diff options
Diffstat (limited to 'old/53400-h/53400-h.htm')
| -rw-r--r-- | old/53400-h/53400-h.htm | 18029 |
1 files changed, 0 insertions, 18029 deletions
diff --git a/old/53400-h/53400-h.htm b/old/53400-h/53400-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index ee4770e..0000000 --- a/old/53400-h/53400-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,18029 +0,0 @@ -<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" - "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> -<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> - <head> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8" /> - <title>The East India Vade-mecum, Volume 1, by Captain Thomas Williamson</title> - <link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg" /> - <style type="text/css"> - body { margin-left: 8%; margin-right: 10%; } - h1 { text-align: center; font-weight: normal; font-size: 1.4em; } - h2 { text-align: center; font-weight: normal; font-size: 1.2em; } - .pageno { right: 1%; font-size: x-small; background-color: inherit; color: silver; - text-indent: 0em; text-align: right; position: absolute; - border: thin solid silver; padding: .1em .2em; font-style: normal; - font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; } - p { text-indent: 0; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; text-align: justify; } - sup { vertical-align: top; font-size: 0.6em; } - .fss { font-size: 75%; } - .sc { font-variant: small-caps; } - .large { font-size: large; } - .xlarge { font-size: x-large; } - .small { font-size: small; } - .xsmall { font-size: x-small; } - .lg-container-b { text-align: center; } - @media handheld { .lg-container-b { clear: both; } } - .linegroup { display: inline-block; text-align: left; } - @media handheld { .linegroup { display: block; margin-left: 1.5em; } } - .linegroup .group { margin: 1em auto; } - .linegroup .line { text-indent: -3em; padding-left: 3em; } - div.linegroup > :first-child { margin-top: 0; } - .linegroup .in1 { padding-left: 3.5em; } - .linegroup .in2 { padding-left: 4.0em; } - .ul_1 li {padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em; } - ul.ul_1 {padding-left: 0; margin-left: 2.78%; margin-top: .5em; - margin-bottom: .5em; list-style-type: none; } - div.footnote > :first-child { margin-top: 1em; } - div.footnote p { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: 0.0em; margin-bottom: 0.0em; } - div.pbb { page-break-before: always; } - hr.pb { border: none; border-bottom: thin solid; margin-bottom: 1em; } - @media handheld { hr.pb { display: none; } } - .chapter { clear: both; page-break-before: always; } - .figcenter { clear: both; max-width: 100%; margin: 2em auto; text-align: center; } - .figcenter img { max-width: 100%; height: auto; } - .id001 { width:488px; } - .id002 { width:100px; } - @media handheld { .id001 { margin-left:19%; width:61%; } } - @media handheld { .id002 { margin-left:42%; width:15%; } } - .ig001 { width:100%; } - .table0 { margin: auto; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 0%; width: 100%; } - .table1 { margin: auto; width: 90%; } - .table2 { margin: auto; margin-top: 1em; width: 90%; } - .nf-center { text-align: center; } - .nf-center-c0 { text-align: left; margin: 0.5em 0; } - .nf-center-c1 { text-align: left; margin: 1em 0; } - .c000 { margin-top: 1em; } - .c001 { margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; } - .c002 { page-break-before: always; margin-top: 1em; } - .c003 { margin-top: 2em; } - .c004 { border: none; border-bottom: thin solid; margin-top: 1em; - margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 45%; width: 10%; margin-right: 45%; } - .c005 { border: none; border-bottom: thin solid; margin-top: 1em; - margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 30%; width: 40%; margin-right: 30%; } - .c006 { margin-top: 4em; } - .c007 { border: none; border-bottom: thin solid; margin-top: 1em; - margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 42%; width: 15%; margin-right: 43%; } - .c008 { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: 0.0em; margin-bottom: 0.0em; } - .c009 { text-indent: 8.33%; margin-top: 0.0em; margin-bottom: 0.0em; } - .c010 { margin-right: 30.56%; text-align: right; } - .c011 { margin-right: 23.61%; text-align: right; } - .c012 { margin-right: 9.72%; text-align: right; } - .c013 { margin-right: 5.56%; text-align: right; } - .c014 { page-break-before:auto; margin-top: 4em; } - .c015 { border: none; border-bottom: thin solid; margin-top: 1em; - margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 42%; width: 15%; margin-right: 43%; - margin-top: 2em; } - .c016 { margin-top: 2em; text-indent: 1em; margin-bottom: 0.0em; } - .c017 { text-align: right; } - .c018 { border: none; border-bottom: thin solid; margin-top: 1em; - margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 40%; width: 20%; margin-right: 40%; - margin-top: 2em; } - .c019 { vertical-align: top; text-align: left; text-indent: -1em; - padding-left: 1em; padding-right: 1em; } - .c020 { vertical-align: top; text-align: center; padding-right: 1em; } - .c021 { vertical-align: top; text-align: right; padding-right: 1em; } - .c022 { vertical-align: top; text-align: right; } - .c023 { vertical-align: top; text-align: left; padding-right: 1em; } - .c024 { text-align: center; } - .c025 { vertical-align: top; text-align: center; } - .c026 { margin-right: 16.67%; text-align: right; } - .c027 { margin-right: 13.89%; text-align: right; } - .c028 { margin-right: 2.78%; text-align: right; } - .c029 { margin-top: 1em; text-indent: 1em; margin-bottom: 0.0em; } - .c030 { text-decoration: none; } - .c031 { border: none; border-bottom: thin solid; width: 10%; margin-left: 0; - margin-top: 1em; text-align: left; } - .c032 { margin-top: 1em; font-size: 95%; } - .c033 { vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right; padding-right: 1em; } - .c034 { vertical-align: bottom; text-align: right; } - .c035 { margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; } - .c036 { vertical-align: top; text-align: left; } - a:link { text-decoration: none; } - div.tnotes { padding-left:1em;padding-right:1em;background-color:#E3E4FA; - border:1px solid silver; margin:1em 5% 0 5%; text-align: justify; } - td.hang { padding-left: 0.50in; text-indent: -0.25in; } - sup { font-size: 0.8em; } - ul.kd1 { list-style-type: none; margin-left: 6em; padding-left: 0px; } - .epubonly {visibility: hidden; display: none; } - @media handheld { .epubonly { visibility: visible; display: inline; } } - .htmlonly {visibility: visible; display: inline; } - @media handheld { .htmlonly { visibility: hidden; display: none; } } - .blackletter { font-family: "Old English Text MT", Gothic, serif; } - .bb { border-bottom: 1px solid black; } - .column-container { text-align: center; clear: both; padding-left: 1em; width:100%; - } - .column { display: inline-block; text-align: left; vertical-align: middle; - width:30%; } - .multiline {display: inline-block; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle; - padding:0; } - @media handheld { div.epubonly { visibility: visible; display: block;} } - </style> - </head> - <body> - - -<pre> - -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) - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div class='tnotes'> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>Transcriber’s Note:</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c001'>Minor errors, attributable to the printer, have been corrected. Please -see the transcriber’s <a href='#endnote'>note</a> at the end of this text -for details regarding the handling of any textual issues encountered -during its preparation.</p> - -<p class='c001'>The cover image has been modified to include the title, author and -publication date, and is, so modified, added to the public domain.</p> -<div class='htmlonly'> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/cover.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -</div> - -</div> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div> - <h1 class='c002'><span class='small'>THE</span> <br /> <span class='large'><i>EAST INDIA</i></span> <br /> <span class='xlarge'>VADE-MECUM</span></h1> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c003'> - <div><span class='small'>OR</span></div> - <div class='c000'><span class="blackletter">COMPLETE GUIDE</span></div> - <div class='c000'><span class='small'>TO</span></div> - <div class='c000'><span class='small'>GENTLEMEN INTENDED FOR THE</span></div> - <div class='c000'><i>CIVIL, MILITARY, OR NAVAL SERVICE</i></div> - <div class='c000'><span class='small'>OF THE</span></div> - <div class='c000'>Hon. East India Company.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='figcenter id002'> -<img src='images/line.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='small'>BY</span></div> - <div><span class='large'>CAPTAIN THOMAS WILLIAMSON</span></div> - <div class='c000'><span class='small'><i>Author of ‘The Wild Sports of the East.’</i></span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='figcenter id002'> -<img src='images/line.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>IN TWO VOLUMES</div> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class='c004' /> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><i>VOL. I.</i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class='c005' /> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>London:</div> - <div>PRINTED FOR BLACK, PARRY, and KINGSBURY,</div> - <div><span class='small'>Booksellers to the Honorable East India Company,</span></div> - <div>7,</div> - <div><span class='small'>LEADENHALL-STREET</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class='c004' /> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>1810.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c006'> - <div><span class='small'>Printed by Turner and Harwood, St. John’s Square,</span></div> - <div><span class='small'>London.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c006'> - <div>TO THE</div> - <div><span class='large'><i>HON. COURT OF DIRECTORS,</i></span></div> - <div><span class='small'>OF THE</span></div> - <div><span class="blackletter">East India Company</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class='c007' /> - -<p class='c008'>HONORABLE SIRS,</p> - -<p class='c009'> <em>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</em> <span class='sc'>Honorable Court</span> <em>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</em> <span class='sc'>Honorable -Court</span>.</p> - -<div class='c010'><em>I have the honor to be,</em></div> -<div class='c011'>HONORABLE SIRS,</div> -<div class='c012'><em>Your most obedient Servant,</em></div> -<div class='c013'><span class='large'><em>THOMAS WILLIAMSON</em></span></div> - -<p class='c008'><span class='small'>London, January 1, 1810.</span></p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_vii'>vii</span> - <h2 class='c014'>PREFACE</h2> -</div> -<hr class='c015' /> - -<p class='c016'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>With the view to render my labors more -acceptable to my juvenile readers, whose -<span class='pageno' id='Page_viii'>viii</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The mode adopted in my former publication, -‘<span class='sc'>The Wild Sports of the -East</span>’, 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_ix'>ix</span>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. -<span class='sc'>Black</span>, <span class='sc'>Parry</span>, and <span class='sc'>Kingsbury</span>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The works of <span class='sc'>Doctor Gilchrist</span> -stand pre-eminent, and, while they do -honor to himself, are highly creditable to -the discrimination and liberality of the -<span class='sc'>East India Company</span>, 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. <span class='sc'>Dr. Wilkin’s</span> edition of -<span class='sc'>Richardson’s Persian Dictionary</span> is -<span class='pageno' id='Page_x'>x</span>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 -<span class='sc'>Abridgement</span>, by <span class='sc'>Mr. Hopkins</span>, in one -volume, royal octavo, is particularly recommended. -<span class='sc'>Dr. Wilkins’s Sanskrita -Grammar</span> will also be found eminently -serviceable; while his translation of the -<span class='sc'>Heetopades</span> will afford much insight into -the narratory idiom of the Hindus. <span class='sc'>Richardson’s -Arabic Grammar</span>, as also <span class='sc'>Sir -W. Jones’s Persian Grammar</span>, or <span class='sc'>Gladwin’s -Persian Moonshee</span>, and his <span class='sc'>Gulistan -of Sady</span>, should not be omitted. -<span class='sc'>Sir Wm. Ouseley’s Essay towards facilitating the reading -of Persian Manuscripts</span>, will prove a substantial aid. -<span class='sc'>Balfour’s Forms of Herkern</span>, in Arabic -and English, should be provided; together -with <span class='sc'>Rousseau’s Dictionary of -Mahomedan Law Terms</span>. <span class='sc'>Mr. Colebrooke’s -Digest Of Hindu Law</span>, is indispensable; -and I strongly recommend his -<span class='sc'>Treatise on the Husbandry and Internal -Commerce of Bengal</span>. <span class='sc'>Sale’s -Koran</span> will supply the fullest information -<span class='pageno' id='Page_xi'>xi</span>regarding the fundamental principles of the -Mahomedan religion; and <span class='sc'>Reynell’s -Memoirs</span>, united with his <span class='sc'>Atlas</span>, and -<span class='sc'>Map</span>, or <span class='sc'>Arrowsmith’s Map of India</span>, -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 <span class='sc'>Ayeen Akbekry</span> will -shew what Hindostan was under the government -of <span class='sc'>Akbar</span>; and the <span class='sc'>Asiatic -Researches</span>, and <span class='sc'>Asiatic Annual -Register</span>, 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 <span class='sc'>Doctor Francis Buchanan</span>, through -the <span class='sc'>Mysore</span>, <span class='sc'>Canara</span>, and <span class='sc'>Malabar</span> -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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_xii'>xii</span>thirst after useful knowledge. This work -is published by Messrs. <span class='sc'>Black</span>, <span class='sc'>Parry</span>, -and <span class='sc'>Kingsbury</span>.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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. <span class='sc'>Messrs. Black, Parry</span>, and -<span class='sc'>Kingsbury</span>, publish yearly a <span class='sc'>Directory</span>, -under the immediate authority of -the <span class='sc'>Court of Directors</span>, the latest -edition of which ought to be purchased in -the first instance.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<div class='c017'><span class='large'>THOMAS WILLIAMSON.</span></div> - -<p class='c001'><span class='small'><span class='sc'>London, January</span> 1, 1810.</span></p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_xiii'>xiii</span> - <h2 class='c014'><span class='large'>CONTENTS</span> <br /> <span class='small'>OF</span> <br /> VOL. I.</h2> -</div> - -<hr class='c018' /> - -<table class='table0' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='83%' /> -<col width='6%' /> -<col width='3%' /> -<col width='6%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='c019'> </td> - <td class='c020' colspan='3'>PAGES</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'><em>Instructions to Persons proceeding to India regarding articles to be provided, and precautions to be adopted</em></td> - <td class='c021'><a href='#Page_1'>1</a></td> - <td class='c020'>to</td> - <td class='c022'>30</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'><em>Matters relating to embarking, and the usual customs on board-ship, sea-sickness, fishing at sea</em></td> - <td class='c021'><a href='#Page_31'>31</a></td> - <td class='c020'>.</td> - <td class='c022'>60</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'><em>Foreign settlements, Brazils, crossing the Line</em></td> - <td class='c021'><a href='#Page_61'>61</a></td> - <td class='c020'>.</td> - <td class='c022'>68</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'><em>Religious character of sailors, funerals at sea, Cape of Good Hope</em></td> - <td class='c021'><a href='#Page_69'>69</a></td> - <td class='c020'>.</td> - <td class='c022'>88</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'><em>Of St. Helena</em></td> - <td class='c021'><a href='#Page_89'>89</a></td> - <td class='c020'>.</td> - <td class='c022'>109</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'><em>Island of Johanna, and the Comoro Cluster</em></td> - <td class='c021'><a href='#Page_110'>110</a></td> - <td class='c020'>.</td> - <td class='c022'>119</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'><em>Whale-fishery in the Mozambique Channel</em></td> - <td class='c021'><a href='#Page_120'>120</a></td> - <td class='c020'>.</td> - <td class='c022'>123</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'><em>White-squalls, passage round Ceylon, and up the Coromandel coast</em></td> - <td class='c021'><a href='#Page_124'>124</a></td> - <td class='c020'>.</td> - <td class='c022'>126</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'><em>Madras, masoolah-boats, debashes, bad meats, localities</em></td> - <td class='c021'><a href='#Page_127'>127</a></td> - <td class='c020'>.</td> - <td class='c022'>138</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'><em>General track up the Bay, cautions necessary to be adopted by pilot-schooners at the Sand-heads</em></td> - <td class='c021'><a href='#Page_139'>139</a></td> - <td class='c020'>.</td> - <td class='c022'>141</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'><em>General appearance of the coast, modes of getting up from the ship to Calcutta</em></td> - <td class='c021'><a href='#Page_142'>142</a></td> - <td class='c020'>.</td> - <td class='c022'>154</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'><em>Coins and weights in use, land measure</em></td> - <td class='c021'><a href='#Page_155'>155</a></td> - <td class='c020'>.</td> - <td class='c022'>160</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'><span class='pageno' id='Page_xiv'>xiv</span><em>Taverns to be avoided, instructions and cautions regarding servants, women, &c.</em></td> - <td class='c021'><a href='#Page_161'>161</a></td> - <td class='c020'>.</td> - <td class='c022'>172</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'><em>Estimate of primary and current expences</em></td> - <td class='c021'><a href='#Page_173'>173</a></td> - <td class='c020'>.</td> - <td class='c022'>175</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'><em>Acquirement of the language, with advice regarding conduct in general</em></td> - <td class='c021'><a href='#Page_176'>176</a></td> - <td class='c020'>.</td> - <td class='c022'>178</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'><em>Reasons for retaining a number of servants, religious scruples</em></td> - <td class='c021'><a href='#Page_179'>179</a></td> - <td class='c020'>.</td> - <td class='c022'>185</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'><em>Classification of servants</em></td> - <td class='c021'><a href='#Page_186'>186</a></td> - <td class='c020'>.</td> - <td class='c022'>188</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'><em>The Banian, and Darogah</em></td> - <td class='c021'><a href='#Page_188'>188</a></td> - <td class='c020'>.</td> - <td class='c022'>192</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'><em>The Moonshy, the Jemmadar, the Chobe-dar, the Soontah-burdar, the Kansamah, the Sircar, the Cranny, specimen of style</em></td> - <td class='c021'><a href='#Page_191'>191</a></td> - <td class='c020'>.</td> - <td class='c022'>212</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'><em>The Khedmutgar, The Mosaulchy, the Hookah-burdar, the Hookah, the Kaleaun, the Goorgoory, and the Neriaul</em></td> - <td class='c021'><a href='#Page_212'>212</a></td> - <td class='c020'>.</td> - <td class='c022'>228</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'><em>Modes of carrying water, the Bheesty, Tatties</em></td> - <td class='c021'><a href='#Page_229'>229</a></td> - <td class='c020'>.</td> - <td class='c022'>236</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'><em>The Babachy, the Durzy, the Doby, the Mohout, the Mate, and the Surwan</em></td> - <td class='c021'><a href='#Page_236'>236</a></td> - <td class='c020'>.</td> - <td class='c022'>253</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'><em>The Syce, the Grass-cutter, the Mauly, mode of drawing water</em></td> - <td class='c021'><a href='#Page_254'>254</a></td> - <td class='c020'>.</td> - <td class='c022'>266</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'><em>The Aub-dar, the Compadore, the Hirkarah, the Duftoree, the Fraush, the Mater, the Dooreah, mode of keeping and feeding dogs</em></td> - <td class='c021'><a href='#Page_267'>267</a></td> - <td class='c020'>.</td> - <td class='c022'>280</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'><em>The Kalashy, the Manjy, the Goleeah, and the Dandy</em></td> - <td class='c021'><a href='#Page_281'>281</a></td> - <td class='c020'>.</td> - <td class='c022'>287</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'><em>The Berrairah, description of sheep, and mode of fattening</em></td> - <td class='c021'><a href='#Page_288'>288</a></td> - <td class='c020'>.</td> - <td class='c022'>293</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'><em>The Chokey-dar, curious system of vigilance in the upper provinces, expert thieves</em></td> - <td class='c021'><a href='#Page_294'>294</a></td> - <td class='c020'>.</td> - <td class='c022'>298</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'><em>The Durwan, the Cahar, insolence of the Ooreah bearers</em></td> - <td class='c021'><a href='#Page_298'>298</a></td> - <td class='c020'>.</td> - <td class='c022'>310</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'><em>Hints regarding the lading of cattle</em></td> - <td class='c021'><a href='#Page_310'>310</a></td> - <td class='c020'>.</td> - <td class='c022'>311</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'><em>Umbrellas, punkahs, liveries</em></td> - <td class='c021'><a href='#Page_312'>312</a></td> - <td class='c020'>.</td> - <td class='c022'>313</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'><em>The mahanah-palanquin, the boçhah, the taum-jaung, the bangy</em></td> - <td class='c021'><a href='#Page_313'>313</a></td> - <td class='c020'>.</td> - <td class='c022'>324</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'><span class='pageno' id='Page_xv'>xv</span><em>The r’hunt, the g’horry-waun, fine bullocks, the g’horry, the hackery</em></td> - <td class='c021'><a href='#Page_325'>325</a></td> - <td class='c020'>.</td> - <td class='c022'>333</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'><em>Cautions against engaging European servants, either male or female</em></td> - <td class='c021'><a href='#Page_333'>333</a></td> - <td class='c020'>.</td> - <td class='c022'>336</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'><em>The Portugueze Ayah, ridiculously vain of their genealogies</em></td> - <td class='c021'><a href='#Page_337'>337</a></td> - <td class='c020'>.</td> - <td class='c022'>339</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'><em>The Hindostanee Ayah</em></td> - <td class='c021'><a href='#Page_340'>340</a></td> - <td class='c020'>.</td> - <td class='c022'>341</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'><em>The Dhye, domestic secrets</em></td> - <td class='c021'><a href='#Page_341'>341</a></td> - <td class='c020'>.</td> - <td class='c022'>346</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'><em>Domestic manners and customs of the natives, with details of the state of society among them</em></td> - <td class='c021'><a href='#Page_347'>347</a></td> - <td class='c020'>.</td> - <td class='c022'>408</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'><em>Flying kites, great dexterity, natives peculiarly tenacious of privacy in their dwellings</em></td> - <td class='c021'><a href='#Page_408'>408</a></td> - <td class='c020'>.</td> - <td class='c022'>411</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'><em>European polygamy, characters of women generally domiciliated by Europeans, ordinary expences</em></td> - <td class='c021'><a href='#Page_412'>412</a></td> - <td class='c020'>.</td> - <td class='c022'>416</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'><em>Dress and ornaments of a Hindostanee lady</em></td> - <td class='c021'><a href='#Page_417'>417</a></td> - <td class='c020'>.</td> - <td class='c022'>431</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'><em>Scented oils, mode of extracting the attar of roses, with calculation of expences</em></td> - <td class='c021'><a href='#Page_431'>431</a></td> - <td class='c020'>.</td> - <td class='c022'>441</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'><em>Unctions in general use, bathing, alligators</em></td> - <td class='c021'><a href='#Page_442'>442</a></td> - <td class='c020'>.</td> - <td class='c022'>448</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'><em>Invitations, visiting, female nomenclature, loud music</em></td> - <td class='c021'><a href='#Page_449'>449</a></td> - <td class='c020'>.</td> - <td class='c022'>451</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'><em>Reasons for Europeans retaining native women, and impediments in the way of marriage</em></td> - <td class='c021'><a href='#Page_451'>451</a></td> - <td class='c020'>.</td> - <td class='c022'>458</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'><em>Orphan Institution</em></td> - <td class='c021'><a href='#Page_459'>459</a></td> - <td class='c020'>.</td> - <td class='c022'>468</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'><em>Vaccination in Bengal, mode of inoculating in use among the Brahmans, and among the Pahariahs, making capons</em></td> - <td class='c021'><a href='#Page_469'>469</a></td> - <td class='c020'>.</td> - <td class='c022'>475</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'><em>The Native Hospital at Calcutta</em></td> - <td class='c021'><a href='#Page_479'>479</a></td> - <td class='c020'>.</td> - <td class='c022'>482</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'><em>Style of building among the natives, mode of thatching, domestic furniture, the beetle-leaf and plant</em></td> - <td class='c021'><a href='#Page_483'>483</a></td> - <td class='c020'>.</td> - <td class='c022'>498</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'><em>Cheroots, women smokers, imitations of native manners, dress, &c., and vice versâ</em></td> - <td class='c021'><a href='#Page_499'>499</a></td> - <td class='c020'>.</td> - <td class='c022'>502</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'><span class='pageno' id='Page_xvi'>xvi</span><em>Mirza Alu Taaleb Khan, his ingratitude and vanity, comparison of his poetry with that of Hafiz and Yuqueen</em></td> - <td class='c021'><a href='#Page_503'>503</a></td> - <td class='c020'>.</td> - <td class='c022'>509</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'><em>Precautions against fire, heavy rains, protection against them</em></td> - <td class='c021'><a href='#Page_509'>509</a></td> - <td class='c020'>.</td> - <td class='c022'>514</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'><em>Bungalows, bricklayers, carpenter and smith, houses smeared with cow-dung, mindy applied to hands and feet</em></td> - <td class='c021'><a href='#Page_514'>514</a></td> - <td class='c020'>.</td> - <td class='c022'>520</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_1'>1</span> - <h2 class='c014'><span class='small'>THE</span> <br /> <span class='large'><em>EAST INDIA</em></span> <br /> <span class='xlarge'>VADE-MECUM.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div class='figcenter id002'> -<img src='images/line.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<p class='c016'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_2'>2</span>proceed to the East, but of such as have relatives, -or friends, in that remote quarter.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 ‘<span class='sc'>East India Directory</span>,’ -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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Formerly, a great number of persons received -commissions in the army, and in the medical -<span class='pageno' id='Page_3'>3</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_4'>4</span>‘<span class='sc'>Directory</span>’, 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_5'>5</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 ‘<span class='sc'>East India Directory</span>’, before referred -to.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_6'>6</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>pottahs</em>, -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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_7'>7</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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, <span lang="la" xml:lang="la"><em>et cetera</em></span>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_8'>8</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The first point for consideration is the quantity -and the quality of the shirts, of which not -<span class='pageno' id='Page_9'>9</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_10'>10</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_11'>11</span>shipped in the privileges of some of the officers -of the Indiamen; the freight payable on delivery -at Calcutta, Madras, or Bombay, respectively.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>With respect to leather-breeches, two pairs -may be taken by those accustomed to hard riding; -<span class='pageno' id='Page_12'>12</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>With respect to woollens, boots, shoes, &c. -Europe is the great source; no cloths being -<span class='pageno' id='Page_14'>14</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>grass-cloth</em>, imported -from China, and said to be made from -<span class='pageno' id='Page_15'>15</span>the -smaller fibres of what is usually called <em>India-gut</em>, -or <em>weed</em>. 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>A pillow filled with feathers is scarcely to be -<span class='pageno' id='Page_16'>16</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>A wash-hand bason, ewer, and chamber utensil, -will be required: these, at least the first and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_17'>17</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>With respect to military persons, whose apparel -and accoutrements cannot be ascertained -previous to quitting England, they should confine -<span class='pageno' id='Page_18'>18</span>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 <em>super-superfine</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_19'>19</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_20'>20</span>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, <span class="multiline"><span class='xsmall'>A.B.<br />—<br />1</span></span> <span class="multiline"><span class='xsmall'>A.B.<br />—<br />2</span></span> <span class="multiline"><span class='xsmall'>A.B.<br />—<br />3</span></span> <span class="multiline"><span class='xsmall'>A.B.<br />—<br />4</span></span>) -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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>I have derived very considerable convenience -from sorting all my linen into sets: for instance, -a shirt, an undershirt, (commonly called a -<em>banian</em>,) 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>I should observe, that blankets, &c. not in use, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_21'>21</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_22'>22</span>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 <span class='sc'>Directory</span> -will shew what were prescribed, any trespass on -which was declared tantamount to an <span lang="la" xml:lang="la"><em>ipso facto</em></span> -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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_23'>23</span>partake, without distinction, of whatever the -stores may afford.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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; -<span class='pageno' id='Page_24'>24</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Having made a voyage in a foreign ship from -<span class='pageno' id='Page_25'>25</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_26'>26</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_27'>27</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The right side of the ship, from stem to stern -is called the <em>starboard</em>; the left side is called the -<em>larboard</em>: the line on which the mast stands, <i>i.e.