knob, cut into a -polygonal form: this ornament is sometimes carved in the Oriental style, -either for its whole length, or on the front part only. - -Most of the Hindostanee women wear _tabeejes_, strung upon an assemblage -of black silk threads, passing round their necks, and reaching to their -middles: these _tabeejes_ are silver cases, enclosing either quotations -from the Koran, or some mystical writings, or some rubbish from the -animal or vegetable kingdom, but, I believe, never any _camphor_ (as -lately used by a celebrated English lady). Whatever the contents may be, -great reliance is placed on their efficacy in repelling disease, and in -averting the influence of witch-craft, (_j’haddoo_,) of which the people -of India, of every sect, entertain the most unlimited dread. Hence, it -is not uncommon to see half a dozen, or more, of these charms strung -upon the same threads. - -The upper parts of the arms are adorned with semi-circular ornaments, -made hollow, but filled up with melted rosin; the ends are furnished -with loops of the same metal, generally silver, which admit silken -skeans, whereby they are secured to their places. The above trinket is -called a _baujoo-bund_. - -The wrists are always profusely decorated: the more ordinary classes -wear rings made of _kaunch_, or _chank_; (_i.e._ the common sea-conch, -cut out, by means of very fine saws, into narrow slips which, when -joined very accurately, give the whole an appearance of being formed -from the most circular part of each shell. This is, indeed, sometimes -done; but such entire rings are very scarce, and are usually preserved -in their original pure whiteness with much assiduity. The city of Dacca, -so famous for its muslins, carries on a large intercourse with -Chittagong, and the coast of Aracan, for conchs, which are used for -beetling the finer cloths, manufactured in that populous and rich -emporium of cotton fabrics. The noise made by _chanking_ the cloths, -which, being laid many folds thick upon a large board, are beat with -_conchs_, wherein handles are inserted, is peculiarly distressing to an -unaccustomed ear; especially as the operation continues night and day, -without intermission: to those interested in the trade, it may perhaps -be highly agreeable! The small process, or button, at the base of each -shell, is sawn off, and, after being ground to a shape resembling that -of a flat turnip, is perforated, for the purpose of being strung. When -so prepared, these receive the name of _kuntahs_; of which, two rows, -each containing from thirty to forty, are worn round the neck of every -Sepoy in the Company’s service, as a part of his uniform. This simple -ornament affords a pleasant relief to the sable countenance of a native, -and serves to fill up a space, that would otherwise appear extremely -naked, between the collar-bones and the chin. - -The rings made from the sea-conch, are called _kaunch ke t’choory_, or -_t’choories_ made of conch; in contra-distinction to a common kind of -_t’choories_, made, by persons who follow that profession only, from a -species of silicious clay, which speedily vitrifies, forming a -semi-transparent mass, that is worked into rings of about a line in -diameter; but having rather quadrangular than circular surfaces; so that -the inner circumference may be rather easy to the wrist, and the upper -part, (or outer circumference,) be sufficiently flat to exhibit various -embellishments, given by aid of gold leaf, and little enamelled, or -lacquered specks, &c., applied thereto, and afterwards burnt in. It is -inconceivable how expert the women who vend the _t’choories_, and who -are thence called _t’chooríaens_, are in applying these ornaments; -which, after being once passed over the hand, often are found to fit the -wrist admirably: persons unacquainted with the dexterity of these women, -would, on seeing the rings before they were on, consider it impossible -to get the hand through; yet, by means of a little oil, or even of -water, and compressing the very flexible member into a suitable form, -the rings are successively made to glide over the joints with tolerable -facility; very few, in proportion, being broken during the operation. It -is to be remarked, that, as probably forty or fifty _t’choories_ are to -be worn upon each wrist, those appropriated to the thicker part of the -arm, being, of course, the first to pass, the hand becomes gradually -suppled, and disposed to receive each succeeding ring, which is -imperceptibly of less diameter than its predecessor. To say the most of -_t’choories_, they have a very heavy appearance, and are always highly -uncomfortable to Madam’s most intimate acquaintances, in consequence of -their being peculiarly brittle. - -Some ladies wear a massy ring of solid silver on each wrist, weighing, -perhaps, from three to five ounces: these are commonly hexagonal, or -octagonal, of an equal thickness throughout, and terminated by a knob at -each end, the same as in the _haunseah_. Being of pure silver, this -ornament, which is called a _kurrah_, may be opened sufficiently to be -put on, or off, at pleasure; the ends being brought together by an easy -pressure of the other hand. - -A bracelet, formed of small pointed prisms of solid silver, each about -the size of a very large barley-corn, and having a ring soldered to one -of its sides is in very common use. These prisms are strung upon black -silk, as close as their pointed, or perhaps rounded, ends will admit, in -three or four parallel rows, and then fastened, the same as the -_baujoo-bund_. Some of the bracelets, which bear the general name of -_poanҫhies_, are of gold, intermixed with pearls; affording a very rich -appearance: they are certainly more ornamental than _t’choories_, which -are, in the end, very expensive, on account of the immense numbers that -give way in the wearing. - -The thumb of each hand is generally destined to bear an ornament called -_inah_, (or looking-glass,) formed of a ring fitting upon the thumb, and -having a small mirror, about the size of a half-penny, fixed upon it by -the centre, so as to accord with the back of the thumb. Each finger is -provided with its quota of _angooties_, or rings, of various sorts and -sizes, generally of gold; those of silver being considered mean. The -_inah_ should correspond in this particular; but, on account of the -quantity of gold required wherein to set the glass, many content -themselves with silver mounting. That a small looking-glass may, at -times, be commodiously situated at the back of the thumb, we will not -dispute; but what shall we say to that preposterous custom, which I have -absolutely witnessed, of wearing a similar ornament on each great toe!!! - -A lady, at all priding herself on the splendor of her dress, must have a -pair of very substantial _kurrahs_, or rings of silver, not weighing -less than half a pound each, upon her ancles. She must also have a pair -of _paum-jebs_, made flexible, and ornamented with little spherical -bells, all of which tinkle at every motion of the limb. The ordinary -pattern of the _paum-jeb_, is mural, each piece being kept in its place -by wires, passing through its two ends vertically. The toes have -likewise their rings, called _chellahs_, usually of about the fifth of -an inch in breadth and very thin; these have, for the most part, beaded -edges. - -The women of Portugueze extraction, wear their hair in a large top knot, -secured by an immense silver pin, or rather a skewer; the broad part of -which is either fillagreed, enamelled, or engraved. The Hindostanee -ladies wear no ornament of that description; they comb down their -frontal hair, while abundantly moistened with _tissy_, that is, the -mucilage obtained by steeping linseed in a small quantity of water; and -causing it to part from the centre in two diverging sweeps, or -crescents, that come down to the exterior corners of the eye-brows, -falling in immediately above the ears, they thus render the whole -smooth, compact, and glossy. All the hair appertaining to the hinder -part of the head, is braided together for its whole length, and -ultimately blended with black ribbon; which continues the braid for many -inches, or even for a foot or more, so as to render it doubtful, at a -certain distance, whether the hair does not occupy the whole length. -This is a point of the utmost importance with a native lady, who values -her locks beyond even her virtue. Whether it were the cause, or the -effect, is difficult to say; but certain it is, that, one of the -greatest punishments a judge can inflict on a woman, is to have her head -shaved. Query, Did their high estimation of the hair, induce to making -its privation a punishment? or, did that estimation take place, in -consequence of the want of hair being considered disgraceful? I am -inclined to favor the first opinion. It is very common for a native to -cause the hair of his _baundy_, or female slave, to be taken off, for -any trifling offence. - -Coral beads are in high estimation throughout Hindostan, as applicable -to the construction of necklaces and bracelets for women. -Notwithstanding they are manufactured from the red coral, fished up in -various parts of Asia, these beads are very costly, especially when they -run to any size. They are generally sold by the sicca-weight, or -_tolah_; that is, by their weight in silver, two and a half rupees -weighing about one ounce; or eighty to the seer of nearly two pounds -avoirdupoise. A _tolah_ of high colored, sound beads, as large as a -marrow-fat pea, may commonly be had for about three, or four, rupees; -sometimes cheaper: consequently, an ounce of coral beads, called -_moongahs_, will cost near a guinea. This, which is four times the value -of silver, appears to be a high price, considering the low wages of -laborers, and proves that coral cannot be advantageously imported from -India to England. The ladies of Asia are very particular in often -steeping their _moongahs_ in pigeon’s blood; under the firm belief of -their color being heightened by such immersions! This recipe may, -however, be matched by many, of equal efficacy, highly valued among -ourselves. - -The lowest, and most poverty-struck woman in Bengal, would consider -herself truly wretched if she could not, now and then, anoint her head -with oil, of some kind. The ladies of affluence invariably use scented -oils, of which those impregnated with the bale, the jasmine, and sandal, -are most in use. Doubtless, custom reconciles ‘the rancid fragrance’ to -the nostrils of an Asiatic; but, to an European, nothing can be more -offensive. A full dressed Hindostanee lady is the living type of that -sarcastic couplet of Swift. - - ‘Enrich’d with all the gay perfume, - She wafts a stench around the room.’ - -The sale of these oils, as also of the _missy_, which is applied by both -sexes to their teeth, and, by forming a black coating, or varnish, is -supposed to preserve their enamel from the action of the lime contained -in the _pawn_, or beetle, they generally chew, as also of the _soormah_, -or levigated antimony, used for blackening the edges of the eye-lids, -together with a variety of rubbish, is confined to a class of men called -_gundies_, who carry their ware about in small baskets. The oils, and -especially the _utr_, or _ottah_ of roses, are very carefully packed in -cotton-wool, and every pretence is made of their being of great value. -It is wonderful what deceptions this class of hawkers practise! They are -most consummate in the arts of flattery and intrigue; from the exercise -of one or the other, not unfrequently of both conjoined, they could not -fail to become very rich, did they not generally lead most dissipated -lives, and often take payment _in kind_ for their wares. - -With respect to the perfumed oils in common use among the Hindostanee -ladies, their preparation is very easy; being, for the most part, merely -sweet oils of any kind; such as that extracted from linseed, or from the -cocoa-nut, or from any plant coming under the denomination of _metah_, -(_i.e._ sweet,) perfumed by means of a small quantity of the essential -oil of any fragrant flower, particularly the rose, the jasmine, the -bale, &c. All these oils are extremely common, rarely selling for more -than two or three rupees per seer; which corresponds with about seven -shillings for an English quart. - -That highly fragrant oil extracted from the rose, called _attar_, or by -us _ottah_, is by no means so common as might be expected, at least not -in perfection: as to reputed _attar_, that may be had of every _gundy_, -and at even a few annas per _tolah_ (or half ounce weight). Genuine -_attar_ can only be had of particular persons, and then at a very high -price; commonly about four guineas, (_i.e._ two gold mohurs) per ounce. -The natives, for many years, pretended to make a great secret of the -process whereby this valuable oil was extracted; whence they not only -retained the whole profit to themselves, but were enabled to practise -various deceptions of great advantage to themselves but extremely -injurious to the extract. - -Although many gentlemen had occasionally endeavored to ascertain the -proportions used by the venders of _attar_, it was not until about the -year 1781, or 1782, that any attempt was made, on an extensive scale, to -competite with that class of distillers. The late Lieutenant-Colonel -Anthony Polier, who resided for many years at his beautiful villa, some -miles from Lucknow, was, I believe, the first whose researches included -the distillation of _attar_, in which pursuit he was remarkably -successful; considering how much intrigue, corruption, and ignorance he -had to contend with, I have heard that gentleman declare, that, in -almost every train of experiments he undertook, some latent opposition -was sure to prevail; often baffling every effort, and sometimes -compelling him to abandon his design. - -This resulted from the jealousy entertained by the natives of -distinction at the court of the Nabob Vizier of Oude, AZOPH UL DOWLAH, -with whom his extreme urbanity, suavity of manners, ingenuity, and -incorruptible integrity, rendered him a great favorite. The courtiers -apprehended, that, through the united intelligence of Colonel Polier, -and of Colonel Claude Martine, whose genius in every mechanical art was -on a par with that of the former in the polite arts, as well as in most -branches of useful science, the several expensive establishments -supported by the Nabob would ultimately be set aside, as useless, and as -devouring a revenue, which might be turned towards purposes in which -they should have no concern; or, at least, no profit. Therefore, -notwithstanding his highness’s positive orders, most of the -indispensables were either withheld, or, when furnished at all, proved -of the worst quality: any man less mild than Polier, would have insisted -on a due attention to his requisitions; but he forbore from -remonstrance, except when so closely pressed as to render representation -inevitable. Whenever, in spite of all direct hostility, and of underhand -resistance, the Colonel fulfilled his wishes, displaying the complete -success of his ingenuity and learning; then, all was cried down as -_j’haddoo_, as witch-craft; and the whole body of Mahomedan -ecclesiastics joined to crush the growth of science. - -Being provided with an ample still, and having very extensive -plantations of roses, in which I have often passed a leisure hour, -admiring equally their fragrance, and the amiable qualities of their -planter, the Colonel made a shift to carry on his operations, but not -with invariable success; the native distillers having frequently -influenced his servants, by means of bribes, to mix various ingredients, -which either tainted, or otherwise deteriorated, the produce of his -still. At length, after a great variety of experiments, in which he, of -course, experienced many most mortifying, and equally unaccountable -disappointments, he hit upon the just proportions, and the most -favorable process. His method was as follows. To a maund (_i.e._ 82lb.) -of roses, he put about a maund and a half of water: the roses being -entire, and having their stems cut away close under the chalices. These -being all duly mixed, by hand, in the still, a gentle fire was made -under it; the head not being applied until the water began to throw off -a vapor: after that, it was put on, and carefully luted down. The fire -was, throughout the distillation, kept rather slow than fierce; -especially after about a tenth part of the water had come over into the -receiver: in about five hours, half the water had come over tolerably -clear. The rose-water thus obtained, was again put to another maund of -roses, which were subjected to the same operation, until about half its -quantity had passed into the receiver. As the former was called ‘single -rose-water,’ so was this designated ‘double rose-water;’ but it is -evident that the term ‘quadruple’ would be more appropriate, since -_double the quantity of perfume was brought into half the former space_. -The produce of the last distillation was put into broad pans, either of -earthen ware, or of tinned metal, and left exposed, during the night, to -the cold air. - -Here, I should remark, that the roses generally bloom early in the year, -and that, during the month of January, sometimes, also, in February, ice -is produced by pouring hot water into shallow pans of porous crockery; -which, being placed on beds of loose sand, in exposed situations, during -the whole night, generally yield a substantial pellicle, and, in very -favorable instances, sometimes cause the whole of the water to be -congealed. The colonel’s object, in exposing the rose-water, as above -shewn, was to congeal the essential oil, called _attar_, which has the -peculiar property of becoming compact, and flaky, when exposed to a -degree of cold far above freezing point; in this instance, bearing some -affinity to animal oils in general. - -Now, it is evident, that such an exposure subjected the _attar_, which -floated on the surface as it became cold, to the access of dust, at -least, if not of other grosser rubbish; therefore the plan was certainly -injudicious: this the colonel soon perceived, for the quantity of, what -he considered to be, _fæces_, proved that there was some mismanagement. -Accordingly, he took a hint, and, while the rose-water was yet lukewarm, -poured it into a large _caraboy_, or glass bottle; so as to fill it -completely. The _caraboy_ was then subjected to a refrigerating process; -by which the _attar_ was condensed on its surface in its neck, whence it -was easily removed into a large-mouthed phial, furnished with a ground -stopper. What little adhered to the neck of the _caraboy_, did not come -away with the rose-water, as it was poured off, but, on the vessel being -reversed, and subjected to a considerable degree of heat, dropped slowly -into a phial placed below it, but protected from the action of the fire. - -The products in _attar_ have been widely different. The natives rarely -obtain more than a drachm and a half from a maund of roses; whereas -Colonel Polier obtained full two drachms from a hundred pounds troy. In -Europe, we find that some continental chymists have extracted half an -ounce: Hamberg succeeded so far as to draw a whole ounce, and Hoffman -was rewarded with no less than two ounces. All these persons, however, -rejected the chalices; using only the petals; which necessarily made a -great difference, the perfume being, principally, if not wholly, -confined to them. - -The rose-water, even after the _attar_ has been completely separated, is -rich in fragrance, but is far more so, when the _attar_ is suffered to -remain united with it, as may be effected by the addition of various -_menstrua_, which keep it suspended in the fluid. The general price of -such rose-water as is ordinarily sold under the designation of ‘double,’ -and, of course, passes for the very best, may be from twenty, to forty, -rupees per maund, according as the season may have been productive, or -as the purchase may be made from the distiller himself, or through a -second or a third hand. - -Colonel Polier states that the quantity of _attar_ obtained from nearly -fifty-five maunds of roses, which grew upon about eleven acres of good -soil, highly manured, amounted to sixteen _tolahs_, or about half a -pound avoirdupoise. This gives us some insight into the value of the -_attar_; for, if we allow the land to have been worth a guinea per acre, -and that the cultivation, together with the expences of distillation, -should amount to as much more, the following would be the state of the -concern. - - £. _s._ _d._ £. _s._ _d._ - Rent of 11 acres, (or 33 _bigahs_,) 11 11 0 23 2 0 - Expences of cultivation, &c. 11 11 0 - ‒‒‒‒‒‒‒‒‒‒‒‒ - -Against which we have - - Sixteen _tolahs_ of _attar_, say at two - guineas, 33 12 0 - About thirteen and a half maunds of - rose-water, say at only 20 rupees, or - £2. 10s. per maund 33 10 0 - ‒‒‒‒‒‒‒‒‒‒‒‒ - Giving a total of receipts equal to 67 2 0 - ‒‒‒‒‒‒‒‒‒‒‒‒ - And a nett produce on 11 acres, of 44 0 0 - ‒‒‒‒‒‒‒‒‒‒‒‒ - Equal per acre, to the yearly sum of 4 0 0 - ‒‒‒‒‒‒‒‒‒‒‒‒ - -In the above, I have taken the _attar_ at far less than the price it at -present bears, and the rose-water at the rate usually charged at -Juanpore, Lucknow, &c. for a maund of the best rose-water, at the time -Colonel Polier’s experiment, above detailed, was dated, namely, in 1787. -If my information is correct, the best _attar_ now sells at Calcutta for -near six guineas the ounce; and the best rose-water at Juanpore, where a -large quantity is distilled, for thirty-five and forty rupees per maund. -The expence of the cultivation is taken at about seven rupees monthly, -on an average; there being no work of consequence performed, except -hoeing, for full eight months in the year. The rent of the land is rated -at the ordinary medium at which I compute soils suited to the growth of -tobacco, cotton, sugar, opium, &c. to be of late, that is, at about 2½ -rupees, or eight shillings per _bigah_. - -In Doctor Willich’s Encyclopædia, I observe it is stated, that genuine -_attar_ sells, even in the East Indies, at twenty guineas the ounce; but -I apprehend this to be a great error; at least, it is far beyond what -the experience of more than twenty years allows me to credit. If, -indeed, the Doctor means that which the _gundies_ retail, by mixing only -_one drop_ of genuine _attar_ among pint of oil of sandal-wood, as is -often practised, he is far short of the mark; for, in such case, the -ounce may be said to sell for nearer fifty, than twenty guineas. - -The color of _attar_, is remarked by Colonel Polier, ‘to be no criterion -of its goodness, its quality, or its country.’ That gentleman states, -that he had, in the same year, and from the same rose-bushes, _attar_ of -a fine emerald green, of a bright yellow, and of a reddish hue, all -obtained by the same process, only that the roses were collected on -different days. - -Here I am disposed to suspect, that the old trick, so peremptorily -detected by Doctor and Professor Gilchrist, of mixing a solution of -verdigris, or other coloring matter, in the still, or in the receiver, -must have been practised by some of the Colonel’s attendants. It has -been sufficiently proved, that, when no such adulteration takes place, -_attar_ very nearly limpid: but, though a color may be thus imparted, it -does not appear that the perfume is debased; its fragrance being -unimpaired: on the other hand, the admixture of any other oil is readily -discovered, by its causing the disposition to liquescence, even when -exposed to severe cold, which distinguishes every other known perfume -from genuine _attar_. - -Some ladies anoint their bodies with scented oils, but, for the most -part, a predilection exists in favor of that extracted from the -_sesamum_, or mustard seed; which is likewise in very general use -throughout every branch of culinary preparation, among the natives of -every sect. When the oil is applied to the body, (over every part of -which it is smeared, the gratified individual generally exposing himself -to the influence of the sun while the unction is performing,) it is in -its raw state; but when intended for sauce, it is, on account of the -peculiar rankness of its flavor, subjected to the following simple -operation, whereby it is very considerably sweetened; though not -divested of a certain flavor by which its presence may always be -detected. The oil is put into a deep vessel, either earthen or of metal, -having some kind of lid, such as a flat pan, &c. to retain the heat -while the oil is preparing: when it boils, and crackles, one side of the -lid is lifted, and a small quantity of cold water thrown in, the lid -being shut down as quickly as possible, lest the oil, which flies -immediately when touched by the water, should scald the operator. This -is repeated three or four times, at short intervals, and the oil is thus -nearly divested of its unpleasant and acrimonious flavor. Both sexes -anoint their bodies with the oil of _sesamum_, commonly called by -Europeans ‘_mosaul_ oil,’ from its being invariably used by the -_mosaulchies_ to feed the flames of their links, or _mosauls_: by the -natives it is designated _kurwah-tale_, or ‘bitter oil.’ In some -instances, we see turmeric mixed with it, for the purpose of excitement -to perspiration! this absurd practice is not very general, but one would -suppose the fallacy of such an opinion must long ago have been -discovered, and that the turmeric would have been found rather to add to -that obstruction, inevitably created by the oil, than to promote -diaphoresis. The only intention that seems truly to be answered by the -unction, is that of _stopping_ the pores: hence, we see all the poor -people, throughout India, avail themselves, whenever the means offer, of -a handful or two of _kurwah-tale_, to rub over their skins, during the -winter season especially; thereby to resist the cold air: many, who can -afford but a light kind of cloathing, and are not competent to purchase -quilted jackets, would be almost frozen, were it not for this device. - -This practice, so extremely common, I might say, universal, throughout -India, seems to be at variance with the opinions of our physicians, who -consider it highly dangerous to close too many of the pores at one time. -That it is done with impunity in India, is too well known to require any -evidence being here adduced: nay, more, such unctions are recommended in -high fevers, by the native doctors, (generally Bramins,) who likewise -prescribe a thick plaistering of pounded herbs to be in such cases -applied all over the body. This, which rarely fails to produce relief, -is evidently the basis of that refrigerant course adopted, of late -years, by some of our most celebrated medical characters. - -As a perfume, the more delicate ladies of India rub themselves with -various drugs, not very gratifying to the olfactory nerves of our -Europeans; the same is also used for the hair. A few use a kind of -pomade, made extemporaneously of orange peels, ground fine upon a stone, -and mixed with flour, made from peas, called _basin_. This is really -fragrant, as well as cleansing; but I cannot so much admire the sandal -some substitute for the _citric aroma_; it being of a peculiarly sickly -scent, which does not easily wash out of linen. - -With respect to religious ablutions, the natures of every sect, but -especially the Bramins, are very particular; even fastidiously so: all -bathe at least once daily before their dinner hour, whatever may be the -state of the weather, repairing either to some neighbouring river, or to -a pond, (or _tank_,) for that purpose. There they walk up to their -waists in the water; and, placing their thumbs in their ears, and their -fore-fingers pressing their nostrils, immerse themselves, by squatting -suddenly upon their haunches, several times in succession; generally -repeating various prayers on these occasions. All take this opportunity -to wash their _doties_, and other parts of their apparel; having in -readiness dry cloaths to put on, but which are, of course, left upon the -shore. It is curious to see, as may often be done at some _ghauts_, or -wharfs, hundreds of persons bathing in this manner at the same time; the -water is often thronged for the whole day; especially at Benares, -Allahabad, Betoor, and other sacred cities, to which pilgrims resort -from immense distances for that purpose. At particular times, it is -supposed that nearly a million of persons assemble to bathe in the -Ganges; whence it must appear extremely curious to the European reader, -that scarce an instance is known of any person losing his cloaths while -bathing: perhaps it may be in some measure owing to that astonishing -concourse of barbers, who officíate previous to each person entering the -sacred stream; and who usually take charge of, or at least have an eye -to, the vestments left for his use on returning from the water. - -At all the bathing-places the sexes intermix promiscuously; each being -in their usual cloathing: this does not, however, relate to women of a -superior class, who are not suffered to go abroad except in close -vehicles, and who, were they voluntarily to shew their faces to any -male, except their husbands, would be in danger of losing their heads: -such never bathe in the river but under ample precautions. A spot is -selected, where the water shoals gradually, and where the bather cannot -be overlooked from any height, &c. There, an area is enclosed, by means -of _kanauts_, supported to the height of perhaps eight feet, or more, by -means of bamboo poles, kept in their places by ropes fastened to stakes, -or to poles driven into the sand. The lady is carried to an overlap, or -opening, in the _kanauts_, mostly in a covered carriage, of which the -driver retires, taking with him the oxen, and leaving the machine -enclosed within the area, where it serves the purpose of a -dressing-room. The female servants attend the interior, while the -exterior is guarded by centinels, or perhaps by eunuchs, on the land -side; and, towards any navigable channel a boat is stationed, to prevent -the approach of strangers. But few Mahomedan women bathe in this manner; -they, as well as their husbands, generally content themselves with -having five or six large pots of water thrown over their heads; the -generality of Europeans ordinarily bathe in this way daily during the -hot season; and, on some occasions, even the pious Hindu resorts to the -same domestic ablution; though it is held far inferior to immersion in -the Ganges, or in such stream as should, by being within a reasonable -distance, preclude all pleas of inconvenience. Bigots will often travel -several miles to be laved by the holy fluid; while others will scarcely -go as many yards to enjoy that reputed blessing. All, however, must -conform, to a certain extent, to the law; and it is but justice to say, -that, whether owing to habit, or to veneration, the number of trespasses -is very, very limitted. We may suppose, that, in so hot a climate, -bathing must be a luxury; this should be taken _cum grano salis_; for, -at some seasons, the waters are by no means inviting: I have often gone -into a bath in December and January, when the sensations were truly -painful. - -Mahomedans, in opulent circumstances, and especially those of rank, -generally have baths lined with marble, or with masonry, in some private -apartments, to which their families can have immediate access. These -baths are sometimes furnished with the means of having water heated to -any temperature; as is invariably the case with all the public baths to -be seen at Calcutta, and the several great cities throughout the East. -These baths, which are called _hummums_, (whence we have derived the -term,) are extremely convenient; and, if properly used, no less -conducive to health. It is necessary, after quitting them, to be -extremely cautious in allowing access to the atmospheric temperature, on -account of the perfect cleansing given to the skin, by the attendants, -who by means of _hautties_, (a kind of glove, made of hair, or very -coarse wool,) bring off such a quantity of scurf as astonishes those who -consider themselves to be very cleanly in their persons. These men cause -every joint in the bather’s whole frame to crack; thereby giving, -sometimes, no inconsiderable pain: to this, however, the natives are so -fully accustomed, as to consider it absolutely a luxury. Although the -_hummums_ are much frequented by Mahomedans, yet, I believe, they are -chiefly supported by the resort of Armenians, Greeks, Portugueze, and -English gentlemen. - -The waters throughout the East are infested by alligators of an enormous -size; of which, some are most sanguinary depredators. It often happens -that a bather is carried off daily from a _ghaut_, perhaps for a -fortnight in succession; when the evil is put a stop to by some lucky -shot, which either kills the alligator, or causes him to quit the -vicinity. Such is the faith entertained by all the natives, whether -Mussulmans or Hindus, regarding predestination, that, although, on such -occasions, they proceed to the _ghaut_ with obvious apprehension, they -allow no intermission to take place in the ablutionary duties, on -account of those depredations they may have daily witnessed for some -time before. This species of absurdity may be discovered, in a thousand -shapes, in the conduct of predestinarians, who affect to believe in that -previous arrangement which renders all human precaution unavailing. -These persons, at the same time, shew great anxiety to have the -alligator