---------------------------------------- -------------------------------- ,transcriber's ,note3 ,this version of the text cannot represent certain typographical effects4 ,italics are delimited with the #8' character as italic4 ,minor errors1 attributable to the printer1 have been corrected4 ,please see the transcriber's note at the end of this text for details regarding the handling of any textual issues encountered during its preparation4 ,the cover image has been modified to include the title1 author and publication date1 and is1 so modified1 added to the public domain4 ---------------------------------------- -------------------------------- ,,the ,,east ,,india ,,vade-,,mecum ,,or ,,complete ,,guide ,,to ,,gentlemen ,,intended ,,for ,,the ,,civil1 ,,military1 ,,or ,,naval ,,service ,,of ,,the ,hon4 ,east ,india ,company4 ,illustration ,,by ,,captain ,,thomas ,,williamson ,author of #8,the ,wild ,sports of the ,east4' ,illustration ,,in ,,two ,,volumes ------- ,,vol4 ,i4 ---------------------------- ,london3 ,,printed ,,for ,,black1 ,,parry1 and ,,kingsbury1 ,booksellers to the ,honorable ,east ,india ,company1 #g1 ,,leadenhall-,,street ------- #ahaj4 ---------------------------------------- -------------------------------- ,printed by ,turner and ,harwood1 ,st4 ,john's ,square1 ,london4 ---------------------------------------- -------------------------------- ,,to ,,the ,,hon4 ,,court ,,of ,,directors1 ,,of ,,the ,east ,india ,company ---------- ,,honorable ,,sirs1 ,a work professedly undertaken with the view to promote the welfare1 and to facilitate the progress1 of those young gentlemen who may1 from time to time1 be appointed to situations under your several ,presidencies1 will1 ,i flatter myself1 receive from your ,,honorable ,,court that encouragement the importance of the subject solicits1 and to which my own good intentions may justly offer a claim4 ,under your auspices1 my labors cannot fail to prove of public utility1 as well as to reward that zeal1 and that assiduity1 with which they have proceeded1 under the alluring hope of meriting the approbation of your ,,honorable ,,court4 ,i have the honor to be1 ,,honorable ,,sirs1 ,your most obedient ,servant1 ,,thomas ,,williamson ,london1 ,january #a1 #ahaj4 ,,preface ---------- ,in the volumes now offered to the public1 it has been my zealous endeavour to supply those minuti and details1 which have not1 in any distinct manner1 been heretofore tendered to its consideration4 ,a residence of more than twenty years in ,bengal1 during which period ,i had every opportunity of visiting the several districts under that presidency1 has enabled me to afford considerable insight into a variety of topics1 which1 whether to the statesman1 the merchant1 the military1 or the civil character1 should prove highly important1 and guide1 not only to a just conception of the characters of the natives1 and of the ,european society1 in ,india1 but to the removal of that host of doubts1 prejudices1 and national opinions1 which1 if suffered to prevail1 must occasion every object to be seen through a false medium4 ,with the view to render my labors more acceptable to my juvenile readers1 whose welfare is attended to in every page1 it appeared to me expedient to adopt rather a familiar1 than a didactic1 style2 so as to lead towards the goal of instruction1 in that easy manner which is generally found best suited to that intention4 ,the same principle induced me to avoid any arrangement under abstract heads1 or chapters2 as well as to render the contents at large philosophically diffuse4 ,the mode adopted in my former publication1 #8,,the ,,wild ,,sports ,,of ,,the ,,east'1 namely1 of spelling the ,hindostanee words according to ,english pronunciation1 having been highly approved1 is continued on this occasion4 ,this plan appears particularly necessary in a work intended chiefly for the use of persons proceeding to ,india2 since nothing could be more unpleasant than a deficiency in respect to intonation2 which1 being once established in error1 must prove extremely difficult of correction4 ,while studying to supply the several desiderata left unnoticed by those gentlemen who have written on subjects relating to ,india1 ,i felt it incumbent on me1 both from a sense of delicacy1 and from the conviction that they had already passed through more able hands1 to avoid whatever topics had been abstractedly considered4 ,therefore1 such of my readers as may seek for particular information regarding the religious tenets of the several sects1 the languages of the ,east1 the literature1 c41 c41 should consult those eminent authors to whom the world is so much indebted4 ,the whole of their works may be obtained by application to ,messrs4 ,,black1 ,,parry1 and ,,kingsbury1 of ,leadenhall ,street1 ,london1 from whose ample catalogue ,i beg leave to cull the following1 as being particularly applicable to the use of students laudably intent on obtaining the most valuable sources of oriental learning4 ,the works of ,,doctor ,,gilchrist stand pre-eminent1 and1 while they do honor to himself1 are highly creditable to the discrimination and liberality of the ,,east ,,india ,,company1 under whom he held a ,professorship4 ,in the purchase of the few volumes necessary towards the equipment of a gentleman proceeding to ,india1 the whole of ,doctor ,gilchrist's philological publications ought to be included4 ,,dr4 ,,wilkin',s edition of ,,richardson',s ,,persian ,,dictionary is equally indispensable to writers1 who may be desirous to attain a proficiency in the ,persian language1 by which they become eligible for officers of the highest rank3 but1 to cadets1 who do not wish to go to the expence of two volumes1 quarto1 the ,,abridgement1 by ,,mr4 ,,hopkins1 in one volume1 royal octavo1 is particularly recommended4 ,,dr4 ,,wilkins',s ,,sanskrita ,,grammar will also be found eminently serviceable2 while his translation of the ,,heetopades will afford much insight into the narratory idiom of the ,hindus4 ,,richardson',s ,,arabic ,,grammar1 as also ,,sir ,w4 ,,jones',s ,,persian ,,grammar1 or ,,gladwin',s ,,persian ,,moonshee1 and his ,,gulistan ,,of ,,sady1 should not be omitted4 ,,sir ,,wm4 ,,ouseley',s ,,essay ,,towards ,,facilitating ,,the ,,reading ,,of ,,persian ,,manuscripts1 will prove a substantial aid4 ,,balfour',s ,,forms ,,of ,,herkern1 in ,arabic and ,english1 should be provided2 together with ,,rousseau',s ,,dictionary ,,of ,,mahomedan ,,law ,,terms4 ,,mr4 ,,colebrooke',s ,,digest ,,of ,,hindu ,,law1 is indispensable2 and ,i strongly recommend his ,,treatise ,,on ,,the ,,husbandry ,,and ,,internal ,,commerce ,,of ,,bengal4 ,,sale',s ,,koran will supply the fullest information regarding the fundamental principles of the ,mahomedan religion2 and ,,reynell',s ,,memoirs1 united with his ,,atlas1 and ,,map1 or ,,arrowsmith',s ,,map ,,of ,,india1 on a larger scale1 will prove the best guides in acquiring the geography1 together with many local matters extremely interesting to persons travelling in any part of our territory1 but especially in ,bengal4 ,the ,,ayeen ,,akbekry will shew what ,hindostan was under the government of ,,akbar2 and the ,,asiatic ,,researches1 and ,,asiatic ,,annual ,,register1 will be found to display an immense variety of subjects connected with natural history1 c4 ,the ,tour made1 under the auspices of ,marquis ,wellesley1 by ,,doctor ,,francis ,,buchanan1 through the ,,mysore1 ,,canara1 and ,,malabar ,districts1 may be considered one of the most valuable productions of the age2 inasmuch as it details1 with philosophic consideration1 and1 in most instances1 with alchemic precision1 a variety of matters relating to the climate1 the soil1 and those various articles of produce1 as well as the mode of manufacture1 which cannot fail to prove highly interesting to those either engaged in mercantile speculations1 or who thirst after useful knowledge4 ,this work is published by ,messrs4 ,,black1 ,,parry1 and ,,kingsbury4 ,with respect to those regulations published for the control1 or guidance1 of persons proceeding to1 or residing in1 ,india1 fluctuations must at times take place4 ,,messrs4 ,,black1 ,,parry1 and ,,kingsbury1 publish yearly a ,,directory1 under the immediate authority of the ,,court ,,of ,,directors1 the latest edition of which ought to be purchased in the first instance4 ,soliciting my readers' indulgence regarding any typographical errors1 which may1 notwithstanding the greatest attention in correcting for the press1 occasionally appear1 and anxiously hoping that he may at least be amused1 if not instructed1 by the perusal of my pages1 ,i consign them to the consideration of a discriminating1 just1 and liberal public2 trusting that my motives1 at least1 will be rewarded by its approbation4 ,,thomas ,,williamson4 ,,london1 ,,january #a1 #ahaj4 ,,contents ,,of ,,vol4 ,i4 -------------- ,,pages ,instructions to ,persons proceeding to ,india #a to #cj regarding articles to be provided1 and precautions to be adopted ,matters relating to embarking1 and the usual #ca 4 #fj customs on board-ship1 sea-sickness1 fishing at sea ,foreign settlements1 ,brazils1 crossing the ,line #fa 4 #fh ,religious character of sailors1 funerals at sea1 #fi 4 #hh ,cape of ,good ,hope ,of ,st4 ,helena #hi 4 #aji ,island of ,johanna1 and the ,comoro ,cluster #aaj 4 #aai ,whale-fishery in the ,mozambique ,channel #abj 4 #abc ,white-squalls1 passage round ,ceylon1 and up the #abd 4 #abf ,coromandel coast ,madras1 masoolah-boats1 debashes1 bad meats1 #abg 4 #ach localities ,general track up the ,bay1 cautions necessary to #aci 4 #ada be adopted by pilot-schooners at the ,sand-heads ,general appearance of the coast1 modes of getting #adb 4 #aed up from the ship to ,calcutta ,coins and weights in use1 land measure #aee 4 #afj ,taverns to be avoided1 instructions and cautions #afa 4 #agb regarding servants1 women1 c4 ,estimate of primary and current expences #agc 4 #age ,acquirement of the language1 with advice #agf 4 #agh regarding conduct in general ,reasons for retaining a number of servants1 #agi 4 #ahe religious scruples ,classification of servants #ahf 4 #ahh ,the ,banian1 and ,darogah #ahh 4 #aib ,the ,moonshy1 the ,jemmadar1 the ,chobe-dar1 the #aia 4 #bab ,soontah-burdar1 the ,kansamah1 the ,sircar1 the ,cranny1 specimen of style ,the ,khedmutgar1 ,the ,mosaulchy1 the ,hookah-burdar1 #bab 4 #bbh the ,hookah1 the ,kaleaun1 the ,goorgoory1 and the ,neriaul ,modes of carrying water1 the ,bheesty1 ,tatties #bbi 4 #bcf ,the ,babachy1 the ,durzy1 the ,doby1 the ,mohout1 the #bcf 4 #bec ,mate1 and the ,surwan ,the ,syce1 the ,grass-cutter1 the ,mauly1 mode of #bed 4 #bff drawing water ,the ,aub-dar1 the ,compadore1 the ,hirkarah1 the #bfg 4 #bhj ,duftoree1 the ,fraush1 the ,mater1 the ,dooreah1 mode of keeping and feeding dogs ,the ,kalashy1 the ,manjy1 the ,goleeah1 and the #bha 4 #bhg ,dandy ,the ,berrairah1 description of sheep1 and mode of #bhh 4 #bic fattening ,the ,chokey-dar1 curious system of vigilance in #bid 4 #bih the upper provinces1 expert thieves ,the ,durwan1 the ,cahar1 insolence of the ,ooreah #bih 4 #caj bearers ,hints regarding the lading of cattle #caj 4 #caa ,umbrellas1 punkahs1 liveries #cab 4 #cac ,the mahanah-palanquin1 the bohah1 the #cac 4 #cbd taum-jaung1 the bangy ,the r'hunt1 the g'horry-waun1 fine bullocks1 the #cbe 4 #ccc g'horry1 the hackery ,cautions against engaging ,european servants1 #ccc 4 #ccf either male or female ,the ,portugueze ,ayah1 ridiculously vain of their #ccg 4 #cci genealogies ,the ,hindostanee ,ayah #cdj 4 #cda ,the ,dhye1 domestic secrets #cda 4 #cdf ,domestic manners and customs of the natives1 with #cdg 4 #djh details of the state of society among them ,flying kites1 great dexterity1 natives peculiarly #djh 4 #daa tenacious of privacy in their dwellings ,european polygamy1 characters of women generally #dab 4 #daf domiciliated by ,europeans1 ordinary expences ,dress and ornaments of a ,hindostanee lady #dag 4 #dca ,scented oils1 mode of extracting the attar of #dca 4 #dda roses1 with calculation of expences ,unctions in general use1 bathing1 alligators #ddb 4 #ddh ,invitations1 visiting1 female nomenclature1 loud #ddi 4 #dea music ,reasons for ,europeans retaining native women1 and #dea 4 #deh impediments in the way of marriage ,orphan ,institution #dei 4 #dfh ,vaccination in ,bengal1 mode of inoculating in use #dfi 4 #dge among the ,brahmans1 and among the ,pahariahs1 making capons ,the ,native ,hospital at ,calcutta #dgi 4 #dhb ,style of building among the natives1 mode of #dhc 4 #dih thatching1 domestic furniture1 the beetle-leaf and plant ,cheroots1 women smokers1 imitations of native #dii 4 #ejb manners1 dress1 c41 and vice vers ,mirza ,alu ,taaleb ,khan1 his ingratitude and #ejc 4 #eji vanity1 comparison of his poetry with that of ,hafiz and ,yuqueen ,precautions against fire1 heavy rains1 protection #eji 4 #ead against them ,bungalows1 bricklayers1 carpenter and smith1 #ead 4 #ebj houses smeared with cow-dung1 mindy applied to hands and feet ,,the ,,east ,,india ,,vade-,,mecum4 ,illustration ,the consideration1 that great numbers of young gentlemen proceed to ,india without the smallest idea of the customs1 c4 peculiar to that country whither they are adventuring2 and1 that the want of some previous instruction has often proved of the greatest inconvenience2 first induced me to assume the pen1 for the purpose of submitting1 to those under such circumstances1 the result of a long residence in ,bengal4 ,when it is understood1 that1 merely owing to the absence of any experienced friend1 or to the impossibility of obtaining some publication suited to guide under a case of no small difficulty1 not only many a guinea1 which could perhaps be ill spared1 is thrown away1 but many a lasting injury entailed1 little apology need be offered for that earnestness with which ,i recommend my volumes to the attention1 not only of those who are about to proceed to the ,east1 but of such as have relatives1 or friends1 in that remote quarter4 ,the first point offering itself to notice1 is1 whether an appointment is to be obtained in the ,company's service1 either in a civil1 a military1 or a naval capacity2 or1 whether the party is about to adventure as a merchant1 or free-mariner4 ,if the ,company's service be in question1 it will be necessary to follow implicitly those regulations the ,court of ,directors1 from whom alone any appointment can be obtained1 have1 from time to time1 judged it expedient to promulgate for the better management of their affairs1 and for obviating misconception on the part of every candidate1 as well as to shield him from imposition4 ,as these regulations are subject to much fluctuation1 and as it would be burthening this work too much were they to be embodied therein1 besides that it would be1 to a certain degree1 infringing on the rights of others1 to whose assiduity the public are considerably indebted1 ,i have excluded them altogether2 confining myself to pointing out1 that the #8,,east ,,india ,,directory1' published annually by ,messrs4 ,black1 ,parry1 and ,kingsbury1 but edited by gentlemen holding offices at the ,india-,house1 will be found the best guide in all such matters1 as it contains the code in force at the time of publication4 ,formerly1 a great number of persons received commissions in the army1 and in the medical departments in ,india1 from the governor-general1 for which necessity was the plea2 but that practice was severely censured1 and has been for full twenty-six years completely exploded4 ,the hope of obtaining an appointment in ,india1 as a ,company's servant1 should never be entertained2 none being bestowed but by the ,court of ,directors2 though1 it is true1 the recommendations of their government abroad1 in behalf of meritorious individuals1 have1 in very numerous instances1 been attended to4 ,little argument need be used to demonstrate the superior policy1 or rather the imperious necessity1 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 nominated4 ,this is effected by the institution of a college1 and of a military academy1 under the auspices of the ,court of ,directors3 at the former1 those intended for the civil service are duly grounded in the languages1 c4 of the ,east2 while1 at the latter1 young gentlemen are instructed in whatever may be essential towards their military career4 ,by these means1 the natives are induced to entertain more respect for the junior servants1 than could possibly be expected while a want of every local requisite1 and even of the very rudiments of professional science1 were too conspicuously apparent4 ,the #8,,directory'1 already spoken of1 will be found to contain whatever relates to the proper qualifications of young men aiming at employ under the ,company2 but ,i may be permitted to state1 that whenever any undue influence may be exerted1 by pecuniary means1 to obtain any appointment1 in whatever branch1 expulsion and disgrace1 or eventually1 fine1 c4 will be the result4 ,the opportunity which offers for the selection of civil servants duly qualified to fill offices of considerable importance1 to which either large salaries1 or handsome fees1 c4 are attached1 affords the ready means of rewarding the labors of meritorious individuals in that branch2 and1 with few exceptions1 of enabling them1 after a fair term of servitude1 to return to ,europe with competent fortunes4 ,hence1 the ,company have not found it necessary to stipulate for their granting any pensions to civil servants2 but1 whenever the pressure of infirmity1 or of misfortune1 has exhibited to the ,court of ,directors an object justly entitled to their consideration1 such civil servants1 and1 on many occasions1 their widows and children also1 have experienced that attention to their distresses which might elevate them beyond the reach of adversity4 ,in the military branch1 where a marked level prescribes the rise of every individual1 beyond which1 except in a few instances of staff-appointments1 the utmost merit may unhappily remain unrewarded2 and where1 in so destructive a climate1 the discharge even of ordinary duties is frequently attended with most injurious results to the constitution2 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 country1 under the indulgence of a furlough1 or who1 having passed the prime of their days in that quarter1 may choose to withdraw from the effective strength of the army1 passing their latter years in retirement1 and making way for the more active1 to supply their places in the performance of the more arduous duties4 ,in consideration of the important services rendered to the ,company by their military and naval officers and surgeons1 as also by their chaplains1 the ,company have established certain rates of income1 under the general terms of full-pay1 half-pay1 and pension1 for such of them as may retire from their service3 those rates1 together with all the regulations in force1 will be found in the #8,,east ,,india ,,directory'1 before referred to4 ,no ,british subject1 not born in ,india1 can claim the right of residing within the ,company's jurisdiction2 which extends from the ,cape of ,good ,hope1 easterly1 towards ,cape ,horn2 including all the ,indian ,seas1 and the great ,peninsula of ,asia1 so far as the ,british flag is displayed1 with the exception1 however1 of the ,island of ,ceylon1 on which the whole establishment appertains to the ,crown1 though generally some of the ,madras troops1 or even a portion of the ,bengal army1 may be seen doing duty there1 as auxiliaries4 ,necessity has imposed very arbitrary rules on the conduct of government abroad2 none but persons whose political conduct and opinions are decidedly unexceptionable being permitted to reside within the ,company's territories4 ,every ,european inhabitant is registered1 and furnished with a licence1 renewable at times1 or subject to be cancelled by the ,supreme ,council4 ,such is the determination supported against whatever may tend1 however obliquely1 towards colonization1 that1 in ,calcutta1 though purchases may be made of landed property1 secured by pottahs1 that correspond generally with our title-deeds1 yet there does not appear to be any actual claim to the soil4 ,this does not create any diffidence on the part of the purchaser1 who1 provided there be no latent mortgage1 c4 always holds the property as a fee-simple4 ,this rule does not1 indeed1 properly extend beyond the ,maharrattah ,ditch1 which formerly circumscribed the town on the land side1 making nearly a semi-circle1 whose radius might be more than a mile and a half3 beyond that ancient barrier2 which in old times was found a considerable protection against the incursions of the ,maharrattah horse3 though pottahs may perhaps exist1 their validity would not bear the test of litigation4 ,the ,company1 it is true1 have in various instances made grants of lands1 but always under such terms as precluded any claim to property in the soil1 as a permanent1 independent1 and paramount tenure4 ,the free-merchant1 or1 7as some designate him17 the free-mariner1 who may proceed to ,india with the view of purchasing landed property1 or of becoming a renter in his own name1 will find himself in a very awkward1 or even a very hazardous1 situation1 should he lay out his money in supposed purchases1 or in buildings1 et cetera1 beyond the ascertained limits of the town of ,calcutta4 ,my readers will therefore correct1 in due time1 any erroneous impressions arising from misrepresentation1 or from misconception3 they must1 in fact1 alienate their ,british opinions1 and conform to local considerations2 divesting themselves of every prepossession1 and viewing our ,indian possessions1 not as colonies1 but as conquests1 of a peculiar description1 to which our laws and privileges are every way either unsuitable1 or unwelcome4 ,i shall now proceed to the display of some minuti regarding the out-fit of a gentleman about to embark in a chartered ship2 observing1 that no passenger can be received on board without an express order in writing1 directed to the captain1 and signed by the secretary4 ,should an impostor succeed1 of which1 ,i believe1 no instance has ever come to light1 in obtaining a passage to ,india1 by means of fictitious documents1 he would indisputably be detected on arrival there1 and be subjected to all the