</i> -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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_28'>28</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_29'>29</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_30'>30</span>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.!</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>grummet</em>; -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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_31'>31</span>sides, or the bulk-head, (<em>i.e.</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>As priority of embarkation, or at least of adjustment, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_32'>32</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_33'>33</span>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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_34'>34</span>nevertheless, of considerable value to those unaccustomed -to a sea-life, and cooped up for -months within such narrow limits!</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The hour for breakfast may be generally stated -<span class='pageno' id='Page_35'>35</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_36'>36</span>be boasted of; it being utterly impossible to -prevent its melting, so as to resemble liquid -honey.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><em>tout ensemble</em></span>, -where even the most dainty may find something -acceptable to the palate.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_37'>37</span>they frequently amuse themselves until supper -is ready.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_38'>38</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_39'>39</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_40'>40</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_41'>41</span>obviously preferable to running over to the eastward.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.’</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_42'>42</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <span lang="la" xml:lang="la"><em>in forma pauperis</em></span>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_43'>43</span>giving him, at taking leave, perhaps five or six -guineas, in order to carry on the deception.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_44'>44</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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!</p> - -<p class='c008'>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; -<span class='pageno' id='Page_45'>45</span>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!</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>When the decks are washed, it is customary -<span class='pageno' id='Page_46'>46</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_47'>47</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_48'>48</span>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 <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><em>ennui</em></span>, and contributes to give a -wholesome impetus to the circulation.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_49'>49</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_50'>50</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_51'>51</span>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 <span lang="la" xml:lang="la"><em>vice versâ</em></span>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_52'>52</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_53'>53</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_54'>54</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Those who are fond of fishing, may sometimes -derive much amusement from the possession -of a stock of tackle suited to the occasion. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_55'>55</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_56'>56</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_57'>57</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_58'>58</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_59'>59</span>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>i.e.</i> miles, sailed within the hour.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<em>fipper</em>; the other end of the line being fast to -some part of the boat.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_60'>60</span>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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_61'>61</span>after breaking several oars, we found it expedient -to desist.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>chætodon -plectorhenchus</em>, 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 <em>chætodon</em> 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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_62'>62</span>were thrown to their greedy brethren, by whom -they were speedily devoured.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_63'>63</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The customs of the inhabitants throughout -this coast being nearly alike, a description of one -portion may suffice for the whole.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The natives of this part of South America appear -<span class='pageno' id='Page_64'>64</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_65'>65</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The land lying low towards the beach, though -backed at some distance by hills, occasioned us -<span class='pageno' id='Page_66'>66</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_67'>67</span>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 <em>joke</em>, 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 <span lang="la" xml:lang="la"><em>dramatis personæ</em></span>.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_68'>68</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_69'>69</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><em>protegé</em></span> 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The sabbath is always observed on board every -Indiaman with perfect decorum: there being no -chaplain on board, unless perchance as a passenger, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_70'>70</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_71'>71</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_72'>72</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_73'>73</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_74'>74</span>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_75'>75</span>the American war, by two French regiments; -which, according to the confession of the Dutch -themselves, <em>made a very considerable improvement -in their breed?</em></p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_76'>76</span>will be gladly received, without distinction, at -two shillings and sixpence.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>steupe</em>, the -Dutch promenade half the day in fair weather, -enjoying their pipes, and occasionally taking -their <em>sopkies</em>; which are small glasses of raw -spirits, for the most part hollands, their servants -tender to them at intervals, as a matter of -course.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_77'>77</span>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 <em>Concordia</em>; 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_78'>78</span>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 <em>Boor</em>, who was particularly -smitten with the new-fangled terms of gallic -civism: if I err not, his name was <span class='sc'>Van -Clootz</span>. 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>This <em>monstrous</em> 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_79'>79</span>all those excesses which inseparably accompany -civil convulsion.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>now</em> unwelcome -visitors.</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_80'>80</span>been so fond of the <em>sweets</em> of revolution, that I -am resolved you shall taste some of its <em>bitters</em> -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.’</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_81'>81</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_82'>82</span>whales being very low in price; it neither burning -well, nor making so good soap as the spermaceti -kind.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_83'>83</span>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!</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_84'>84</span>distance, some idea may be formed of the stupendous -height of the Table Mountain.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><em>cul de -sac</em></span>, 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_85'>85</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_86'>86</span>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!’</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_87'>87</span>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 ‘<em>most horrible!</em>’</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_88'>88</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_89'>89</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>I have been induced to enter upon the foregoing -details regarding the Cape, from the consideration -of its being intimately attached to our -<span class='pageno' id='Page_90'>90</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_91'>91</span>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 <span lang="la" xml:lang="la"><em>lusus naturæ</em></span>, and certainly tends to -involve the origin of this now valuable island -still more among the arcana of nature.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Water would never be wanting, if proper -<span class='pageno' id='Page_92'>92</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_93'>93</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_94'>94</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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!’</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_95'>95</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_96'>96</span>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!</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>It would be difficult to state the expences -incident to residence at any of those houses -where lodgings are let: which includes all, excepting -<span class='pageno' id='Page_97'>97</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>blatta gigantea</em>,) 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_98'>98</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_99'>99</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_100'>100</span>might be done in the course of a few years; -especially if a reward were given for every goat -destroyed, by whatever means.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_101'>101</span>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!</p> - -<p class='c008'>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. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_102'>102</span>Helena, I give it a place under the hope of its -proving useful: it is, however, said to render -evergreens deciduous.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_103'>103</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_104'>104</span>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 <em>pros</em> and <em>cons</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_105'>105</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The last battery to be passed, previous to -casting anchor, is called Munden’s, and stands -immediately between the watering, or landing-place, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_106'>106</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_107'>107</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_108'>108</span>lies so close; but, by a regular succession -of boats, full 1000 butts might be received.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_109'>109</span>Major Rennell states the various eminences -to be as follow.</p> - -<table class='table1' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='86%' /> -<col width='13%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='c023'> </td> - <td class='c022'><span class='small'>Feet.</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c023'>Cuckold’s Point</td> - <td class='c022'>2672</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c023'>Halley’s Mount</td> - <td class='c022'>2467</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c023'>Flag Staff</td> - <td class='c022'>2272</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c023'>The Barn</td> - <td class='c022'>2015</td> - </tr> - <tr><td class='c024' colspan='2'>(Over-hanging the sea.)</td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c023'>The Alarm House (centrically situated)</td> - <td class='c022'>l960</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c023'>High Knoll (where the Citadel stands, above Ladder Hill)</td> - <td class='c022'>1903</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c023'>Longwood House (residence of the Deputy Governor)</td> - <td class='c022'>1762</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class='c008'>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 <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><em>dernier resort</em></span> 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_110'>110</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_111'>111</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_112'>112</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_113'>113</span>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_114'>114</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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, <em>Hinzuan</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_115'>115</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>It is worthy of remark, that, on account of -the rapidity of the current, which sets off to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_116'>116</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_117'>117</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Angling is little understood at Johanna, yet -<span class='pageno' id='Page_118'>118</span>large <a id='corr117.1'></a><span class='htmlonly'><ins class='correction' title='quantites'>quantities</ins></span><span class='epubonly'><a href='#c_117.1'><ins class='correction' title='quantites'>quantities</ins></a></span> 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 ‘<em>Blackamoors’ teeth</em>,’ 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The oriental practice of dying the hands and -feet red, by means of the <em>hinna</em>, 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 <em>missy</em> -of Hindustan, in order to make their teeth <em>appear -to advantage!</em> Although the men are extremely -jealous, the women of the lower class are -<span class='pageno' id='Page_119'>119</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_120'>120</span>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.’</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_121'>121</span>great expence to which Europeans, engaged in -that pursuit, put themselves, without becoming -more certain of success.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_122'>122</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_123'>123</span>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!</p> - -<p class='c008'>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!</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_124'>124</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Dr. Duncan states, that, ‘<em>ammonia</em> 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. <em>Ammonia</em> 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!</p> - -<p class='c008'>After quitting Johanna, which is the only -<span class='pageno' id='Page_125'>125</span>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>i.e.</i> 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_126'>126</span>Tranquebar, being most prevalent to the southward -of the Line, where the south-west trade -wind prevails at all times.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_127'>127</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_128'>128</span>which seldom fail to take advantage of -these localities, whenever the season may allow -them to visit our shores.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_129'>129</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_130'>130</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_131'>131</span>it contains, high (but not <em>dry</em>,) upon the beach, -where it is soon run up out of the water’s way.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_132'>132</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_133'>133</span>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!</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_134'>134</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_135'>135</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_136'>136</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_137'>137</span>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!</p> - -<p class='c008'>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?</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_138'>138</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_139'>139</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>It being indispensable that every person should -be conversant with the several coins, or currency, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_140'>140</span>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 ‘<span class='sc'>East India Directory</span>’ will be found -to contain whatever may relate to this subject, -including the three presidencies.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_141'>141</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_142'>142</span>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 <span lang="la" xml:lang="la"><em>ne plus ultra</em></span>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_143'>143</span>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 <em>maroons</em>, (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, <span lang="la" xml:lang="la"><em>ipso facto</em></span>, -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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_144'>144</span>country-beer, until they had seen their charges -moored in safety. That being done—good bye -to forbearance!</p> - -<p class='c008'>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!</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_145'>145</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>chokey-boats</em>, 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_146'>146</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_147'>147</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_148'>148</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_149'>149</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_150'>150</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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!</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_151'>151</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_152'>152</span>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_153'>153</span>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 <em>trifles</em> to -be objectionable, it might be somewhat difficult -to get a dinner dressed.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_154'>154</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>It is proper to caution against eating much -fruit, though it may be perfectly ripe: unseasonable -<span class='pageno' id='Page_155'>155</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_156'>156</span>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 <em>larvæ</em>, (as we must, -for want of knowing better, call them,) be unable -to subsist.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>shroff’s</em>, or -native bankers, who can acquire them only from -such persons as import with the Indiamen, and -are rarely acquainted with their real value.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_157'>157</span>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 <em>shroffs</em>, <em>sircars</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>shroffs</em>, 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!</p> - -<p class='c008'>The following varieties regarding the <em>guz</em> should -be understood; they being what formerly were -in use, and upon which many details of ancient -occurrences and measurements depend.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_158'>158</span>The <em>guz-soudah</em>, 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 <em>guz-me-sahet</em> -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 <em>guz</em> of forty-six fingers to be used for -cloth only, and one measuring forty-two <em>isecunderees</em>, -(small coins of base silver,) to be used for -other purposes. This is called the <em>secundry-guz</em>. -A <em>coss</em> 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 <em>puckah</em>, or long -coss; in others, by the <em>ghow-coss</em>, which alludes -to that distance the lowing of cattle may -be heard: this is also called the <em>cutcha-coss</em>; -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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_159'>159</span>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_160'>160</span>determined that measurement by ‘plucking a -green leaf, and bearing it on their heads until it -became dry!’</p> - -<p class='c008'>The most rational, and simple mode of adjustment, -appears to be that ordered by Sheer Khan, -viz. sixty <em>jereebs</em> of sixty <em>guz</em> 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 <em>ilahi-guz</em>; four -hundred bamboos being accounted a coss; -which, as already specified, amounted to two -miles and five furlongs.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The land-measure in use among the Europeans -of Calcutta, is thus arranged.</p> - -<table class='table0' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='71%' /> -<col width='28%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='c023'>20 feet by 20, equal to 400 square feet make</td> - <td class='c022'>1 <em>cottah</em>,</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c023'>20 cottahs</td> - <td class='c022'>1 <em>beegah</em> or <em>bigah</em></td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class='c008'>The natives are more particular in their divisions -of the beegah, they average its parts in the -following manner.</p> - -<table class='table0' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='61%' /> -<col width='7%' /> -<col width='30%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='c023'>30 square feet</td> - <td class='c020'>make</td> - <td class='c022'>1 <em>chattack</em>,</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c023'>16 chattacks</td> - <td class='c020'> </td> - <td class='c022'>1 <em>cottah</em> or <em>biswah</em>,</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c023' colspan='2'>20 cottahs, or biswahs, (<i>i.e.</i> twentieths)</td> - <td class='c022'>1 <em>beegah</em> or <em>bigah</em>.</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class='c008'>Among the peasantry, other beegahs are in use, -viz. one which has an area of 3600 <em>ilahi-guz</em>, -equal to 3025 square yards; but, in general, -the <em>dessy-bigah</em> of only 1600 square yards, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_161'>161</span>prevails. This <em>ilahi-guz</em> is divided into twenty-four -tesuj, each of which, in the long <em>guz</em> -should be equal to the breadth of eight ordinary -barley corns; but in the short <em>guz</em>, only -of six. The former was used in great works; -the latter in small ones, such as manufactures, -&c.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_162'>162</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_163'>163</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_164'>164</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>sircars</em>, 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 <em>salaam</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_165'>165</span>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 <em>sircar</em> 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_166'>166</span>will be no want of attention to immediate accommodation.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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!</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_167'>167</span>(<i>i.e.</i> 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Those servants who usually ply at the wharfs, -and endeavor to obtain employment, either -among the officers of ships, or among persons -<span class='pageno' id='Page_168'>168</span>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 <em>Ramzaun</em>,) -the name of <em>Ramzauny</em>: meaning ‘born -during the <em>Ramzaun</em>.’ 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 <em>Rum-Johnnies</em>.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<em>Rum-Johnnies</em> carry on their manœuvres: they -never fail to have a third person in the way, who -<span class='pageno' id='Page_169'>169</span>is to disappear with the purloined articles, and -to bear all the blame; while the principal affects -great resentment at the <a id='corr168.3'></a><span class='htmlonly'><ins class='correction' title='villian’s'>villain’s</ins></span><span class='epubonly'><a href='#c_168.3'><ins class='correction' title='villian’s'>villain’s</ins></a></span> 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 <em>Rum-Johnny’s</em> 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 <a id='corr168.15'></a><span class='htmlonly'><ins class='correction' title='perjudice'>prejudice</ins></span><span class='epubonly'><a href='#c_168.15'><ins class='correction' title='perjudice'>prejudice</ins></a></span>. -By this means, he sinks deeper into the mire, and -renders it dangerous for his well-wisher to attempt -his extrication.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>khedmutgar</em>, (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 <em>Rum-Johnny</em> -who had been discharged from my service, in -which he held the office of <em>mosaulchy</em>, (or link-boy,) -for theft. I found out, that he had been -employed in the barracks at Fort-William, where -<span class='pageno' id='Page_170'>170</span>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!</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_171'>171</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_172'>172</span>his admission into the Cadet Corps, at Baraset, -about sixteen miles from Calcutta.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_173'>173</span>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 <em>sircar</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>sircar</em> was every -thing. The consequences were, invariably, that -he was rich, and master ever in distress!</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_174'>174</span>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.</p> - -<table class='table0' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='88%' /> -<col width='11%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='c019'> </td> - <td class='c025'><span class='small'>Rupees.</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'>One dozen of chairs; say at four rupees each</td> - <td class='c022'>48</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'>One dining table for six, say</td> - <td class='c022'>25</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'>Two tepoys (tripods) 3½ each</td> - <td class='c022'>7</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'>One writing-table, with drawers</td> - <td class='c022'>25</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'>One bedstead of 6 feet 4 in. by 4 feet 6 in.</td> - <td class='c022'>30</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'>Curtains to ditto; those for the exterior of chintz</td> - <td class='c022'>20</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'>Inside ditto, of gauze, to keep out musquitoes</td> - <td class='c022'>10</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'>Bookcase upon chest of drawers</td> - <td class='c022'>100</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'>China and glass-ware, say</td> - <td class='c022'>100</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'>Shades to put over candles, one pair, say</td> - <td class='c022'>40</td> - </tr> - <tr><td class='c024' colspan='2'>(Those with wooden pedestals to be preferred.)</td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'>A chillumchee (or metal bason) for washing hands, with its tripod, &c.</td> - <td class='c022'>25</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'>A palanquin and bedding</td> - <td class='c022'>100</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'>Table cloths and towels</td> - <td class='c022'>50</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'>One large, and one small, satringe (cotton carpet) 25 and 10</td> - <td class='c022'>35</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'>Various culinary articles, say</td> - <td class='c022'>40</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'>A variety of small articles in cutlery, &c. say</td> - <td class='c022'>45</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'> </td> - <td class='c022'>———</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c021'>Making in all, on a rough estimate</td> - <td class='c022'>700</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'> </td> - <td class='c022'>———</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_175'>175</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_176'>176</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_177'>177</span>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 <em>Moors’</em>,) 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_178'>178</span>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.’</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_179'>179</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>In this way he added <a id='corr178.19'></a><span class='htmlonly'><ins class='correction' title='sic: five hundred words?'>five words</ins></span><span class='epubonly'><a href='#c_178.19'><ins class='correction' title='sic: five hundred words?'>five words</ins></a></span> 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.’</p> - -<p class='c008'>This is an arithmetical demonstration of the -powers annexed to persevering regularity, and -ought to induce every youth, for that is the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_180'>180</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><em>debutants</em></span> 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_181'>181</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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!</p> - -<p class='c008'>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. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_182'>182</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<em>casts</em>, which render the occupations of all perfectly -distinct, a necessity exists for hiring such -of each <em>cast</em> 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_183'>183</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>casts</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_184'>184</span>against the doctrines of their religion, as absolutely -to eat of <em>ham</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>So strict are all the <em>casts</em>, 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 <em>cast</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>So extremely scrupulous are the natives, in -<span class='pageno' id='Page_185'>185</span>respect to the preparation of their victuals, and -to their consumption, that, if any person not of -the very same <em>cast</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_186'>186</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>nokeron</em>, (plural of <em>noker</em>,) 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.</p> - - <ul class='ul_1'> - <li><span class='pageno' id='Page_187'>187</span>The <em>Banian</em>, or money agent. - </li> - <li>The <em>Darogah</em>, or <em>Gomastah</em>, or factor, or superintendant. - </li> - <li>The <em>Moonshy</em>, or linguist. - </li> - <li>The <em>Jemmadar</em>, or chief of the retinue. - </li> - <li>The <em>Chobe-dar</em>, or silver-pole bearer. - </li> - <li>The <em>Soontah-burdar</em>, or silver-baton bearer. - </li> - <li>The <em>Kansamah</em>, or chief table-attendant. - </li> - <li>The <em>Sircar</em>, or immediate agent for receipts and payments, and cash keeper. - </li> - <li>The <em>Cranny</em>, or clerk, or writer in the office. - </li> - </ul> - -<p class='c008'>The second class comprises the <em>Chaukeron</em>, (plural of <em>Chauker</em>).