killed; consequently, may be fairly considered as aiming to -subvert the ordinations of fate! - -Though the native women retained by European gentlemen very rarely -proceed to the rivers to bathe, but content themselves with either the -use of a small bath of masonry, or with pots of water, they are, -nevertheless, extremely fond of going abroad in a _palanquin_, or a -_r’hut_, attended by their _dhyes_, and with the _guttah-tope_, or -cover, of the vehicle, brought down close on all sides. It certainly -would be uncharitable to annex a bad motive, as inseparable from _all_ -such excursions, yet it may probably be considered as a general rule, -that such ladies either take the air with the intention of meeting some -established gallant, or that they ultimately give way to the flattery -and whisperings of their menials, who are rarely proof against a very -moderate bribe, and are frequently known to throw an admirer, as though -accidentally, in the way of Madam’s notice. - -However recluse we may suppose the Hindostanee ladies to be, some -allowance must be made for certain amusements peculiar to India, in -which they indulge. The acceptance and transmission of compliments and -civilities, afford no small gratification; the arrival, or despatch, of -a complimentary _pawn_, (beetle,) or of an _elauҫhee_, (cardamom,) being -matters of considerable importance, among a race whose whole time may be -said to be devoted to whatever is childish or insignificant. When visits -are paid, much ceremony is used, and every endeavor is exerted, on -either part, to appear well-bred and affable; on such occasions, a -profusion of compliments are exchanged, while each narrowly observes the -dress, the equipage, and the conduct of the other, but reserves her -observations until a free vent may be given to envy and jealousy; not -forgetting a little scandal. - -Some ladies affect to possess a musical ear, and exercise not only their -own lungs, but those of their attendants also, in vociferating various -common-place songs, accompanying their captivating strains with -tremendous thumps on a large long drum, called a _dhole_; or perhaps -shewing the agility of their fingers in playing upon a very small kind -of tambourine, called a _coonjerry_. Woe be to that kind-keeper who -should dissent from the fair one’s opinion, regarding either the -excellence of her performance, or the pleasing tones of the instruments! -Where this infatuation exists, the whole neighbourhood is compelled to -submit to the nuisance. There would be no use in remonstrating with the -lady, through the medium of her servants: and as to parleying with the -gentleman on such a subject, that would give great offence; or, at all -events, would be unavailing. The man who submits to such an uproar, ‘for -the sake of a _quiet_ life’, may be considered a living illustration of -Shakespeare’s ludicrous, but most wholesome lesson,—‘The ewe that will -not hear its lamb when it bleats, will never attend to a calf when it -baes.’ In truth, some of these ladies ride upon very high horses, and -keep the whip-hand most manfully! a circumstance we should by no means -expect, after hearing, perhaps, that their respective names were -‘_Chembayly_’, (jasmine,) ‘_Golaub_’, (rose-water,) ‘_Miscery_’, -(sugar,) ‘_Gool-beegum_’, (queen of roses,) ‘_Meevah-Jehan_’, (the fruit -of life:) though, perhaps, those known by the name of ‘_Soorooj_’, -(_i.e._ the sun,) might lay claim to some authority, without acting so -grossly in opposition to their nomenclature. - -When we consider the very severe privation experienced by females in -general, (for our country-women often affect to adopt the recluse -severities of the _haram_;) it cannot appear surprizing, that young -girls so immured, in such a climate, so indulged occasionally, and so -beset with bawds, should allow themselves to be led astray from what I -must, perhaps erroneously, call ‘the ways of chastity.’ I am aware, that -the term may offend many, who consider the female as being already in a -state of prostitution; but due allowance must be made for the usages of -the country. In India, a woman ‘_under the protection_’ of an European -gentleman, is accounted, not only among the natives, but even by his -countrymen, to be equally sacred, as though she were married to him; and -the woman herself, values her reputation, exactly in proportion as she -may have refrained from indulging in variety: some are said to have -passed twenty years, or more, without the possibility for scandal to -attach to their conduct. We might further take into consideration, that, -even according to the Mahomedan law, there are various degrees of -connubial attachment, from the strictest, and most formal, union, down -to what we should call a very loose kind of left-handed marriage. These -are, however, sanctioned by that law, if performed according to enjoined -ceremonies. - -Now, the greater part, we may say nine in ten, of those who domiciliate -with Europeans, being Mussulmans, and, in many cases, very scrupulous in -the observance of whatever forms are ordained respecting viands, -contact, ablution, &c., it may be reasonably concluded, that they rather -deem themselves to be united according to a tolerated extension of the -foregoing licences, than as retained prostitutes. Therefore, when we -consider received opinions, and local peculiarities, we may admit, that, -even in what we term concubinage, there may be some traits exempting -individuals from being confounded among that mass of prostitution, of -which we are apt to form our judgments by what we see of that depravity, -from which it appears to be, among Europeans, nearly inseparable! -Without at all entering upon the defence of whatever may be inhibited by -the Christian religion, or be inimical to that superiority so justly -yielded by society at large, as well as by the legislature, to married -women, it may be permitted me to state a few matters which will, in the -minds of the liberal, appear to be some excuse for what might else be -deemed libidinous, or licentious. The number of European women to be -found in Bengal, and its dependencies, cannot amount to two hundred and -fifty, while the European male inhabitants of respectability, including -military officers, may be taken at about four thousand. The case speaks -for itself; for, even if disposed to marry, the latter have not the -means. It is easy enough to say, that if marriages were more frequent in -India, more ladies would adventure thither; but the impediments that -stand in the way of ‘a consummation devoutly to be wished,’ will not be -found to yield so readily to our desires. It should be understood, that -the generality of young ladies, though they may certainly comply with -the will of their parents, are by no means partial to visiting India. -The out-fit is not a trifle: no lady can be landed there, under -respectable circumstances throughout, for less than five hundred pounds. -Then, again, she should have friends to receive her; for she cannot else -obtain even a lodging, or the means of procuring subsistence. It is not -like a trip, _per hoy_, to Margate, where nothing but a well-lined purse -is requisite; and where, if you do not meet with friends, you may easily -form acquaintances. Further, some allowance must be made for the -climate; which by no means suits every constitution, and invariably -oppresses all whose minds are ill at ease, or who have not the means of -withstanding that influence, so particularly hostile to persons newly -importing from Europe. - -Let us, however, suppose all these things to be done; and that some -worthy dame welcomes the fair adventurer to her house, with the friendly -intention of affording an asylum, until some stray bachelor may bear -away the prize. We have known some instances of this, and, in -particular, of a lady making it, in a manner, her study to replenish her -hospitable mansion with objects of this description; thereby acquiring -the invidious, or sarcastic, designation of ‘Mother Coupler’. But such -characters are rare; and it generally happens, that those who have the -will, do not possess the means, of thus rendering the most essential of -services to young women, who, we may fairly say, are, in this case, -transported to India, there to take their chance! That several have been -thus sent, or, have thus adventured, round the Cape, cannot be denied; -in any other country they would have experienced the most poignant -distress, both of body and of mind; but, such has ever been the -liberality evinced towards this class of unfortunate persons, that, in -most instances, prompt, and effectual, relief, has been administered. It -would be easy to adduce cases, wherein the most bountiful subscriptions -have been made in behalf of ladies; who, by obeying the summons of -husbands, or of parents, have, on arriving in the river, found -themselves to be widows, or orphans! Surely, where these distressing -events are by no means uncommon, there will ever exist a certain -reluctance, even among such as may have relatives in India: a reluctance -which will rarely be decreased by the additional consideration, that, -when the vessel may arrive, the parent, &c., though alive, may be full a -thousand miles distant from the metropolis, and be unable to reach it -under two or three months! Here we see formidable objections against a -lady’s proceeding to India; but one, not less powerful, remains to be -stated, namely, the immense expence ever attendant upon wedlock in that -quarter. Such is the encrease of domestics, of cloathing, of -accommodation and, particularly, in keeping a carriage, without which no -comfort can be expected, that it is utterly beyond the means of full -four persons in five to receive an European lady into their houses. Even -on a penurious scale, the difference will amount to full three hundred -pounds yearly; but if, as is certainly desirable, it be conducted on a -more appropriate footing, double that sum must be allowed. Add to this, -the peremptory necessity that exists, for sending every child to Europe -at a very early age; the expence of which is never to be computed under -a hundred and fifty pounds. To complete the difficulties attendant on -the occasion, it is a thousand to one, but, that, at the end of a few -years, the mother is compelled, by those peculiar infirmities -inseparable from her situation in that climate, to accompany her infants -to Europe; there to seek the restoration of health, and to console -herself among her little offspring, until the father may, -notwithstanding those heavy demands created by the wants of his family, -be able to save sufficient money to repair to the objects of his -affection. This is no exaggeration: it is to be witnessed annually; and -may be seen attended with the most distressing effects to most -meritorious individuals, who unfortunately allow love to walk in at the -door, without observing that poverty is treading upon her train. - -I trust this detail will convince, even the sceptic, that matrimony is -not so practicable in India as in Europe; and that, (unless, indeed, -among those platonic few whose passions are unnaturally obedient,) is -impossible for the generality of European inhabitants to act in exact -conformity with those excellent doctrines, which teach us to avoid -‘fornication, and all other deadly sins.’ There are certain situations, -and times, in which the law must be suffered to sleep; since its -enforcement would neither be easy nor wise: such is the instance now -before us. Should it be argued, that, rather than retain a concubine, it -were more proper to marry a native of India, I must then adduce the -great discouragement wisely held out by government against such a -practice; observing, that the Court of Directors long ago set their -faces against the transmission of native orphans, (_i.e._ those born of -native mothers,) and, that they allow no native of India to be taken as -a passenger on board any vessel proceeding to England, without a deposit -of 500 sicca rupees, or security to that amount, lest the party should -become a burthen to the Company. Further, no lady, native of India, even -though her father should have been of the highest rank in the King’s or -Company’s service, and though she be married to a person of that -description, is ever invited to those assemblies given by the governor -on public occasions. Hence, such women, whatever may be their merits, -come under the censure of public characters, and, of course, are in a -manner proscribed. This, however, does not extend to the European -soldiery, who are allowed to marry native women; many of whom conduct -themselves, when thus situated, in the most unexceptionable manner. -Whether married, or not, each soldier is generally provided with a -companion, who takes care of his linen, aids in cleaning his -accoutrements, dresses his hair, and sometimes proves no bad hand at a -beard! These doxies do, certainly, now and then, kick up a famous _row_ -in the barracks; but, on the whole, may be considered highly -serviceable; especially during illness, at which time their attendance -is invaluable. - -Very few European women are to be seen with the regiments in India; such -as adventure thither, soon fall victims to the climate, which nothing -but the most vigorous constitutions, backed by temperance and uncommon -prudence, can enable the sex to resist. Hence, the few that survive, -though they present rather a masculine appearance, find it expedient to -confine themselves much within the barracks; keeping out of the sun, and -avoiding the use of strong liquors. The children of such women usually -prove remarkably hardy; whereas, the issue of an European father by a -native woman, is usually of an effeminate, weakly constitution, and of a -disposition by no means entitled to commendation. - -It is peculiarly unfortunate, that a very great portion of these -creoles, mestees, or what not, cannot be provided for in some manner -serviceable to the state. Their numbers are considerable, especially of -females, who are allowed to remain with the orphan institution, often to -a very mature age: some are, to be sure, disposed of in services, where -they become attendants, or ladies’ maids, in respectable families; but, -for the most part, no certain provision is made for them. Probably it is -owing to reflection, as much as to their arriving at puberty, that so -many of these unfortunate girls become insane. This does not occur among -the boys; who are either apprenticed to some good business, if of the -upper school, (in which only the children of officers are admitted,) or, -if of the lower school, (wherein the children of the non-commissioned -and privates are brought up,) are draughted, at a proper age, to the -several regiments, both native and European, there to serve as drummers -and fifers. While upon the subject, I shall offer to my readers the -outline of the Orphan Institution, now so intimately blended with the -military establishments throughout India, that the Company make it a -part of their regulations, for all persons admitted into their military -service, to become, _ipso facto_, subscribers to the orphan fund. - -This charitable institution, which does singular honor to the Company’s -army, owes its origin to the assiduity of a few officers, who, in 1782, -framed a code, founded upon the result of voluntary subscription, for -making due provision for the children of such officers as might demise, -without leaving sufficient property to provide for their children, -whether legitimate or otherwise. Among the gentlemen who suggested this -undertaking, the present Colonel William Kirkpatrick was conspicuous: he -was at that time secretary to the late General Giles Stibbert, who then -commanded the Bengal army, and aided the institution by every public -means, as well as by his private influence and bounty. - -The following were among the preliminary articles. ‘1st. That each -subaltern, and assistant surgeon, contribute monthly the sum of three -rupees; each captain, and surgeon, six rupees; and each major, nine -rupees.’ - -‘2dly. That, to prevent difficulty and expence in the collections, as -well as to secure their amount against all accidents, the officers do -consent, _irrevocably_, to the deduction of the specified contributions -from their monthly pay.’ - -‘4th. That a governor, deputy-governor, and twelve managers, be -appointed to conduct the business of the society.’ - -‘12th. That no orphan be admitted on the foundation, who shall be -possessed by inheritance, bequest, or otherwise, of a sum exceeding -5,000 sicca rupees.’ (£425.) - -‘l3th. That the trustees, or guardians, of all orphans making -application for their admission on the foundation, be required to make -affidavit, before a justice of the peace, touching the true amount or -value of the monies, or estate, which they hold in trust for such -orphans; to the end, that the management, besides being satisfied that -they are proper objects for the institution, may be enabled to judge -what assistance they will need from the society, when, their education -being completed, the period shall arrive for settling them in the world: -these affidavits to be transmitted to the management, along with the -application for admission.’ - -‘15th. That all orphans now in the country, coming under the description -set forth, be admitted on the foundation, so soon as the management may -judge the state of the fund equal to their maintenance.’ - -‘19th. That the orphans be assembled together at the presidency, either -in one or more houses, as the management shall find necessary; and, that -proper servants be appointed to attend them.’ - -‘25th. That, on the female orphans attaining the age of twelve, they be -placed apprentices to creditable milliners, mantua-makers, stay-makers -or otherwise, as the management, or their agents, shall determine; and, -that, after serving their time, they shall obtain from the society the -necessary help towards enabling them to set up in business. That should -they, at the period of their engaging in business, be disposed to enter -into the matrimonial state, they shall be further entitled to receive -such marriage portions, or dowries, as the management, or their agents -in England, (whose approbation of the connexion shall be previously -yielded,) may think proper to grant.’ In the year 1789, it was resolved, -that ‘when the orphan daughters of officers, under the protection of the -society, are addressed by persons in independent circumstances, such -persons be required to make a settlement, as a condition; without which -the managers’ consent is not to be given, even if the offer should be, -in other respects, unexceptionable.’ - -Notwithstanding the institution was placed under the guidance and -control of men highly respectable, and perfectly qualified for the -charge, and that the whole of the officers, (with the exception of, I -believe, not more than six,) subscribed towards its support, the object -would have been defeated, had not the Company contributed liberally -towards its efficiency; and, after all, it would most certainly have -been subject, either to diminution, or, eventually, to bankruptcy, about -the year 1796, had not the army been newly modelled, and an immense -addition been made to the funds, by an unprecedented promotion and the -ascent of the superior ranks to subscribe in proportion to their pay: -otherwise, all above the rank of major would have been exempt. The -Company had, in former times, allowed for each child born to an European -soldier, the sum of five rupees monthly; but that indulgence was, at one -period, wholly done away: afterwards, when the institution was extended -to the non-commissioned and privates, three rupees were allowed monthly -for every child retained with the parents, according to the liberty -granted of retaining them until completing their third year; after -which, they were peremptorily taken to the lower school, where they were -at first allowed for by the Company at the rate of three rupees, but -subsequently at five rupees each, per mensem. It is not easy to describe -those affecting scenes which present themselves, when the children are -taken from their parents, in order to be sent to the foundation! It is -true, the latter know full well that every justice will be done to their -offspring, and they cannot but express their sense of the kind intention -of their benefactors; but, to part from a child, whatever may be its -complexion, is a most painful struggle between duty and nature! I have -repeatedly witnessed the distress of mothers, on such occasions, and -lamented that the case admitted of neither consolation nor relief! - -The good policy of making some provision for the children of the -soldiery, is indisputably good; they could not, with propriety, be sent -to Europe, both because the expence would be disproportionate to the -means of their parents; and, that, in time, a very extensive importation -of persons of color would take place among us. The boys are now amply -provided for; but the situation of the girls is truly lamentable. It is -wonderful, that the Society have never established any factory, in which -their minds, as well as their hands, could be employed, while their -maintenance would be paid for by the produce of their industry. The only -argument I ever could hear urged against such a measure, was, that the -price of labor being so cheap throughout India, there could arise but -little profit from the exertions of the orphans. My opponents forgot, -that where labor is cheap, provisions must be cheap also; consequently, -that, under proper guidance, enough might be earned to defray the -expence of provision for the whole establishment. I am confident, that, -if the refuse, or _ferret_ cloths, manufactured for the Company, were to -be handed over, in such quantities as might be in demand, to the female -orphans, for the purpose of being worked up into wearing apparel, such -as shirts, under-shirts, drawers, pocket-handkerchiefs, neck ditto, -upper and under waistcoats, small-cloaths, &c. there would always be so -extensive a sale, especially among the lower classes of inhabitants, the -sea-faring people, and the fresh arrivals from Europe, that no stock -would remain on hand. It is a notorious fact, that if raw silk, after -being wound off from the _cocoons_, or pods, were to be given to the -orphans to finish, and to reel properly for the Europe market, there -would be an immense saving both of the article itself, and of the -expences in every part of the adventure; while the institution could not -fail to derive the most solid advantages. To prove this, look at the -number of mills established in various parts of England, for preparing -raw silk for the throwster, &c.: in all these, a portion of refuse is -found; on which, however, as well as on the perfect quantity, a very -heavy duty has been paid, whereby the commodity is considerably enhanced -in price, without being a benefit to the merchant; who is, indeed, -rather injured, by the necessity he is under of demanding more for his -fabrics, and thus, either deterring purchasers altogether, of enabling -the traders of other countries to under-sell him. - -But, in Calcutta, a city carrying on so large a trade, surely there must -be an infinite variety of speculations open to the choice of the -management: the lighter classes of sails for the shipping and small -craft, the making of hammocks, beddings, &c., dresses for patients in -the hospitals, sheets, pillow-cases, book-binding to a certain extent, -and a number of other employments, might be peremptorily claimed, as -exclusive privileges for the orphans. Let it not be said, that such -would interfere with the natives following similar professions; on the -contrary, let us endeavor to have our whole establishment, of every -description, exempted from their aid, or interference. I would have -every cartridge-case, and the greater part of the army cloathing, -together with all, excepting the leather, and heavy canvas-work of -tents, performed at the orphan school; the Company making due -remuneration for the work thus performed. The fact lies in a nut-shell! -If, with such extensive concerns, requiring so much manual labor, the -Company do not give employ to five or six hundred girls, from three to -twenty years of age, the fault must assuredly lie rather among the -management than with Government; to which the making some provision for -the maintenance of that portion of the establishment dependant entirely -upon the Company for support, must be a desideratum: it can only require -to be pointed out, to insure both acquiescence and encouragement. - -The Court of Directors very prudently objected to some of the original -articles, wherein the founders appear to have been rather too sanguine, -and to have waived several considerations of a political nature. Thus, -the Company declined to warrant admission into their service of such -boys as might appear eligible as cadets; the measure was incompatible -with the patronage of the Court; and, being indefinitely expressed, -would have subjected the Company to a pledge, that even the sons of the -native women might be considered eligible. It was, therefore, prudently -resolved, that ‘the children to be sent to Europe for education, should -be the legitimate offspring of European parents only.’ - -The salaries of the several persons employed in the charge of those on -the foundation, are munificent. The house at Kidderpore, about a mile -and a half from Fort-William, is paid for at the rate of £675. per -annum, and the monthly disbursements for school-masters and mistresses, -with their assistants, and the several servants employed about the -premises, in various capacities, amount to full £l2,000. yearly. The -children are boarded at the following rates: The sons of officers at -about £14. yearly, on average; the daughters of officers at about the -same rate; the master and mistress having, respectively, always a -certain number daily at their own tables. The children of -non-commissioned officers and soldiers are maintained at an average -expence, for diet, of about £5. each. The secretary is allowed £450. for -salary, house-rent, candles, and, other petty charges. - -With respect to making provision for the sons of officers, there seems -but little doubt: the great encrease of mercantile establishments in -Calcutta, and in general throughout the country, has opened a wide field -for the employment of numbers conversant with the Hindui and Bengallee -languages, (which the orphans acquire habitually,) and with common -accounts. It is to be lamented, that so few, if any, are sent on board -the pilot-schooners, according to a clause in the original institution, -or as mates on board the country-traders. They certainly would be far -better qualified, for such situations, than Europeans, who are totally -ignorant of the vernacular tongue, and whose constitutions are by no -means so well adapted to the climate. With respect to placing creoles of -any description in authority, whether civil or military, there can be -but one opinion; since their admission, into either the one or the -other, could not fail to lessen that respect, and deference, which ought -most studiously to be exacted, on every occasion, from the natives of -every rank. - -The expences attendant upon sending children from India to Europe, are -very considerable: few commanders of Indiamen will take a child for less -than 800 sicca rupees, equal to £100.; and, even then, some attendant -must be provided, whose passage will probably amount to as much more. -The best mode is, for several parents to hire a small cabin between -decks, and to send a woman in charge of their united families, to the -number, perhaps, of five or six little ones; all of whom may be thus -duly attended, at far less expence than if each were sent under a -separate charge. Few Europeans’ children are kept in India beyond their -third or fourth year; and it is generally an object that the small-pox, -or vaccination, the measles, and the hooping-cough, should have been -passed previous to embarkation; lest infection should take place on -board, in consequence of the seamen, &c., having been among persons -laboring under those complaints. It is, indeed, likewise a matter of -policy, considering the heavy expence, and the trouble attendant, to -have all those dangerous diseases out of the way, previous to shipping -the children for England; where they might else, on landing, be carried -off by them, thus rendering all their parents’ anxiety, and possibly -their ill-spared disbursements, of no avail. - -Vaccination was expected to have made a very powerful impression on the -Hindus, who, it was supposed, would eagerly embrace a preventive arising -from that animal, held so sacred by their whole sect. It was, -nevertheless, found extremely difficult to induce the Bramins to adopt a -practice obviously so beneficial to mankind, although the latitude was -thereby given them of augmenting the attributes of their idol, and to -claim a preference in its behalf, even over the whole of the Christian -world. Those who were sanguine in their expectations, of vaccination -being instantly adopted among the Hindus at large, had entirely forgot, -that the people did not possess the smallest liberty, either of -conscience, or of conduct: they forgot that the priesthood had become -possessed of the most arbitrary power, over the minds of their peaceful -and timid communicants; and, that the practice of inoculation was -prescriptively confined to that priesthood: further, that, -notwithstanding the veneration in which the cow was held among them, a -serious objection existed, on account of the matter being taken from any -but a Hindu of the highest cast. - -The vaccine inoculation was effected with great difficulty in India; an -immense number of experiments failed, chiefly owing to the _virus_ -having been destroyed on the way from Constantinople, whence matter was -repeatedly forwarded by Lord Elgin to Dr. Short, at Bagdad. A whole year -was passed under the most mortifying disappointments; but in June, 1802, -a successful inoculation was made at Bombay, on a healthy child, about -three years of age; which furnished a supply for every port of India. By -shipping several children, who had never experienced the variolous -inoculation, a succession of subjects was happily secured, which enabled -Dr. Anderson to transmit the blessings afforded by this mitigated -disease, even to Port Jackson. The greatest apprehensions entertained, -arose from the danger of not being always provided with a succession of -infective matter; for it was soon discovered, that the _virus_ was -highly volatile, and often made its escape in conveying the _pus_ from -one house to another. This, added to the necessity, which soon became -apparent, for the formation of some depôt, and for the establishment of -certain principles necessary towards the desired success, caused the -Governor-General to nominate Mr. William Russell, of the Bengal Medical -List, whose abilities and zeal peculiarly qualified him, to the -important situation of Superintendant of the Vaccine Institution. A -series of ill health, which ultimately compelled that gentleman to -return to Europe, caused the records of the first months to be somewhat -inaccurate, notwithstanding every exertion on his part. His assiduity, -however, enabled him to register almost every child, born of European -parents, at that time in the settlement, among those who received this -benign and inoffensive substitute for the most malignant, loathsome, and -fatal disease that ever afflicted the human race. - -In aid of what was doing at the Presidency, several of the surgeons -attached to the civil stations, and to divisions of the army serving at -great distances, and in various directions, were interested to -promulgate the happy issue of what had been attempted by Mr. Russell, -and by his successor, Mr. Shoolbred, Surgeon to the Native Hospital. -Nevertheless, notwithstanding such excellent precautions, the matter was -at times very nearly extinct; more than once the establishments at the -several country stations were completely destitute, and were obliged to -obtain a fresh supply from the Presidency: however, during the first -eighteen months, no less than 11,166 persons were vaccinated; a matter -of great importance, when it is considered, that, in India, at least one -in sixty dies of those inoculated with the small-pox. About the year -1787, an order had been issued, that all the European soldiers in the -Company’s service, who bore no marks of having had the disease, should -be inoculated, and be lodged in the Artillery Hospital at Dum Dum. A few -years after, (the former operation having proved highly successful,) the -order was repeated; the result was, however, very unfavorable; as full -one-sixth of the patients were carried off. It is to be hoped, that, in -due time, when the natives at large may be thoroughly convinced of the -security afforded by vaccination, the small-pox will be but little -known. Its communication by insertion being now very strictly prohibited -in Calcutta, and its neighbourhood, will, no doubt, pave the way for the -progress of vaccination, and weaken the influence of the Bramins, who -are interested in variolous inoculation. It is singular, that, at the -very moment when this crafty tribe were endeavoring to depreciate, or -rather to explode, vaccination, there started up among them a claim to -the knowledge, and practice, of the latter at Bareilly, where -inoculation was almost unknown. An attempt was made to prove, on the -authority of a very ancient Sanscrit book, entitled, ‘_Sud’has -Angraha_,’ and written by