rigors of the law4 ,the several commanders of the ,company's ships are so bound by agreement1 as well as by regulations1 not to receive unauthorized passengers1 as to leave no opening for malpractices of the above description4 ,the out-fit of a military passenger will necessarily differ1 in a few points1 from that of a person proceeding in a civil capacity3 whichever may be the case1 it will be found least expensive to lay in the whole of the supplies of clothing1 so far as may be practicable1 from the stock on hand2 obtaining any additional articles from those tradesmen by whom the family may have been usually furnished4 ,i cannot too forcibly deprecate the common practice of burthening young folks with a variety of useless apparel1 c42 the greater part of which becomes the perquisite of servants1 or1 being found rather a burthen than a convenience1 is generally thrown about in the most negligent manner4 ,the grand object should be to provide what may be efficient after arrival in ,india4 ,the first point for consideration is the quantity and the quality of the shirts1 of which not less than four dozen should be provided4 ,they ought to be of very fine1 stout calico1 such as may be used in a hot climate1 where linen is particularly prejudicial to health1 owing to its feeling cold when moist with perspiration4 ,about a dozen of the shirts may be of rather a superior quality1 and have frills4 ,under-shirts1 made of chequered calico1 of a moderate fineness1 will be found extremely pleasant1 and preserve the upper-shirts from being soiled by contact with the body3 of such1 an equal number should be made2 if with sleeves1 and reaching to the hips1 they will serve for sleeping in3 there should be no ties1 nor any opening1 except for about eight inches down1 on one side1 from the neck1 but not in front2 a button will suffice to keep the parts together1 after the head has been passed through4 ,for wear on board-ship1 nothing can equal pantaloons1 of which two pairs of thick1 and two of thin1 should be provided2 together with as many pairs of wove cotton long-drawers1 to wear under them4 ,the thick kinds may be milled broad cloth1 or wove worsted2 the thin ones of light corderoy1 aleppine1 c4 ,half-stockings of worsted1 and of cotton1 will be requisite2 a dozen pairs of the former1 and three dozen of the latter3 they will all be found useful in ,india4 ,two or three black velvet stocks1 made to tie with ribbon1 will be serviceable2 and1 as articles in great request abroad1 about four dozen of neck-handkerchiefs1 of very fine linen1 not calico1 should be made up3 an equal quantity of a coarser kind may be laid in for under wear4 ,cotton handkerchiefs1 of a small size1 such as may be put into a waistcoat pocket1 will be found preferable3 of these1 full four dozen2 they should be white1 with very neat1 narrow borders4 ,two good warm waistcoats of woollen must be provided1 and about two dozen of white waistcoats1 made of fine ,irish linen4 ,breeches in the same proportion1 and of the same qualities4 ,to wear with the latter1 two dozen pairs of long cotton stockings1 and half a dozen pairs of short1 wove1 cotton drawers1 should be provided4 ,the stockings ought to be of the best quality4 ,a dozen pairs of silk stockings will also be useful on arrival in ,india1 where they are extremely scarce1 generally damaged1 and bear an enormous price4 ,a substantial great-coat will1 on many occasions1 be acceptable during the voyage2 as will two pairs of boots1 and as many of shoes2 one stout1 the other light1 for ship wear4 ,i cannot too forcibly recommend that measures be left with the tailor1 the shoe and boot-maker1 the hatter1 c4 in order that regular supplies may be sent yearly1 or half-yearly1 through the medium of some friend in ,london2 who could get all articles of such a description shipped in the privileges of some of the officers of the ,indiamen2 the freight payable on delivery at ,calcutta1 ,madras1 or ,bombay1 respectively4 ,it will be proper to have two or three coats to wear on board-ship3 two should be of broad cloth1 and one of camlet1 or some other light stuff3 a warm dressing gown of flannel1 with two lighter1 of printed linen1 will be essentially serviceable4 ,hats are so very subject to be injured on board-ship1 and1 indeed1 to be blown overboard1 that ,i should recommend but little attention to appearance in that article4 ,in this1 as well as in most of the foregoing1 a large portion may be supplied from the stock in use previous to embarkation4 ,the old saying1 of #8going to sea to wear out one's old clothes1' has so far sense on its side1 that whatever can be decently worn will be found full good enough for that purpose4 ,persons who are growing1 should observe the precaution of having every article of apparel made full large2 else1 by the time they may have been some months at sea1 they will be put to serious inconvenience4 ,it is true1 that few ships sail without a tailor on board1 but he is not always to be had2 being generally employed by the purser2 or he may be in the sick list1 c4 ,with respect to leather-breeches1 two pairs may be taken by those accustomed to hard riding2 though nankeen are in general use for the greater part of the year4 ,in the cold season1 the former are extremely comfortable4 ,three1 or even four1 pairs of boots1 as many of shoes1 and two round hats1 of the best quality2 together with two best coats1 of the lightest cloth1 or kerseymere1 two waistcoats1 and two pair of breeches1 of fine white kerseymere1 should be packed1 with the intention of being reserved for use in ,india4 ,it may be said1 that tailors1 shoe-makers1 c4 abound in ,india2 and1 that every article above-mentioned may be made up1 or be obtained there4 ,the truth is1 that all artizans in that quarter expect exorbitant profits1 to enable their amassing sums wherewith to return to ,europe4 ,the materials are likewise much dearer2 and many1 if not all1 of a very inferior quality4 ,articles of ,european manufacture1 except when the market is absolutely glutted1 bear full #hj4 and occasionally #bjj4 per cent4 advance on the prime cost3 add to this1 that sometimes gentlemen are so far removed from their trades-people1 who are by no means expeditious in their work1 and1 if at all expert1 have ever more on hand than they can execute1 as to render it next to impracticable for them to be supplied as they would wish4 ,with respect to woollens1 boots1 shoes1 c4 ,europe is the great source2 no cloths being manufactured in ,india1 except a kind somewhat resembling serge2 and the leather in general use among the native cordwainers being so ill tanned1 that1 after being once wet through1 which is effected by the slightest exposure to moisture1 it stretches1 losing its shape and pliancy1 so as to be both uncomfortable and unsightly4 ,the native shoe-makers are certainly very neat in their work1 but1 owing to the badness of their materials1 cannot1 in this case1 be recommended4 ,blankets of a good quality are scarce1 and bear an unconscionable price4 ,i should recommend to every passenger1 that he take three of the largest double milled1 and one smaller under blanket4 ,he will find them useful on board-ship2 and1 in the cold season1 will not be displeased to find such in his possession4 ,their value in the hottest time of the year1 when the wind is dry1 and clouds of dust every where passing1 is extreme4 ,if a bed be covered with two or three blankets1 at that season1 it will always remain cool and pleasant4 ,it may be supposed that calico sheets are not adapted to the torrid zone2 and such is strictly the case4 ,accordingly1 we find the greater portion of ,europeans provided with hemp sheeting3 many go to the expence of coarse ,irish linen for that purpose1 and make their pillow cases of fine ,holland1 or of a fabric1 called grass-cloth1 imported from ,china1 and said to be made from the smaller fibres of what is usually called ,india-gut1 or weed4 ,whatever the material may be1 its smooth1 glossy surface1 and its disposition to resist absorption1 more than any other cloth in use1 qualify it pre-eminently for that purpose to which we apply it4 ,i should recommend that twelve sheets were taken2 each formed of one breadth of very fine ,russia1 or other hempen cloth1 and full eleven feet in length4 ,during the passage1 they may be used in that form2 which1 if they are full ell-wide1 will be found broad enough4 ,on arrival in ,india they should be joined two and two1 so as to form three1 instead of six pairs4 ,in regard to pillow cases1 one for every pair of sheets in their original state1 will suffice3 they should be of ,irish linen4 ,a good mattress made of horse-hair1 is1 in the ,east1 a valuable article4 ,i should recommend one made to fit the cot1 or bed-place1 on board-ship2 which will generally be from #f ft4 to #f ft4 #b in4 in length1 and from #bb to #bh in4 in width4 ,this mattress should be filled to the thickness of near five inches1 and enclosed in a double case of the strongest ticking3 by this means1 on arrival1 the mattress may be extended to double its size1 with the choicest materials2 the hair being spread thinner1 and the ticking reduced from double to single4 ,a pillow filled with feathers is scarcely to be seen in ,india6 ,i would1 however1 recommend1 that1 in lieu of a bolster1 a pillow stuffed with horsehair should be taken1 with one feather pillow4 ,on board-ship1 the former would be found acceptable in hot weather1 while the latter may be resorted to in stormy latitudes4 ,their alternate application1 as uppermost1 would prove refreshing and comfortable1 at least1 if not conducive to salubrity4 ,table cloths can be had better1 and cheaper1 in ,india than in ,europe2 as can towels1 or napkins1 also3 it will1 however1 be necessary to take about three or four dozen of rather large towels1 of a thick strong texture4 ,combs of sorts1 tooth1 nail1 clothes1 and shoe brushes1 with their respective et ceteras1 should not be forgotten4 ,soap1 for washing hands and for shaving1 must be taken2 and if about twenty or thirty pounds of the patent soap1 which will wash with salt water1 be laid in1 it may be useful in case a few articles should1 from necessity1 be washed on board1 and will1 at all events1 be an invaluable present to any persons who may do little jobs1 such as making the bed1 cleaning boots1 c43 to all such1 soap and pig-tail tobacco are more acceptable than either money or liquor4--,cut tobacco is not considered so valuable2 smoking being next to prohibited in every ship4 ,a wash-hand bason1 ewer1 and chamber utensil1 will be required3 these1 at least the first and last1 should be of pewter3 the ewer should be in the form of a bottle1 both on account of the convenience it offers in handling it1 and because water is less liable to be spilled from its mouth2 a common quart bottle is no bad substitute4 ,about a pound of good tea1 and five or six pounds of double-refined sugar1 may be provided3 in case of indisposition they may be resorted to1 without troubling the captain's servants beyond the requisition of some hot water4 ,persons fond of shooting1 would do well to take with them one or more good