</p> - - <ul class='ul_1'> - <li>The <em>Khedmutgar</em>, or table-attendant. - </li> - <li>The <em>Mosaulchy</em>, or flambeau bearer. - </li> - <li>The <em>Hookah-burdar</em>, or preparer of the <em>hookah</em>, (pipe). - </li> - <li>The <em>Bheesty</em>, or water carrier. - </li> - <li>The <em>Babachy</em>, or cook. - </li> - <li>The <em>Durzy</em>, or tailor. - </li> - <li>The <em>Doby</em>, or washerman. - </li> - <li>The <em>Mohote</em> or <em>Mohout</em>, or elephant driver, who has always one or - more <em>Coolies</em>, called <em>mates</em>, to assist. - </li> - <li>The <em>Surwan</em>, or camel driver. - </li> - <li>The <em>Syce</em>, or groom. - </li> - <li>The <em>Gaus-kot</em>, or grass cutter, dependant on the former. - </li> - <li><span class='pageno' id='Page_188'>188</span>The <em>Chaubuck-asswar</em>, or horse breaker. - </li> - <li>The <em>Mauly</em>, or gardener. - </li> - <li>The <em>Aub-dar</em>, or water cooler. - </li> - <li>The <em>Compadore</em>, or purveyor, under the <em>kansamah</em>. - </li> - <li>The <em>Hirkarah</em>, or messenger. - </li> - <li>The <em>Piada</em>, (or <em>Peon</em>,) nearly the same as the <em>hirkarah</em>. - </li> - <li>The <em>Hajaam</em>, or <em>Nye</em>, or <em>Nappy</em>, <i>i.e.</i> barber. - </li> - <li>The <em>Duftoree</em>, or office-keeper. - </li> - <li>The <em>Fraush</em>, or furniture keeper. - </li> - <li>The <em>Mater</em>, or sweeper; a female for the same duties being termed - <em>matranny</em>. - </li> - <li>The <em>Dooreah</em>, or dog keeper. - </li> - <li>The <em>Kalashy</em>, or camp-equipage keeper. - </li> - <li>The <em>Berriarah</em>, or shepherd. - </li> - <li>The <em>Chokeydar</em>, or watchman. - </li> - <li>The <em>Durwan</em>, or gate-keeper, or porter. - </li> - <li>The <em>Cahar</em>, or palanquin bearer. - </li> - <li>The <em>Coachman</em>, or postilion. - </li> - <li>The <em>Ayah</em>, a female attendant in charge of children. - </li> - <li>The <em>Dhye</em>, a ditto attendant on a lady. - </li> - </ul> - -<p class='c008'>Such is the superiority claimed by the <em>nokers</em>, -that, to ask one of them ‘whose <em>chauker</em> 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; -<span class='pageno' id='Page_189'>189</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The <em>Banians</em> 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 <em>banians</em>, 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 -<em>banian</em> became the principal, and the donor -either received a share, or derived advantage from -<span class='pageno' id='Page_190'>190</span>loans, &c. answering his purpose equally -well. The same person frequently was <em>banian</em> -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 <em>banians</em> of Calcutta -invariably held, and do yet hold, after the -active business of the day has been adjusted.</p> - -<p class='c008'>It cannot, however, be denied, that many -speculations have been carried on by the aid of -<em>banians</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>A <em>banian</em> invariably rides in his palanquin, -attended by several underling <em>sircars</em>, <em>hirkarahs</em>, -&c. He, to a certain degree, rules the office, -entering it generally with little ceremony, making -<span class='pageno' id='Page_191'>191</span>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 -<em>banians</em> 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 <em>banians</em> 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, -<em>banians</em> are become obsolete.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_192'>192</span>there is little occasion for <em>banians</em>; 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>I shall only add, that this description of persons -may be classed with the superior <em>debashes</em> -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 -<em>banians</em>, who attach themselves to the captains -of European ships, may, without the least hazard -of controversion, be considered as nothing -more or less than <em>Rum-Johnnies</em> ‘of a larger -growth.’ Some of these gentry usurp the designation -of <em>dewan</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The <em>Darogah</em>, or <em>Gomastah</em>, 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. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_193'>193</span>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 <em>sircars</em>, who assume -the title of <em>darogah</em> 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 <em>darogahs</em>, or, I may rather -say, the <em>sircars</em>, frequently call themselves <em>naibs</em>, -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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The <em>Moonshy</em>, 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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_194'>194</span>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 <em>moonshies</em> are Mussulmans) constitute the acquirements -of this very haughty class of servants. -A <em>moonshy</em> 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 <em>moonshy’s</em> authority, and -crouch before him in the most submissive manner.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The <em>banian</em> 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 <em>darogah</em> -is sometimes paid by centage on the quantity of -goods he transmits, or on the amount of his -account; but the <em>moonshy</em> 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_195'>195</span>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!</p> - -<p class='c008'>The private habits of <em>moonshies</em>, 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!</p> - -<p class='c008'>The <em>Jemmadar</em> is considered the most confidential, -and important, of all that class of servants -forming the retinue of a person of distinction. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_196'>196</span>The despatches, and consultations of -the various members of the council, are usually -conveyed by, or presented to, the several <em>jemmadars</em>, -in small boxes, of which each member -has a key. Some <em>jemmadars</em> 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 <em>moonshy</em> 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 <em>cummer-bund</em>, or -waist-cloth: whereas the <em>moonshy</em> never wears -any weapon whatever.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The <em>Chobe-dar</em>, 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 <em>chobe</em>,) 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_197'>197</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The <em>chobe-dar</em> 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 <em>chobe</em> 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 <em>chobe-dars</em> 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 <em>jemmadar</em>, at the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_198'>198</span>sides, so as to receive orders without being called. -They likewise carry messages, or notes, -on formal occasions; especially to superiors.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<em>jemmadar</em>, is held to be more ceremonious, -than one by a <em>chobe-dar</em>; by a <em>chobe-dar</em> more -respectful than by a <em>soontah-burdar</em>; and by a -<em>soontah-burdar</em> than by a <em>peon</em>, or <em>hirkarah</em>. So -well is this understood, that, the precursors of a -great man always arrange themselves according -to the above rules; the <em>hirkarahs</em> and <em>peons</em> are -the foremost; next to them the <em>soontah-burdars</em>; -then the <em>chobe-dars</em>; and, lastly, the <em>jemmadar</em>; -the latter running at the side of the palanquin, -but being replaced during occasional absence by -a <em>chobe-dar</em>; 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The dresses of the <em>jemmadar</em>, and of the -<em>chobe-dars</em>, may be considered the same; there -<span class='pageno' id='Page_199'>199</span>being no characteristic difference, though the -former usually make their <em>jammas</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The <em>Soontah-burdar</em> 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 <em>chobe</em>, 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 <em>chobes</em> are, require no ferules; the crooked -end of the <em>soontah</em> being carried over the -shoulder.</p> - -<p class='c008'><em>Soontah-burdars</em> are frequently employed by -persons in a second or third rate of office, or of -opulence, where no <em>jemmadar</em>, nor <em>chobe-dar</em>, 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 <span lang="la" xml:lang="la"><em>locum tenens</em></span>. The pay -<span class='pageno' id='Page_200'>200</span>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 -<em>jamma</em>, reaching only to the knees, or but little -below them, and there being less objection to -wear colored turbans, &c.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The <em>Kansamah</em> 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 <em>jemmadar</em>, or the -<em>chobe-dar</em>. 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 <em>kansamahs</em> who are -considered clever in their business, to climb up -the ladder of menial rank, and ultimately to reach -<span class='pageno' id='Page_201'>201</span>this station; which is the <span lang="la" xml:lang="la"><em>ne plus ultra</em></span> 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 <em>kansamahs</em> 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 <em>a -hundred rupees</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The <em>Sircar</em> 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 <em>debashes</em>: -<span class='pageno' id='Page_202'>202</span>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 <em>peons</em> and -<em>hirkarahs</em> rise to be <em>chobe-dars</em>, and <em>jemmadars</em>; -and as <em>khedmutgars</em> succeed to the appointment -of <em>kansamahs</em>; so may <em>sircars</em> in time become -<em>banians</em>, <em>dewans</em>, <em>darogahs</em>, <em>gomastahs</em>, &c. -Many of them even set up as <em>shroffs</em>, or bankers, -and establish such an extent of credit as would -astonish the inhabitants of Lombard Street. -There are <em>sircars</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Nothing can perhaps be more forcible in exposing -the characteristic traits of <em>sircars</em>, than -the fact of their ordinarily tendering their services -to young men, under the declaration that <em>they -seek for no pay</em>; nor for remuneration in any form, -beyond the <em>pleasure</em> 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 <em>podar</em>; who, having confined -his pursuits to the acquirement of a most accurate -<span class='pageno' id='Page_203'>203</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Many of the <em>sircars</em>, especially of late years, -unite the office of <em>podar</em> 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 <em>less</em> rate, if to a native colleague; but, if -to an European, then at a <em>higher</em> value; the -<em>sircars</em> 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?’</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_204'>204</span>This query should appear sufficient to stagger -any person to whom it might be put; but to a -<em>sircar</em> would not prove in the smallest degree -difficult of solution. He immediately tells -master, that the <em>batta</em>, <i>i.e.</i> 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 <em>shroffs</em>, 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 <em>pice</em> to a <em>rupee</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The number of <em>pice</em> in a <em>rupee</em> constitutes its -<span class='pageno' id='Page_205'>205</span>value; as the number of rupees and <em>annas</em> do -that of a <em>gold mohur</em>; which, if <em>sicca</em>, 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 <em>shroffs</em> and <em>sircars</em> 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! <em>Sircars</em> 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 <em>Argus</em> race.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Besides the advantages thus made, the <em>sircars</em> -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 <em>dustooree</em>, or customary -<span class='pageno' id='Page_206'>206</span>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 <em>sircar</em> claim the above -gratuity, when paying their wages!</p> - -<p class='c008'>Military persons have little occasion for such -servants; therefore, unless in eligible circumstances, -and of a very liberal disposition, a <em>sircar</em> -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 <em>banian</em>, <em>naib</em>, -<em>dewan</em>; of course, ascending to the very acmé -of prosperity. Those <em>sircars</em> 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 <em>darogahs</em> -and <em>gomastahs</em>. In such establishments -they are, for the major part, relatives to the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_207'>207</span><em>banian</em>, 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 <em>banian</em>, sometimes -receive from fifteen to thirty.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The dress of <em>sircars</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>For the convenience of keeping accounts, and -of making payments, one <em>sircar</em> is allowed by the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_208'>208</span>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 <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><em>en passant</em></span>. 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 <em>sircar</em> 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_209'>209</span>pocket, by means of extortion and fraudulent -accounts.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>Podar</em>; 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 <em>podar</em>, who counts by fours, -(<i>i.e.</i> <em>gundahs</em>,) 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>i.e.</i> 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 <em>sircar</em> will -take charge of money when his employer keeps -the key: nor is it, on the other hand, customary -for the <em>sircar</em> to have the entire charge. So -many tricks have been played by changing the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_210'>210</span>coin, that it is now a general rule for every -treasure-chest to have two large padlocks, of -different construction; the <em>sircar</em>, or <em>tusseel-dar</em> -(<em>cash keeper</em>,) receiving one key, and the master -retaining the other. This prevents aggression -on either part, but is by no means pleasing to -the <em>banians</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The <em>Cranny</em>, 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_211'>211</span>produce the most correct calculations. The -rates of wages are different according to the -abilities of individuals; thus, a clever <em>cranny</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>cranny</em> to his master, in consequence of an -exterior window shutter having been blown -down by a severe north-wester.</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘Honorable Sir,</p> - -<p class='c009'>‘Yesterday vesper arrive great hurricane; -valve of little aperture not fasten; first -make great trepidation and palpitation, then -<span class='pageno' id='Page_212'>212</span>precipitate into precinct. God grant master -more long life, and more great post.</p> - -<div class='c010'>I remain,</div> -<div class='c026'>Honorable Sir,</div> -<div class='c012'>in all token of respect,</div> -<div class='c027'>Master’s writer,</div> -<div class='c028'><span class='fss'>BISSONAUT METRE</span>.’</div> - -<p class='c008'>‘P.S. No tranquillity in house since valve adjourn.—I -send for carpenter to make re-unite.’</p> - -<p class='c029'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The dress of a Bengallee <em>cranny</em> is exactly the -same as that of the <em>sircar</em>, of which tribe he -may be considered a relative. The Portugueze -<em>cranny</em>, 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. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_213'>213</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Having disposed of those who pride themselves -as appertaining to the <em>nokeron</em>, it remains -to detail the services, &c. of such as come -under the general designation of <em>chaukeron</em>.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The <em>Khedmutgar</em>, or, as he is often termed, the -<em>kismutgar</em>, 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 <em>kansamah</em>, -he officiates, making the tea, coffee, chocolate, -cocoa, or whatever is ordered. Where there is -<span class='pageno' id='Page_214'>214</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Every gentleman must have one <em>khedmutgar</em>; -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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_215'>215</span>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 -<em>khedmutgars</em>, who accompanies the <em>aub-dar</em>; the -latter causing a bearer with a <em>bangy</em>, or sling, to -carry the apparatus for cooling water.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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!</p> - -<p class='c008'>When seated at table, the <em>khedmutgar</em> 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 <em>chowry</em>, made of -the hair from a wild ox’s tail, or of a peacocks’ -feathers, or of the roots of grass, called <em>cuss-cuss</em>, -&c. often, however, these offices are left -to a bearer, who likewise stands, behind his -master’s chair, for that purpose. After dinner -the <em>khedmutgars</em> retire to their own homes, -and, about sun-set, attend their respective masters, -if they have remained; but should they -<span class='pageno' id='Page_216'>216</span>sup where they dined, as is customary where -suppers are laid, the attendance is repeated, the -same as at dinner time; after which the <em>khedmutgars</em> -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 <em>khedmutgar</em> is ever expected to officiate as -<em>kansamah</em>: such is, indeed, the case with the -families of single gentlemen, not in possession -of large receipts; but the officiating <em>khedmutgar</em> -is honored, almost invariably, by all the other -servants, with the title of <em>khansamah</em>.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_217'>217</span>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!</p> - -<p class='c008'><em>Khedmutgars</em> are, with few exceptions, the -sons of <em>ayahs</em>, <em>dhyes</em>, &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. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_218'>218</span>When we consider the various opportunities -both for peculation, and for intrigue, -possessed by <em>khedmutgars</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The dresses of <em>khedmutgars</em> 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 <em>turbans</em> and -<em>cummer-bunds</em> (<i>i.e.</i> 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 <em>coortah</em>, 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 <em>gool-budden</em>, 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 <em>haram</em>; probably to -that of the fop’s own master.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_219'>219</span>The office of <em>Mosaulchy</em>, 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 <em>mosaulchy</em>, he may acquire much -experience relating to the duties of a <em>khedmutgar</em>: -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 -<em>mosaulchy</em> performs the <em>khedmutgar’s</em> duties, -bearers are rarely kept. Few <em>mosaulchies</em> 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 <em>mosaul</em>, (or flambeau,) and supplying -ends of wax candles, or whole ones of tallow, -for that purpose. Many of this description of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_220'>220</span>servants begin as <em>coolies</em>, 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 <em>goorgahs</em>, 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 <em>mosaul</em>, 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 <em>tale daunny</em> (<i>i.e.</i> oil-pot,) which may -hold nearly a quart.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The dress of a <em>mosaulchy</em> consists of a turban, -generally colored; a short pair of drawers, reaching -<span class='pageno' id='Page_221'>221</span>half way down the thigh, nearly the same as -the <em>jangheeahs</em> 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 <em>khedmutgar</em>, so far as -his pocket may allow. Persons of distinction, -among both Europeans and natives, cause their -<em>mosaulchies</em> 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 -<em>mosaul</em> 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 <em>mosauls</em>, or lanterns, -are also carried near the palanquin, to -prevent the bearers from stumbling.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The next upon our list is the <em>Hookah-burdar</em>, -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 <em>hookahs</em> not arriving in time -<span class='pageno' id='Page_222'>222</span>particularly when on a march: at such moments, -nothing goes right: <em>hookah! hookah! hookah!</em> -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 <em>hookah-burdars</em> -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 <em>hookah-burdar</em>. 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_223'>223</span>at that moderate expence usually incurred -by persons contenting themselves with mediocrity.</p> - -<p class='c008'>In some instances, the whole expence lies -with the <em>hookah-burdar</em>, who receives such a -sum as may, besides his wages, include tobacco, -<em>gools</em>, (or fire-balls,) and <em>chillums</em>, (or sockets for -receiving the <em>towah</em>, or tile,) on which the prepared -tobacco is applied. Some even provide -the <em>snakes</em>, or pliable conductors.</p> - -<p class='c008'>With respect to the tobacco used for smoking, -‘<span lang="la" xml:lang="la"><em>tot homines, tot sententiæ</em></span>;’ 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 <em>Bundelcund</em> 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_224'>224</span>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 <em>Cuggareah</em>, -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!</p> - -<p class='c008'>The usual mode of preparing tobacco for the -<em>hookah</em>, 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 -<em>snake</em>, at the moment the <em>hookah</em> is introduced: -in either case, the fragrance of the tobacco is -effectually superceded; giving ample scope for -the <em>hookah-burdar</em> to serve up rank <em>mundungus</em>, -(as bad tobacco is termed,) in lieu of the supposed, -or perhaps the real, <em>Bilsah</em>.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The <em>hookah-burdar</em> rarely fails to smoke of -the best his master may at any time possess; -<span class='pageno' id='Page_225'>225</span>which, however highly perfumed, will rarely be -strong enough for his gratification: the deficiency -is supplied by the admixture of <em>bang</em>; a -preparation from the leaves of the <em>ganjah</em>, or -hemp, (the <em>cannabis sativus</em>,) 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 <em>subzy</em>, -(<i>i.e.</i> green,) which is a constant beverage among -the more established sinners, who rarely fail, -towards nightfall, to take an ample dose, of -either <em>bang</em>, <em>subzy</em>, or <em>majoom</em>: the latter being -sweetmeats impregnated with a decoction of the -<em>ganjah</em>, or hemp plant, much used by all debauchees, -and too often admitted within the -sacred area of the <em>zenanah</em>, (or haram). The use -of any preparation of the <em>ganjah</em>, 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 <em>hookah-burdars</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>A very common species of debauchery, in -<span class='pageno' id='Page_226'>226</span>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 <em>towah</em>; 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 <em>goorgoory</em> (a small kind of <em>hookah</em> 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 -<em>gools</em>, 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_227'>227</span>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 <span lang="la" xml:lang="la"><em>quietus</em></span>, without the possibility -of a discovery. In such case, the <em>hookah-burdar</em> -would have all the advantages of an -inimical cook, without the danger of his narcotic -being detected.</p> - -<p class='c008'>However complicated the <em>hookah</em> 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 <em>kaleaun</em>, or -small kind of <em>hookah</em>, used on the west coast of -India, is certainly commodious: it has a larger -bottom, in general, than the Bengal <em>hookah</em>; -though I have seen some very small, with beautiful -imitations of flowers, and of coral, shells, -&c. within them.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Some of the real Persian <em>kaleauns</em> exhibit considerable -ingenuity, and taste, on the part of -their manufacturers. In the centre of the interior, -bunches of flowers, beautifully colored, far -<span class='pageno' id='Page_228'>228</span>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 <em>kaleaun</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The <em>goorgoory</em> is a very small kind of <em>hookah</em>, -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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_229'>229</span>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 <em>harams</em>.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The <em>neriaul</em> 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 <em>hookahs</em>, (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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The dress of a <em>hookah-burdar</em>, in the service -of a gentleman of rank, approaches nearly to -that of a <em>chobe-dar</em>; a <em>jamma</em> being generally -worn by such, but, in more humble situations, -the <em>courtah</em> of a <em>khedmutgar</em> is common. In the -former situation, his office is confined entirely -<span class='pageno' id='Page_230'>230</span>to the <em>hookah</em>; 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 <em>hookah-burdar</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>Puckaully</em>; but if he carries the water -himself, in the skin of a goat, prepared for that -purpose, he then receives the designation of -<em>Bheesty</em>. The bags for a <em>puckaully</em> 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; -<span class='pageno' id='Page_231'>231</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Every <em>puckaully</em> carries also a small bag, that -he may serve as an ordinary ‘<em>hand-bheesty</em>’, -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 <em>baubool</em>, -(mimosa), <em>khut</em>, (catechu,) and alum.</p> - -<p class='c008'><em>Bheesties</em> 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 <em>mussock</em>, (or <em>bheesty-bag</em>); -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 <em>bheesty’s</em> supply. -Dust, heat, and fatigue, however, rarely -fail, after a while, to overcome such ill-timed -fastidiousness. The <em>puckaullies</em>, or, as they are -<span class='pageno' id='Page_232'>232</span>usually called, the <em>bullock-bheesties</em>, replenish -their bags by driving their cattle into some <em>tank</em>, -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 <em>hand-bheesty</em> usually sinks his bag under -water, when it soon fills. When drawing water -from the wells, the leather bucket, called a <em>dole</em>, -is used by both the <em>puckaully</em> and the <em>hand-bheesty</em>.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The constant application of a wet skin to the -cloaths on the hip, necessarily disposes them to -rot: on this account, most <em>bheesties</em> provide -themselves with a piece of cloth, called <em>karwah</em>, -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 <em>hand-bheesty</em>, may be from four -to five rupees, according to the agreement, -whether he is to furnish his own <em>mussock</em>, &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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_233'>233</span>the <em>tatties</em>, (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 <em>bheesty</em> must begin -to fill the several tubs, or immense <em>nauds</em>, (pans) -of earthen-ware, placed near the house; this -being done, he brings the <em>tatties</em>, 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 <em>bheesties</em> 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 -<em>tatties</em> up for a full week, or more; and demanding -additional <em>bheesties</em>, who performed the night -duty.</p> - -<p class='c008'>All the houses in India are tarrased, not only -on the basements, but on every floor; therefore, -previous to sweeping, the <em>bheesty</em> sprinkles the -tarras slightly; thereby preventing the dust -from rising when the sweeper performs his part. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_234'>234</span>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 <em>bheesties</em>, who carry a small quantity of water -in their <em>mussocks</em>; therewith sprinkling the <em>tatties</em> -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 <em>bheesties</em> with them, have their <em>gutta-topes</em>, -(or palanquin covers,) which are ordinarily -made of the <em>karwah</em> before described, well -soaked in water before they set out: this, -though not so effectual as the foregoing mode, -is no bad substitute.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Water, when dashed out from the end of -a <em>mussock</em>, or <em>bheesty-bag</em>, 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 <em>mussock</em>, -by means of the leather throng always attached -to that part, divides the water more minutely, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_235'>235</span>and checks its too abundant supply; at the same -time that it causes the distribution to be more -general and equal.</p> - -<p class='c008'><em>Tatties</em> 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 <em>kuss-kuss</em>, -and the general price may be about four rupees -per maund, (of 82 lb).</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<em>kuss-kuss</em> 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 <em>tatty</em>. The great art is -to make the <em>tatty</em> 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_236'>236</span>experiment, that a maund of <em>kuss-kuss</em>, applied -so as to cover about a hundred square feet, answered -extremely well. But it is best to have -one or two <em>tatties</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>In the western provinces, and other parts of -India, <em>tatties</em> 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, <em>jewassah</em>; 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 <em>jewassah</em> 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 <em>kuss-kuss</em>, -which, when fresh, is rather fragrant, though the -scent is somewhat terraceous, is usually preferred -in making those <em>tatties</em> which roll up, so as -to be particularly applicable to palanquins, and -are called <em>cheeks</em>; wherein nothing but <em>kuss-kuss</em> is -<span class='pageno' id='Page_237'>237</span>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: -<em>kuss-kuss</em> will keep for years.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Very few <em>puckaullies</em>, or <em>bullock-bheesties</em>, 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 <em>tatties</em> -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 <em>hand-bheesty</em>; where -he supplies the whole, his pay is from ten to -twelve rupees per month.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The <em>Babachy</em>, 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_238'>238</span>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 <em>choolahs</em>, or fire places, by placing -three lumps of earth, kneaded into a stiff paste, -for each <em>choolah</em>, 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 <em>dogs</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_239'>239</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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, <em>cleanly</em>, and -cheap dripping-ladle, answers admirably; it being -in the power of the <em>babachy</em> 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 <a id='corr233.25'></a><span class='htmlonly'><ins class='correction' title='he'>the</ins></span><span class='epubonly'><a href='#c_233.25'><ins class='correction' title='he'>the</ins></a></span> -soup is well flavored, very few exceptions are -made.