a physician, whose name was _Mahadeva_, that -vaccination was practised in India many centuries back. On examining -other copies of the work, it was found, that the passage quoted from -that produced at Bareilly was wanting; this, added to other -circumstances, rendered the tale rather doubtful, and led to such an -investigation as proved fatal to the imposition. - -It is a great pity the deception was ever discovered; since nothing -could have aided the views of government better, than the testimony of -such an ancient authority, of the practice having been formerly common -in Hindostan! We were certainly wrong in publishing that refutation, -which deprived us of the best weapon we could have employed for the -extension of our pursuit. In lieu of decrying the work in question, as -‘an impudent forgery, interpolated into a Sanscrit-book, by one of those -frauds so commonly, and so dexterously, committed by the Hindu literati, -for the purpose of supporting the claims of the Bramins to the prior -possession of all kinds of science,’ we ought to have assented fully to -that imposition; allowing the priests to enjoy the supposed antiquity of -their knowledge, and contenting ourselves with the contemplation of -those immense benefits produced by the concurrence in, or adoption of, -our practice, by those infatuated foster-fathers. But the struggle for -reputation caused us to quit our hold, in the most impolitic, and -thoughtless manner! - -It may not be unpleasing to my readers, to be informed as to the manner -in which the _Bramins_, or Hindu priests, who are the only persons of -that sect allowed to inoculate, perform the operation: the following -extract from Mr. Shoolbred’s treatise shews, that no alteration has -taken place since Mr. Holwell, from whom Mr. S. quotes, gave the public -an account of their practice, viz. - -‘Inoculation is performed in Hindostan by a particular tribe of -_Bramins_, who are delegated annually for this service, from the -different colleges of _Bindoobund_, _Allahabas_, _Benares_, &c., over -all the distant provinces. Dividing themselves into small parties, of -three or four each, they plan their travelling circuits in such wise, as -to arrive at the places of their respective destinations some weeks -before the usual return of the disease. They arrive commonly in the -Bengal provinces early in February; although, in some years, they do not -begin to inoculate before March, deferring it until they consider the -state of the season, and acquire information of the state of the -distemper. The inhabitants of Bengal, knowing the usual time when the -inoculating Bramins annually return, observe strictly the regimen -enjoined, whether they determine to be inoculated or not: this -precaution consists only in abstaining for a month from fish, milk, and -_ghee_ (a kind of butter, made generally from buffalo’s milk). The -prohibition of fish relates only to the native Portugueze and -Mahomedans, who abound in every province of the empire. When the Bramins -begin to inoculate, they pass from house to house, and operate at the -door, refusing to inoculate any who have not, on a strict scrutiny, duly -observed the preparatory course enjoined them. It is no uncommon thing -for them to ask the parent how many pocks they choose the children -should have. They inoculate indifferently on any part, but, if left to -their choice, they prefer the outside of the arm, midway between the -wrist and the elbow, and the shoulders of females. Previous to the -operation, the Bramin takes a piece of cloth in his hand, (which, if the -family is opulent, becomes his perquisite,) and with it gives a dry -friction on the part intended for inoculation, for the space of eight or -ten minutes; then, with a small instrument, he wounds by many slight -touches, about the compass of a silver groat, just causing the smallest -appearance of blood. Then opening a double linen rag, which he always -keeps in a cloth round his waist, he thence takes a small pledget of -cotton, charged with the variolous matter, which he moistens with two or -three drops of the Ganges water, and applies to the wound; fixing it on -with a slight bandage, and ordering it to remain on for six hours -without being moved: the bandage is after that time taken off, but the -pledget remains until it falls off of itself. The cotton, which he -preserves in a double calico rag, is saturated with matter from the -inoculated pustules of the preceding year; for they never inoculate with -fresh matter, nor with matter from the disease caught in the natural -way, however distinct and mild the species. Early in the morning -succeeding the operation, four pots, containing about two gallons each, -of cold water, are ordered to be thrown over the patient from the head -downwards, and to be repeated every morning and evening, until the fever -comes on, which usually is about the close of the sixth day from the -inoculation, then to desist until the appearance of the eruption, (about -three days,) and afterwards to pursue the cold bathing, as before, -through the course of the disease, and until the scabs of the pustules -drop off. They are ordered to open all the pustules with a sharp-pointed -thorn, so soon as they begin to change their color, and whilst the -matter continues in a fluid state. Confinement to the house is -absolutely forbidden; and the inoculated are to be exposed to every air -that blows; the utmost indulgence they are allowed, when the fever comes -on, is, to be laid on a mat at the door. Their regimen is to consist of -all the refrigerating things the climate and the season produce; as -plantains, sugar-canes, water-melons, rice, gruel made of white poppy -seeds, and cold water, or thin rice gruel, for their ordinary drink. -These instructions being given, and an injunction laid on the patients -to make a thanksgiving, (_poojah_,) or offering to the goddess, on their -recovery, the operator takes his fee, which, from a poor person, is a -_punn_ of _cowries_, (in number eighty, and in value about a -half-penny,) and goes on to another door, down one side of the street, -and up the other; and is thus employed from morning till night, -inoculating sometimes eight or ten in a house.’ - -Mr. Shoolbred observes, on the authority of Mr. Glass, the surgeon at -Boglepore, that, in that district, inoculation is performed by the -lowest casts. This is certainly true among the _Pahariahs_, or Hill -people, inhabiting that mountainous country lying between Boglepore and -Nagpore. There, inoculation is performed in a very rough manner, merely -by means of a blunt instrument, which, with some labor to the operator, -and abundance of pain to the patient, is made to draw blood: the matter -is then rubbed in with the finger! - -These same _Pahariahs_ perform other surgical operations in the rudest -way, but with most extraordinary success; thus, they cut capons with a -blunt clasp knife, made of iron; which, having a ring passed through the -butt of the haft, or sheath, is always suspended by a cord passing round -the waist. With this instrument, they make the necessary incision, so as -to introduce a finger; when, having extracted the _testes_, the wound is -rubbed with a little _ghee_ and turmeric, and almost invariably heals in -a very few days. It may be considered curious, that among the -_D’hangahs_, (as the people who appear to be the aborigines of Tamar, -Chittrah, Puchate, are designated,) very few instances, in proportion to -the bulk of their population, are to be found, of persons marked with -the small pox; I should be disposed to attribute this entirely to the -simplicity of their manner of living; in which plain rice, with a few -vegetables, stewed, much the same as for a _curry_, but without its -catalogue of spices, compose the ordinary bill of fare. It cannot be -owing to any thing favorable in the climate, which is peculiarly -unhealthy. - -The hospital for the reception of natives requiring surgical assistance, -now supported in Calcutta by voluntary contribution, was founded about -the year 1793; before which time, those unfortunate persons who met with -accidents had no asylum, wherein they could find either solace or -remedy. The establishment is, as yet, rather limitted; but, it is to be -hoped, will, in the course of a few years, rise superior to the -disadvantages under which it labors, in consequence of the great expence -incurred in lodging the patients, many of whom labor under complaints -purely clinical; contrary to the first intention, and indeed, to the -first proposal for such a charity, which was started about 1791, in a -letter published in ‘the World,’ (a Calcutta weekly paper,) addressed to -the Reverend ——— Owen, one of the chaplains at the Presidency. - -In that letter was suggested the expediency of causing all those -deformed persons who infest the streets of Calcutta, in quest of -eleemosynary aid, to be sent to some hospital, which should likewise -accommodate such natives as might be injured by accidents within the -city. The proposal was founded on the peremptory necessity for -conducting all upon the cheapest plan; and contained a calculation of -the expences incident to the construction of thatched ranges of huts, -similar to barracks, to be erected on a piece of ground to be granted by -government for that purpose. The whole expence, it appeared, would not -have amounted to more than £1,500., or £2,000. yearly, yet full -accommodation, and subsistence, would have been afforded for three -hundred patients. - -The idea of permanence, which is usually supposed to carry with it -cheapness, was, I understand, the plea for deviating from the proposed -economical estimate: the consequence has been, that the number of -patients is extremely limitted. That original expence will, in most -countries, be found far cheaper than a flimsy beginning attended with -constant demands for repair, cannot be doubted; but, where there is no -capital, at least a very small one, it is absurd to act upon the former -scale; since it must, of necessity, counteract the whole intention. -Further, we should consider local circumstances: thus, in Calcutta, the -same money that will cover in accommodations for a thousand persons, -under a substantial thatch, laid over mud, or mat walls, adequate to the -ordinary purposes of the inhabitants at large, and similar to at least -ninety-nine in the hundred, of those habitations which shelter the bulk -of the population; would not suffice to provide fifty, of the same -description, with apartments formed of masonry, timber, &c., according -to the scale on which Europeans build houses for their own residence, -within that city. It is likewise a well-known fact, that, what is called -a _puckah-house_, that is, one built of bricks, lime, and timber, will, -at the end of ten years, cost as much in repairs, as the thatched -edifices built for an equal number of inhabitants. This being the case, -it will forcibly strike the reader, that, in departing from the original -suggestion, the managers likewise departed from the best principle. - -It has been vain-gloriously asserted, within my hearing, by many -natives, that, although the institution in question was founded by -Europeans, yet, that it has been principally upheld by the liberality of -opulent natives. This may, perhaps, be in some measure correct; allowing -it, however, to be so to the fullest extent, I cannot see that the -natives have done more than an ordinary duty, in affording assistance to -their own countrymen, and that too, after being urged, or guided, to the -measure; while, on the other hand, the European inhabitants may -certainly claim the palm, both as original founders, and subsequent -benefactors, in a case, where their own countrymen were not to be -benefitted. The present state of the funds is not the most flourishing; -and its utility is too great to allow its falling from deficiency of -means. Would it not be advisable, to collect a very small assessment at -every house inhabited by a native within the Maharrattah Ditch, (which -limits the jurisdiction of the police,) either according to extent, or -to its rent? This assessment should be paid into the hands of the -magistrates, to be by them disbursed, according to proper regulations, -through the medium of native agents, to be elected annually by all who -should contribute either a certain gross sum, or by regular yearly -donation, towards the support of the institution. This would produce a -stabile, and adequate, revenue; while it would likewise induce many -natives, some from pride, others from hope, and a few from fear, to add -their mites to such as should result from that spontaneous flow of -genuine humanity, with which the Hindu code is replete; and, of which -the Hindus at large make so great a boast. Possibly the day is not far -off, when, in lieu of building immense houses, richly endowed, for the -maintenance of an idle, haughty, ignorant, and insolent, gang of -priests, some rich natives, reflecting on the want of their more -industrious, and more meritorious, poor, may bequeath liberally towards -the formation of such establishments, as may rescue them from that -variety of sufferings, to which they become subjected, by the -accumulation of years, the visitations of disease, and the pressure of -misfortune! - -The style of building in use among the natives, is very different from -what we should expect to find adopted in so hot a climate; experience -is, however, in its favor, and sanctions that which, no doubt, resulted -from observation, more than from experiment. The walls of such edifices -as are intended to be permanent, are usually constructed of mud; which, -being laid in strata, of perhaps 18 or 20 inches in depth, each being -suffered to dry before another stratum is added above, becomes extremely -firm, and far more durable, though not quite so neat, as unburnt bricks -laid in mud cement. The thickness of the wall is proportioned to the -intended height; probably about 26, to 30, inches at the base, may be -considered a fair average; tapering above to about three fourths of the -breadth below. I have seen some _bungalows_ run up with mud walls, -which, after being chipped down to an uniform thickness, and properly -plastered with fine sand, mixed with chaff, were neat enough: but all -mud walls invariably crack considerably while drying; consequently, are -apt to harbor centipedes, scorpions, and even snakes, within their -fissures. This is a most serious defect; completely counter-balancing -the advantages obtained, by that facility and cheapness with which they -can be run up to a great height, provided due attention be paid to the -perpendicular. - -Few of the peasantry, even though possessing some property, carry their -walls higher than 8 or 10 feet; indeed, the generality of huts may be -set down at 7 feet exteriorly, though they will rise near a cubit more -inwardly, when filled up to the under part of the thatch. It is rare to -see any window in the front; and, in such as have enclosed areas, (by us -called ‘_compounds,_’ but by the natives designated ‘_ungnahs_’,) the -_cricky_, or door, which is always very low, obliging even short persons -to stoop considerably, is commonly in some part of the environing wall, -and partly concealed by an angle, so as to preclude the possibility of -seeing any thing of the interior when the door is thrown open. Every -door has a frame, composed of strong wood, of which the side pieces, or -uprights, are tenoned into mortices, made in the threshold and the upper -limb. The superincumbent part of the edifice is supported by a strong -plank, or by several pieces of timber, laid parallel, and secured by -thorough-pins, for the whole breadth of the wall. No arch is turned to -keep off the dead pressure of the enormous weight, that, in many -instances, is thus borne up entirely by the door-plate. On the top of -the wall, a stout piece of timber is laid, whenever the rafters are -fastened, each by one or more nails, but projecting at least a foot -beyond the exterior, for the purpose of sustaining the thatch, which is -made to hang over, with the intention to throw off the rain, that, -falling in torrents during many months, would else wash away the mud, -and endanqer the building. - -The thatches are usually made of the _kuss_, or common wild grass, whose -roots furnish that fibrous substance called _kuss-kuss_, already spoken -of while describing the formation of _tatties_. Immense plains are -covered with this kind of grass, glowing commonly about two or three -feet high: though, in some places, it may be seen full five feet; -serving as an asylum for every species of game; causing many gentlemen, -on first entering the country, to admire, what they at first take to be -‘the prodigious fine crops of hay.’ It is commonly burnt down every year -during the hot season, when perfectly dry: the ashes thus tendered to -the soil, being washed in by the succeeding rains, occasion the grass to -shoot forth, from the apparent ruin, with incredible freshness and -vigor! At such times, nothing can be more acceptable to the herds, -which, during the preceding months, are often obliged to be sent to -great distances, where a little herbage may be found; or they are, -perhaps, subsisted upon chaff made from straw, millet-stalks, and the -refuse of the thrashing floor. For several months, the grass in question -is relished by every description of cattle; but, after the sun has -crossed the Line, on his return to the opposite tropic, it becomes harsh -and dry, proving so injurious to their mouths as to cause their -rejecting it, except when severely oppressed by hunger. - -From the end of February, probably to the setting in of the rains in -June, great numbers of persons are employed in cutting the _kuss_, or -_khur_, as it is indiscriminately called, with a kind of sickle, and -tying it up into _haunties_, (or handfuls,) usually about six inches -thick. These are conveyed on _hackeries_ to the several markets, and -especially to the military cantonments, where they sell at various -prices, according to the distance they may have been conveyed, the -scarcity or abundance of the article, the time of the year, and the -pressure of the demand. From 1000 to 1200 bundles for a rupee, may be -taken as a fair medium; though, during the rains, when thatches must -often be made, or replaced, cost what they may, I have often known them -sold at a rupee for every hundred: on the contrary, they are often so -cheap as 3000, or even 4000, for that sum. The manner of constructing a -thatch according to the best principle, both for neatness and -durability, is as follows. The whole side of the building, intended to -be covered in, is measured, and that measurement is exactly represented -on some level spot, by means of four cords, fastened to as many stakes; -which thus exhibit the form and extent of the thatch to be constructed. -Each side of a quadrangular, or other building, must be thus laid down. -All hands set to work in placing either whole bamboos of the large kind, -or bundles of three and four of the small kind, parallel, and about a -foot asunder; all directed by the base line, towards which they stand at -right angles; so that, when ready, they would be in the same line with -the fall of the ‘_chupper_,’ (or thatch). These being duly prepared, are -crossed at about five, or six inches asunder, by battens of split -bamboo, which are fastened down, at every intersection, with strong -twine made of a finer kind of grass, called the _moonje_; which is very -strong, especially when wetted. Each frame being thus formed, is raised -into its place by the joint efforts of perhaps fifty or sixty men; some -laying hold of the frame, others pushing upwards with forked poles of -various lengths, thereby to facilitate the ascent, and to prevent that -friction which must attend upon any continued contact between the frame, -and the several ready-laid rafters on which it is to lie, and to which -it is to be firmly lashed. - -The several frames being duly fitted at the corners, are properly -secured in their places, and to each other; after which, a slender kind -of scaffolding is made under the eaves of the respective frames, to -enable the _grammies_, or thatchers, to commence their operations in -laying on the coating of grass. The eaves are first brought to the -thickness of at least a foot, by placing very large bundles, previously -well compacted, and squared at their ends, in a line between the frame, -and a succession of very strong bamboo laths: each bundle is pressed as -close as possible to its neighbour, and thus the whole of the lower tier -is completed. - -The rest of the thatch is laid on in small portions, the several bundles -being spread open, and having their butts, or lower ends, compressed -between two bamboo laths, which are tied in several places, so as to -secure their contents perfectly. Each parcel is then handed up, and laid -with the butt downwards, at about two or three inches above its lower -neighbour; causing the whole thatch to appear in over-laps from bottom -to top, like so many ridges, of about an inch high, and running parallel -for the whole breadth of the work. - -The several corners are now covered with immense trusses of refuse -grass, bound very firmly together, reaching the whole extent of the -angle, or _gore_, and full two feet in diameter. These trusses being -bound down very firmly to their adjacent sides, are ultimately covered -with layers of _seerky_, placed so as to over-lap about a foot above -each other, and, in their turn, duly tied to the trusses: a similar -truss is laid along the ridge pole. This _seerky_ is composed of the -stems of the _surput_, or tassel grass, which grows to the height of ten -feet, or more: it is found to be a larger species of the celebrated -Guinea grass, formerly introduced as a supposed novelty into the East, -but which proved to be nothing more than the common _bainseah_, or -buffalo grass, that grows wild, in the greatest luxuriance, all over -Bengal. The stems of the _surput_, when arrived at their full size, are -as thick as a swan’s quill, and bear a remarkable gloss: in the dry -season they are cut, and, after being stripped of the parched remains of -their leaves, are laid parallel on a board, their ends being previously -brought even to a line; a long wire needle is then passed through the -several stems, as they lie contiguous, leading after it a piece of -packthread, which is afterwards knotted at both ends, to prevent its -withdrawing either way. Four or five of these stitches are made in the -same parcel of _seerky_; after which, it is rolled up breadthwise, for -sale. Each parcel may be from two feet to a yard in breadth, and the -stems composing it may be about four feet in length. The ordinary mode -of selling this commodity is by the hundred pieces, for which from three -to ten rupees are given, according to circumstances. - -It is perhaps singular that I should have seen _seerky_ in use among a -groupe of gypsies in Essex: in India, those itinerants, whose habits and -characters correspond with this intolerable species of banditti, -invariably shelter themselves under _seerky_; which, being remarkably -light, and, when doubled or trebled, completely water-proof, enables -them to construct a very comfortable cabin in a few minutes. It often -happens, during the rainy season, that part of a thatch sinks, or rots, -and admits the passage of water to the interior; in such case, a piece -of _seerky_, properly placed, causes the water to flow over the defect: -when that article cannot be had, it is found expedient to throw a few -pecks of chaff, or straw cut very small, upon those parts requiring -relief; the chaff is drawn in by the percolating fluid, but, being -obstructed in its passage, swells in consequence of the continued -moisture, and thus, in a short time, usually stops the leaks. The mode -of putting on a thatch above described, is confined to certain parts of -the country; in other places, they put the grass on in a reversed -position, as we do our wheat stubble thatches, the part which grew -uppermost being placed lowest. But throughout the country, all thatching -is done horizontally, and not vertically, as among us: the Indian -thatcher begins at the bottom; whereas we commence at the side of a -thatch: we thatch with skewers and rods of hazel, &c.; they with bamboo -laths and twine made of grass; the latter being passed to and fro by -means of long needles, made extemporaneously of bamboo, &c. - -The doors used by the natives are generally made of such wood as the -neighbouring country may afford, and consist of a few vertical planks, -kept together by two, or more, horizontal battens; the fastenings are, -for the most part, made by staples and hooks, into which strong wooden -bars slip, and unslip, with ease. The windows are always very small, -perhaps not more than two feet square, and are closed by means of wooden -shutters, having exteriorly a _jaump_, made of bamboo battens and mats; -which, being firmly put together, and suspended at their upper borders -by hooks, or rings, fastened into the wall, or into the wooden plate -covering the aperture, may be raised, as though on hinges, to any -desired elevation, and preserved therein, by bamboo stilts, made either -with forked ends, or having small blocks of wood nailed to them, to -prevent their points from passing through the mats. The same kind of -defence is used for doors in general, but of a much larger size than for -windows; when raised, they certainly are extremely useful in keeping off -the sun and rain; when lowered, so as to lie parallel with, and close -to, the wall, they are an admirable defence against wind and dust; -though both will find their way through the several small apertures in -sufficient quantity to prove highly unpleasant at certain times. In -houses constructed by the natives, the windows are placed very high up; -sometimes scarcely allowing a person to look out. This is done for the -sake both of privacy, and of coolness; as the rarefied air is better -enabled to make its escape, than when the apertures are low. Thus, most -of the houses built by the French at Chandernagore, &c. are far cooler -than those formerly built in Calcutta; owing to the windows of the -former being carried nearly to the tops of the rooms, while the latter -have often seven or eight feet of wall above them. It has several times -happened, that persons sent up to work at the timbers supporting the -flat roof above, have fallen from their ladders, or scaffolds, in -consequence of the air in the upper part of the room being unfit for -respiration. As to chimnies, they are utterly unknown among the natives: -though, in some cottages, an aperture is left for the escape of smoke, -but rather by neglect than by design. The smoke must escape when and how -it can; but, it does not incommode a native a thousandth part so much as -it does an European, who must suffer some inconvenience at the best of -times, when a fire is lighted within the sitting room; but, when green -wood is put on, the latter cannot stand its effects. The former will, -even at such moments, often be seen smoking his _goorgoory_, as though -the atmosphere were not sufficiently burthened with fuliginous particles -to amuse his lungs. Victuals are rarely cooked within the house, when -the weather permits of that operation being performed in the open air; -indeed, few persons, who are not extremely poor, are without some little -shed, under which it may be carried on at all times. - -The exterior surface of the wall is rarely plastered, even with mud; it -being an object to preserve it rough, in order that the large cakes of -cow-dung, intended for fuel, may be stuck up against them, and there be -thoroughly dried by the sun; which is generally effected, in exposed -situations, and in fair weather, in one, or two, days, at the utmost. -These cakes, called _gutties_, burn admirably well; making a fire not -unlike that resulting from good peat. The interior is usually smoothed -all the way up, or at least for about three feet from the floor, and -smeared with a solution of cow-dung, as is the floor itself, which is -rarely made of any thing but clay, well rammed down, or perhaps of -tarras; but, the latter is too costly for most individuals, and, though -indicating riches, does not give so much satisfaction to the proprietor. -In some houses, a few joists of rough wood are thrown across from the -top of one, to that of the other, wall; perhaps at a yard or more -asunder: some few instances may be adduced, perhaps, in each village of -note, of a slight kind of flooring, either of rough planks, not fitted -together, or of bamboo laths, being made above the joists, for the -accommodation of luggage, or for the dormitory of some of the family; -but, with such exceptions, the only use made of the upper part is for -the lodgement of brush-wood, bamboo poles, ladders, farming utensils, -mats, nets, &c. &c., according to the occupant’s profession. - -The private apartments are commonly separate from what we should call -the ‘keeping room,’ and have a separate entrance, if under the same -roof; it is, however, very common to allot some detached building, -having a _compound_ divided off, and perfectly sequestered from the -other accommodations, set apart for the _zenanah_, or female part of the -family. The horses, oxen, cows, &c., are commonly picketted out in the -open air when the weather permits; having a large trough of mud to -receive their chaff. During great heats, or heavy rains, they are -sheltered under sheds made for that purpose, and for the preservation of -the _palanquin_, _dooly_, _r’hut_, or other vehicle the occupant may -possess. Sometimes the kine are kept under the same roof with the -major-domo, and all his family. Candles are not used in the houses of -the natives, especially of the Hindus, who would consider the presence -of a lump of tallow within their areas, as sufficient to pollute -whatever they might contain. All use oil, which, being poured into a -small earthen vessel, nearly in the shape of a heart, or of a _peepul_ -leaf, called a _churraug_, is placed in one of the numerous niches made -in every wall, at perhaps four feet above the floor: the wicks are -chiefly made of slips of rag, about a foot long, rolled up to the -thickness of a goose-quill. For more immediate use, the _churraug_ is -often placed on a stem of wood, having a broad base, or a cross, to -support it, and a small block at its summit, hollowed out to receive the -bottom of the lamp. Some use brass apparatus, and, in a very few -instances, the stems, or pillars, are made with a slide, so as to vary -the height of the _churraug_; which, in such case, assumes the more -dignified appellation of _pilsoze_: the ordinary height of the lamp from -the floor, including the plinth, pillar, and capital, may be from twenty -to twenty-six inches. Snuffers are unknown; their place is sometimes -supplied by the fingers, but more generally by a pair of scissors, or a -pair of _duspannahs_, (_i.e._ tongs,) such as are used by -_hookah-burdars_. The oil in use for lamps is that already spoken of, -extracted from the _sesamum_, of which the refuse cake is given to -favorite oxen, &c. - -Although _charpoys_, or small beds, are in use among all classes, the -generality prefer sleeping on mats, which are infinitely cooler than any -beddings. The whole of the apparatus for a dormitory may be comprised in -a very short catalogue; namely, a _durmah-mat_, made from coarse reeds -split open and laid flat, with the glossy surface uppermost; perhaps a -_satrinje_, or small cotton carpet, a _chudder_, or sheet, to wrap round -the body, and a _tuckeah_, or pillow, stuffed very hard. In cold -weather, a _goodry_, or quilt; perhaps, indeed, two, may be added. -Curtains are out of the question, as are all those paraphernalia which -luxury has introduced among us. A _peek-daun_, or spitting pot, made -generally of _phool_, which is a very tolerable kind of tutenagne, is -always placed at the bed side, and is ever resorted to when chewing the -_pawn_, or beetle. The vine bearing the aromatic leaf so called, is most -carefully cultivated in many parts of the country; the whole being -supported on trellisses made of reeds, and small bamboos, to the height -of about five feet. The situation must be very dry; hence, the banks of -old tanks, and other such elevated sites, are chosen for cultivating the -_pawn_, of which it is said a _bigah_ will produce, in the vicinity of -any populous city, full two hundred rupees yearly; provided the vines be -of the _sunҫhah_, or true sort; which is easily known by the yellowness -of the borders, and ramifications, of the leaf. This species is far more -pleasant to the palate than the common green kind; which is, besides, -tough, and possesses a certain acrid quality. - -_Beetle_, or _pawn_, is prepared by carefully picking out any defects in -the leaves, and by removing the stalks up to their very centres; four or -five leaves are then laid one above the other, when the upper one is -smeared with shell-lime, a little moistened with water. The seeds of the -_elatchee_, or cardamom, are added, together with about the fourth part -of a _beetle-nut_, (that is, of the _areca_,) and, the whole being -lapped up by folding the leaves over their contents, the little packet -is kept together in its due form, which is usually triangular, by means -of a slice of _beetle-nut_, cut into a thin wedge, so as to transfix it -completely. It is common to see a whole family partaking of _pawns_, the -chewing of which occasions the saliva to be tinctured as red as blood: -they certainly are fragrant, and excellent stomachics; but