double-barrelled guns1 with spare locks1 a good supply of flints1 and all the necessary implements for cleaning1 c4 in a very solid wainscot case1 firmly clamped with brass at the corners1 lid1 and bottom4 ,shot is to be had in ,calcutta1 as is gun-powder1 of the first quality4 ,a good pointer dog will be found highly valuable2 preferable to a bitch1 which rarely lives in that climate after her first1 or1 at most1 her second litter2 besides1 it is common for the captain and officers to expect whatever pups are born on board3 on the other hand1 a male pointer1 of established breed and reputation1 must be eagerly sought by all sportsmen1 who will cheerfully give a portion of its progeny to the owner4 ,with respect to military persons1 whose apparel and accoutrements cannot be ascertained previous to quitting ,england1 they should confine their attention to laying in those materials which cannot fail of becoming useful on their arrival3 thus1 an officer of infantry ought to purchase a few yards of the best super-superfine scarlet broad cloth1 or kerseymere1 for making up his regimentals2 an officer of artillery or of engineers1 blue1 c4 ,the whole establishment not being exactly uniform in particular points1 such as the colors of the facings1 the patterns of the swords1 c4 nothing can be done1 with propriety1 in those instances3 this1 however1 is the less important1 because every cadet is1 on arriving in the country1 sent to join a corps composed of gentlemen under similar circumstances1 about sixteen miles from ,calcutta1 in which he must serve for two years1 or until judged qualified to do duty with the regiment to which he may stand appointed as an ensign4 ,every thing in the cutlery line should be taken from ,england2 the most essential are as follow4 ,two good razors1 in a case1 with a small strop1 a small looking glass1 two or three pairs of scissors1 of sorts2 two or three good penknives1 a riding knife1 with fleam and picker1 a pair of good carvers1 a dozen of table knives and forks1 ditto of dessert1 all plain bone or ivory handles2 a pocket case of apparatus for scaling the teeth2 mathematical instruments may be included under this article1 as may black-lead pencils of the first quality1 with colors1 hair pencils1 and drawing and writing papers2 all of which are extremely dear in ,india1 and1 according to the usual modes of shipping1 rarely arrive in good condition4 ,a good gold watch1 with light chain and seals1 together with some spare glasses fitted1 will be indispensable4 ,a small telescope1 that may be easily carried in the pocket1 will prove amusing on many occasions1 and1 to a military man1 must ever be ranked among absolute necessaries4 ,in regard to plate1 very little is wanted for a single gentleman4 ,six table spoons1 twelve tea spoons1 a soup spoon1 a marrow spoon1 and four salt spoons1 will be found as much as usually can be required2 as will be better understood when ,i come to describe the manner of living among ,europeans4 ,the very limited space allowed for the baggage of each passenger1 renders it indispensably necessary that every article should be packed close4 ,many consider a large sea-chest to be useful2 but1 in my opinion1 it is the worst receptacle that could be devised2 especially as it becomes useless on arrival in ,india4 ,i should strongly recommend four boxes1 well covered with leather1 and clamped with brass1 measuring about #bf or #bh inches in length1 #ah in breadth1 and #ah in depth4 ,each should have within a lifter1 so that half its contents may be taken out at pleasure1 the lower tier remaining undisturbed4 ,the contents of each part to be noted on a piece of stiff paper1 which should be pasted within the lid3 a copy to be written in a memorandum book1 so that the contents of the several boxes 7which should be numbered and lettered with the proprietor's initials1 thus1 ,a4,b4_/#a ,a4,b4_/#b ,a4,b4_/#c ,a4,b4_/#d7 may be known without opening them4 ,only one of these need ever be in use at a time2 the rest being sent down into the after-hold2 which usually is opened once or twice weekly1 on stated days1 for the convenience of those who may wish to have access to their packages4 ,i have derived very considerable convenience from sorting all my linen into sets3 for instance1 a shirt1 an undershirt1 7commonly called a banian17 a pair of stockings1 two neck handkerchiefs1 and a pocket ditto3 these ,i rolled up as tight as could be effected by manual force1 and surrounded with a towel1 which1 being pinned1 kept all fast and clean4 ,in this form my linen could be packed in a very small space4 ,foul linen should always be put up in the same manner4 ,one box1 containing articles in reserve1 should be exempted from such as might be occasionally wanted3 it should be allotted to hats1 silk stockings1 best coats1 linen1 waistcoats1 c4 ,each will occupy about five cubic feet2 therefore1 the whole may be comprised in half a ton measurement4 ,i should observe1 that blankets1 c4 not in use1 may be put under the mattress2 and1 that1 if a standing bed-place is in question1 about four yards of coarse woollen1 such as serge1 perpet1 shalloon1 or baize1 may be taken on board1 wherewith to make a set of curtains2 which1 in some situations1 such as the steerage1 will be found not only comfortable1 but absolutely necessary4 ,those who have been on board any coasting vessel1 fitted up for the accommodation of passengers1 will instantly accord with this piece of advice1 and comprehend how desirable it is that every box1 c4 beyond that in immediate use1 should be consigned to the after-hold4 ,if more than four trunks should be deemed necessary1 they may generally be had ready made at most of the manufacturers4 ,the size described ought not to be exceeded1 on account of the facility with which such may be suspended in slings made of canvas1 and be carried on bullocks1 one trunk on each side4 ,too much cannot be said on this point2 since the degree of compactness an officer is able to attain1 will generally determine the quantity he may be able to carry1 and insure its early1 as well as its safe1 arrival4 ,those who are not in the ,company's service1 are left to make the best bargain they can with the commanders of the ,indiamen1 and to select such ships for their conveyance as may best suit their views in regard to destination and time of sailing4 ,the ,company1 some years ago1 issued their orders1 that only certain stated sums were to be taken by the commanders of ships in their employ1 according to the rank of passengers respectively4--,a reference to the ,,directory will shew what were prescribed1 any trespass on which was declared tantamount to an ipso facto dismissal from the service4 ,the regulations formerly included only as far as majors1 under the supposition that all above that rank would indulge in the hire of cabins2 for which they must1 of course1 pay extra4 ,the specified sums were what the ,company paid on all occasions where the passage-money was receivable from their own treasury4 ,however just and benevolent the intention of the ,company evidently was2 since it served to protect their servants from impositions which had1 on many occasions1 been ruinous to individuals in low circumstances1 and1 in some instances1 caused them to apply to the ,court of ,directors for loans1 to enable their returning to ,india2 still1 it cannot be denied1 that the stipulated rates are by no means adequate compensation for the very heavy expence a commander incurs1 when laying in stock for a voyage generally estimated at six months duration4 ,whatever may be paid by individuals of the several classes respectively1 each invariably expects to be received with the same cordiality1 and to partake1 without distinction1 of whatever the stores may afford4 ,it needs no argument to prove1 that a ship containing a great number of cadets1 under the limited rates1 would by no means be a gaining concern to the commander4 ,hence1 the outward voyage is not the object of a commander1 who1 even under the most favorable circumstances1 could not make any great profit by his passengers2 but1 by his liberal treatment of them1 he obtains that character which insures him a choice of rich persons returning to ,europe1 who1 in the aggregate1 rarely fail to make up to him for his former trouble1 and deficiency of pecuniary benefit4 ,it is usual to enquire among the commanders as to their probable number of passengers1 and to ascertain the dates at which their ships are1 according to the arrangements made at the ,india ,house1 to be despatched4 ,the pursers are commonly employed to adjust the rates of passage1 and to dispose of such cabins as may be intended for the accommodation of passengers4 ,matters being settled1 it is necessary to apply to the secretary for an order to be received on board the vessel in question2 which order is delivered to the commander1 or to his purser1 so soon as obtained4 ,the secretary likewise furnishes every ,company's servant with a certificate of his appointment2 and to each free-mariner1 c4 he gives a licence to proceed to ,india4 ,these papers must be carefully preserved1 for delivery into the office of the secretary under that presidency to which the party may be destined4 ,it is always best to consign them to the keeping of the purser4 ,in cases of certificates having been lost1 much difficulty has arisen1 and all the parties have been obliged to depose to that effect on oath4 ,i should advise those who are about to embark1 to cultivate an acquaintance with the respective commanders4 ,experience fully establishes1 that civility rarely fails to produce good consequences4 ,it is reasonable to conclude1 that some previous acquaintance must engender some good will4 ,the captains navigating under the auspices of the ,india ,company1 are men who have seen much of the world1 and who rarely fail justly to appreciate those marks of attention1 and respect1 which flow voluntarily from persons with whom they have dealings4 ,on the other hand1 it must be rather uncomfortable to go on board a ship where all are total strangers2 or1 at the best1 where1 perhaps1 the purser alone1 and that with some hesitation and difficulty1 acknowledges ever to have seen your face6 ,common sense points out that such is both impolitic1 and uncomfortable4 ,having made a voyage in a foreign ship from ,bengal to the ,cape1 it may be serviceable to some of my readers to receive a hint or two regarding the usage he is likely to experience1 should he entertain a disposition to avail himself of that channel of conveyance4 ,the detail need not be prolix2 for it may justly be asserted1 in few words1 that foreign vessels are rarely sea-worthy2 they are badly equipped1 and worse manned2 their decks are low2 their accommodations dark1 dismal1 and offensive2 their water execrable2 their provisions scarce and bad2 their commanders ignorant1 avaricious1 mean1 proud1 tyrannical1 and deceitful6 ,that some exceptions may exist1 cannot be denied2 but ,i never heard of one who did not1 more or less1 merit the above stigma4 ,look to the ,company's ships1 and see the reverse6 ,the truth is1 that in them we find most of those