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Notwithstanding such <em>unpicturesque</em> operations, -the dinner, when brought to table, looks -well, and tastes well: appetite, at that time, -supersedes daintiness, and prevents the imagination -<span class='pageno' id='Page_240'>240</span>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 <em>balachy’s</em> 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 <em>konauts</em>, -(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 <em>b’hoot</em>, or whirlwind, comes -suddenly, and not only be-grits the whole of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_241'>241</span>the cookery, but whisks away the fences, embers, -&c. in an instant!</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>babachy</em> to apply two wet rags, wherewith -to put the vessel off, and on, the <em>choolah</em>. 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 <em>kully-ghur</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>It cannot require pointing out, that the above -mode is retained in vogue entirely by the cheapness, -and expedition, with which it is done; -<span class='pageno' id='Page_242'>242</span>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 <em>babachies</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The <em>babachy</em> has nothing characteristic in his -apparel; he is generally more of a sloven than -of a beau, and may often be mistaken for a <em>mosaulchy</em>. -In some families, <em>mates</em>, 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_243'>243</span>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 -<em>kansamahs</em>, and <em>hookah-burdars</em>, 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 <em>babachy</em>.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The <em>Durzy</em>, 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 <em>zenanah</em>, 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 <em>durzy</em> 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_244'>244</span>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 <em>durzy</em> finding his own needles and threads. -<em>Durzies</em> capable of making gowns, &c. for European -ladies, being scarce, and, as I have said in -speaking of <em>kansamahs</em>, much in request, double -the latter sum may always be earned by one of -moderate skill in that branch. The inferior class -of <em>durzies</em>, called <em>keemah-dozes</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The various pretexts under which the <em>durzy</em> -obtains admission into the <em>zenanah</em>, 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 <em>durzy</em> is -the first object of jealousy; when it generally -turns out, that, if not the principal, he is accessary, -as a go-between.</p> - -<p class='c008'>As a tailor is immediately distinguished -among us, so is the <em>durzy</em> in India instantly ascertained -by his gait. Some are personable -men, but speedily become emaciated by debauchery; -in which their liberal wages enable -<span class='pageno' id='Page_245'>245</span>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 <em>durzy</em> much resembles that of a -<em>khedmutgar</em>; 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The <em>Doby</em>, 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 -<em>zenanah</em> apparel is given to him to wash, and to -iron. Sometimes, however, the latter operation -is performed by an <em>Istree-wallah</em>, 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 <em>doby</em> 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_246'>246</span>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 <em>doby</em> -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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The usual process of washing in India, is, first -to boil all the cloaths in a large earthen <em>naud</em>, -mixing plenty of soap, or ley, or sudjee, (fossile -alkali,) or wood-ashes, with the water. This -operation is called the <em>butteah</em>; 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 <em>doby</em> stands immersed -up to his knees. After dashing each -<span class='pageno' id='Page_247'>247</span>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 <em>doby</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Every <em>doby</em> 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 -<em>doby’s</em> wife, (called the <em>dobin</em>,) 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 <em>comars</em>, 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_248'>248</span>termed, ’<em>dobies’s palfreys</em>.’ The dress of the -<em>doby</em> is generally very plain, consisting of a turban, -a <em>dotee</em>, (or waist-cloth,) and a <em>chudder</em>, (or -sheet,) worn loosely over the body in cold weather. -When <em>dobies</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'><em>Dobies</em> 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 <em>cast</em>, (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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>When on a march, the <em>doby</em> 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_249'>249</span>seldom to be seen half the size of the common -breed we have in England.</p> - -<p class='c008'>A <em>Mohout</em> 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 <em>mohout</em> 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 <em>mate</em>, or -deputy, who is often nothing more than a <em>cooly</em>, -or common laborer, employed for this especial -business, but who ultimately succeeds to the -charge of an elephant. <em>Mohouts</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The duty of a <em>mohout</em>, when actively employed, -is to sit upon the neck of his elephant, -bare-footed, and furnished with an instrument, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_250'>250</span>called a <em>haunkus</em>, (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 <em>haunkus</em> 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 <em>mohout</em> -from falling over to the right or left, on any sudden -motion, as well as to retain his feet in their -due direction.</p> - -<p class='c008'>When the elephant is to be urged forward, -the point of the <em>haunkus</em> is pressed into the back -of his head, while the <em>mohout’s</em> toes press under -both the animal’s ears: when it is to be stopped, -the <em>mohout</em> 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 <em>mohout</em> 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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_251'>251</span>and to change its direction: to turn to the right, -<span lang="la" xml:lang="la"><em>vice versâ</em></span>. When the elephant is to lie down, -in order to be laden, the <em>haunkus</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Each <em>mate</em>, or <em>cooly</em>, is generally provided -with a cutting bill, called a <em>d’how</em>, for the purpose -of lopping off the lesser branches of <em>barghuts</em>, -<em>peepuls</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Besides the <em>d’how</em>, each <em>mate</em> 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 <em>mate</em> -goading his hind quarters; the latter serves to -stick the implement upright in the ground, or -<span class='pageno' id='Page_252'>252</span>to press upon the elephant’s arm while the load -is putting on, or the rider ascending into the -howdah.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The dress of the <em>mohout</em> is, in most points, -similar to that of the <em>khedmutgar</em>; and that of -the <em>mate</em> 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 <em>mates</em> receive more than a rupee -and a half, or two rupees. The occupation of a -<em>mohout</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The health of a <em>Surwan</em>, or camel-driver, is -yet more subject to early decay, than that of a -<em>mohout</em>: 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_253'>253</span><em>gentle ambulation</em>, 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 <em>mosaulchy</em> 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 <em>surwan</em> proceeds, every second or third day, -to some village, for chaff of various kinds: the -usual quantity of <em>gram</em>, (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 <em>seers</em>, equal to about -six pounds, are considered good keep.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>surwans</em>: 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_254'>254</span>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 <em>naukell</em>, 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, <a id='corr253.11'></a><span class='htmlonly'><ins class='correction' title='it is'>it</ins></span><span class='epubonly'><a href='#c_253.11'><ins class='correction' title='it is'>it</ins></a></span> greatly depreciated; -since few would like to purchase -one bearing so obvious a type of treachery.</p> - -<p class='c008'>A good <em>surwan</em> 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_255'>255</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The <em>Syce</em>, 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 <em>Gaus-kot</em>, (<i>i.e.</i> 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 <em>syce</em>.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_256'>256</span>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 <em>syce</em>. 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>It is inconceivable what control some <em>syces</em> -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 -<em>syces</em> may arrive, and, by securing the head, -with a <em>baug-door</em>, (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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>When a person falls from his horse, the whole -<span class='pageno' id='Page_257'>257</span>troop separate, lest the stray animal should -attack them: in such case, two or three active -<em>syces</em> may prevent mischief; but, few will attempt -to catch a horse whose character for gentleness -is not established. Every <em>syce</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>In general, the line (<em>baug-door</em>) 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>In consequence of the immense number of -gad-flies to be seen at all times of the year, each -<em>syce</em> 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 -<em>chowry</em>, and may cost about sixpence, or eight-pence. -A small sheet of <em>karwah</em>, either double, -or single, is usually thrown over the <em>syce’s</em> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_258'>258</span>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 <em>syce</em>, taken generally, is a medium -between the <em>khedmutgar</em> and the <em>mosaulchy</em>; while -that of the <em>gaus-kot</em> 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 <em>syce</em>; 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>koorpah</em>, -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. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_259'>259</span>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 <em>gram</em> 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_260'>260</span>meal, mixed with hay, and straw, in equal -quantities, cut very fine in a chaff-trough.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<em>doob</em>, or <em>sun-grass</em>, 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 <em>doob</em> 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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_261'>261</span>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 <em>doob</em>, 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!</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>fiorin</em>, which perfectly corresponds -with the <em>doob</em> 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 <em>fiorin</em> be -<span class='pageno' id='Page_262'>262</span>what it is described, namely, the <em>doob</em> 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 <em>doob</em> is rarely sown in India; but, after -being cut below the surface by the tool in -common use among grass-cutters, called a <em>koorpah</em>, -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 <em>doob</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The <em>Mauly</em>, 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_263'>263</span>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 <em>maully</em> are, for the most part, <em>bildars</em>, -hired by the day, probably at five or six pice, -equal to about two rupees and a half monthly. -These <em>bildars</em> work with a kind of mattock, -called a <em>phourah</em>, 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 <em>phourah</em>, the -<em>bildar</em> 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 <em>maullies</em> -who serve gentlemen, are usually provided with -rakes and hoes; but, in any other situation, -they content themselves with using short iron -<span class='pageno' id='Page_264'>264</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>It would surprize an European to see with -what precision <em>maullies</em> 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 <em>maully</em> could not read it.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The greater part of the manure used in gardens -is known by the name of <em>kallah-matty</em>, -(<i>i.e.</i> 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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_265'>265</span>in a day or two, they become thoroughly dry, -and make an excellent kind of fuel, burning very -like good peats. These <em>guttees</em>, as they are -called, are generally prepared by the <em>syce’s</em> wife, -and kept in a stack for culinary purposes.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>soorkee</em>, 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 <em>doob</em> 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_266'>266</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>maullies</em> could -not be ranked with the least capable among the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_267'>267</span>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 <em>moot</em>, or leather bag, containing from -twenty-five to thirty gallons.</p> - -<p class='c008'>In general, a small hut is erected in the garden -for the accommodation of the <em>maully</em>; 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 <em>bandycoots</em>, 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; -<span class='pageno' id='Page_268'>268</span>as it becomes so hard and dry during the hot -season.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The <em>Aub-dar</em>, 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 <em>khedmutgar</em>, or a -<em>bearer</em>, may be found, capable of cooling liquors -nearly as well as <em>aub-dars</em> 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 -<em>aub-dar</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_269'>269</span>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 <em>taus</em>, and the flasks are called -<em>soories</em>. When water is to be cooled, about a -gallon is put into the <em>taus</em>; 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 <em>soories</em>, being about two thirds filled -with the water to be drank, are moved about in -the <em>taus</em>, 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 <em>soories</em> -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 <em>soories</em>; 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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_270'>270</span>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 <em>taus</em>, which may -be in about five minutes after being left at rest, -is covered with a petticoat made of <em>karwah</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The dress of the <em>aub-dar</em> generally resembles -that of the <em>khedmutgar</em>, 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. <em>Aub-dars</em> -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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Wherever a gentleman dines, thither his <em>aub-dar</em> -repairs, in time to have water cooled as the -dinner is served up: when a large party are assembled, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_271'>271</span>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 <em>soories</em> 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 <em>aub-dar</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The <em>Compadore</em>, or <em>Kurz-burdar</em>, or <em>Butler-konnah-sircar</em>, -are all designations for the same -individual, who acts as purveyor, sometimes -under the orders of the master, but more generally -of the <em>kansamah</em>, who never fails to participate -of the profits made by over-charges, and -by the receipt of <em>dustooree</em>, (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 -<em>sircars</em>, of which he should possess all the cunning, -the smooth tongue, the audacious and -persevering effrontery, when maintaining a palpable -<span class='pageno' id='Page_272'>272</span>lie, together with that obsequiousness -which should conciliate master, and make him -believe it! Without these, the <em>compadore</em> 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 <em>kansamah</em> 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 <em>compadore</em> -must proceed with his catalogue of desiderata, -attended by one or two under-servants, (<em>mosaulchies</em>, -<em>kalashies</em>, &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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_273'>273</span>hours, notwithstanding every possible precaution -was taken to keep it cool.</p> - -<p class='c008'>It will be understood, that a <em>compadore</em> must, -of necessity, be a good accountant; like the <em>sircar</em>, -he is well versed in fractions, and carries his -computations down to a single <em>gundah</em> of <em>cowries</em>, -(<i>i.e.</i> four <em>Blackamoors’ teeth</em>). 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 <em>compadore’s</em> bag; so as to diminish the -bulk of the hand, and to allow its retiring with -the remainder of the booty. Not a <em>cowrie</em> can -stir without the <em>compadore’s</em> knowledge! Under -the plea of fidelity to his employer, he insists -upon being privy to every disbursement; never -<span class='pageno' id='Page_274'>274</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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!</p> - -<p class='c008'>The <em>Hirkarah</em> 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 <em>cossid</em>. -We have retained, however, the designation of -<em>dawk-hirkarahs</em> for those who convey the <em>dawks</em>, -or posts. In every other instance, the duty of -the <em>hirkarah</em>, as an attendant upon a gentleman -in office, &c. is similar to that of the <em>peon</em>, or -<span class='pageno' id='Page_275'>275</span><em>piada</em>, 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 <em>hirkarah</em> and the <em>peon</em>: -but, though the latter has no such insignia, he -frequently claims precedence, causing the <em>hirkarah</em> -to precede him in the retinue, while attending -their employer’s palanquin.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>khedmutgars</em>, -but generally have turbans and <em>cummer-bunds</em> 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 <em>vice versâ</em>.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Many most extraordinary journies have been -made by <em>hirkarahs</em>: instances have been adduced -<span class='pageno' id='Page_276'>276</span>of their travelling full a hundred miles in -the four and twenty hours.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The <em>Duftoree</em>, or office-keeper, attends solely -to those general matters in an office, which do -not come within the notice of the <em>crannies</em>, 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 <em>duftoree</em> may be from four to six -rupees monthly; though a few may receive -rather more; but such is unusual. The dress -depends on the <em>cast</em> of the individual: if he be -a Mussulman, it will correspond, in some measure, -with that of the <em>khedmutgar</em>; but, if a -Hindu, it will, probably, assimilate with that of -the <em>cranny</em>.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The <em>Fraush</em>, or furniture-keeper, is generally -a Mussulman, and receives about four or five -rupees monthly: his dress corresponding with -that of a first-rate <em>mosaulchy</em>, or an inferior <em>khedmutgar</em>. -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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_277'>277</span>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 <em>kalashies</em>, 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 <em>fraushes</em>, -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 <em>fraushes</em>, 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 <em>konauts</em> (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!</p> - -<p class='c008'>The <em>Mater</em>, or sweeper, is considered the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_278'>278</span>lowest menial in every family: his <em>cast</em> 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 <em>hullalcore</em> may be -considered the lowest, while the <em>loll-baygies</em> -assume the upper rank of infamy. But, however -much they may arrogate to themselves, in -consequence of such distinctions of <em>cast</em>, 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 <em>mater</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Hair, or birch, brooms are never seen in India: -there the instrument for sweeping, called a <em>jarroo</em>, -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 <em>mater</em>, who generally receives -three, or sometimes four, rupees monthly. -The dress corresponds in general with that of a -decent <em>cooly</em>, (or laborer;) but some wear a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_279'>279</span>short <em>coortah</em>, and take a little pride in this particular.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The <em>mater</em> 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 <em>matranny</em>, 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 <em>mater</em> attending for that -purpose, with his <em>jarroo</em>, and a <em>tickra</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>When a dog is kept, and that there is not -<span class='pageno' id='Page_280'>280</span>occasion for retaining a professed <em>dooreah</em>, or -dog-keeper, the <em>mater</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The <em>Dooreah</em>, though properly an out-door -servant, residing at the <em>dooreah-konnah</em>, or -kennel, occasionally officiates as <em>mater</em>, performing -all the duties of that menial; but this -is rarely done with good will; <em>dooreahs</em>, though -of a <em>cast</em> 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 <em>dooreah</em> -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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Thus, a brace of greyhounds, or, at the most, -a leash, are considered as many as a <em>dooreah</em> -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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_281'>281</span>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 <em>dooreah’s</em> -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 <em>mosaulchy</em>: -their pay is also much on a par.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The manner of preparing victuals for dogs is -simple: the <em>dooreah</em>, 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 <em>ghee</em>, or granulated butter, some -salt, and abundance of water. The pot is placed -on a <em>choolah</em>, 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. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_282'>282</span>In this manner, dogs are usually fed night and -morning.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The business of a <em>Kalashy</em> is, properly speaking, -confined either to what relates to camp-equipage, -or to the management of the sails, -and rigging, on board a <em>budjrow</em>. 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 <em>taut</em> (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 <em>phourah</em>, or mattock, -to level the interior; and, in short, to compleat -the whole preparation, within and without.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Many <em>kalashies</em> 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 -<em>punkah</em>, (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 <em>hirkarahs</em>, or <em>peons</em>. -This general assemblage of useful talents, no -doubt, renders the <em>kalashy</em> a most useful servant; -hence, more are retained at this time, -than were formerly employed.</p> - -<p class='c008'>As a public servant, whether attached to the -train of artillery, or to a quarter-master’s establishment, -his merits are equally conspicuous: -<span class='pageno' id='Page_283'>283</span>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 <em>cossob</em>, <em>tindal</em>, -and <em>serang</em>, 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 <em>kalashy</em>, (or, as he is often termed while in -the public service, the <em>lascar</em>) 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: -<span class='pageno' id='Page_284'>284</span>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, <span lang="la" xml:lang="la"><em>pro -tempore</em></span>, as far as it will go.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The whole of the <em>kalashies</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The <em>kalashies</em> on board <em>budjrows</em>, 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 <em>budjrow</em>, -though he prides himself in rowing a jolly-boat -furnished with oars on the European plan.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The <em>Manjy</em>, <em>Goleeah</em>, and <em>Dandy</em>, 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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_285'>285</span>if in constant employ, the last also; or he may -generally, by previous notice, obtain a crew of -<em>teeka-dandies</em>, that is, job-watermen, at any of -the <em>ghauts</em>, or wharfs, along the river. The -<em>manjy</em> is usually paid from five to seven rupees -per mensem; the <em>goleeah</em> from four to five; and -the <em>dandy</em> 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 <em>manjy</em> will, in general, be -found to adopt a mixed costume, between the -<em>kalashy</em> and the <em>mosaulchy</em>. 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 <em>budjrow</em> 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 <em>manjy</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_286'>286</span>The <em>Goleeah</em> 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 <em>luggy</em>, -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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>goleeh’s</em> throw; especially under -a <em>cutchar</em>, 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 <em>cutchars</em>, in general, -subside, as it were, perpendicularly; without -<span class='pageno' id='Page_287'>287</span>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 <em>cutchars</em> are high, and the -current rather strong.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The <em>Dandy</em> 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 <em>dandy</em> 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_288'>288</span>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 <em>dandies</em>, 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 <em>budjrow</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>As to describing a <em>dandy’s</em> 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 <em>dandy</em> 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. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_289'>289</span>Such, however, is not the case; for what with -ring-worms, itch, and <em>a certain</em> loathsome, and -infectious disease, added to an inexhaustible -stock of body-creepers, no mortal can well be -more disgusting than a Bengal <em>dandy</em>. 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!</p> - -<p class='c008'>The <em>Berriarah</em>, or <em>Gurrearah</em>, 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 <em>kussy</em>, -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; -<span class='pageno' id='Page_290'>290</span>a joint of <em>bazar</em> 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 <em>kussy</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_291'>291</span>about three or four months. The most approved -mode of fatting sheep, is to have about a dozen -on full feed; allowing as much <em>gram</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Besides the above number, about as many -more should be kept on a small allowance of -<em>gram</em>; allowing them to graze, in company with -half a dozen milch goats and their kids, under -charge of the <em>berriarah</em>, 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_292'>292</span>to pay their <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><em>devoirs</em></span> to the deity. The dress of -the <em>berriarah</em> is usually similar to that of the -<em>cooly</em>; 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; -<span class='pageno' id='Page_293'>293</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>puttoos</em>; 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 <em>puttoos</em> 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 <em>puttoo</em> would have a white -pattern, another white <em>puttoo</em> a black pattern. -This manufacture is extremely simple, and performed -by means of a kind of carding machine -<span class='pageno' id='Page_294'>294</span>that entangles the wool; which is previously -mixed in a very strong lather of soap.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>coarge</em> (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 <em>coarges</em> bought for their use, by the contractor’s -<em>sircar</em>, 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 <em>five-pence each!</em></p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_295'>295</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The <em>Chokey-dar</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>chokey-dars</em>, or watchmen; of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_296'>296</span>which he will furnish one, or two, perhaps -three, according to the extent, and situation, of -the premises to be guarded.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>chokey-dar</em> 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—<span class='fss'>HE GOES TO SLEEP TOO</span>!!!</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>chokey-dar’s</em> vigilance. I am sensible, -that instances may be adduced of houses -being plundered, and of the <em>chokey-dars</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>So audacious are the thieves in India, that -they have been known to come into a cantonment -<span class='pageno' id='Page_297'>297</span>with lighted <em>mosauls</em>, 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 <em>lungooty</em>, or clout, passing -between the legs, and as narrow as an exception -from absolute nudity can possibly admit.</p> - -<p class='c008'>When travelling through any part of the Company’s -territories, it is proper to require <em>chokey-dars</em> -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 <em>chokey-dars</em> 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 <em>deficit</em> will be conveyed -to the next halting place, and no <em>chokey-dar</em> -will be forthcoming; unless, indeed, one of -the collector’s peons accompany, or, that his -<span class='pageno' id='Page_298'>298</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>durwan</em>, (or porter,) constantly -attends; as well as owing to the great number -of <em>chokies</em> or patrole stations, every where to be -seen; few <em>chokey-dars</em> are employed in the town -of Calcutta, unless by merchants who have -warehouses full of valuable commodities; or -<span class='pageno' id='Page_299'>299</span><em>shroffs</em>, (<i>i.e.</i> bankers) residing in that part of the -town inhabited principally by natives: at the -<em>baugeechahs</em>, or garden-houses, which generally -stand, like our farm-houses, at some distance -from other dwellings, <em>chokey-dars</em> are found to -be indispensably necessary. Within the Company’s -provinces no head <em>chokey-dars</em> 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 <em>chokey-dar</em>: 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!