their too -frequent use produces costiveness, which, in that climate, ever induces -serious illness. - -The saliva will not be tinctured, if the _chunam_, (_i.e._ the lime,) be -omitted; hence, it is evident that the alkali produces the color from -the juices contained in the _pawn_. The color thus obtained does not -stain linen. Some use the _k’hut_, which is the same as our _Terra -Japonica_, and is procured by bleeding various kinds of trees, -principally the mimosa, abounding in most of the _jungles_ (or -wildernesses): a small quantity, about the size of a pea, broken into -several pieces, is mixed with the other ingredients, before the leaves -are lapped over, and transfixed with the spike of beetle, or, perhaps, -with a clove. The _k’hut_ is not, in my opinion, any thing in favor of -the _pawn_, and certainly adds to that noxious quality above mentioned. -Some persons attribute the blackness of the teeth, in both males and -females, throughout India, to the use of _pawn_; under the opinion, that -the discoloration is effected by the lime blended therein. Such is, -however, wide of the fact: _pawn_ is found to be highly favorable to the -gums, when the lime is omitted; and so sensible are those who chew it of -the bad effects produced by the alkali upon the enamel of the teeth, -that, in order to preserve them from corrosion, they rub them frequently -with the preparation called _missy_; thereby coating them with that -black substance which does not readily give way, even to the most -powerful dentifrice. I strongly suspect, however, that, in thus -shielding the teeth from the alkali, some injury is done to the enamel -by the supposed preservative; though by no means to that extent the -former would speedily effect, but for the use of _missy_. The natives -only chew the _pawn_, rejecting the masticated ingredients when their -flavor has been extracted; some reject even the saliva tinctured by the -_pawn_, spitting it out into the _peek-daun_. A few, not content with -the compound already described, absolutely mix tobacco, previously -reduced to a coarse powder, by rubbing the dried leaves with the thumb -in the hollow of the other hand! One would think that ‘potent weed’ must -supersede all its companions, and cause them to be as little tasted, as -though they had not been crowded into the jumble of flavors. - -I have already explained, that earthen pipes, such as those we call -‘Dutch pipes’, are not known in India; but that the _hookah_, _kaleaun_, -and _goorgoory_, are in general use, among the several classes -respectively. The lowest classes of Europeans, as also of the natives, -and, indeed, most of the officers of country-ships, frequently smoke -_cheroots_, exactly corresponding with the Spanish _segar_, though -usually made rather more bulky. However fragrant the smokers themselves -may consider _cheroots_, those who use _hookahs_, hold them to be not -only vulgar, but intolerable! Hence, we sometimes see a whole -congregation of the latter put to the route by some one unlucky visitor, -who, either from ignorance, of from disregard to the feelings of his -more delicate participators in ‘the cloudy regale’, mounts his -_cheroot_; thus abrogating all distinctions of musk, cinnamon, -rose-water, &c. in a trice. - -The natives smoke _cheroots_ without any precaution whatever to guard -the lips and teeth from the highly acidulated fumes derived from the -burning tobacco, but when, as has sometimes been the case, _cheroots_ -were brought into fashion, though but for a while, it was found -expedient to have small silver or earthen sockets made, to receive the -end of the _cheroot_; thereby avoiding contact with the tobacco. - -The natives, whether male or female, never use any sort of dentifrice, -nor have they any idea of hair-brushes; which could not, indeed, -according to their tenets, be admitted within the mouth. The only -apparatus employed for cleaning the teeth, is a short piece of stick, -commonly the branch of some bush, pulled at the moment for the occasion: -this is either beat or chewed, for a short time, until the fibres, for -about half an inch at the end, separate, and form a kind of stiff brush, -which is applied at right angles to the teeth. This is not a very -delicate implement, but, when aided by a plentiful supply of water, -answers tolerably well; though it certainly can never prevent the -accumulation of tartar within the teeth. Necessity has made me sometimes -use the _dauntwun_, as it is called, but not without leaving -considerable soreness about my gums. - -The ladies of Hindostan smoke their _goorgoories_ in very high stile; as -do those of inferior rank their _nereauls_, or cocoa-nuts, with no less -glee. It would, perhaps, be difficult to decide which of the sexes were -most addicted to this habit: they both begin at a very early age, and -are never so happy as when engaged in its practice. After a while, we -become reconciled to seeing females smoking; though I must confess, -that, however delicate the preparation of the tobacco may be, and -however elegant the apparatus, still a certain idea, not very -conformable to feminine propriety, creeps into our minds, when we see an -European lady thus employed. We revolt at a habit not authorized by what -we have been accustomed to in our early youth, and consider it an -intrusion upon masculine characteristics. Several ladies have gone yet -further, by adopting the entire costume of the natives; a circumstance -which, however gratifying it may have been to themselves, by no means -raised them in the estimation of those whom they imitated; while, at the -same time, it gave birth to opinions, and occasionally to _experiments_, -by no means favorable to their reputation. The same kind of ridicule -attaches equally to gentlemen, who at times allow their whiskers to -grow, and who wear turbans, &c., in imitation of the Mussulmans of -distinction. Their countrymen, though perhaps tacitly, censure such -imitations, when arising from caprice; and the Mussulmans regard these -renegadoes in costume much the same as we do such of the natives, as, -being smitten with our general character, and partaking of our pastimes, -lay aside their appropriate garments in favor of jackets, jockey-caps, -boots, and leather inexpressibles! Some, indeed, do more; they sit at -table, and devour, with no small degree of eagerness, the viands -prepared according to English fashion; washing them down with copious -libations of Claret and Madeira, to the utter degradation of their -persons, and reputation, in the eyes both of their new, and of their -old, companions. - -But there is a certain happiness apparently attendant upon this species -of infatuation; what is lost in public opinion being invariably gained -in self-sufficiency; while every little ironical compliment is construed -into superlative eulogium. The present Nabob Vizier of Oude, _Saadut -Ali_, many years ago, when compelled to reside at the Presidency, under -serveillance of the Bengal government, in consequence of the jealousy -entertained by his brother, the late _Asoph ul Dowlah_, affected to -enter upon this kind of apostacy. I believe, every one saw through the -veil, though he hunted with fox-hounds in our style, and assimilated in -many other points; but the essentials were carefully preserved from -metamorphosis. Many characters, such as I have described, could be -quoted, but the most particularly appropriate to my subject is that of -_Mirza Abu Taleb Khan_, who embarked in the same ship with me, for the -purpose of proceeding from Bengal to England, where he was at first -received as a general and prince; merely owing to an empty title -conferred on him at the Nabob Vizier’s court, about as important as that -of a Windsor Knight. This hero did not, it is true, adopt our costume -altogether, though he became a kind of ‘half and half, like the sea-calf -at Sir Ashton’s;’ but he had the impudence to assert, that his paltry -lodgings in _Gresse-Street_, (above all places under the sun,) were -graced by the nocturnal visits of several Peeresses of the most exalted -character; many of whose names he most scandalously, and ungratefully, -disclosed! I say, ungratefully, because it was impossible for me to -believe that ladies of such character could have stooped to such -conduct; although, in consequence of suitable introductions, they had -received him at their houses in that hospitable manner ever adopted in -favor of respectable foreigners. The _Mirza_, very probably, may have -been imposed upon by some low women, who made him the Falstaff of their -drama; and, by assuming the titles of our nobility, flattered his vanity -to an extreme! Yet, supposing this to have been the fact, how are we to -find an apology for that open boast he made of the supposed intimacy! -But vanity was his motto; he studied singularity in many instances; he -studied also celebrity; and would willingly have impressed us with an -opinion, that, from _Hafiz_ down to the _Plenipo’_, his abilities were -triumphant. Let us compare him with the former, whose poetry charmed his -countrymen! - - ODE BY HAFIZ. - - Sweet maid, if thou wouldst charm my sight, - And bid these arms thy neck infold; - That rosy cheek, that lily hand - Would give thy poet more delight - Than all Boҫara’s vaunted gold, - Than all the gems of Samarcand. - - Boy, let yon[A] liquid ruby flow, - And bid thy pensive heart be glad, - Whate’er the frowning zealots say: - Tell them their Eden cannot show - A stream so clear as Rocnabad, - A bow’r so sweet as Moselláy. - - Oh! when these fair, perfidious maids, - Whose eyes our secret haunts infest, - Their dear destructive charms display, - Each glance my tender breast invades, - And robs my wounded soul of rest, - As Tartars seize their destin’d prey. - - In vain with love our bosoms glow; - Can all our tears, can all our sighs - New lustre to those charms impart? - Can cheeks, where living roses blow, - Where nature spreads her richest dies, - Require the borrow’d gloss of art? - - Speak not of fate—ah! change the theme, - And talk of odours, talk of wine, - Talk of the flow’rs that round us bloom: - ’Tis all a cloud, ’tis all a dream; - To love and joy thy thoughts confine, - Nor hope to pierce the sacred gloom. - - Beauty has such resistless pow’r, - That ev’n the chaste Egyptian dame [B] - Sigh’d for the blooming Hebrew boy: - For her how fatal was the hour, - When to the banks of Nilus came - [C] A youth so lovely and so coy! - - But ah! sweet maid, my counsel hear, - (Youth shall attend when those advise - Whom long experience renders sage); - While music charms the ravish’d ear, - While sparkling cups delight our eyes - Be gay; and scorn the frowns of age. - - What cruel answer I have heard! - And yet, by heav’n, I love thee still: - Can aught be cruel from thy lip? - Yet say, how fell that bitter word - From lips which streams of sweetness fill, - Which nought but drops of honey sip? - - Go boldly forth, my simple lay, - Whose accents flow with artless ease, - Like orient pearls at random strung; - Thy notes are sweet, the damsels say, - But oh, far sweeter, if they please - The nymph for whom these notes are sung! - ------ - -Footnote A: - - A _melted ruby_ is a common periphrasis for wine in the Persian - poetry. See Hafiz, ode 22. - -Footnote B: - - Zoleikha, Potiphar’s wife. - -Footnote C: - - Joseph. - ------ - -Now for my friend, the _Mirza_; who while in England, published a small -collection of poetry he had addressed, in the Persian language, (most -ably translated by George Swinton, Esq.) to a young lady, of whom we are -to suppose he was deeply enamoured. In this rhodomontade, which conforms -exactly with Indian hyperbole, there are certainly some figures which -cannot fail to strike an European; yet are they mere common-place -expressions, familiar to every native who has been introduced to that -labyrinth of poetical absurdity, so delectable among Asiatics. - -Take the following extracts from the poems at large, as a specimen of -the author’s talents. - - _Praise of her Ornaments_ - - ‘Upon this ear hangs a cloud surcharg’d with lightning; - Or is it Venus sits enthroned in her ear-ring? - On that ear, behold Jupiter augments her beauty; - In one morning who ever saw both constellations? - Since the lobe of the ear is the polar-star of the world of elegance, - Her ear-rings are the Greater and Lesser Bears which revolve around!’ - -Here we have fustian for metaphor, and a most un-astronomical -dissertation on Jupiters, Venuses, Polar-Stars of elegance, together -with big and little Bears revolving around them! How will Herschell -stare when he reads of this new system! - - _Praise of her gait and stature_. - - ‘From the extreme fineness of her waist, - The shadow of her ringlets is a burthen to her stature. - Her stature is a cypress _when she walks_, - But it bears, however, the fruit of seedless pomegranates. - She moves more gracefully than the water of life. - Like me, the pheasant and partridge are lost in astonishment. - Although she should tread on the pismire at her feet, - Its smallest hair would receive no injury. - Yes, it is for this that she treads so lightly, - Under every step lie a hundred souls!’ - -The following may be considered the very acmé of absurdity! - - ‘When they wash’d _pearls_ and the _moon_ pure - With BIRDS’ MILK, they have modell’d the globes of her breast!’ - -And again, - - ‘Her chin is not an apple of the garden, - It is a WELL full of the water of life!’ - -And, once more, again, - - ‘Her lip demands tribute from sugar-candy, - The BLOOD OF WINE is its only nourishment!’ - -Why, really, if some other parts of the work did not assure us that the -object of adoration possessed every virtue, and every agreeable quality, -the world might be induced, by the foregoing lines, to consider her a -most incorrigible toper! Let not these samples serve for _all_ the poets -of Hindostan, though they may suffice to exhibit that fantastic illusion -which characterizes them in general: some authors, natives of India, -have afforded proofs of genius, such as leave us to lament that their -talents were not duly cultivated and patronized. The following little -canzonet, translated from the poems of Yuqueen, a celebrated Hindostanee -author, happens to lie open before me, seeming to offer itself for -quotation. I think my readers will admit, that, though it does not -indicate inspiration, yet that it breathes the spirit of pathetic -numbers. - - THE DAFFODIL. - - One day among the tombs I stray’d, - Where many slighted lovers lay: - A daffodil I there survey’d, - Which seem’d in grief to pine away! - Enquiring why it hung its head? - And why in grief it seem’d to pine? - ‘I am the eyes of him,’ it said, - ‘Who lies beneath this lowly shrine!’ - - Like me, sad emblems of despair, - Still seek they to behold again - That cruel, that relentless fair, - Who wrought his death by her disdain! - - It does, alas! from this appear, - That Love admits of no release; - Torments its vot’ries while they’re here, - Nor can the grave afford them peace! - -Without upholding this little production as a prodigy, it may, perhaps, -be safely adduced as a contrast to those beauties I have selected from -the _Mirza’s_ little book of great wonders. - -The frequency of fires, occasioned by the common practice of thatching -houses, has caused many regulations to be adopted, in regard to what -Europeans commonly call the ‘Black Town’ at Calcutta. About twenty years -ago, the principal streets were considerably widened, and the whole of -the new tenements were ordered to be tiled. This created some -dissatisfaction at the time, yet has not only been of great advantage to -the inhabitants at large, but is now confessed, by the natives, to have -been highly beneficial, both to their health, and to their convenience. -Formerly, it was common to see immense piles of grass all along the -banks of the river, brought thither for the purpose of supplying persons -who might have occasion to thatch; of late years, however, the quantity -has been considerably reduced; there being not a twentieth part of the -former demand. Many of these stacks doubtless contained full 20,000, or -25,000 cubic feet, and would have formed a diminutive representation of -the infernal regions, had they taken fire; to which accident they were -subject equally with any part of the town. Owing to the cheapness of -bamboos and mats, as well as to the immense value of land at Calcutta, -most of the natives build their huts chiefly of those materials; the -whole of the uprights, rafters, &c., being of bamboo, and the walls, -partitions, &c., being of mats, supported by bamboo laths. The roofs are -first covered with mats, or _seerky_, and then tiled, generally with -that kind called _nullies_, which are about eight inches in length, -representing the half of a truncated hollow cone, whose base may be -about four inches in diameter. - -These _nullies_ are commonly laid upon roofs, at an angle of about 30° -of elevation from the horizon; but the _chuppers_, or grass-thatches, -usually are constructed at full 40°. At the military stations, where -grass is invariably in use for the covering in of the cabins of the -sepoys, &c. it is usual to order the surfaces of all thatches to be -smeared with mud; from about November, to the setting in of the rains. -Many very extensive lines owe their safety to this precaution; whereby -not only are sparks prevented from communicating with the grass, which -usually is as prompt as tinder in taking fire, but even when the thatch -is partially kindled, the flames are greatly impeded, and more easily -subdued. - -The walls of huts being very frequently made of grass, tied in between -bamboo laths; (like those fences we sometimes see put to folds in -yeaning time, to keep the lambs warm during the night;) require to be -well coated with mud: otherwise, they would be constantly subject to -accension, in consequence of the too common practice of making the -_choolah_, or fire-place, very near thereto; thus endangering both from -the flame, and from the embers. As to putting out a fire that has once -got firm hold of a plain thatch, it is a hopeless business: the only -chance of saving the street, is to pull down all the neighbouring huts. -This is not attended with that loss to which our European towns would be -subjected by such a preventive; since, generally speaking, a very -tolerable hut, fit for the accommodation of a moderate family, may be -built, complete, for about the value of a guinea, or even much less. - -Although water is generally at hand, there being abundance of wells, or -tanks, or puddles, in the vicinity of every village, still it is deemed -necessary, by gentlemen whose _bungalows_, &c., are contiguous to -_bazars_, (or markets,) or to the lines of native troops, &c. where -thatches are numerous, to have large vessels fastened along the -ridge-poles of their stables, and other out-offices. These being -constantly kept full of water, prove an immense aid towards the -preservation of those buildings on which they are placed: since, in case -of any neighbouring conflagration, it is easy for one or more persons to -wet the thatch very thoroughly; or they may reserve the water until the -moment of exigency, to be thrown upon any part that may be in immediate -danger. If the thatch should have taken fire, so as to render it -imprudent for persons to ascend to the pots, they, being rather brittle, -may always be broken to pieces by throwing bricks, or clods, &c. at -them. Some gentlemen adopt the precaution, above described, of -plastering the thatches of their out-offices with mud; but, such a -procedure is highly impolitic, in respect to edifices intended to be -durable; as the white-ants never fail to visit such plastered thatches, -and to destroy the grass entirely: sometimes they even eat the timbers. -Tiles certainly offer greater security than thatches, but they are -insufferably hot; causing every thing placed under them to warp, crack, -and otherwise to perish: tiled stables are found to be very injurious to -the health of cattle. The best plan I ever saw, was to have a coating of -tiles, laid in mortar on a thatch; but, for such a mode of construction, -very substantial timbers were requisite. This not only insured from -fire, but from leaks also; and rendered the interior remarkably cool -during the hot season. - -The long continuance of the periodical rains, which often fall in -torrents for whole days, and frequently keep drizzling for near a week, -with little or no intermission, renders it necessary to protect all -exterior walls by copings, either of tiles, or of thatch. The former -mode is effected by small tiles, laid in the usual manner, but cemented -with lime mortar; or by immense large ones, nearly semi-cylindrical, -whose curve may measure full a yard, and whose breadth may be from -fifteen to twenty inches; the thickness, perhaps, an inch and a half. -These last are merely slung over the top of the wall, which is formed so -as to retain them firmly, and are overlapped about two or three inches. -The thatches are generally made with a double pent, each face being -about a yard in depth: they are secured by being fastened together at -their junction above, and by means of stakes passing through the wall; -to these their eaves are tied with grass, or coarse hempen twine. - -Nothing can be more uncomfortable than a leaky _bungalow_! The water -trickles down the walls, dissolving the coat of mud, or sand plaster, -and greatly disfiguring the interior. It often happens, that the outer -walls are so far damaged by heavy rains, accompanied by a driving wind, -as to be rendered unserviceable in the course of a night; the whole -being completely sapped through. After such weather, the damages are -frequently extensive; the walls surrounding gardens, &c. though -substantially built, and duly coped, are seen to give way for scores of -yards; falling with a tremendous crash. This is usually occasioned by -some ditch near their bases, which, being filled by the heavy rains, -that soak into the banks, in a few hours yield to the great weight on -their borders. Fortunately, such damages are speedily repaired at no -very great expence; a rod of wall about eight feet high, and averaging -two feet in thickness, being generally built for about ten shillings: in -some places for half that sum. - -Most of the _bungalows_ built by Europeans are run up with sun-dried -bricks; usually of a large size, eight of them making a cubic foot; each -being a foot long, six inches broad, and three inches thick. With these, -in a proper state for building, work proceeds at a great rate, but much -care must be taken that the mortar, that is, the slime used for cement, -be of a proper consistence, and be well filled in. Bricks are generally -made in wooden moulds, which, being laid on some level spot, previously -swept, so as to remove stones, &c., are filled with mud; the surface is -then levelled, either with the hand, or with a strike, when the mould is -raised, by means of handles, and washed in a large pan of water, and -then placed on a fresh spot, contiguous to the brick already formed. An -expert laborer in this avocation, will, if duly supplied with mud, and -water, make from 2000 to 2500 bricks daily of the above dimensions: it -will usually require one laborer to mix the soil, one to supply water, -and two hand-barrow men, to keep one brick-maker in constant work: the -whole expence may be about sixteen or eighteen pence: the same quantity -of work done in England would cost full as many shillings. - -Some of the _rauz_, or bricklayers, in India, are very clever, so far as -relates to mere practical operations; but they have not the smallest -idea of planning from paper, or on paper; or of computing the quantities -of materials, or the amount of labor. They work with a small trowel, -much the same as that in use with us, and chip their bricks, whether -sun-dried or burnt, with a small hammer, having either one, or both, its -face, of a wedge form, and about three or four inches long from the -insertion of the handle. They preserve the perpendiculars by means of a -bell-shaped weight, commonly of free-stone, or of lead, or iron, to -which a long cotton cord is attached, having on it a piece of wood -exactly as long as the diameter of the weight’s base. This being pierced -in the centre, and applied endwise to any part, preserving it, at the -same time, as nearly horizontal as possible, points out the exact spot -which is perpendicular to the corresponding edge of the weight. - -Supposing a wall to be run up to any height, if the stick be applied to -the upper tier of bricks, and the weight swings so as just to come in -contact with the ground tier, the wall will be perpendicular. The method -is simple, and the apparatus portable; therefore I may safely recommend -their adoption to our workmen; especially when a large plumb-bevil is -not at hand. It is true, that many of the bricklayers, employed under -regular architects, may be seen to use our tools of every description; -but this takes place only under such guidance: in all other instances, -the native bricklayer resorts to the practices of his ancestors; though, -to say the truth, they are by no means so unwilling to change for -better, as the opinionated British mechanic; who, I am obliged to -confess, must yield the palm for sobriety, cheapness, ingenuity, and -docility, to the unlettered artisan of the East. Nevertheless, I am -sensible that one English workman will ‘knock off’ more work than two, -or perhaps three, Asiatics of the same profession, and finish that work -in higher style; but, if we take into consideration, that the latter -employs tools such as the former would pronounce to be useless, and, -that he learns all by rote, without the smallest idea of figures, -proportions, or computations, we must, however unwillingly, give a -verdict by no means partial to our countrymen. - -Another point greatly in favor of the poor Hindu, is, that he exercises -not only the profession of bricklayer, but of plasterer, tarras-maker, -&c. In like manner, we find the two professions of _looaur_ (blacksmith) -and _burrye_ (carpenter) often exercised by the same individual. I once -built a phaeton at Cawnpore, solely with the aid of a _reputed_ -blacksmith, who wrought every part of the iron work in a very superior -manner, and constructed the whole of the wood-work in an excellent -style. Nay, he made the head, and lined it with woollen very neatly; -and, after all, lent a hand towards the painting. His wages were only -eight rupees (twenty shillings) monthly, and he never had been concerned -in constructing any kind of vehicle, except the _hackery_ in common use; -which has already been described. - -The natives are extremely negligent regarding the strength of their -floors; they seem to be fully satisfied when the places where they lie -down on their mats are tolerably dry; though it is by no means uncommon -to see the whole interior so extremely damp, that, if any seeds, such as -wheat, peas, rice, &c., happen to fall, and to be swept to the skirts of -the apartments, such are sure to vegetate; frequently exhibiting a very -promising blade, before they fall, rather in consequence of accident, -than of design on the part of the tenants. Whatever the flooring may -consist of, whether clay, or tarras, that of the eating apartment is, -almost invariably, smeared with a solution of cow-dung; which certainly -gives a freshness, and may probably tend to salubrity; nor is it so -devoid of neatness as an European would imagine; but the scent is by no -means agreeable. Some ornament both the interior, and the exterior, of -their houses, by dipping the palms of their hands, horizontally, into -solutions of ochre, chiefly red, and then imprinting the walls with -their hands thus colored. These prints are put on irregularly, by no -means proving the taste of the operators, who, nevertheless, consider -their huts to be, (in the language of church-wardens,) ‘beautified;’ the -great consideration is, however, to typify the infinite power of the -Creator, whose hands are supposed to be innumerable, and perpetually in -action. Even horses, especially if white or dun colored, are very -frequently marked in the same manner, by means of _mindy_, (or -_hinnah_;) which, being reduced to a pulp, is applied to the part in -such form as it may be intended to appear. This plaster, for I know not -what else to call it, is allowed to remain until perfectly dry; when it -commonly cracks and falls off, leaving a rich _barré_ color; though, if -not allowed, either by the animal’s restlessness, or from want of time, -to impart its coloring matter duly, the stain will shew much fainter; -perhaps not unlike a light mahogany color. - -The natives rarely omit to tinge about ten inches, or a foot, of the -extremity of the tail of every light-colored horse with _mindy_: -sometimes, also, at about two inches asunder, one or two rings are -stained in the same manner. Nor is this herb restricted solely to the -ornamenting, or, rather, the disguising of horses, oxen &c.; the -Hindostanee ladies generally stain the whole of the interior of their -hands, including the fingers, as well as the soles of their feet, with -_mindy_; the tips of all the nails are sure to undergo the operation; -which often compels the party sustaining this gratifying penance, to sit -motionless for hours; in order that the dye may take a firm hold of the -skin. When properly managed, the stain will remain for at least a month; -resisting every endeavor to wash it out, and seeming only to yield to -the constant growth of the outer skin. - -It has often occurred to me, that, possibly, an excellent dye for -woollens might be obtained from the _hinnah_, which, being inspissated, -or reduced to an extract, could be imported among our dyers with -peculiar advantage. The plant, which is not unlike myrtle, is indigenous -throughout Hindostan, where it is principally employed in making garden -hedges, much the same as yew, box, &c., are among us; but, owing to its -not proving a defence against cattle, and being of slow growth, the -exterior hedges, in lieu of being formed of _hinnah_, are usually made -of _baubool_, a species of _mimosa_, yielding some gum, and otherwise -extremely serviceable; both from the excellence of its wood, for all -circular or angular work, requiring great strength, durability, and -toughness; and for its bark, which is at least equal to that of the oak -for tanning. The natives consider the application of _mindy_ to be -attended with good effects; they say it is cooling, but I should rather -apprehend it were the reverse, it being certainly an astringent, and -contributing to check perspiration: hence, the hands of such as apply it -commonly have a harsh, dry feel. That it may be a corrective of that -scent sometimes attendant upon an habitual discharge from the feet, may -be true; but, it remains still to be questioned, whether the obstruction -of such a discharge can be reconciled to prudence: it is, however, a -complaint very rarely to be met with in India; doubtless owing to -frequent washing, and to that abundant and general perspiration which -shews itself very conspicuously. - - END OF THE FIRST VOLUME - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - Transcriber’s Note - -An extended quotation on the private lives of women, beginning on p. -347, is continued with each paragraph with an opening single quotation -mark, which convention ends ambiguously, without comment, on p. 408. The -succeeding paragraph begins a section on kite flying. This is the only -portion of the book to employ footnotes, save for those used to annotate -a poem beginning on p. 504. - -Those footnotes are moved to follow the paragraph within which they are -references, and a sequenced numerically for uniqueness. Notes 3 and 7 -are referenced twice each in the text. The three notes on the poem -beginning on p. 504 are lettered A, B, and C. - -Keeping in mind the vintage of the text, spelling has generally been -followed. - -In a discussion of language learning, on p. 178, the phrase “he added -five words each month” seems an error, but it is impossible to determine -what the author must have meant. - -Hyphenation of compound words can be variable. Where it occurs on a line -break, the most commonly used form is assumed. - -Errors deemed most likely to be the printer’s have been corrected, and -are noted here. The references are to the page and line in the original. -The following issues should be noted, along with the resolutions. - - 117.1 large quantit[i]es of good fish Added. - - 168.3 resentment at the vill[ia/ai]n’s audacity Transposed. - - 168.15 founded on p[er/re]judice Transposed. - - 178.19 [five words] _sic._ - - 233.25 and that [t]he soup is well flavored Added. - - 253.11 while, on the other hand, [it ]is greatly Added. - depreciated; - - 304.12 that the Oore[e]ahs> are Added. - - 353.29 whenever _Soonees_ and [and] _Sheeaus_ Removed. - intermarry - - 378.28 Contrast this simple lament[at]ion Added. - - 380.26 upon enquiring into the sym[p]toms Added. - - 441.8 roses were collected on different days.[’] Removed. - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The East India Vade-Mecum, v.1, by -Thomas Williamson - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE EAST INDIA VADE-MECUM, V.1 *** - -***** This file should be named 53400-0.txt or 53400-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/3/4/0/53400/ - -Produced by KD Weeks, Jens Guld, and the Bayerische -Staatsbibliothek München (urn:nbn:de:bvb:12-bsb10483595-8) - - -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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