good points that are established in the ,royal navy1 added to much desire in their commanders to be on a friendly footing with the passengers2 while1 ,i believe1 there is no doubt that1 in the end1 their terms are more moderate than those of any foreigners4 ,if the circumstances of a passenger should enable him to hire a cabin1 his comfort will be increased inconceivably1 even though he should have barely room enough to swing a cot1 or to put up a standing bed4 ,but1 that he may not deceive himself in respect to the accommodation he is to derive from such a retirement1 it would be proper for him to pay a visit to the vessel while lying in the river1 probably at ,gravesend1 or the ,hope1 and there to ascertain the exact dimensions he is to occupy4 ,it is an object1 if he uses a swinging cot1 that the breadth of the cabin should be such as to allow of its being triced up between the beams during the daytime2 thereby to have it out of the way1 and to give more space in the cabin4 ,when suspended1 it should be lengthwise2 so that1 as the ship rolls1 or lays down on either side1 the cot should swing even4 ,when hung athwart-ships1 unless the cabin be very broad1 it would be perpetually knocking against the bulk-head 7or partition71 and the ship's side4 ,hence it is advisable1 wherever the space may admit1 to make a standing bed-place fore and aft1 furnishing it with rails1 to keep the occupant from rolling out2 for1 if it be made athwart-ships1 and the vessel be working against an adverse wind1 he must1 whenever the ship goes about1 change the position of his pillow1 from head to foot alternately4 ,in peaceable times1 cabins are ordinarily constructed of wooden partitions1 and have a door1 with lock1 c4 very complete2 but1 during war time1 it is usual to make them of canvass1 fixed to the beams above1 and rolling up thereto1 whenever the vessel may be cleared for action4 ,some cabins include a port-hole1 which1 in large ships1 is peculiarly comfortable2 especially under the ,line1 when a current of air is invaluable2 but1 in bad weather1 when the port is shut1 those cabins that have only skuttles1 about one-fourth the size of a port-hole1 become preferable2 especially when they are provided with glass shutters2 which can be at any time made by the ship's carpenter1 if not previously attached4 ,the skuttles being higher up in the side of the vessel1 and nearer to the deck above the cabin1 are well calculated for allowing rarefied air1 which would float above the level of a port-hole1 to escape4 ,they are usually placed at intervals between the ports4 ,when a cabin is built so as to include a port1 the gun appertaining thereto is commonly sent forward1 and lashed up to the ship's side1 the muzzle pointing forward2 but1 on emergency1 the cabin is knocked down1 and the gun is run into its place4 ,hence1 each kind of cabin has its advantages1 and disadvantages4 ,the right side of the ship1 from stem to stern is called the starboard2 the left side is called the larboard3 the line on which the mast stands1 i4e4 straight over the keel1 divides them4 ,the starboard1 in most modes of applying the term1 implies superiority over the larboard4 ,thus the chief mate has his cabin1 which is usually #ab or #ad feet long1 by #aj or #ab in breadth1 next to the great cabin1 on the starboard side of the gun-deck4 ,the second mate has one rather smaller1 on the opposite1 or larboard side4 ,then1 again1 the third mate on the starboard side1 immediately before the chief mate's2 next before him the fourth mate2 while the surgeon and purser usually have their cabins on the larboard side1 next before the second mate's4 ,what is called the #8great-cabin1' is a slip taken off across the stern of a ship1 on the gun-deck1 about #ad feet deep1 leaving a passage on the larboard side that the passengers and officers may have access to the quarter-gallery1 or privy1 on that quarter4 ,the great-cabin includes all the stern windows1 therefore1 is extremely light and airy2 but1 on the other hand1 its situation is rather disadvantageous to those who are troubled with habitual sea-sickness4 ,the bows and the stern partake1 in an accumulated ratio1 of the ship's motion1 as she pitches2 that is1 as she rises and sinks1 alternately1 at the head and stern2 consequently1 the centre of every vessel is the part least subject to agitation4 ,the captain occupies1 in general1 a cabin called the #8state-room1' situated under the fore part of the poop1 on the starboard side1 with a glass door towards the quarter-deck3 its dimensions1 as well of those of all the cabins already described1 vary according to the ship's tonnage1 but may be taken at about #ae or #af feet square3 the space including it1 and the larboard side under the same parallel1 is called the #8cuddy2' while all behind is designated the #8round-house2' and has a row of glass windows in the stern part1 with two doors opening into the #8stern-gallery3' a flight of steps1 rather confined to be sure1 serves as a communication1 by means of the starboard quarter-gallery1 with the great-cabin4 ,these steps1 under which is a privy1 are particularly convenient to ladies1 who usually have the starboard side of the great-cabin allotted to their accommodation4 ,when the passengers are very numerous1 especially when many families are on board1 the round-house is partitioned off into three or more cabins2 the larboard quarter-gallery1 on the upper deck1 having also a privy4 ,in such case1 the dinner table is laid in the cuddy1 instead of the round-house2 but1 as it is rarely spacious enough to allow the whole to sit down at the same time1 the company are1 commonly1 divided into two parties1 succeeding each other every day alternately4 ,the sums paid for cabins entirely depend upon the demand1 their size1 the ship's destination1 and the circumstances of the person selling his accommodations4 ,the several portions of the round-house and great-cabin1 both of which are considered the captain's property1 of course are paid for in proportion to their respective dimensions3 it may1 however1 be taken as some guide1 that1 outward bound1 a slip1 including one window1 may produce from #bjj4 to #cjj42 and that the several mates' cabins may be averaged at from #c4 to #e4 for every square foot of the enclosed area4 ,homeward bound1 on account of the number of children and servants shipped with a family1 the rates are yet higher3 ,i have known1 more than once1 the whole of a great cabin let for #b1ejj46 ,there being an essential difference in the comfort afforded by having either a cot or a fixed bed-place1 it may be acceptable to my readers to be informed of some minuti attached to those conveniences respectively4 ,a cot is an oblong case of canvas1 having a deal frame at the bottom1 with a canvas sacking well strained2 the ends are furnished with small cords1 called nettles1 which pass round an iron thimble1 or grummet2 and those again are passed over two strong hooks1 placed about seven feet asunder1 fore and aft1 whereby the cot is suspended4 ,during the day time1 a cot is commonly taken down1 and disposed of in some part where it may1 so far as the means allow1 be out of the way3 the best mode is to trice it up between the beams that support the superior deck4 ,in this kind of bed1 the motion of the ship is scarcely felt1 unless she is acted upon by a very short1 broken sea2 the cot always preserving its level3 hence1 those who are much troubled with sea-sickness should always provide a swinging cot2 taking care to hang it in such a place as may preclude the danger of its being bumped against the ship's sides1 or the bulk-head1 7i4e4 a boarded partition17 than which nothing can be more unpleasant4 ,i have several times been canted completely out of my cot1 owing to the want of space at its sides4 ,in very bad weather1 when the ship has rolled many streaks of her deck under water1 the frame of my cot has been forcibly dashed against the beams3 at such times1 if the width of the space admits1 it is proper to lengthen the nettles to their utmost3 whereby such inconvenience may generally be obviated4 ,a standing bed-place is so far convenient1 that the necessity for removing in the morning1 and affixing at night1 is done away2 whereby the bed-furniture is greatly preserved from filth and injury3 besides1 its occupant can #8turn in' whenever he pleases1 and has the satisfaction of knowing that his trunk is1 by being under him1 secured from damage1 as well as from depredation2 whereas persons who sleep in cots often experience considerable inconvenience in those particulars4 ,those who have fixed bed-places in the larboard division of the great-cabin1 are by far more privately1 and more comfortably1 situated than such as have them in the steerage1 ranging along the bulk-head of the chief mate's cabin3 in either case1 there are always two tiers1 or ranges1 of bed-places1 one above the other2 the lower are certainly most convenient4 ,as priority of embarkation1 or at least of adjustment1 gives a right to selection1 it is advisable to visit the ship so soon as an order for being taken on board is obtained2 when a choice should be made as to the situation of a bed-place2 those of the lower tier1 nearest the stern windows in the great cabin1 are to be preferred1 they being both more airy1 and more light3 the latter will be found an object to those who are studious1 or partial to reading in bed1 which1 on board-ship1 is held to be a most delectable recreation4 ,in adjusting with the captain1 or his purser1 it is proper to be very exact in stipulating for a berth in the great-cabin2 and it would be as well to notice the conveniences to be afforded1 in the body of the receipt given for the passage-money4 ,not that ,i would lead to the supposition of deceptions being practised intentionally2 but1 in the hurry of business of considerable importance1 such lesser items will occasionally slip the memory1 giving birth to disagreements which not only are attended with future distrust1 but may1 perhaps1 be beyond the possibility of remedy4 ,it should1 however1 be considered that a bed-place in the great-cabin1 which generally is fitted up for eight1 or1 at the utmost1 for twelve1 will be charged somewhat higher than one in the steerage2 the latter being an open passage1 totally devoid of privacy1 exposed to violent currents of air1 not always of the sweetest1 and subject to many obvious inconveniences4 ,among the ship's company1 two or three men1 or boys1 are usually excused the general duty of the ship1 for the purpose of attending the passengers3 when other matters are settling on board1 care should be taken to engage one of these attendants to do all the work in the cabin1 if one is hired2 namely1 to clean boots and shoes1 brush clothes1 clean the basons1 provide hot and cold water1 attend to the boxes in the hold2 with a variety of et ceteras which will soon obtrude into notice4 ,for such good offices1 about three or four guineas will be expected2 but it must not be supposed that1 for such a compensation1 a man will devote his whole time to one passenger2 nor1 indeed1 is it necessary that he should1 since an active1 intelligent