</p> - -<p class='c008'>I have said that a <em>Durwan</em>, or porter, is stationed -at the gate, on entrance into that area, -(called the <em>compound</em>,) within which most -houses in Calcutta are situated. This servant -usually receives from four to five rupees monthly, -and dresses little better than a <em>cooly</em>; though, in -some instances, he may be seen more respectably -cloathed. So soon as a palanquin enters the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_300'>300</span>gate, the <em>durwan</em> vociferates lustily; informing, -that a visitor approaches; when immediately -some other servant, such as a <em>peon</em> or <em>hirkarah</em>, -runs to enquire the name, &c. which is immediately -announced to the master or mistress.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The <em>durwan</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The <em>Cahar</em>, 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 <em>chattah</em>, or large umbrella, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_301'>301</span>must accompany. Many gentlemen who -arrive during the winter season, find the sun little -more than comfortable; they therefore, very -foolishly, dispense with the <em>chattah</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>sirdar</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>There are, however, various tribes of bearers, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_302'>302</span>generally provincial, all of which are to be found -at Calcutta; those chiefly employed in that capital -are called <em>Ooreeahs</em>, <i>i.e.</i> natives of the province -of Orissa; a tract of country lying between -the Roopnarain and the northern <em>sircars</em>: this -occasions them to be generally designated ‘Balasore-bearers:’ -Balasore being the principal town.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<em>sirdars</em>; 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!</p> - -<p class='c008'>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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_303'>303</span>interdicting all <em>Ooreeahs</em> 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 <em>sircars</em>, 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>i.e.</i> 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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_304'>304</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>Ooreeahs</em> almost -invariably resort; when, if its decision is -in their favor, the <em>real</em> court soon becomes -arbiter on the occasion.</p> - -<p class='c008'>It is perhaps fortunate for the inhabitants (I -mean the European families) of Calcutta, that, -within the last twenty years, great numbers of -<em>Patna</em>, <em>Dacca</em>, and other <em>cahars</em>, or bearers, have -resorted to the presidency, to participate in -those services formerly monopolized by the -<em>Ooreeahs</em>. The latter, after some struggle, by -endeavoring to intimidate their rivals, and by -debarring the <em>teeka</em>, or job-bearers, who were -formerly, to a man, of the Balasore tribe, from -<span class='pageno' id='Page_305'>305</span>serving, even for the day, those who retained -Patna, or other <em>cahars</em>, 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 <em>cahars</em> from the -country; who now ply for <em>teeka</em>, <i>i.e.</i> job-work, -in every quarter.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Still it must not be denied, that the <em><a id='corr304.12'></a><span class='htmlonly'><ins class='correction' title='Ooreahs'>Ooreeahs</ins></span><span class='epubonly'><a href='#c_304.12'><ins class='correction' title='Ooreahs'>Ooreeahs</ins></a></span></em> 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 <em>doty</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_306'>306</span>The Balasore bearers, <i>i.e.</i> the <em>Ooreeahs</em>, all -preserve but one lock on the top of their heads, -the same as the <em>sircars</em>, 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 <em>bangle</em>, or <em>kurrah</em>, 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 <em>J’haddoo</em>, or witchcraft: and a -preventative of various dangerous diseases. It is -peculiar, that the <em>Ooreeah</em> bearers never wear -shoes, and that they prefer cloaths of an almond -color. The number of <em>Ooreeahs</em> in a single set, -is generally, as before stated, seven: the head-bearer -or <em>sirdar</em>, 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, <em>while in power</em>, to raise -their respective wages.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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: -<span class='pageno' id='Page_307'>307</span>without that is done, they will not stay. -Nor will they handle a <em>chillumchee</em>, (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 -<em>cahars</em> 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 <em>council</em>, as -the <em>sirdar</em> vainly termed their meeting, used to -send their summons to any <em>Ooreeah</em> 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 <em>sirdars</em> 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_308'>308</span>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 <em>justice</em>, -but are very shy of bringing the subject before a -<em>judge!</em></p> - -<p class='c008'>Where bearers are not constantly wanted, (a -very uncommon case, by the by,) the best mode -is to hire <em>teeka-bearers</em>, 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_309'>309</span>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 <em>chattah</em>, or umbrella. It is -evident, that one <em>sirdar</em> 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 <em>teekas</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The Patna, Dacca, and other up-country bearers, -in general receive less wages than the <em>Ooreeahs</em>; -but require to be more numerous in a set; -few consisting of less than eight, including the <em>sirdar</em>, -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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_310'>310</span>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_311'>311</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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!</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_312'>312</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>tattoo</em>, (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 <em>cowrie</em>; or run in debt, and -then, to avoid payment—run away.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_313'>313</span>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 <em>chowry</em>, (or whisk,) -and swing a kind of <em>punkah</em>, (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 <em>punkah-stick</em> resting on -the ground. A <em>punkah</em> is, by some, used instead -of a <em>chattah</em>, (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 <em>punkahs</em> very generally; -but, of late, they seem to have rather -changed in favor of the <em>chattah</em>, great numbers -of which are now conveyed, as an article of merchandize, -from the lower provinces to Benares, -Lucknow, &c.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The dress of the <em>cahar</em>, 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 -<em>coortah</em>, not unlike that of the <em>mosaulchy</em>, and, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_314'>314</span>as well as all the inferiors, wears a <em>doty</em>, in the -usual manner: though some few wear a kind of -petticoat-trowser, not unlike the Highland kelt. -<em>Cummer-bunds</em> are also in general use; though, -with few exceptions, of a very coarse quality. -Many gentlemen present their <em>bearers</em>, <em>hirkarahs</em>, -<em>peons</em>, <em>syces</em>, <em>khedmutgars</em>, and <em>mosaulchies</em>, annually, -with a set of <em>turbans</em> and <em>cummer-bunds</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <span lang="la" xml:lang="la"><em>sine -quâ non</em></span> of Indian luxury. In order to preserve -due order, I shall commence with a description -of the <em>naulkeen</em>, or <em>naulkee</em>, it being the first -in rank among the contrivances of this description.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_315'>315</span>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 <em>naulkeen</em> 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 <em>naulkeen</em> 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 <em>Mahannah-palanquins</em> 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 <em>mahannah</em>, -which is, to say the truth, a very heavy, though -a very comfortable, machine.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The <em>dooly</em>, or covered litter, was certainly -the parent of all the <em>palanquin</em> 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. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_316'>316</span>Its usual construction is extremely simple; consisting -of a small <em>carpoy</em>, 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 <em>karwah</em>, 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 <em>dooly</em>; 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 -<em>zenanah</em>, 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 <em>bangy</em>, -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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_317'>317</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_318'>318</span>perhaps some imaginary non-descript, placed at -the end of a brass ferule, enclosing the bamboo -for half a yard at least.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>As it would be a sin to spoil so costly an -<span class='pageno' id='Page_319'>319</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Probably in consequence of a painted canvas -awning being used, curving down gradually at -the sides, not unlike a <em>testudo</em>, this machine -was called a ‘<em>fly-palanquin</em>.’ 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 <em>seemul</em>. -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 <em>punkahs</em>, in preference to <em>chattahs</em>; 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_320'>320</span>moment, it was far more portable in passing -through those narrow streets and gullies, characterizing -every great city in India.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Time ‘astonished the natives,’ as well as the -Europeans, by bringing forth the <em>Mahannah-palanquin</em>. -This vehicle, now so common, has -entirely banished the <em>fly-palanquin</em>, 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 <em>mahannahs</em>, or have their <em>doolies</em> -constructed in imitation of them. The <em>mahannah</em> -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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_321'>321</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The body of a <em>mahannah</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>In most <em>mahannahs</em> 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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_322'>322</span>&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 <em>cheeks</em> -made of <em>kuss-kuss</em>, to be watered when journeying -any distance.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The <em>mahannah</em> 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 -<em>dawk</em>, (that is, <em>post</em>,) 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 <em>kuss-kuss tatties</em> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_323'>323</span>are peculiarly serviceable; but, in case none -are affixed, the <em>guttah-tope</em>, or palanquin-cover, -must be kept wet; as already observed, in describing -the occupations of the <em>bheesty</em>, or water-carrier.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Ladies are usually conveyed about Calcutta, -or any where for short distances, in a kind of -palanquin, called a <em>boҫhah</em>. This has its poles -fixed much in the same manner as in the <em>mahannah</em>, -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 <em>boҫhahs</em>; -which afford a better look-out, are more portable, -and can turn about in narrow places, where -a <em>mahannah</em> could not: besides, they are far -lighter. The <em>boҫhah</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>About Dacca, Chittagong, Tipperah, and other -mountainous parts, a very light kind of conveyance -<span class='pageno' id='Page_324'>324</span>is in use, called a <em>taum-jaung</em>, <i>i.e.</i> ‘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 <em>taum-jaungs</em> -(vulgarly called <em>tom-johns</em>) are carried the -same as the <em>naulkeen</em>; 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_325'>325</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>In this respect, the <em>boҫhah</em> is also safer than -the <em>mahannah</em>; 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 <em>mahannah</em> 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 <em>mahannah</em> 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 <em>bangy</em>, might -not arrive in due time.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The <em>bangy</em> 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_326'>326</span>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 -<em>bangy-wollah</em>, that is, the bearer who carries -the <em>bangy</em>, supports the bamboo on his shoulder, -so as to equipoise the baskets suspended at -each end. If not overladen, the <em>bangy</em> will -generally keep pace with the palanquin; the -bearer shifting the bamboo from one, to the -other shoulder, as he proceeds.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Many gentleman have <em>r’hunts</em>, or <em>r’huts</em>, 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 ‘<em>g’horry-waun</em>;’ or carriage servant. -His dress cannot be reduced to any exact standard, -but will generally be found to resemble -that of the <em>khedmutgar</em>; 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 <em>g’horry-wauns</em>, as to satisfy -<span class='pageno' id='Page_327'>327</span>me of their being as great hypocrites as are -to be found on earth. The construction of a -<em>r’hut</em> is so very curious as almost to defy description.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The <em>g’horry-waun</em> 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 <em>seiwaun</em>, or <em>semiaun</em>, 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 <em>seiwaun</em>. The bullocks -are managed by means of a strong cord, -passed through their <em>septums</em>, 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 <em>g’horry-waun</em> 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_328'>328</span>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!</p> - -<p class='c008'>Your true home-bred Englishmen can have -little idea of the rate at which a pair of oxen can -draw one of these <em>r’huts</em>; he cannot readily -imagine, that they can travel from four to six -miles within the hour; and that, too, where the -<em>g’horry-ka-leek</em>, or track of a wheel, is scarcely -to be found. I have seen a pair of <em>Nagore</em>, or -of <em>Guzzerat</em>, 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 <em>r’hut</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_329'>329</span>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 <em>mindy</em>; that is, with the plant -generally known among botanists, under the name of -<em>hinna</em>. 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 <em>mindy</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>A conveyance on two wheels, but in most -other respects perfectly similar to the <em>r’hut</em>, 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 <em>r’huts</em>, are small slits, serving for -peep-holes. In this two-wheeled kind, called -generally <em>ghorries</em>, (<i>i.e.</i> carriages,) such are -more necessary than in the others; the former -being almost invariably fitted up with <em>cheeks</em>, or -screens; one of which is ever appended to the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_330'>330</span>fore-part, between the interior and the driver. -The common <em>g’horry</em>, 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 -<em>tattoo</em> (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 <em>tattoos</em> to <em>r’huts</em>: -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!</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<em>r’hut</em>, drawn by <em>tattoos</em>, is, I believe, about three -rupees per diem; while those with two wheels, -and only one <em>tattoo</em>, at the utmost earn only two -rupees: I never could ascertain any fixed rate; -the <em>g’horry-waun</em> 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_331'>331</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The <em>g’horry-waun</em> may further be employed in -a more subordinate capacity; namely, in driving -a common cart, usually called a <em>chuckrah</em>, -and known by the designation of a ‘<em>hackery</em>’ -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 <em>g’horry-waun</em> 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 <em>cooly</em>. Like -<span class='pageno' id='Page_332'>332</span>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 -<em>dustooree</em>, short weight, over-charges, repairs, -medicines, I have always found the <em>g’horry-waun</em> -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 <em>hackery</em>, is very small, when compared -with those attendant on a handsome chariot -and pair, parading daily in the park.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The duty of a <em>g’horry-waun</em> 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 <em>badjra</em>, <em>jewar</em>, -&c. (various kinds of millet,) or of the <em>bootah</em>, -(or Indian-corn,) which, being purchased in -bundles, he chops, with a common bill, on a -log of wood. When bullocks are allowed <em>gram</em>, -(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 <em>saleetah</em>, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_333'>333</span>or large sacking cloth spread at the bottom of -the <em>hackery</em>, 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 -<em>hackery</em> 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 <em>hackery</em> 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_334'>334</span>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 <em>hackeries</em> laden with cotton, -where the burthen necessarily occupies a great -space, hanging over the rumps of the cattle, -such a position is nearly inevitable.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The <em>hackeries</em> 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 <em>hackery</em>: but the distance -travelled under such an immense load, can seldom -amount to twelve miles.</p> - -<p class='c008'>While on the subject of drivers, which I have -<span class='pageno' id='Page_335'>335</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_336'>336</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_337'>337</span>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!</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_338'>338</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The female who attends a lady while she is -dressing, &c., is called an <em>Ayah</em>; 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 <em>half-cast</em> -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 <em>ayahs</em> are of Portugueze extraction, -being descended from those heroes who, in -times of yore, ‘laid bleeding Asia prostrate at -<span class='pageno' id='Page_339'>339</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_340'>340</span>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!</p> - -<p class='c008'>Many Portugueze <em>ayahs</em> 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 ‘<span lang="pt" xml:lang="pt"><em>Signora,</em></span>’ -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 <span class='sc'>Vera-cruz</span>: 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 <em>ayah</em> prides -herself on that remote affinity, to which her -records give the claim; she retains all the offensive -<span class='pageno' id='Page_341'>341</span>hauteur of her progenitors; which, being -grafted upon the most obnoxious qualities of -the Hindu, or Mussulman, characters, makes a -<span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><em>tout ensemble</em></span> as ridiculous as it is despicable!</p> - -<p class='c008'>The Hindostanee <em>ayah</em>, (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 <em>casts</em>, 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 <em>baundy</em>, (<i>i.e.</i> 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_342'>342</span>obvious, that he may sink many years in that -particular.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Although very few of the Hindostanee -women, except such as come under the above -description, serve in the capacity of <em>ayahs</em> -attendant upon ladies, many are employed as -nurses to children after quitting the breast. In -such case, an <em>ayah</em> 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 <em>ayahs</em>, 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, <em>ayahs</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The <em>Dhye</em> 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_343'>343</span>way to manage an assignation! The dress of -these, in most points, corresponds with that of -the Hindostanee <em>ayah</em>, 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, -<em>dustooree</em> 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 <em>anna</em>, (<i>i.e.</i> 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>bunduck</em>, or pledge, -is confined entirely to the Hindus: Mussulmans -are prohibited by their sacred institutes -from receiving, though they are not so strictly -<span class='pageno' id='Page_344'>344</span>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 <em>shroffs</em>, and <em>mahajans</em>, from -such inconsiderate persons as have occasion to -seek their aid.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>shroffs</em>; 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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_345'>345</span>that, where they see no danger, they feel no -reluctance.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The generality of <em>dhyes</em> 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 -<em>khedmutgar</em> 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 <em>purdah</em>, (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 <em>haram!</em> I do not mean to say that the -above deceptions are universal; for I could -adduce instances, wherein native women have -<span class='pageno' id='Page_346'>346</span>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 <em>cast</em>; 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>kusbeen</em>, (<i>i.e.</i> -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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_347'>347</span>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 <em>matranny</em>, -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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_348'>348</span>‘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 <em>nautch</em><a id='r1' /><a href='#f1' class='c030'><sup>[1]</sup></a>, 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 -<em>nautch</em>, to an exhibition of wild beasts, and so -<span class='pageno' id='Page_349'>349</span>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.</p> - -<hr class='c031' /> -<div class='footnote' id='f1'> -<p class='c008'><a href='#r1'>1</a>. Or public dance, generally performed by hired women.</p> -</div> -<hr class='c031' /> - -<p class='c008'>‘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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_350'>350</span>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<a id='r2' /><a href='#f2' class='c030'><sup>[2]</sup></a> seems to recommend a reserved -deportment in women. It says, ‘You shall not -shew your <em>zeenut</em><a id='r3' /><a href='#f3' class='c030'><sup>[3]</sup></a> 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 <em>zeenut</em><a href='#f3' class='c030'><sup>[3]</sup></a>.’ 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.</p> - -<hr class='c031' /> -<div class='footnote' id='f2'> -<p class='c008'><a href='#r2'>2</a>. The Institutes of Mahomed, held in the same estimation -as our Bible.</p> -</div> - -<div class='footnote' id='f3'> -<p class='c008'><a href='#r3'>3</a>. <em>Zeenut</em>, literally <em>ornamented</em>, 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.</p> -</div> -<hr class='c031' /> - -<p class='c008'>‘Neither the husbands, nor the wives, will, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_351'>351</span>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 <em>muhrem</em> and <em>na muhrem</em>, -words implying <em>forbidden</em> and <em>not forbidden</em>, are, -in their principle, simple enough, viz. ‘That a -woman may be seen by any man whose relationship -<span class='pageno' id='Page_352'>352</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘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 <em>muhrem</em>, -and <em>na muhrem</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘A wife, even in Bengal, may enjoy the society -of all her own male relations. In this light -are considered <em>chellas</em>, 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) -<span class='pageno' id='Page_353'>353</span>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 <em>Ameers</em>.<a id='r4' /><a href='#f4' class='c030'><sup>[4]</sup></a></p> - -<hr class='c031' /> -<div class='footnote' id='f4'> -<p class='c008'><a href='#r4'>4</a>. <em>Ameers</em> are persons high in office, or of illustrious families. -This title is also bestowed on military commanders.</p> -</div> -<hr class='c031' /> - -<p class='c008'>‘In the upper provinces, the ladies and gentlemen, -at least among the <em>Sheeaus</em>,<a id='r5' /><a href='#f5' class='c030'><sup>[5]</sup></a> 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 <em>zenanah</em>, they all go in; the men -and women dine together, and, in general, sit on -opposite sides. The ladies, like ours, indulge in -<em>tiffings</em>, (slight repasts,) it being delicate to eat -but little before company.</p> - -<hr class='c031' /> -<div class='footnote' id='f5'> -<p class='c008'><a href='#r5'>5</a>. A particular <em>cast</em>, or sect.</p> -</div> -<hr class='c031' /> - -<p class='c008'>‘When there is an assemblage of fair visitors, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_354'>354</span>the husband seldom enters the <em>zenanah</em>, 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 -‘<em>Year</em>,’ the wife would say, ‘I am sixteen -twelvemonths old,’ rather than sixteen ‘years.’ -However, this excessive nicety will only be -found among villagers.</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘Some <em>ladies</em> 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_355'>355</span>gone, often does his wife relieve his distresses -from her little treasury.</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘In addition to the established allowance, there -are other fixed sums appropriated. In their -holidays, which frequently occur, dinner is always -dressed within the <em>zenanah</em>, 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 <em>Soonees</em> <a id='corr353.29'></a><span class='htmlonly'><ins class='correction' title='and and'>and</ins></span><span class='epubonly'><a href='#c_353.29'><ins class='correction' title='and and'>and</ins></a></span> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_356'>356</span><em>Sheeaus</em><a id='r6' /><a href='#f6' class='c030'><sup>[6]</sup></a> 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.</p> - -<hr class='c031' /> -<div class='footnote' id='f6'> -<p class='c008'><a href='#r6'>6</a>. Two different sects of the Mahomedan religion.</p> -</div> -<hr class='c031' /> - -<p class='c008'>‘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 <em>naik zuns</em>, or <em>pure matrons</em>, a -feast is given in honor of Fatima, the daughter -of the Prophet, which is termed <em>kundooree</em>, a -word implying <em>off-falls</em>.—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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_357'>357</span>changing her condition. No woman contracted -in marriage only for a time, such as the <em>moota</em><a id='r7' /><a href='#f7' class='c030'><sup>[7]</sup></a> -of the <em>Sheeaus</em>, and the <em>nekaw</em><a href='#f7' class='c030'><sup>[7]</sup></a> of the <em>Soonees</em>, -can be admitted. The word <em>nekaw</em>, 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 <em>kundooree</em>.</p> - -<hr class='c031' /> -<div class='footnote' id='f7'> -<p class='c008'><a href='#r7'>7</a>. A loose state of irregular matrimony, sanctioned by the -Mahomedan law.</p> -</div> -<hr class='c031' /> - -<p class='c008'>‘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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_358'>358</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘The late vizier, Asoph ul Dowlah, left about -thirty sisters unmarried; not that I believe <em>his</em> -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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_359'>359</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘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 <em>profitably</em> spent. -The <em>missee</em> 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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_360'>360</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘The sound of the <em>cherky</em>, 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 <em>baundees</em>, or female slaves.</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘Between twelve and one they generally -dine, every person washing the face and hands -before the company sits down at table, or rather -table-<em>cloth</em>; which is spread on the ground, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_361'>361</span>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 <em>curried</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘They have not the custom of any particular -person saying <em>grace</em> before or after meals; each -repeating in a low voice the <em>name of God</em>. 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_362'>362</span>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 <em>zenanah</em>. -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 <em>blindman’s -buff</em>, 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. <em>Patchees</em>, 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 <em>cowries</em>, which answer for -dice.</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘It is a well-known circumstance, that no -Mussulman, or Mussulmanee, ever thinks of -dancing for the pleasure of the thing. The -<em>meerassen</em>, (a set of women whose province it -is,) are called in on particular occasions: but, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_363'>363</span>among people of high rank, it is usual to have -a number of slave-girls, termed <em>gaeen</em>,<a id='r8' /><a href='#f8' class='c030'><sup>[8]</sup></a> taught -music and dancing, who are always ready to -amuse the family.</p> - -<hr class='c031' /> -<div class='footnote' id='f8'> -<p class='c008'><a href='#r8'>8</a>. Probably from <em>gownah</em>, (<i>i.e.</i> to sing).</p> -</div> -<hr class='c031' /> - -<p class='c008'>‘Europeans may, on such a subject, be surprized -with the <em>singular</em> sound of ‘<em>the wife</em>’ so often -repeated, so impressed as they generally are -with the idea of a Mussulman and his seraglio of -‘<em>wives</em>.’ 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 -<em>four wives</em>. 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_364'>364</span>probably carry but small weight, if there did not -exist other obstacles, not so easily surmounted; -for it frequently forms a clause in the <em>quballa</em>,<a id='r9' /><a href='#f9' class='c030'><sup>[9]</sup></a> -(or <em>cabooleat</em>,) 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 <em>mahir</em>, -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. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_365'>365</span>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.</p> - -<hr class='c031' /> -<div class='footnote' id='f9'> -<p class='c008'><a href='#r9'>9</a>. Agreement and settlement.</p> -</div> -<hr class='c031' /> - -<p class='c008'>‘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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘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.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_366'>366</span>‘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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘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 <em>mahir</em> 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 <em>mahir</em> means, literally, the price paid for -any thing.