fellow1 who has been used to such menial offices1 may1 with great ease1 give satisfaction to at least four or five4 ,when such an aid cannot be obtained1 on account of the scarcity of hands on board1 a douceur to any of the mates' servants will answer every purpose1 besides probably giving the advantage of being served by one perfectly conversant with ship affairs1 and possessing some influence with the captain's steward2 with whom ,i humbly recommend to all passengers that they keep on good terms2 he being no small man in his way1 and having the power to afford many conveniences1 which1 though in the estimation of folks on shore apparently insignificant1 are1 nevertheless1 of considerable value to those unaccustomed to a sea-life1 and cooped up for months within such narrow limits6 ,this reflection leads me naturally to the consideration of that line of conduct which should1 on all occasions1 be maintained by those who wish to pass their time as agreeably as circumstances will admit1 and to appear respectable4 ,in the first place1 the captain will exact from every one on board1 of whatever class1 a perfect attention to the regulations of his ship3 were he to allow any deviation1 the whole would be aiming at the same indulgence1 and subordination would be annihilated6 ,it is customary1 whenever a person ascends from the gun-deck to the quarter-deck1 or goes upon it from the cuddy1 c4 to touch his hat2 even though no one should appear there3 a breach of this rule would be considered grossly insulting1 and might induce to rebuke1 by no means pleasant to the feelings1 or adding to the credit1 of a gentleman4 ,when it is considered with what a high hand the officers of ships are obliged to uphold their authority1 over a numerous crew composed of all nations1 and often including the most hardened and daring culprits1 we cannot but applaud every practice tending to preserve order1 regularity1 and decorum4 ,the hour for breakfast may be generally stated to be eight1 for dinner two1 for tea six1 and for supper nine4 ,the first is announced by the great bell on the fore-castle1 which always rings a sonorous peal when the watch1 or guard1 is to be relieved3 tea-time is known by the same signal4 ,as the dinner hour does not correspond with the relief of the watch1 it is usual to warn the passengers and officers by beat of drum3 the tune of #8,roast-beef' being daily heard1 though it rarely leads to a participation of that viand whence its designation is derived4 ,very little notice is required to call together those who are disposed to partake of supper3 for the most part1 the company amuse themselves with cards1 music1 c4 during the evenings2 or1 when the weather admits1 walk the quarter-deck2 observing to keep on the windward side2 which is held to be the privilege only of the captain1 the three senior mates1 the purser1 the surgeon1 and those passengers who board at the captain's table4 ,although nothing very sumptuous is to be expected on board-ship1 yet there will be little or no cause to complain of deficiency4 ,the breakfast ordinarily consists of good tea and coffee1 with excellent biscuit1 and1 at times1 rolls2 which1 as well as every species of leavened bread1 come under the marine designation of #8soft-tommy4' ,the butter1 to be sure1 is not to be boasted of2 it being utterly impossible to prevent its melting1 so as to resemble liquid honey4 ,it being studied to take on board as much fresh meat as possible1 at the time of sailing1 some joints of good beef and mutton may be served up for the first week2 after which the #8corned' 7or slightly salted7 meat comes into use4 ,the ample supply of poultry1 of all descriptions1 fed in coops on the poop1 and a small flock of sheep1 perhaps from twenty-five to forty in number1 maintained there on hay1 c4 enable the captain1 for the most part1 to exhibit fresh meat1 of some sort1 every day2 which added to abundance of prime beef and pork for his use1 together with tongues1 pickles1 sauces of all kinds1 potatoes1 rice1 pastry1 olives1 c4 c4 form a tout ensemble1 where even the most dainty may find something acceptable to the palate4 ,it cannot be supposed1 that wine is so freely dispensed1 as when on shore2 the ladies1 however1 are generally supplied with as much as they may require during the repast2 after the cloth is removed1 the bottle is put round two or three times1 according to the liberality of the commander4 ,the last tour it makes being accompanied with #8good afternoon' serves as a hint for the gentlemen to withdraw1 until the hour for tea2 when1 as already observed1 they frequently amuse themselves until supper is ready4 ,this last meal is little more than a matter of form2 it consists chiefly of cheese and biscuits1 rasped beef1 sago-soup1 lobs kous1 which is a curious medley of various ingredients1 forming something midway between water-gruel and peas-soup4 ,one tour of the bottle1 attended with #8good night1' closes the operations of the day4 ,the water taken on board being strongly impregnated with filth1 of various kinds and colors1 soon becomes so nauseous as to be utterly unfit for the use of delicate persons3 the quantity of animalcul it contains could not be credited by a person who had not seen it6 ,on this account1 several filtering-stones are used1 through which the water finds a passage1 leaving the impurities behind4 ,this percolation is1 however1 extremely tedious1 and does not entirely remove the taint2 though it assuredly so far sweetens it as to render the water very drinkable4 ,the fecula left in the hollow of the drip-stone1 are perfectly putrid4 ,the ordinary beverage is table beer1 or perhaps porter3 in warm weather excellent spruce beer abounds2 sometimes1 indeed1 the whole crew are supplied with from one to two quarts daily4 ,nor is the punch-bowl suspended for empty shew6 ,by means of prepared lemon-juice1 aided by a good stock of the fresh fruit1 carefully suspended in nets in the stern-gallery1 c4 good punch1 lemonade1 and negus1 are often served to the company4 ,i strongly recommend1 that all young persons should be embarked at ,gravesend1 or the ,nore2 in preference to being taken on ,board at ,portsmouth2 by that means they become settled before the generality of passengers arrive1 and escape that indescribable confusion attendant upon the sudden influx of whole hoys full of dead and live lumber6 ,for such they appear when interrupting the several operations attendant upon a vessel's getting under weigh4 ,those who purpose delaying to the last moment1 should leave their cards of address with the purser1 taking care not to be far from home1 that he may1 when proceeding to the ,india-,house to receive the packets1 send notice of his being about to quit town4 ,on receipt of such notice1 no time must be lost in repairing to that port where the vessel may be2 in being customary to sail so soon as the purser gets on board4 ,half an hour's delay has proved the loss of many a passage4 ,the great number of ships employed in the ,india trade1 occasions so frequent an intercourse1 that scarcely two months ever elapse without one or more being despatched to some part of ,india4 ,unless under very peculiar and pressing circumstances1 it is inadvisable to proceed in any not bound to that part whither the passenger is destined3 for1 although it appears1 on paper1 very easy to get from ,madras1 for instance1 to ,bengal1 such will not always be practicable2 and so great a delay may elapse as should allow a vessel bound to ,bengal1 sailing perhaps a month or two subsequent to that proceeding to ,madras1 to arrive at her port before the means might offer of getting on from ,madras4 ,add to this1 that freight and passage-money are infinitely higher in ,india than in ,europe2 which1 combined with the heavy expence attendant upon long detention on shore1 would prove the economy1 as well as the speed1 to be on the other side of the question4 ,the time of sailing will1 under common circumstances1 decide the time of arrival4 ,ships leaving ,england1 that is1 the ,land's ,end1 in all ,april1 may be expected to arrive at ,madras in all ,september2 when1 if not delayed1 they may run up the ,bay in a week more1 with great ease4 ,as the northerly monsoon often begins to prevail in ,october1 occasioning ships to stretch over towards ,acheen-head1 whereby from four to six weeks will be lost in getting to ,balasore ,roads1 it is rather advisable not to sail later than ,march1 if at liberty to choose the season4 ,by so doing1 the arrival will take place at a time when the great heats are over1 and the cold weather is approaching3 two points not only eligible as they relate to health1 but to society also4 ,the early1 or late1 arrivals of such writers and cadets1 as are appointed for the same year1 make no difference whatever in the rank they are relatively to bear2 that being determined by a general list transmitted by the ,directors1 generally in the last ship of that season4 ,the pay1 however1 is calculated from the date of presenting the certificate1 before spoken of1 at the proper office4 ,the period of sailing will generally indicate the weather which may be expected during the whole passage4 ,such as leave the pilot in the spring will round the ,cape of ,good ,hope about ,whitsuntide or ,midsummer1 when winter prevails in that ,quarter2 it being in #cd south latitude3 advancing to the northward1 they will meet with the trade-winds from the tropic towards the ,line1 where1 in all probability1 light and variable winds may cause some delay4 ,ships leaving ,england in our autumn1 round the ,cape at their ,midsummer1 and reach ,madras generally in from eighteen to twenty weeks2 carrying fair1 but warm1 weather all the way4 ,if they arrive about the middle1 or latter end of ,march1 they may1 by remaining for a few days1 until the southerly monsoon is fairly established1 sometimes reach the sand-heads in ,balasore ,roads in three or four days4 ,this is obviously preferable to running over to the eastward4 ,i know nothing more unpleasant than being wind-bound6 ,nor1 indeed1 can there be well conceived a more certain recipe for draining the purse6 ,the passenger must not suppose that1 after having repaired to that port where the ship rides1 he is at liberty to go on board instantly1 and to remain until she sails4 ,on the contrary1 though he should not fail to intimate his arrival1 and to leave his card of address1 he must put up at some inn1 or lodging-house1 at his own expence1 until the signal may be made for sailing1 by firing a gun1 and loosening the fore top-sail1 by that ship under whose convoy a fleet is to sail2 or1 if there be no convoy1 by the senior captain2 who is1 by courtesy1 designated #8,commodore4' ,the ,court of ,directors have1 latterly1 in consideration of the inability of their junior servants to pay the heavy charges to which they are subject while in port1 given an extra sum to the commanders of their ships for each cadet's diet in such situations4 ,this was no less necessary than considerate4 ,it will have been seen1 that persons going out in the civil service have fewer stipulations in their favor2 for which the presumptive reason is1 that they are commonly the sons of gentlemen possessing large property3 the sum of #cjjj4 having been so often given for writer-ships1 seems to indicate that very little occasion could exist for interference in their behalf4 ,when a ship arrives at any regular port1 where accommodations can be had1 the passengers are1 in like manner1 expected to reside on shore1 at their own charge4 ,such1 to many1 may appear unreasonable1 or strange2 but1 when it is considered to what heavy losses a commander might else be subject1 which1 divided among a number1 would appear trifling1 and1 at all events1 not prove ruinous1 the propriety of such a rule will not be disputed4 ,this explanation may serve as a hint to parents1 and guardians1 not to ship young folks in forma pauperis1 under the prudent1 but here inapplicable1 precaution1 of taking away the means of being extravagant4 ,emergencies often arise1 wherein a few guineas are indispensably necessary2 and1 as few go to sea with more cash than ordinary expences may demand1 it is not easy to remedy the error4 ,where a young man has established his character for imprudence1 the only recourse is to place a few guineas1 say from twenty to thirty1 in the hands of the captain1 or the purser1 with directions to supply what may be absolutely required1 rather in form of a loan2 keeping the youth in ignorance of his having a banker on board1 and giving him1 at taking leave1 perhaps five or six guineas1 in order to carry on the deception4 ,when it is known that no shop of any kind exists in a ship1 7excepting the purser's slop-shop17 we must conclude there can be little opportunity for extravagance3 the principal danger is to be apprehended from gaming1 which in some ships reaches to a dreadful extent2 always creating difficulty1 and rarely terminating without bloodshed4 ,this1 added to emulation for the favorable opinion of the ladies1 may be considered the usual causes of discord4 ,the latter is1 in a great measure1 restrained by that custom which fixes every passenger to the same seat at table during the whole voyage2 whereby daily contests for vicinity are avoided4 ,the number of accidents that have happened from trivial causes1 renders it necessary to be extremely cautious in regard to smoking2 which in all men of war1 and ,india-ships1 is permitted only on the fore-castle4 ,by this means danger is avoided1 and the stench carried away4 ,it is to be lamented that so proper a regulation is not observed throughout the merchant service2 in which so much carelessness prevails1 that it appears to me miraculous so many vessels arrive in safety4 ,on my return from ,india1 ,i embarked at ,st4 ,helena on board a whaler1 of which the captain had a strong predilection for his pipe1 which was scarcely ever out of his mouth4 ,his practice was1 to smoke in the cabin where we dined1 throwing his hot ashes down upon the deck1 in which was a skuttle1 or small hatchway1 under his own seat4 ,two lieutenants of the navy1 who were fellow-passengers1 used to remonstrate very freely1 but without the smallest effect1 against so improper a practice4 ,it happened1 one morning1 as we were off the ,azores1 that a suspicious-looking vessel hove in sight1 laying-to under close reefed top-sails3 we altered our course1 and were immediately chased4 ,having at least forty-five young fellows1 and about a dozen six-pounders1 on board1 we cleared ship for action4 ,imagine what was our surprise at finding that1 under the identical hatchway1 over which our captain had been perpetually smoking1 was a magazine of about thirty barrels of gun-powder2 some hooped in1 and some having their chimes barely covering their contents which proved to be ready-filled cartridges6 ,i conceive it would have been utterly impossible1 if the vessel in chace had proved an enemy1 and that we had been compelled to defend our ship1 to have avoided being blown up6 ,many are in the habit of reading by candle light in their beds3 this only requires to be known to the officers1 to be completely overruled2 nor will they1 unless in cases of indisposition1 allow a candle to be burning after the passengers have generally retired to rest4 ,hence1 only a few wax tapers1 or bougies1 can be requisite4 ,when it is considered1 that a ship is composed of materials for the chief part highly combustible1 and1 that in such a situation a fire spreads with astonishing rapidity1 defying the exertions of all on board2 also1 that there is little chance of many lives being saved1 unless other vessels may be in company2 we ought assuredly to adopt every means of guarding against so terrible a calamity6 ,most ships have a small fire-engine on board1 which is not only an admirable safe-guard1 but facilitates the washing of decks2 an operation that usually takes place once or twice weekly4 ,at such times all the chests are sent below1 and all the hammocks hauled upon deck1 for the purpose of being aired4 ,seamen become habitually cleanly in their persons1 and in their bedding2 but when recruits are on board1 they1 being less attentive to personal appearance and to comfort1 not only breed vermin1 but sometimes propagate infectious diseases4 ,hence1 a small quantity of vermin-ointment will perhaps prove an useful succedaneum2 its timous application preventing the growth of any colony1 of which some stragglers may have laid the foundation4 ,when the decks are washed1 it is customary to exercise the seamen in the use of great guns4 ,for this purpose the drum beats to quarters2 when all repair to their several stations1 and1 under the instruction of the several officers1 go through the ordinary operations attendant upon that branch of discipline4 ,no persons1 of whatever description1 females excepted1 are exempted from being appointed to some post1 where their services may be efficient4 ,the military officers are allotted to commands on the poop1 fore-castle1 waist1 c42 having under them such cadets and recruits as may be on board2 the whole acting as marines4 ,the surgeon1 with his mates1 those of the sick who are incapable of taking an active part1 together with all females1 descend to the cock-pit2 which1 being below the level of the water-line1 is tolerably secure from danger2 though sometimes a shot1 between wind and water1 will find its way to that retreat4 ,the crew are always portioned into two watches1 except when very numerous2 in which case1 as well as during the time a vessel is in port1 they divide them1 including recruits1 c4 into three watches4 ,the chief mate commands the starboard-watch2 the second mate commands the larboard-watch2 and1 when there are three1 the other1 called the mid-watch1 is commanded by the third mate4 ,it is customary to relieve the watch every four hours1 except in the interval between four and eight o'clock in the evening1 which is divided into two reliefs1 of two hours each1 called 'dog-watches4' ,but for the intervention of these1 there would be no change in the times of coming upon duty2 as each of the starboard and larboard watches would1 respectively1 come on at the same hours daily2 and this would be the same1 even if a mid-watch existed3 whereas1 by dividing the evening-watch1 it occasions an odd number1 and changes the tour1 or series1 every day4 ,where supplies of provisions are not attainable1 it necessarily follows that each person on board can receive only a stipulated allowance of meat1 water1 c4 ,this does not always affect those who are at the captain's table2 though it is generally recommended to the passengers to be economical in their expenditure of water for washing1 shaving1 c4 ,in some ships they are restricted to a quart daily1 and if the crew are upon short allowance1 which is understood to be the case when each man receives less than two quarts1 the passengers and officers have little or no fresh water allowed for the above purposes2 but their beverage at table is rarely limited1 except under the pressure of actual necessity4 ,all things considered1 the privations experienced by passengers to ,india are by no means so numerous1 nor so severe in their operation1 as might at first view be apprehended4 ,in many ships1 ladies and gentlemen skilled in music are adventitiously assembled1 and1 by their united talents1 afford a most pleasing recreation to all on board3 few vessels are totally destitute of some means to attract the parties towards the quarter-deck2 where1 in the cool of the evening1 during fair weather1 the merry dance for a while banishes ennui1 and contributes to give a wholesome impetus to the circulation4 ,those ladies who are partial to music should be particularly careful that the piano-fortes they may take with them1 be constructed in such manner as may exempt them from those wondrous effects produced by the climate of ,india4 ,i have had the pleasure of aiding several friends in this instance1 and found that the instruments made for exportation could never be depended upon1 unless clamped at every joint with plates of brass1 and secured1 in the more delicate parts1 by means of battens well screwed and cemented to the sounding board4 ,experience has fully satisfied me1 that the pianos most appropriate for hot climates are made by ,clementi1 ,kirkman1 and ,tomkinson1 at their respective manufactories in ,london4 ,ladies will derive considerable convenience and gratification from having an exterior case made to enclose the piano-forte1 leaving a space of about an inch all around4 ,this outward safe-guard should be of planed deal1 stained of a mahogany color1 or painted2 and it should open in front1 so as to admit of playing the instrument1 while its lid should be fixed upon hinges1 that it may be thrown back at pleasure4 ,the lower part of the frame may be packed1 and laid by2 a spare frame of deal being substituted during the voyage1 with a set of shelves below to contain music1 books1 c42 all locked up by means of folding doors4 ,both the exterior case1 and the frame1 ought to be furnished with lacquered iron handles1 whereby to lift them occasionally2 but particularly intended to secure them to the side of the ship1 and to the deck3 without such a precaution the whole would be tumbled about1 and shivered to atoms1 by the vessel's motion4 ,gentlemen who perform on stringed instruments1 should be careful to provide an ample supply of strings1 firsts and fourths especially2 they being not only very dear1 and perhaps damaged1 when procurable1 but at times not procurable1 in any part of ,india1 for love or money6 ,reeds for oboes1 clarionets1 bassoons1 c4 are similarly circumstanced4 ,nor would it be superfluous for a lady to take with her several sets of wires for her piano2 they being very scarce4 ,at all events1 she ought to qualify herself to tune the instrument2 which may be effected in the course of a month1 or six weeks1 by attention to the instructions of a regular tuner1 who would feel himself well satisfied under a moderate compensation4 ,this is a point whereon ,i dwell rather particularly2 knowing that1 even in ,calcutta1 ,madras1 or ,bombay1 a good tuner is not always to be had2 and that1 in all other situations1 throughout the interior scarce a professional person