</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_367'>367</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘They seem not to have distinguished these -two crimes by different appellations, though the -punishment is different. For the first, the criminal -<span class='pageno' id='Page_368'>368</span>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 <em>zinnah,</em> (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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘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 <em>intimates</em> -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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_369'>369</span>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.’</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘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 <em>lords of creation</em>.</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_370'>370</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘A son is at no age debarred from freely -entering the <em>zenanah</em>, 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_371'>371</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘The evidence of women of rank is taken by -male relations, or by women properly authorized -by the <em>Cazee</em><a id='r10' /><a href='#f10' class='c030'><sup>[10]</sup></a> 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.</p> - -<hr class='c031' /> -<div class='footnote' id='f10'> -<p class='c008'><a href='#r10'>10</a>. <em>Cazee</em> is a judge, or justice.</p> -</div> -<hr class='c031' /> - -<p class='c008'>‘When they are indisposed, application is -made to the doctor; who, upon enquiring into -the <a id='corr380.26'></a><span class='htmlonly'><ins class='correction' title='symtoms'>symptoms</ins></span><span class='epubonly'><a href='#c_380.26'><ins class='correction' title='symtoms'>symptoms</ins></a></span>, and examining certain <span class='fss'>QUACKISH</span> -<em>tokens</em>, prescribes accordingly; but, if the disorder -<span class='pageno' id='Page_372'>372</span>be obstinate, the doctor is permitted to -approach the <em>purdah</em>, (<i>i.e.</i> curtain, or screen,) -and to put <em>his hand</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_373'>373</span>it requires the hair to be wet, it affords -occasion the next morning for their female -friends to exercise their wit on the occasion.</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘The dresses of the single, and of the married, ladies, -differ but little. The former never wear -ornaments at the nose, <em>ungeeas</em>, or supporters -to the breast, no <em>black ointment</em><a id='r11' /><a href='#f11' class='c030'><sup>[11]</sup></a> 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 <em>cheerna</em> and <em>cheera</em>; -the latter meaning a colored turban, which -would be disgraceful for any modest woman to -wear. The word <em>cheerna</em> has a very different -etymology, which will be sufficiently evident to -any one acquainted with the Hindostanee.<a id='r12' /><a href='#f12' class='c030'><sup>[12]</sup></a></p> - -<hr class='c031' /> -<div class='footnote' id='f11'> -<p class='c008'><a href='#r11'>11</a>. The <em>missee</em>, before described.</p> -</div> - -<div class='footnote' id='f12'> -<p class='c008'><a href='#r12'>12</a>. The <em>hymen</em> of anatomy.</p> -</div> -<hr class='c031' /> - -<p class='c008'>‘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 -<em>haram</em> being thrown down by the entanglement -of the string of a kite round the curvature -<span class='pageno' id='Page_374'>374</span>of her shoe. The <em>n’hut</em>, 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 <em>meeraseens</em>, a particular -kind of <em>nautch</em> women. A lady of -Oude, of a delicate way of thinking, being in -possession of a <em>n’hut</em> of great value and elegance, -thought she observed the longing eye of the -<em>meeraseens</em> 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 <em>n’hut</em> -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 <em>meeraseens</em> in that part of the country suffered -almost total abolishment.</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘The dress of the ladies of rank has become -<span class='pageno' id='Page_375'>375</span>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 <em>zewaree ichanjeeree</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘The <em>pyjama</em>, 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 <em>keemkab</em><a id='r13' /><a href='#f13' class='c030'><sup>[13]</sup></a> 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_376'>376</span>deemed immodest to wear the <em>ungeeas</em>, or supporters -to the breast. In the upper provinces, -a woman would be ashamed to be seen without -them.</p> - -<hr class='c031' /> -<div class='footnote' id='f13'> -<p class='c008'><a href='#r13'>13</a>. <em>Keemkab</em> is a sort of silken fabric, in which flowers, &c. -are woven.</p> -</div> -<hr class='c031' /> - -<p class='c008'>‘The <em>coortee</em>, 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 <em>coortee</em> itself so -much so, that the <em>nicfa</em>, a different colored cloth -at the top of the <em>pyjama</em>, may not be concealed, -the <em>doo-puttah</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘The <em>paishwaz</em>, meaning <em>open in front</em>, 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 <em>keemkabs</em> to shew. Petticoats, (called -<em>bandanas</em>,) are sometimes worn by Mahomedan -ladies, especially in the rainy season, when the -diversion of <em>swinging</em> commences, but never -without drawers under them.—Widows should -not wear cloaths stained with any but what are -termed <em>pukka</em>, or lasting colors; nor should -these be of the glaring kind. Their <em>pyjamas</em> -must always be white, which a married lady -never wears.</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘On the commencement of the seventh, in -<span class='pageno' id='Page_377'>377</span>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 <span class='sc'>Koran</span>, 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_378'>378</span>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 <em>k’ho</em>, or the -<em>power of seals</em>, 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 <em>keer -chittaee</em> is given, to which all friends and relations -are invited. <em>Keer</em> is a preparation of rice -and milk, which the child is now made to taste, -or to <em>lick</em> or <em>lap</em>, as the term <em>chittaee</em> implies.</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘Smoking the <em>urqu</em><a id='r14' /><a href='#f14' class='c030'><sup>[14]</sup></a> is not so general a practice -<span class='pageno' id='Page_379'>379</span>as is supposed, at least among the middle -ranks. The great, in this, as in other luxuries, -indulge themselves more freely. <em>Zeebool Nissa</em> -daughter of Alc Geer, and Noor Jehan, invented -the present form of the <em>goorgooree</em> snake;<a id='r15' /><a href='#f15' class='c030'><sup>[15]</sup></a> -and <em>Khummer Mahomed Shah</em>, the arched snake -now in use; which is said to have been contrived -by him for the convenience of smoking -as he travelled. <em>Zeebool Nissa</em> 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.</p> - -<hr class='c031' /> -<div class='footnote' id='f14'> -<p class='c008'><a href='#r14'>14</a>. Commonly pronounced <em>hookah</em>.</p> -</div> - -<div class='footnote' id='f15'> -<p class='c008'><a href='#r15'>15</a>. A smaller kind of <em>hookah</em>, with a short stiff snake.</p> -</div> -<hr class='c031' /> - -<p class='c008'>‘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:</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘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.’<a id='r16' /><a href='#f16' class='c030'><sup>[16]</sup></a></p> - -<hr class='c031' /> -<div class='footnote' id='f16'> -<p class='c008'><a href='#r16'>16</a>. Contrast this simple <a id='corr378.28'></a><span class='htmlonly'><ins class='correction' title='lamention'>lamentation</ins></span><span class='epubonly'><a href='#c_378.28'><ins class='correction' title='lamention'>lamentation</ins></a></span> with the absurd effusions of -Mirza Abu Taalib Khan, at a succeeding page.</p> -</div> -<hr class='c031' /> - -<p class='c008'>‘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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_380'>380</span>were in general ignorant, and with such she -could not be happy.”</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘In the <em>zenanahs</em>, 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, <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><em>en passant</em></span>, 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!</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘It is a general custom among the <em>Soozees</em><a id='r17' /><a href='#f17' class='c030'><sup>[17]</sup></a>, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_381'>381</span>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 -<em>peer</em>;<a id='r18' /><a href='#f18' class='c030'><sup>[18]</sup></a> designating themselves his <em>mooreed</em>, or -disciple. When a lady of rank has fixed on this -holy personage for her <em>peer</em>, he is invited to the -house, where the following ceremony ensues. -Standing on the outside of the <em>purdah</em>, or curtain, -he holds one end of a handkerchief, the -other end of which is held by his intended <em>mooreed</em> -within the <em>purdah</em>. In this position he reads -aloud select passages from the <cite>Koran</cite>, 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 <em>peer</em> -does not even dissolve the contract. After the -first ceremony, the <em>peer</em> seldom visits his <em>mooreed</em>; -indeed, as thousands may choose the same spiritual -guide, such duty would prove too much -even for his <em>spirit</em> to bear. However, there are -instances of a <em>peer</em> 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 <em>peer</em>, the lady -indulges herself with a private lecture from a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_382'>382</span>young <em>lover</em>. Indeed, the <em>Sheeaus</em> give this as -a reason for their discontinuance of the practice.</p> - -<hr class='c031' /> -<div class='footnote' id='f17'> -<p class='c008'><a href='#r17'>17</a>. A particular sect.</p> -</div> - -<div class='footnote' id='f18'> -<p class='c008'><a href='#r18'>18</a>. <em>Peer</em> literally means a prophet.</p> -</div> -<hr class='c031' /> - -<p class='c008'>‘Fatima, the Prophet’s daughter, is invoked -under different appellations. Her general name -is <em>Khatoon ul junet</em>, or <em>Mistress of Paradise</em>. -There are, besides, several male saints, whose -peculiar province is the protection of the fair -sex; but <em>Peer Bawhoor</em>, is the hastener of -lovers’ return. Among the lower ranks, <em>Shaik -Saddoo</em> 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 <em>usual in such cases</em>,) turned into a -<em>kubbeess</em>, 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 <em>Shaik Saddoo</em>, 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 <em>Shaik’s goat</em>. At the entertainment -given in his honor, one of the women personates -the <em>Shaik</em>, 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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_383'>383</span>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. <em>Zaen Khan</em>, particularly in the -upper provinces, is a saint of a similar complexion -and history. One of the <em>bhaguts</em>, or -doctors, famous for his dexterity in exorcism, -gave me the following detail of his proceedings.</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘When a woman appears heavy and unwell, -her friends, suspecting the cause, call in a <em>bhagut</em>, -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 <em>bhagut</em> -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 <em>bhagut</em>. This is the moment for the display -<span class='pageno' id='Page_384'>384</span>of the doctor’s art and dexterity! He springs -forward, and seizes the <em>possessed</em> 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?”</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘To these queries, the fiend, through the -mouth of the <em>possessed</em>, 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 <em>pure</em> and <em>undefiled</em>, and fit -for habitation; therefore I entered into it.” The -fiend now offers to quit his habitation, if it be -the <em>bhagut’s</em> 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!</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_385'>385</span>such, as cannot even afford the ore, use <em>caugull</em>, -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 <em>cazee</em> and tipstaff, -the <em>peer</em> and <em>mooreed</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘Besides the antimony to the eyes, the women -apply a black stain to the teeth, called -<em>missee</em>: it is made of the rust of iron and <em>kurra</em> -compounded.<a id='r19' /><a href='#f19' class='c030'><sup>[19]</sup></a> It is, in fact, ink-powder: for -the <em>kurra</em> is a <em>nut</em> equally astringent with galls. -The powder is rubbed on, or rather between, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_386'>386</span>the teeth, and leaves a black stain, which is -deemed both a preservation and an ornament to -them. The use of the plant <em>hinna</em>,<a id='r20' /><a href='#f20' class='c030'><sup>[20]</sup></a> 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.</p> - -<hr class='c031' /> -<div class='footnote' id='f19'> -<p class='c008'><a href='#r19'>19</a>. Likewise a preparation of <em>kino</em>.</p> -</div> - -<div class='footnote' id='f20'> -<p class='c008'><a href='#r20'>20</a>. Called <em>mehendy</em>, or <em>mindy</em>, in Moors.</p> -</div> -<hr class='c031' /> - -<p class='c008'>‘The dancing-women are of different kinds. -The most respectable are the <em>meeraseen</em>, sometimes -called <em>doominca</em>; though the real <em>doominca</em> -exhibit in public before men, which the <em>meeraseen</em> -never do. The word <em>meeras</em> means an <em>inheritance</em>, -and <em>meeraseen</em> an <em>inheritress</em>, 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 <em>prepucian</em>,<a id='r21' /><a href='#f21' class='c030'><sup>[21]</sup></a> 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 <em>meeraseem</em> -are never accompanied by male minstrels, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_387'>387</span>they seldom play on other instruments than -drums of different kinds, such as the <em>tubla</em>,<a id='r22' /><a href='#f22' class='c030'><sup>[22]</sup></a> -<em>dholuk</em>,<a id='r23' /><a href='#f23' class='c030'><sup>[23]</sup></a> and <em>munjeera</em>;<a id='r24' /><a href='#f24' class='c030'><sup>[24]</sup></a> though the <em>meeraseens</em> -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 <em>meeraseen</em> attracts the attention -of the male part of the family; in such -cases, any intercourse they may have is conducted -with secresy.</p> - -<hr class='c031' /> -<div class='footnote' id='f21'> -<p class='c008'><a href='#r21'>21</a>. The barbers in India have the sole privilege of performing -the operation of circumcising.</p> -</div> - -<div class='footnote' id='f22'> -<p class='c008'><a href='#r22'>22</a>. The <em>tubla</em> are small drums usually fastened in pairs -round the waist, and much resemble kettle drums.</p> -</div> - -<div class='footnote' id='f23'> -<p class='c008'><a href='#r23'>23</a>. The <em>dhol</em>, or <em>dholuk</em>, is a large sort, carried horizontally, -and seems to be the original of our Turkish drum.</p> -</div> - -<div class='footnote' id='f24'> -<p class='c008'><a href='#r24'>24</a>. The <em>munjeera</em> is sometimes beat with a stick.</p> -</div> -<hr class='c031' /> - -<p class='c008'>‘The <em>kunchenee</em> 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_388'>388</span>of conscience which, at some period or other, -are supposed to oppress females of this description -in other countries. Their profession is emphatically -termed <em>the trade</em>, and the female a -<em>trader</em>; and I must do them the justice to say, -that many a <em>fair</em> trader is to be found among -them. There are many other kinds of dancing -women, such as <em>hoorkenees</em>, <em>bazeegarnees</em>, <em>dharee</em>, -&c. &c.</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘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 <em>muzjeed</em>, or <em>mosque</em><a id='r25' /><a href='#f25' class='c030'><sup>[25]</sup></a>, -within the <em>haram</em>, 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.</p> - -<hr class='c031' /> -<div class='footnote' id='f25'> -<p class='c008'><a href='#r25'>25</a>. These are small buildings answering the purpose of our -churches, and many have large tracts of land attached for -the maintanence of the priests.</p> -</div> -<hr class='c031' /> - -<p class='c008'>‘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 <em>faqueerens</em><a id='r26' /><a href='#f26' class='c030'><sup>[26]</sup></a>, or religious mendicants, frequently -undertake the pilgrimage in company -<span class='pageno' id='Page_389'>389</span>with their husbands or other relatives, after the -accomplishment of which they are termed <em>hudjeecau</em>.<a id='r27' /><a href='#f27' class='c030'><sup>[27]</sup></a> -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.</p> - -<hr class='c031' /> -<div class='footnote' id='f26'> -<p class='c008'><a href='#r26'>26</a>. <em>Faqueer</em> is a male mendicant, and <em>faqueeren</em> a female.</p> -</div> - -<div class='footnote' id='f27'> -<p class='c008'><a href='#r27'>27</a>. The designation of <em>hudjee</em> (commonly pronounced <em>hadjee</em>) -is assumed by all who have visited the shrine of the -prophet: hence the term <em>hudjeecau</em>.</p> -</div> -<hr class='c031' /> - -<p class='c008'>‘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 <em>asseel</em>,<a id='r28' /><a href='#f28' class='c030'><sup>[28]</sup></a>) at the rate of two or three -rupees per month, exclusive of food; one of -these is always stationed as a kind of running -<span class='pageno' id='Page_390'>390</span>sentry at the door of the <em>zennanah</em>,<a id='r29' /><a href='#f29' class='c030'><sup>[29]</sup></a> for the purpose -of conveying messages. There may be, -besides these, one or two <em>Mogulanees</em><a id='r30' /><a href='#f30' class='c030'><sup>[30]</sup></a> 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.</p> - -<hr class='c031' /> -<div class='footnote' id='f28'> -<p class='c008'><a href='#r28'>28</a>. The word <em>asseel</em> literally means perfect, real, original, -unadulterated; and here implies superiority.</p> -</div> - -<div class='footnote' id='f29'> -<p class='c008'><a href='#r29'>29</a>. <em>Zenanah</em> means the <em>haram</em>, or women’s apartments.</p> -</div> - -<div class='footnote' id='f30'> -<p class='c008'><a href='#r30'>30</a>. <em>Mogulanee</em> is a Mogul woman. The Moguls are one of -the four principal sects of Mohamedans.</p> -</div> -<hr class='c031' /> - -<p class='c008'>‘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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_391'>391</span>those probably originally from <em>Iran</em>,<a id='r31' /><a href='#f31' class='c030'><sup>[31]</sup></a>) 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 <em>zenanahs</em> of nabobs, and men of -elevated rank: there, they are strictly confined, -and precluded from all possible communication -with men.<a id='r32' /><a href='#f32' class='c030'><sup>[32]</sup></a> 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. <em>moosacqek</em>, -being adopted to distinguish that species -of amorous dalliance.</p> - -<hr class='c031' /> -<div class='footnote' id='f31'> -<p class='c008'><a href='#r31'>31</a>. A province of Persian Tartary.</p> -</div> - -<div class='footnote' id='f32'> -<p class='c008'><a href='#r32'>32</a>. There have, however, been many instances to the contrary.</p> -</div> -<hr class='c031' /> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_392'>392</span>‘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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘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.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_393'>393</span>‘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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘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 <em>Jacobian period</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_394'>394</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘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 -<em>hinna</em>,<a id='r33' /><a href='#f33' class='c030'><sup>[33]</sup></a> or <em>mehendy</em>, 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 <em>mehendy</em>. 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.</p> - -<hr class='c031' /> -<div class='footnote' id='f33'> -<p class='c008'><a href='#r33'>33</a>. See <a href='#r20'>note</a>, page 385.</p> -</div> -<hr class='c031' /> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_395'>395</span>‘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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘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 <em>darwan</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘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 <em>vaqueels</em>, (or attornies,) of the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_396'>396</span>parties. The questions being now put to the -bride, as she stands concealed behind the curtain, -whether she chooses him as her <em>vaqueel</em>?<a id='r34' /><a href='#f34' class='c030'><sup>[34]</sup></a> -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 <em>vaqueel</em> to the curtain, certify -the circumstance of her assent.</p> - -<hr class='c031' /> -<div class='footnote' id='f34'> -<p class='c008'><a href='#r34'>34</a>. <em>Vakeel</em>, as it is pronounced, literally means ambassador, -deputy or other <span lang="la" xml:lang="la"><em>locum tenens</em></span> but here is meant to imply -protector, advocate, trustee.</p> -</div> -<hr class='c031' /> - -<p class='c008'>‘The <em>vaqueels</em> and relations, on both sides, now -proceed to fix on the <em>mahir</em>, (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 <em>cabala</em>, or marriage -contract, between the extravagant demands on -the bridegroom, and his unwillingness to comply -therewith.</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘The bridegroom is then conducted by the female -attendants into the presence of the bride, -who sits veiled, on a place raised on purpose, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_397'>397</span>in her own apartment. The <em>meeraseens</em> 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 <em>meeraseens</em>, 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 <em>meeraseens</em>.</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_398'>398</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘On every Friday, for several weeks, the -bride pays a similar visit to her parents; receiving, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_399'>399</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘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 <em>zenanah</em> 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_400'>400</span>contrition. In cases where the wife displays -any levity of conduct, her parents are more -ready than the husband to punish her.</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘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 <em>midwife</em>.<a id='r35' /><a href='#f35' class='c030'><sup>[35]</sup></a> This description -of people are from the lowest <em>casts</em>. On the -sixth day from the delivery, an entertainment is -given in the <em>zenanah</em>; 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.</p> - -<hr class='c031' /> -<div class='footnote' id='f35'> -<p class='c008'><a href='#r35'>35</a>. The <em>Chumars</em>, or shoemakers, are one of the lowest, -and most degraded sects. Their wives are termed <em>chumynes</em>, -and are supposed to inherit a perfect knowledge of midwifery, -in which no other woman is employed.</p> -</div> -<hr class='c031' /> - -<p class='c008'>‘On the fortieth day, a grand entertainment -is given, every one, according to their respective -rank and consanguinity, making presents to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_401'>401</span>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;<a id='r36' /><a href='#f36' class='c030'><sup>[36]</sup></a> 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.</p> - -<hr class='c031' /> -<div class='footnote' id='f36'> -<p class='c008'><a href='#r36'>36</a>. The child always calls this foster-brother by the name -of ‘<em>dood-baiee</em>’, <i>i.e.</i> milk-brother.</p> -</div> -<hr class='c031' /> - -<p class='c008'>‘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 <em>string</em> which -is to mark his future years, receives the first -knot. This custom seems to point out the origin -of our metaphorical <em>thread</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘Before the child is put under the direction of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_402'>402</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘When arrived at the age of sixteen, or seventeen, -the parents in general provide their son -<span class='pageno' id='Page_403'>403</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘The general method of passing their time is -as follows. They arise a little before day-light. -On coming out of the <em>zenanah</em>, 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 <em>Durbar</em>,<a id='r37' /><a href='#f37' class='c030'><sup>[37]</sup></a> 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, <em>kubabs</em>, <em>kullia</em>, -and <em>pillaw</em>,<a id='r38' /><a href='#f38' class='c030'><sup>[38]</sup></a> &c. After passing a short while -<span class='pageno' id='Page_404'>404</span>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.</p> - -<hr class='c031' /> -<div class='footnote' id='f37'> -<p class='c008'><a href='#r37'>37</a>. <em>Durbar</em>, properly means Court, or Residency.</p> -</div> - -<div class='footnote' id='f38'> -<p class='c008'><a href='#r38'>38</a>. Different modes of dressing meat, &c.</p> -</div> -<hr class='c031' /> - -<p class='c008'>‘After prayers, if the master be a young man, -he generally retires to the <em>zenanah</em>, where, in -company with his wife, and some of his female -relations, he enjoys his <em>hookah</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘When an assembly is convened to communicate -an event of grief, the invited always -<span class='pageno' id='Page_405'>405</span>sends the provisions to the habitation of the -inviter; who is supposed to be too much afflicted -to attend to such circumstances.</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘The hour of audience at the <em>Durbar</em>, 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 <em>Durbar</em>, 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 <em>zenanah</em>, -buffoons, dancing-girls, &c., are summoned -to close the entertainment.</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘On joyful occasions, when an entertainment -is given, the males assemble in the outer -apartments, and the females in the <em>zenanah</em>; -the master of the feast exerting himself to the -utmost in providing for his guests: indeed, the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_406'>406</span>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, <em>pawns</em>,<a id='r39' /><a href='#f39' class='c030'><sup>[39]</sup></a> -<em>ottah</em> of roses, flowers of various kinds, together -with fried coffee, <em>sooparee</em>,<a id='r40' /><a href='#f40' class='c030'><sup>[40]</sup></a> <em>cardamoms</em>, ginger -mixed with acids, are offered to the guests, and -such as may be unprovided with <em>hookahs</em> are -supplied with them. After this, sugar and -water, boiled up together, forming a kind of -sherbet, is presented. Now the <em>taiffa</em>, 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.</p> - -<hr class='c031' /> -<div class='footnote' id='f39'> -<p class='c008'><a href='#r39'>39</a>. The beetle leaf filled with spices, &c., universally -chewed by all classes of the natives.</p> -</div> - -<div class='footnote' id='f40'> -<p class='c008'><a href='#r40'>40</a>. The beetle nut.</p> -</div> -<hr class='c031' /> - -<p class='c008'>‘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 <em>cuffin</em>.<a id='r41' /><a href='#f41' class='c030'><sup>[41]</sup></a> 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_407'>407</span>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 <em>manes</em> 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 <em>bursee</em>,<a id='r42' /><a href='#f42' class='c030'><sup>[42]</sup></a> or annual commemoration; -which is strictly observed by the children of the -deceased during the remainder of their lives.</p> - -<hr class='c031' /> -<div class='footnote' id='f41'> -<p class='c008'><a href='#r41'>41</a>. May not this be the origin of our coffins?</p> -</div> - -<div class='footnote' id='f42'> -<p class='c008'><a href='#r42'>42</a>. From <em>burress</em>, <i>i.e.</i> a year.</p> -</div> -<hr class='c031' /> - -<p class='c008'>‘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 ‘<span class='fss'>HOSSEIN, HOSSAN</span>,’ 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 <em>jammas</em>, or vests. The whole -of the Mahometan population seem to avoid the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_408'>408</span>use of green, even in the ornaments of their carriages, -elephants’ trappings, <em>purdahs</em>, 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 <em>syce</em>, or groom, object to -the handle of a <em>chowry</em>, (or whisk, for keeping -flies from horses,) merely because some of the -ornaments were of that color. On one occasion, -a refractory <em>zemindar</em> reproached me with insulting -not only himself, (he being a <em>Seyed</em>, a -superior sect of Mahomedans,) but the whole -of the population, by pitching a tent, lined -with green perpet, within sight of a <em>nimauz</em>, -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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘Commonly, a <em>cherauk</em>, 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_409'>409</span>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, (<em>joomah-raut</em>,) are -called <em>joomah-raut ke metie</em>; that is to say, -‘Thursday’s confectionary.’</p> - -<p class='c008'>Many of the native ladies, as well as the men, -but especially the Mahomedans, are very dexterous -in flying kites, called by them <em>puttungs</em>. -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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_410'>410</span>the <em>puttung</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_411'>411</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>This amusement generally takes place during -the cool of the evening, on the flat tops of -houses. The inhabitants of the <em>zenanah</em>, (or -<em>haram</em>,) enjoy it either from their <em>compounds</em>, -(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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>This trait of jealousy is every where apparent: -nothing could offend a native more than -the erection of an edifice, that should afford a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_412'>412</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <span lang="la" xml:lang="la"><em>sine quâ non</em></span> 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_413'>413</span>important, and immense, fabric, has been suffered -to fall into decay!</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='fss'>SIXTEEN</span>, 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!’</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>sixteenth</em> of Major ———?’ The courtship -<span class='pageno' id='Page_414'>414</span>was allowed to proceed, merely to make -sport of the good man’s <em>foible</em>: a term peculiarly -appropriate!</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><em>fierté</em></span>, 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_415'>415</span>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!</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>chew</em> it,) shoes, cloaths, and <em>gynahs</em>, (<i>i.e.</i> -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 -<em>some</em> British damsels; who are not always more -scrupulous than those I have described. But, -when we estimate the Asiatic <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><em>chere amie</em></span> according -<span class='pageno' id='Page_416'>416</span>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!</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>zenanahs</em>. -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 <em>B’how-Buxey</em>, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_417'>417</span>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 <em>B’how</em>, 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 <em>bunyah</em>, (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 <em>khedmutgars</em> -could have changed apparel with him, without -being considerable losers by the bargain. The -<em>B’how</em> was, nevertheless, attended by a <em>nautch-tuffah</em>, -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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_418'>418</span>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 <em>B’how’s -zenanah</em> was of course secluded; but the number -of the elephants, <em>r’huts</em>, <em>palanquins</em>, <em>doolies</em> -and other conveyances, satisfied me that the -ladies were in better plight than their most -abominably filthy lord!</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>satrinje</em>, 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 <em>k’hous</em>; -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 <em>chinauls</em>. In -either kind, as well as in the <em>jooties</em> 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_419'>419</span>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 <em>jooraub</em>, 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 <em>jooraubs</em>, as also their -<em>dustannahs</em>, or gloves, made of shawl; strange -<span class='pageno' id='Page_420'>420</span>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 <em>cyst</em>. 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 <em>moolumbah</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The following are the ornaments chiefly worn -by the Hindostanee ladies. The <em>maung-teekah</em>, -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 <em>maung</em>, or front; the hair -<span class='pageno' id='Page_421'>421</span>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 <em>maung-teekah</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The <em>kurrum-phool</em>, is not unlike the centre -piece of a <em>maung-teekah</em>, 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 <em>kurrum-phool</em>; -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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_422'>422</span>the great weight, and consequent value, of their -jewels.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The <em>joomkah</em> 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 <em>joomkah</em>. 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>European ladies content themselves with one -appendage at each ear; while the females of -Hindostan think it impossible to have too many: -<span class='pageno' id='Page_423'>423</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The nose has its share in the decorations of -the Hindostanee fair, it usually bearing two ornaments; -one, called a <em>n’hut</em>, 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 <em>n’hut</em> -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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The other nasal trinket is called a <em>bolauk</em>; 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_424'>424</span>nose, by means of a gold ring passing through -the <em>septum</em>, 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 <em>joomkah</em>. It is inconceivable -what some women undergo for the sake of -displaying their riches in this way! Not only -does the <em>bolauk</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>chumpauk-gully</em>. -This is made of separate rays, each -intended to represent a petal of the <em>chumpauk</em>, -(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 <em>maung-teekah</em>; either -chrystals, set on foils, chiefly white; or they are -<span class='pageno' id='Page_425'>425</span>precious stones, of one color, throughout the -ornament.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The <em>haunseah</em> 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. <em>Haunseahs</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Most of the Hindostanee women wear <em>tabeejes</em>, -strung upon an assemblage of black silk threads, -passing round their necks, and reaching to their -middles: these <em>tabeejes</em> 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 <em>camphor</em> (as lately used by a celebrated -English lady). Whatever the contents -may be, great reliance is placed on their efficacy -<span class='pageno' id='Page_426'>426</span>in repelling disease, and in averting the influence -of witch-craft, (<em>j’haddoo</em>,) 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>baujoo-bund</em>.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The wrists are always profusely decorated: -the more ordinary classes wear rings made of -<em>kaunch</em>, or <em>chank</em>; (<i>i.e.</i> the common <a id='corr425.16'></a><span class='htmlonly'><ins class='correction' title='sea-conch,'>sea-conch,)</ins></span><span class='epubonly'><a href='#c_425.16'><ins class='correction' title='sea-conch,'>sea-conch,)</ins></a></span> -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 <em>chanking</em> -the cloths, which, being laid many folds thick -<span class='pageno' id='Page_427'>427</span>upon a large board, are beat with <em>conchs</em>, 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 <em>kuntahs</em>; 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The rings made from the sea-conch, are called -<em>kaunch ke t’choory</em>, or <em>t’choories</em> made of conch; -in contra-distinction to a common kind of <em>t’choories</em>, -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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_428'>428</span>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 <em>t’choories</em>, and -who are thence called <em>t’chooríaens</em>, 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 -<em>t’choories</em> 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 <em>t’choories</em>, they have a very heavy -appearance, and are always highly uncomfortable -to Madam’s most intimate acquaintances, in consequence -of their being peculiarly brittle.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Some ladies wear a massy ring of solid silver -on each wrist, weighing, perhaps, from three to -five ounces: these are commonly hexagonal, or -<span class='pageno' id='Page_429'>429</span>octagonal, of an equal thickness throughout, -and terminated by a knob at each end, the same -as in the <em>haunseah</em>. Being of pure silver, this -ornament, which is called a <em>kurrah</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>baujoo-bund</em>. Some of the bracelets, -which bear the general name of <em>poanҫhies</em>, -are of gold, intermixed with pearls; affording a -very rich appearance: they are certainly more -ornamental than <em>t’choories</em>, which are, in the -end, very expensive, on account of the immense -numbers that give way in the wearing.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The thumb of each hand is generally destined -to bear an ornament called <em>inah</em>, (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 <em>angooties</em>, or rings, -of various sorts and sizes, generally of gold; -those of silver being considered mean. The <em>inah</em> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_430'>430</span>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!!!</p> - -<p class='c008'>A lady, at all priding herself on the splendor -of her dress, must have a pair of very substantial -<em>kurrahs</em>, or rings of silver, not weighing less -than half a pound each, upon her ancles. She -must also have a pair of <em>paum-jebs</em>, made flexible, -and ornamented with little spherical bells, -all of which tinkle at every motion of the limb. -The ordinary pattern of the <em>paum-jeb</em>, is mural, -each piece being kept in its place by wires, -passing through its two ends vertically. The -toes have likewise their rings, called <em>chellahs</em>, -usually of about the fifth of an inch in breadth -and very thin; these have, for the most part, -beaded edges.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_431'>431</span>moistened with <em>tissy</em>, 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 -<em>baundy</em>, or female slave, to be taken off, for -any trifling offence.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Coral beads are in high estimation throughout -Hindostan, as applicable to the construction -<span class='pageno' id='Page_432'>432</span>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 <em>tolah</em>; 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 <em>tolah</em> 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 <em>moongahs</em>, 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 <em>moongahs</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_433'>433</span>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.</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c032'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>‘Enrich’d with all the gay perfume,</div> - <div class='line'>She wafts a stench around the room.’</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c029'>The sale of these oils, as also of the <em>missy</em>, -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 <em>pawn</em>, or -beetle, they generally chew, as also of the <em>soormah</em>, -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 -<em>gundies</em>, who carry their ware about in small -baskets. The oils, and especially the <em>utr</em>, or -<em>ottah</em> 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_434'>434</span>lives, and often take payment <em>in kind</em> for their -wares.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>metah</em>, (<i>i.e.</i> 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>That highly fragrant oil extracted from the -rose, called <em>attar</em>, or by us <em>ottah</em>, is by no means -so common as might be expected, at least not in -perfection: as to reputed <em>attar</em>, that may be had -of every <em>gundy</em>, and at even a few annas per -<em>tolah</em> (or half ounce weight). Genuine <em>attar</em> can -only be had of particular persons, and then at a -very high price; commonly about four guineas, -(<i>i.e.</i> 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_435'>435</span>to themselves but extremely injurious -to the extract.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Although many gentlemen had occasionally -endeavored to ascertain the proportions used by -the venders of <em>attar</em>, 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 <em>attar</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>This resulted from the jealousy entertained -by the natives of distinction at the court of the -Nabob Vizier of Oude, <span class='sc'>Azoph ul Dowlah</span>, -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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_436'>436</span>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 <em>j’haddoo</em>, as witch-craft; and the whole -body of Mahomedan ecclesiastics joined to crush -the growth of science.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_437'>437</span>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>i.e.</i> 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 <em>double the quantity of perfume was brought -into half the former space</em>. The produce of the -last distillation was put into broad pans, either -<span class='pageno' id='Page_438'>438</span>of earthen ware, or of tinned metal, and left -exposed, during the night, to the cold air.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>attar</em>, -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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Now, it is evident, that such an exposure -subjected the <em>attar</em>, 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, <em>fæces</em>, proved that -there was some mismanagement. Accordingly, -he took a hint, and, while the rose-water was -yet lukewarm, poured it into a large <em>caraboy</em>, or -glass bottle; so as to fill it completely. The -<em>caraboy</em> was then subjected to a refrigerating -<span class='pageno' id='Page_439'>439</span>process; by which the <em>attar</em> 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 <em>caraboy</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The products in <em>attar</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The rose-water, even after the <em>attar</em> has been -completely separated, is rich in fragrance, but is -far more so, when the <em>attar</em> is suffered to remain -united with it, as may be effected by the addition -of various <em>menstrua</em>, which keep it suspended -in the fluid. The general price of such -<span class='pageno' id='Page_440'>440</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Colonel Polier states that the quantity of <em>attar</em> -obtained from nearly fifty-five maunds of roses, -which grew upon about eleven acres of good -soil, highly manured, amounted to sixteen <em>tolahs</em>, -or about half a pound avoirdupoise. This -gives us some insight into the value of the <em>attar</em>; -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.</p> - -<table class='table2' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='62%' /> -<col width='6%' /> -<col width='6%' /> -<col width='6%' /> -<col width='6%' /> -<col width='6%' /> -<col width='6%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='c019'> </td> - <td class='c021'>£.</td> - <td class='c021'><i>s.</i></td> - <td class='c021'><i>d.</i></td> - <td class='c021'>£.</td> - <td class='c021'><i>s.</i></td> - <td class='c022'><i>d.</i></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'>Rent of 11 acres, (or 33 <i>bigahs</i>,)</td> - <td class='c021'>11</td> - <td class='c021'>11</td> - <td class='c021'>0</td> - <td class='c021'>23</td> - <td class='c021'>2</td> - <td class='c022'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'>Expences of cultivation, &c.</td> - <td class='c021 bb'>11</td> - <td class='c021 bb'>11</td> - <td class='c021 bb'>0</td> - <td class='c021'> </td> - <td class='c021'> </td> - <td class='c022'> </td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class='c008'>Against which we have</p> - -<table class='table2' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='62%' /> -<col width='6%' /> -<col width='6%' /> -<col width='6%' /> -<col width='6%' /> -<col width='6%' /> -<col width='6%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='c019'>Sixteen <em>tolahs</em> of <em>attar</em>, say at two guineas,</td> - <td class='c033'>33</td> - <td class='c033'>12</td> - <td class='c033'>0</td> - <td class='c033'> </td> - <td class='c033'> </td> - <td class='c034'> </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'>About thirteen and a half maunds of rose-water, say at only 20 rupees, or £2. 10s. per maund</td> - <td class='c033 bb'>33</td> - <td class='c033 bb'>10</td> - <td class='c033 bb'>0</td> - <td class='c033'> </td> - <td class='c033'> </td> - <td class='c034'> </td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'>Giving a total of receipts equal to</td> - <td class='c033'> </td> - <td class='c033'> </td> - <td class='c033'> </td> - <td class='c033 bb'>67</td> - <td class='c033 bb'>2</td> - <td class='c034 bb'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'>And a nett produce on 11 acres, of</td> - <td class='c033'> </td> - <td class='c033'> </td> - <td class='c033'> </td> - <td class='c033 bb'>44</td> - <td class='c033 bb'>0</td> - <td class='c034 bb'>0</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c019'>Equal per acre, to the yearly sum of</td> - <td class='c033'> </td> - <td class='c033'> </td> - <td class='c033'> </td> - <td class='c033 bb'>4</td> - <td class='c033 bb'>0</td> - <td class='c034 bb'>0</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class='c029'><span class='pageno' id='Page_441'>441</span>In the above, I have taken the <em>attar</em> 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 <em>attar</em> 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 <em>bigah</em>.</p> - -<p class='c008'>In Doctor Willich’s Encyclopædia, I observe -it is stated, that genuine <em>attar</em> 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 <em>gundies</em> retail, -by mixing only <em>one drop</em> of genuine <em>attar</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_442'>442</span>The color of <em>attar</em>, 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, <em>attar</em> 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 <a id='corr441.8'></a><span class='htmlonly'><ins class='correction' title='days.’'>days.</ins></span><span class='epubonly'><a href='#c_441.8'><ins class='correction' title='days.’'>days.</ins></a></span></p> - -<p class='c008'>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, <em>attar</em> 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 <em>attar</em>.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Some ladies anoint their bodies with scented -oils, but, for the most part, a predilection exists -in favor of that extracted from the <em>sesamum</em>, -or mustard seed; which is likewise in very -general use throughout every branch of culinary -preparation, among the natives of every sect. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_443'>443</span>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 <em>sesamum</em>, commonly called -by Europeans ‘<em>mosaul</em> oil,’ from its being invariably -used by the <em>mosaulchies</em> to feed the flames -of their links, or <em>mosauls</em>: by the natives it is -designated <em>kurwah-tale</em>, 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_444'>444</span>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 <em>stopping</em> the pores: -hence, we see all the poor people, throughout -India, avail themselves, whenever the means -offer, of a handful or two of <em>kurwah-tale</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_445'>445</span>course adopted, of late years, by some of -our most celebrated medical characters.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>basin</em>. This is really fragrant, as well -as cleansing; but I cannot so much admire the -sandal some substitute for the <em>citric aroma</em>; it -being of a peculiarly sickly scent, which does -not easily wash out of linen.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>tank</em>,) 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 <em>doties</em>, and other -parts of their apparel; having in readiness dry -<span class='pageno' id='Page_446'>446</span>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 <em>ghauts</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_447'>447</span>where the bather cannot be overlooked from any -height, &c. There, an area is enclosed, by means -of <em>kanauts</em>, 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 <em>kanauts</em>, -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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_448'>448</span>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 <span lang="la" xml:lang="la"><em>cum -grano salis</em></span>; 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>hummums</em>, (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 <em>hautties</em>, -(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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_449'>449</span>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 <em>hummums</em> are much frequented -by Mahomedans, yet, I believe, they -are chiefly supported by the resort of Armenians, -Greeks, Portugueze, and English gentlemen.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>ghaut</em>, 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 <em>ghaut</em> 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; -<span class='pageno' id='Page_450'>450</span>consequently, may be fairly considered as aiming -to subvert the ordinations of fate!</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>palanquin</em>, -or a <em>r’hut</em>, attended by their <em>dhyes</em>, and with -the <em>guttah-tope</em>, or cover, of the vehicle, brought -down close on all sides. It certainly would -be uncharitable to annex a bad motive, as inseparable -from <em>all</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>pawn</em>, (beetle,) or of an <em>elauҫhee</em>, -(cardamom,) being matters of considerable importance, -among a race whose whole time may -<span class='pageno' id='Page_451'>451</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>dhole</em>; or perhaps shewing -the agility of their fingers in playing upon a very -small kind of tambourine, called a <em>coonjerry</em>. -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 <em>quiet</em> life’, may be -<span class='pageno' id='Page_452'>452</span>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 ‘<em>Chembayly</em>’, (jasmine,) ‘<em>Golaub</em>’, (rose-water,) -‘<em>Miscery</em>’, (sugar,) ‘<em>Gool-beegum</em>’, -(queen of roses,) ‘<em>Meevah-Jehan</em>’, (the fruit of -life:) though, perhaps, those known by the name -of ‘<em>Soorooj</em>’, (<i>i.e.</i> the sun,) might lay claim to -some authority, without acting so grossly in -opposition to their nomenclature.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>haram</em>;) 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 ‘<em>under the -protection</em>’ of an European gentleman, is accounted, -not only among the natives, but even by his -<span class='pageno' id='Page_453'>453</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_454'>454</span>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_455'>455</span>friends to receive her; for she cannot else obtain -even a lodging, or the means of procuring -subsistence. It is not like a trip, <em>per hoy</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_456'>456</span>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_457'>457</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_458'>458</span>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>i.e.</i> 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_459'>459</span>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 <em>row</em> in the barracks; but, on the -whole, may be considered highly serviceable; -especially during illness, at which time their -attendance is invaluable.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>It is peculiarly unfortunate, that a very great -portion of these creoles, mestees, or what not, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_460'>460</span>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, <span lang="la" xml:lang="la"><em>ipso facto</em></span>, -subscribers to the orphan fund.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_461'>461</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.’</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘2dly. That, to prevent difficulty and expence -in the collections, as well as to secure -their amount against all accidents, the officers -do consent, <em>irrevocably</em>, to the deduction of the -specified contributions from their monthly pay.’</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘4th. That a governor, deputy-governor, and -twelve managers, be appointed to conduct the -business of the society.’</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘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.)</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘l3th. That the trustees, or guardians, of all -<span class='pageno' id='Page_462'>462</span>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.’</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘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.’</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘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.’</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_463'>463</span>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.’</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_464'>464</span>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!</p> - -<p class='c008'>The good policy of making some provision -<span class='pageno' id='Page_465'>465</span>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 <em>ferret</em> 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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_466'>466</span>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 <em>cocoons</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_467'>467</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_468'>468</span>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.’</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>With respect to making provision for the sons -<span class='pageno' id='Page_469'>469</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_470'>470</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_471'>471</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The vaccine inoculation was effected with -great difficulty in India; an immense number -of experiments failed, chiefly owing to the -<em>virus</em> 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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_472'>472</span>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 <em>virus</em> was highly volatile, and often made -its escape in conveying the <em>pus</em> 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>In aid of what was doing at the Presidency, -several of the surgeons attached to the civil -<span class='pageno' id='Page_473'>473</span>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_474'>474</span>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, ‘<em>Sud’has Angraha</em>,’ and written by a -physician, whose name was <em>Mahadeva</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_475'>475</span>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!</p> - -<p class='c008'>It may not be unpleasing to my readers, to be -informed as to the manner in which the <em>Bramins</em>, -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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>‘Inoculation is performed in Hindostan by a -particular tribe of <em>Bramins</em>, who are delegated -annually for this service, from the different colleges -of <em>Bindoobund</em>, <em>Allahabas</em>, <em>Benares</em>, &c., -over all the distant provinces. Dividing themselves -<span class='pageno' id='Page_476'>476</span>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 <em>ghee</em> (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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_477'>477</span>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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_478'>478</span>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, (<em>poojah</em>,) or offering to the goddess, -on their recovery, the operator takes his fee, -which, from a poor person, is a <em>punn</em> of <em>cowries</em>, -(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.’</p> - -<p class='c008'>Mr. Shoolbred observes, on the authority of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_479'>479</span>Mr. Glass, the surgeon at Boglepore, that, in -that district, inoculation is performed by the -lowest casts. This is certainly true among the -<em>Pahariahs</em>, 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!</p> - -<p class='c008'>These same <em>Pahariahs</em> 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 <em>testes</em>, the -wound is rubbed with a little <em>ghee</em> and turmeric, -and almost invariably heals in a very few days. -It may be considered curious, that among the -<em>D’hangahs</em>, (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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_480'>480</span>plain rice, with a few vegetables, stewed, much -the same as for a <em>curry</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_481'>481</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_482'>482</span>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 <em>puckah-house</em>, -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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_483'>483</span>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_484'>484</span>variety of sufferings, to which they become subjected, -by the accumulation of years, the visitations -of disease, and the pressure of misfortune!</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>bungalows</em> 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_485'>485</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 ‘<em>compounds,</em>’ -but by the natives designated ‘<em>ungnahs</em>’,) the -<em>cricky</em>, 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_486'>486</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The thatches are usually made of the <em>kuss</em>, -or common wild grass, whose roots furnish that -fibrous substance called <em>kuss-kuss</em>, already spoken -of while describing the formation of <em>tatties</em>. -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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_487'>487</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>From the end of February, probably to the -setting in of the rains in June, great numbers of -persons are employed in cutting the <em>kuss</em>, or -<em>khur</em>, as it is indiscriminately called, with a -kind of sickle, and tying it up into <em>haunties</em>, (or -handfuls,) usually about six inches thick. These -are conveyed on <em>hackeries</em> 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_488'>488</span>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 ‘<em>chupper</em>,’ (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 <em>moonje</em>; 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The several frames being duly fitted at the -corners, are properly secured in their places, -and to each other; after which, a slender kind -<span class='pageno' id='Page_489'>489</span>of scaffolding is made under the eaves of the -respective frames, to enable the <em>grammies</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The several corners are now covered with immense -trusses of refuse grass, bound very firmly -together, reaching the whole extent of the angle, -or <em>gore</em>, and full two feet in diameter. These -trusses being bound down very firmly to their -adjacent sides, are ultimately covered with layers -of <em>seerky</em>, placed so as to over-lap about a foot -<span class='pageno' id='Page_490'>490</span>above each other, and, in their turn, duly tied -to the trusses: a similar truss is laid along the -ridge pole. This <em>seerky</em> is composed of the stems -of the <em>surput</em>, 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 <em>bainseah</em>, or buffalo -grass, that grows wild, in the greatest luxuriance, -all over Bengal. The stems of the <em>surput</em>, -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 <em>seerky</em>; 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_491'>491</span>It is perhaps singular that I should have seen -<em>seerky</em> 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 <em>seerky</em>; 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 <em>seerky</em>, -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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_492'>492</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>jaump</em>, 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_493'>493</span>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_494'>494</span>its effects. The former will, even at such moments, -often be seen smoking his <em>goorgoory</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>gutties</em>, 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_495'>495</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>compound</em> divided -off, and perfectly sequestered from the other -accommodations, set apart for the <em>zenanah</em>, 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 <em>palanquin</em>, <em>dooly</em>, -<em>r’hut</em>, 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_496'>496</span>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 <em>peepul</em> leaf, called a <em>churraug</em>, -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 -<em>churraug</em> 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 <em>churraug</em>; which, in -such case, assumes the more dignified appellation -of <em>pilsoze</em>: 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 <em>duspannahs</em>, -(<i>i.e.</i> tongs,) such as are used by <em>hookah-burdars</em>. -The oil in use for lamps is that already -spoken of, extracted from the <em>sesamum</em>, of which -the refuse cake is given to favorite oxen, &c.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Although <em>charpoys</em>, or small beds, are in use -<span class='pageno' id='Page_497'>497</span>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 <em>durmah-mat</em>, made from -coarse reeds split open and laid flat, with the -glossy surface uppermost; perhaps a <em>satrinje</em>, or -small cotton carpet, a <em>chudder</em>, or sheet, to -wrap round the body, and a <em>tuckeah</em>, or pillow, -stuffed very hard. In cold weather, a <em>goodry</em>, -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 <em>peek-daun</em>, or spitting pot, made generally -of <em>phool</em>, which is a very tolerable kind of tutenagne, -is always placed at the bed side, and is -ever resorted to when chewing the <em>pawn</em>, 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 <em>pawn</em>, of which it is said a <em>bigah</em> -will produce, in the vicinity of any populous -city, full two hundred rupees yearly; provided -the vines be of the <em>sunҫhah</em>, or true sort; which -is easily known by the yellowness of the borders, -and ramifications, of the leaf. This species is -<span class='pageno' id='Page_498'>498</span>far more pleasant to the palate than the common -green kind; which is, besides, tough, and possesses -a certain acrid quality.</p> - -<p class='c008'><em>Beetle</em>, or <em>pawn</em>, 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 <em>elatchee</em>, or cardamom, are added, -together with about the fourth part of a <em>beetle-nut</em>, -(that is, of the <em>areca</em>,) 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 <em>beetle-nut</em>, cut into a thin -wedge, so as to transfix it completely. It is -common to see a whole family partaking of -<em>pawns</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The saliva will not be tinctured, if the <em>chunam</em>, -(<i>i.e.</i> the lime,) be omitted; hence, it is -evident that the alkali produces the color from -the juices contained in the <em>pawn</em>. The color thus -obtained does not stain linen. Some use the <em>k’hut</em>, -which is the same as our <em>Terra Japonica</em>, and is -<span class='pageno' id='Page_499'>499</span>procured by bleeding various kinds of trees, principally -the mimosa, abounding in most of the -<em>jungles</em> (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 -<em>k’hut</em> is not, in my opinion, any thing in favor -of the <em>pawn</em>, 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 -<em>pawn</em>; under the opinion, that the discoloration -is effected by the lime blended therein. -Such is, however, wide of the fact: <em>pawn</em> 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 -<em>missy</em>; 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 <em>missy</em>. -The natives only chew the <em>pawn</em>, rejecting the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_500'>500</span>masticated ingredients when their flavor has -been extracted; some reject even the saliva -tinctured by the <em>pawn</em>, spitting it out into the -<em>peek-daun</em>. 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>I have already explained, that earthen pipes, -such as those we call ‘Dutch pipes’, are not -known in India; but that the <em>hookah</em>, <em>kaleaun</em>, -and <em>goorgoory</em>, 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 <em>cheroots</em>, exactly corresponding -with the Spanish <em>segar</em>, though usually made -rather more bulky. However fragrant the -smokers themselves may consider <em>cheroots</em>, those -who use <em>hookahs</em>, 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 <em>cheroot</em>; thus -<span class='pageno' id='Page_501'>501</span>abrogating all distinctions of musk, cinnamon, -rose-water, &c. in a trice.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The natives smoke <em>cheroots</em> 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, <em>cheroots</em> 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 <em>cheroot</em>; thereby -avoiding contact with the tobacco.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>dauntwun</em>, as it is called, but not without -leaving considerable soreness about my gums.</p> - -<p class='c008'><span class='pageno' id='Page_502'>502</span>The ladies of Hindostan smoke their <em>goorgoories</em> -in very high stile; as do those of inferior -rank their <em>nereauls</em>, 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 <em>experiments</em>, 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_503'>503</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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, -<em>Saadut Ali</em>, 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 -<em>Asoph ul Dowlah</em>, 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_504'>504</span>from metamorphosis. Many characters, -such as I have described, could be quoted, but -the most particularly appropriate to my subject -is that of <em>Mirza Abu Taleb Khan</em>, 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 <em>Gresse-Street</em>, (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 <em>Mirza</em>, 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_505'>505</span>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 <em>Hafiz</em> down to -the <em>Plenipo’</em>, his abilities were triumphant. Let -us compare him with the former, whose poetry -charmed his countrymen!</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>ODE BY HAFIZ.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c032'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in2'>Sweet maid, if thou wouldst charm my sight,</div> - <div class='line'>And bid these arms thy neck infold;</div> - <div class='line'>That rosy cheek, that lily hand</div> - <div class='line'>Would give thy poet more delight</div> - <div class='line'>Than all Boҫara’s vaunted gold,</div> - <div class='line'>Than all the gems of Samarcand.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in2'>Boy, let yon<a id='rA' /><a href='#fA' class='c030'><sup>[A]</sup></a> liquid ruby flow,</div> - <div class='line'>And bid thy pensive heart be glad,</div> - <div class='line'>Whate’er the frowning zealots say:</div> - <div class='line'>Tell them their Eden cannot show</div> - <div class='line'>A stream so clear as Rocnabad,</div> - <div class='line'>A bow’r so sweet as Moselláy.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in2'>Oh! when these fair, perfidious maids,</div> - <div class='line'>Whose eyes our secret haunts infest,</div> - <div class='line'>Their dear destructive charms display,</div> - <div class='line'>Each glance my tender breast invades,</div> - <div class='line'>And robs my wounded soul of rest,</div> - <div class='line'>As Tartars seize their destin’d prey.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in2'><span class='pageno' id='Page_506'>506</span>In vain with love our bosoms glow;</div> - <div class='line'>Can all our tears, can all our sighs</div> - <div class='line'>New lustre to those charms impart?</div> - <div class='line'>Can cheeks, where living roses blow,</div> - <div class='line'>Where nature spreads her richest dies,</div> - <div class='line'>Require the borrow’d gloss of art?</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in2'>Speak not of fate—ah! change the theme,</div> - <div class='line'>And talk of odours, talk of wine,</div> - <div class='line'>Talk of the flow’rs that round us bloom:</div> - <div class='line'>’Tis all a cloud, ’tis all a dream;</div> - <div class='line'>To love and joy thy thoughts confine,</div> - <div class='line'>Nor hope to pierce the sacred gloom.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in2'>Beauty has such resistless pow’r,</div> - <div class='line'>That ev’n the chaste Egyptian dame <a id='rB' /><a href='#fB' class='c030'><sup>[B]</sup></a></div> - <div class='line'>Sigh’d for the blooming Hebrew boy:</div> - <div class='line'>For her how fatal was the hour,</div> - <div class='line'>When to the banks of Nilus came</div> - <div class='line'><a id='rC' /><a href='#fC' class='c030'><sup>[C]</sup></a> A youth so lovely and so coy!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in2'>But ah! sweet maid, my counsel hear,</div> - <div class='line'>(Youth shall attend when those advise</div> - <div class='line'>Whom long experience renders sage);</div> - <div class='line'>While music charms the ravish’d ear,</div> - <div class='line'>While sparkling cups delight our eyes</div> - <div class='line'>Be gay; and scorn the frowns of age.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in2'>What cruel answer I have heard!</div> - <div class='line'>And yet, by heav’n, I love thee still:</div> - <div class='line'>Can aught be cruel from thy lip?</div> - <div class='line'>Yet say, how fell that bitter word</div> - <div class='line'>From lips which streams of sweetness fill,</div> - <div class='line'>Which nought but drops of honey sip?</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in2'><span class='pageno' id='Page_507'>507</span>Go boldly forth, my simple lay,</div> - <div class='line'>Whose accents flow with artless ease,</div> - <div class='line'>Like orient pearls at random strung;</div> - <div class='line'>Thy notes are sweet, the damsels say,</div> - <div class='line'>But oh, far sweeter, if they please</div> - <div class='line'>The nymph for whom these notes are sung!</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class='c031' /> -<div class='footnote' id='fA'> -<p class='c008'><a href='#rA'>A</a>. A <em>melted ruby</em> is a common periphrasis for wine in the -Persian poetry. See Hafiz, ode 22.</p> -</div> - -<div class='footnote' id='fB'> -<p class='c008'><a href='#rB'>B</a>. Zoleikha, Potiphar’s wife.</p> -</div> - -<div class='footnote' id='fC'> -<p class='c008'><a href='#rC'>C</a>. Joseph.</p> -</div> -<hr class='c031' /> - -<p class='c008'>Now for my friend, the <em>Mirza</em>; 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Take the following extracts from the poems at -large, as a specimen of the author’s talents.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><i>Praise of her Ornaments</i></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c032'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in1'>‘Upon this ear hangs a cloud surcharg’d with lightning;</div> - <div class='line in1'>Or is it Venus sits enthroned in her ear-ring?</div> - <div class='line in1'>On that ear, behold Jupiter augments her beauty;</div> - <div class='line in1'>In one morning who ever saw both constellations?</div> - <div class='line in1'>Since the lobe of the ear is the polar-star of the world of elegance,</div> - <div class='line in1'>Her ear-rings are the Greater and Lesser Bears which revolve around!’</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c035'><span class='pageno' id='Page_508'>508</span>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!</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><i>Praise of her gait and stature</i>.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c032'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in2'>‘From the extreme fineness of her waist,</div> - <div class='line'>The shadow of her ringlets is a burthen to her stature.</div> - <div class='line'>Her stature is a cypress <em>when she walks</em>,</div> - <div class='line'>But it bears, however, the fruit of seedless pomegranates.</div> - <div class='line'>She moves more gracefully than the water of life.</div> - <div class='line'>Like me, the pheasant and partridge are lost in astonishment.</div> - <div class='line'>Although she should tread on the pismire at her feet,</div> - <div class='line'>Its smallest hair would receive no injury.</div> - <div class='line'>Yes, it is for this that she treads so lightly,</div> - <div class='line'>Under every step lie a hundred souls!’</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c029'>The following may be considered the very acmé -of absurdity!</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c032'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>‘When they wash’d <em>pearls</em> and the <em>moon</em> pure</div> - <div class='line'>With <span class='fss'>BIRDS’ MILK</span>, they have modell’d the globes of her breast!’</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c029'>And again,</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c032'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>‘Her chin is not an apple of the garden,</div> - <div class='line'>It is a <span class='fss'>WELL</span> full of the water of life!’</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c029'>And, once more, again,</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c032'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>‘Her lip demands tribute from sugar-candy,</div> - <div class='line'>The <span class='fss'>BLOOD OF WINE</span> is its only nourishment!’</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c029'><span class='pageno' id='Page_509'>509</span>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 <em>all</em> 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.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c000'> - <div>THE DAFFODIL.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c032'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>One day among the tombs I stray’d,</div> - <div class='line in2'>Where many slighted lovers lay:</div> - <div class='line'>A daffodil I there survey’d,</div> - <div class='line in2'>Which seem’d in grief to pine away!</div> - <div class='line'>Enquiring why it hung its head?</div> - <div class='line in2'>And why in grief it seem’d to pine?</div> - <div class='line'>‘I am the eyes of him,’ it said,</div> - <div class='line in2'>‘Who lies beneath this lowly shrine!’</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Like me, sad emblems of despair,</div> - <div class='line in2'>Still seek they to behold again</div> - <div class='line'>That cruel, that relentless fair,</div> - <div class='line in2'>Who wrought his death by her disdain!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_510'>510</span>It does, alas! from this appear,</div> - <div class='line in2'>That Love admits of no release;</div> - <div class='line'>Torments its vot’ries while they’re here,</div> - <div class='line in2'>Nor can the grave afford them peace!</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c029'>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 <em>Mirza’s</em> little book of great wonders.</p> - -<p class='c029'>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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_511'>511</span>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 <em>seerky</em>, and then tiled, generally with -that kind called <em>nullies</em>, which are about eight -inches in length, representing the half of a truncated -hollow cone, whose base may be about -four inches in diameter.</p> - -<p class='c008'>These <em>nullies</em> are commonly laid upon roofs, -at an angle of about 30° of elevation from the -horizon; but the <em>chuppers</em>, 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_512'>512</span>fire, but even when the thatch is partially -kindled, the flames are greatly impeded, and -more easily subdued.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>choolah</em>, 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 <em>bungalows</em>, &c., -are contiguous to <em>bazars</em>, (or markets,) or to -the lines of native troops, &c. where thatches -are numerous, to have large vessels fastened -<span class='pageno' id='Page_513'>513</span>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_514'>514</span>fire, but from leaks also; and rendered the interior -remarkably cool during the hot season.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Nothing can be more uncomfortable than a -leaky <em>bungalow</em>! 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_515'>515</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Most of the <em>bungalows</em> 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_516'>516</span>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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Some of the <em>rauz</em>, 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, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_517'>517</span>points out the exact spot which is perpendicular -to the corresponding edge of the weight.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_518'>518</span>unwillingly, give a verdict by no means partial -to our countrymen.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<em>looaur</em> (blacksmith) and <em>burrye</em> (carpenter) often -exercised by the same individual. I once built -a phaeton at Cawnpore, solely with the aid of a -<em>reputed</em> 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 <em>hackery</em> in common -use; which has already been described.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_519'>519</span>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 <em>mindy</em>, (or <em>hinnah</em>;) 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 -<em>barré</em> color; though, if not allowed, either by -the animal’s restlessness, or from want of time, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_520'>520</span>to impart its coloring matter duly, the stain -will shew much fainter; perhaps not unlike a -light mahogany color.</p> - -<p class='c008'>The natives rarely omit to tinge about ten -inches, or a foot, of the extremity of the tail -of every light-colored horse with <em>mindy</em>: 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 <em>mindy</em>; 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.</p> - -<p class='c008'>It has often occurred to me, that, possibly, an -excellent dye for woollens might be obtained -from the <em>hinnah</em>, 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 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_521'>521</span>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 <em>hinnah</em>, are -usually made of <em>baubool</em>, a species of <em>mimosa</em>, -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 <em>mindy</em> 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.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>END OF THE FIRST VOLUME</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<p class='c008'><a id='endnote'></a></p> -<div class='tnotes'> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='large'>Transcriber’s Note</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>An extended quotation on the private lives of women, beginning on -p. <a href='#Page_347'>347</a>, is continued with each paragraph with an opening single -quotation mark, which convention ends ambiguously, without comment, -on p. <a href='#Page_408'>408</a>. 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. <a href='#Page_504'>504</a>.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Those footnotes are moved to follow the paragraph within which they are -references, and a sequenced numerically for uniqueness. Notes <a href='#f3'>3</a> and <a href='#f7'>7</a> -are referenced twice each in the text. The three notes on the poem -beginning on p. <a href='#Page_504'>504</a> are lettered A, B, and C.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Keeping in mind the vintage of the text, spelling has generally been -followed.</p> - -<p class='c008'>In a discussion of language learning, on p. <a href='#Page_178'>178</a>, the phrase -“he added five words each month” seems an error, but it is impossible -to determine what the author must have meant.</p> - -<p class='c008'>Hyphenation of compound words can be variable. Where it occurs on a line -break, the most commonly used form is assumed.</p> - -<p class='c008'>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.</p> - -<table class='table1' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='12%' /> -<col width='69%' /> -<col width='18%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='c023'><a id='c_117.1'></a><a href='#corr117.1'>117.1</a></td> - <td class='c023'>large quantit[i]es of good fish</td> - <td class='c036'>Added.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c023'><a id='c_168.3'></a><a href='#corr168.3'>168.3</a></td> - <td class='c023'>resentment at the vill[ia/ai]n’s audacity</td> - <td class='c036'>Transposed.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c023'><a id='c_168.15'></a><a href='#corr168.15'>168.15</a></td> - <td class='c023'>founded on p[er/re]judice</td> - <td class='c036'>Transposed.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c023'><a id='c_178.19'></a><a href='#corr178.19'>178.19</a></td> - <td class='c023'>[five words]</td> - <td class='c036'><i>sic.</i></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c023'><a id='c_233.25'></a><a href='#corr233.25'>233.25</a></td> - <td class='c023'>and that [t]he soup is well flavored</td> - <td class='c036'>Added.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c023'><a id='c_253.11'></a><a href='#corr253.11'>253.11</a></td> - <td class='c023'>while, on the other hand, [it ]is greatly depreciated;</td> - <td class='c036'>Added.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c023'><a id='c_304.12'></a><a href='#corr304.12'>304.12</a></td> - <td class='c023'>that the Oore[e]ahs> are</td> - <td class='c036'>Added.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c023'><a id='c_353.29'></a><a href='#corr353.29'>353.29</a></td> - <td class='c023'>whenever <em>Soonees</em> and [and] <em>Sheeaus</em> intermarry</td> - <td class='c036'>Removed.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c023'><a id='c_378.28'></a><a href='#corr378.28'>378.28</a></td> - <td class='c023'>Contrast this simple lament[at]ion</td> - <td class='c036'>Added.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c023'><a id='c_380.26'></a><a href='#corr380.26'>380.26</a></td> - <td class='c023'>upon enquiring into the sym[p]toms</td> - <td class='c036'>Added.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c023'><a id='c_425.16'></a><a href='#corr425.16'>425.16</a></td> - <td class='c023'>(<i>i.e.</i> the common sea-conch,[)]</td> - <td class='c036'>Added.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c023'><a id='c_441.8'></a><a href='#corr441.8'>441.8</a></td> - <td class='c023'>roses were collected on different days.[’]</td> - <td class='c036'>Removed.</td> - </tr> -</table> - -</div> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -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-h.htm or 53400-h.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. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm -concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, -and may not be used if you charge for the eBooks, unless you receive -specific permission. If you do not charge anything for copies of this -eBook, complying with the rules is very easy. You may use this eBook -for nearly any purpose such as creation of derivative works, reports, -performances and research. They may be modified and printed and given -away--you may do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks -not protected by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the -trademark license, especially commercial redistribution. - -START: FULL LICENSE - -THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK - -To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full -Project Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at -www.gutenberg.org/license. - -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works - -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or -destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your -possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a -Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound -by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the -person or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph -1.E.8. - -1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this -agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below. - -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the -Foundation" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection -of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual -works in the collection are in the public domain in the United -States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the -United States and you are located in the United States, we do not -claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing, -displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as -all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope -that you will support the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting -free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm -works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the -Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the work. You can easily -comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the -same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg-tm License when -you share it without charge with others. - -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are -in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, -check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this -agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, -distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any -other Project Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no -representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any -country outside the United States. - -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: - -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other -immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear -prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work -on which the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the -phrase "Project Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, -performed, viewed, copied or distributed: - - 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. - -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is -derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not -contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the -copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in -the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are -redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply -either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or -obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any -additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms -will be linked to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works -posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the -beginning of this work. - -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. - -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg-tm License. - -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including -any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access -to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format -other than "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official -version posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site -(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense -to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means -of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original "Plain -Vanilla ASCII" or other form. Any alternate format must include the -full Project Gutenberg-tm License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. - -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -provided that - -* You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed - to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he has - agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid - within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are - legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty - payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in - Section 4, "Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg - Literary Archive Foundation." - -* You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm - License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all - copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue - all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg-tm - works. - -* You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of - any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of - receipt of the work. - -* You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work or group of works on different terms than -are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing -from both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and The -Project Gutenberg Trademark LLC, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark. Contact the Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. - -1.F. - -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project -Gutenberg-tm collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may -contain "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate -or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other -intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or -other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or -cannot be read by your equipment. - -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right -of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. - -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium -with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you -with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in -lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person -or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second -opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If -the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing -without further opportunities to fix the problem. - -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO -OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT -LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. - -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of -damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement -violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the -agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or -limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or -unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the -remaining provisions. - -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in -accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the -production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, -including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of -the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this -or any Project Gutenberg-tm work, (b) alteration, modification, or -additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any -Defect you cause. - -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm - -Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of -computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It -exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations -from people in all walks of life. - -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future -generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see -Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at -www.gutenberg.org Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by -U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. - -The Foundation's principal office is in Fairbanks, Alaska, with the -mailing address: PO Box 750175, Fairbanks, AK 99775, but its -volunteers and employees are scattered throughout numerous -locations. Its business office is located at 809 North 1500 West, Salt -Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up to -date contact information can be found at the Foundation's web site and -official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact - -For additional contact information: - - Dr. Gregory B. Newby - Chief Executive and Director - gbnewby@pglaf.org - -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide -spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. - -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND -DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular -state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate - -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. - -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. - -Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To -donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate - -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. - -Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project -Gutenberg-tm concept of a library of electronic works that could be -freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and -distributed Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of -volunteer support. - -Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in -the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not -necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper -edition. - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search -facility: www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. - - - -</pre> - - </body> - <!-- created with ppgen.py 3.56d on 2016-10-31 12:33:40 GMT --> -</html> |