can be found4 ,besides1 in a country whose climate deranges the most skilful adjustment of the wires1 often in a few minutes1 merely by a slight exposure to heat1 or to damp1 the expence attendant upon such frequent tunings1 as are indispensably requisite1 would speedily absorb the full value of the instrument itself2 the ordinary rates being a guinea for a grand-piano1 and twelve shillings for a square one4 ,therefore1 whether considered as a convenience1 or as a matter of economy1 too much cannot be said in recommendation of every lady's learning to tune her piano before she embarks4 ,it being impossible to say how soon rough weather may be experienced after leaving port1 7indeed1 sometimes ships get under weigh while it is blowing very fresh17 it is usual to lash the dinner tables to the deck1 placing their feet in mortices cut into small blocks1 called cleats1 which1 being firmly nailed down1 generally keep the whole sufficiently firm4 ,it is not easy to render the chairs equally secure2 but they are tolerably steadied by nailing two rows of battens on each side of the table1 so as to embrace the legs of the chairs1 which1 in this mode of securing them1 ought all to be of equal compass from front to rear4 ,it requires1 after all1 some management to preserve an equilibrium when a ship rolls much2 which it does chiefly in a calm1 or in a gale of wind4 ,in the former instance1 the transitions of reclination from starboard to larboard1 and vice vers1 are often very great1 owing to the heavy swell which alternately raises the ship1 and again sinks her into the trough made by two successive waves4 ,however curious it may seem to persons unacquainted with sea affairs1 it is nevertheless certain1 that more masts are lost by rolling in a calm1 than by stress of weather4 ,in regard to that most distressing malady1 sea-sickness1 it is not possible to lay down any specific mode of precaution1 or of remedy3 it ordinarily commences with that agitation occasioned in the vessel's motion1 by either the wind's force1 or the water's undulation4 ,few experience more than a few qualms1 while the water is smooth2 such as is the case in going through the ,needles with a leading wind1 in fine weather2 but when upon a wind1 with a chopping sea1 and sudden1 or forcible1 gusts1 all who are not accustomed to the motion1 become most oppressively sick4 ,however much they may be affected by this customary derangement1 those suffering under its influence are more frequently objects of derisive merriment1 than of compassion4 ,the prevalent opinion is1 that1 in a few days1 the complaint will disappear2 hence it is regarded as a matter of course1 and as a seasoning1 which1 by its mode of operation1 rather conduces to health1 than to a dangerous issue4 ,that such is the usual result1 cannot be denied2 but there are some constitutions which cannot stand so forcible an attack3 women1 in general1 are most severely oppressed by it1 and some few fall victims thereto4 ,it would be endless to enumerate all the recipes1 which those who fancy themselves qualified to prescribe1 tender on this occasion to the unhappy sufferers4 ,i believe that acids and laudanum1 in repeated small doses1 are most successfully administered2 though ,i have seen them fail4 ,that unfeeling advice given to the unwary1 #8to drink a glass of spirits1' invariably tends to aggravate all the symptoms1 and1 with those not habituated to such strong remedies1 produces all those inconveniences attendant upon super-added irritation4 ,the fresh air upon deck will be found considerably to diminish the force of the complaint2 but the eyes should be kept shut1 and the attention be withdrawn from the sea1 and from the rigging2 of both which the motion is peculiarly calculated to increase that swimming in the head inseparably attendant on sea-sickness4 ,if1 notwithstanding these precautions1 the nausea and derangement should continue1 it will be proper to retire to bed2 observing the precaution of lying on one side1 and keeping the eyes closed4 ,there may1 perhaps1 be no harm in taking a small case of spirits on board2 but such is by no means indispensable3 they do not come within the scope of a gentleman's expenditure2 and1 unless preserved with uncommon vigilance1 will probably be drawn off by some adventuring fellow1 provided with a pick-lock1 while the owner is either asleep or absent4 ,i cannot too strongly inculcate1 that every thing should be under lock and key3 ships1 of every description1 are infested with petty pilferers1 and sometimes with more expert and daring thieves2 who will not fail to purloin whatever can be turned to use1 in such manner as may not lead to discovery4 ,the effects of passengers1 especially1 are considered to be fair booty4 ,blankets1 sheets1 c4 will all disappear towards the close of a voyage1 or when in a port where they can be sold1 or bartered away1 if their owners confide too much in the honesty of their neighbours4 ,the third mate generally has a mess1 in the expences of which the fourth1 fifth1 and sixth mates sometimes partake2 the purser and surgeon being invariably at the captain's table4 ,the captain's clerk1 who is usually a midshipman1 the surgeon's mate1 when there is one1 and the second class of passengers1 all mess with the third mate1 who is allowed a certain space before the officers' cabins2 which1 being enclosed with canvas1 makes a very tolerable berth1 wherein the table is laid4 ,those of the mess who belong to the ship1 subscribe to lay in such articles of provision1 chandlery1 c4 as may suffice for their own consumption2 the sums paid by passengers1 who associate with them1 being applied in due proportion towards the maintenance of the latter2 any balances arising therein becoming the perquisite of the third mate4 ,i have heard1 that1 with the exception of so large a proportion of live stock as is destined for the captain's table1 the mate's mess1 in some ships1 claims the palm in many respects4 ,when so many passengers are ordered on board1 as to render it impracticable for the captain to accommodate the whole at his table1 the later applicants are consigned to the mate's mess during meals2 but are admitted1 so far as convenience can be extended1 to a participation of the amusements and society of the round-house4 ,on some occasions the mate's mess has1 from the above cause1 been able to boast of rather eminent characters4 ,those who are fond of fishing1 may sometimes derive much amusement from the possession of a stock of tackle suited to the occasion4 ,in warm weather1 especially towards the ,line1 when moderate weather and calms prevail1 many sharks may be taken4 ,the hook for this purpose ought to be about a foot long in the shank 7the other parts bearing a just proportion7 which should be firmly attached to a stout piece of chain1 from two to four feet in length1 having at its other extremity a loop and swivel1 to which the rope 7such as is called inch and half rope1 and ought to be full a hundred yards long7 is tied2 the bait1 a piece of fat pork1 of about three or four pounds weight4 ,the weight of the chain and hook will suffice to sink the bait to about thirty feet below the surface1 where it will soon be discerned by the sharks1 which generally keep under the vessel's bottom1 or play around her at a considerable depth2 though they will occasionally range along the ship's side1 or bask under the stern1 so as to be easily shot with a musquet ball1 or struck with a harpoon4 ,even at the depth of fifty feet1 the shark may be distinguished as he approaches the bait1 by a luminous appearance1 extending in an oval form1 in that direction in which he swims4 ,he generally seizes with avidity1 turning on his side at the moment2 without which he could not get it into his mouth1 owing to the excessive length of his upper jaw4 ,so soon as the bait is in his mouth1 the fish1 on feeling the resistance of the rope1 makes a sudden plunge downward1 at the same moment recovering his former position4 ,the hook1 being extremely sharp1 rarely fails to pierce the jaw1 when1 in an instant1 the whole length of line will be run out4 ,as no human force could properly be relied on to check the fish's course1 the end of the rope is either fastened to some timber-head1 or to a tackle fall3 the latter is preferable1 because it adds to the length of the line1 and does not check the fish so suddenly3 without the latter precaution1 the rope may be snapped1 or the hook torn away from the shark's jaw4 ,the quantity of heavy line1 added to the weight of the hooks and chain1 soon bring the fish under command1 when he is towed up to the gang-way1 and there1 by means of a slip-knot passed over his fins1 hoisted into the waist4 ,few persons will taste of a blue shark1 it being considered unwholesome2 but of the brown shark1 which rarely exceeds five feet in length1 7while the former has been known to measure near thirty17 most of the seamen will solicit a steak4 ,the average sizes of sharks may be from six to twelve feet in length3 it is very common to collect a pailful of young ones1 each about a foot long1 that take refuge in the parent's maw4 ,behind the fins are usually several sucking-fishes1 adhering to the shark's sides3 these are supposed to live upon its blood2 but some doubts may be entertained1 at least whether that is its sole subsistence1 when ,i state1 that in ,madras ,roads ,i caught1 by means of a hook and line put out for ground fishes1 a sucking-fish that measured rather more than two feet4 ,sharks are in general attended by what are called pilot-fishes3 these are beautifully striped blue and white2 in form they much resemble the chub1 and may measure from ten to fifteen inches in length4 ,when the shark displays himself1 the pilot-fishes may be seen playing about his head and sides2 but when the ship is going fast1 and the shark keeps under the bottom1 or stern1 at a considerable depth1 the pilot-fishes often rise to the surface1 assembling in the eddy about the stern-post4 ,i never could entice one of them to touch a bait4 ,in the higher latitudes1 the albacore1 boneta1 dolphin1 c4 may often be seen playing about the ship in great numbers2 sometimes as though intent on keeping company for scores of miles4 ,porpoises are yet more familiar1 and delight in preceding the ship1 at a few yards distance2 affording1 to those who are expert1 excellent opportunities for striking them with harpoons4 ,the liver of the porpoise is esteemed by many to be as good as that of a pig2 to which it bears some resemblance2 the body of the fish is by no means palatable4 ,the flesh of the dolphin is extremely dry1 as is that of the boneta1 which is commonly replete with small white animalcul1 not unlike short fat maggots4 ,the albacore is inconceivably rapacious2 often springing several yards out of the water after the flying-fishes1 as they skim above the surface2 which they sometimes do for full two hundred yards2 their great enemy darting along under their course with incredible velocity1 and rarely failing to make a prey of one1 or more1 as they fall into the water in an exhausted state4 ,while bonetas1 and dolphins1 may be taken by almost any bait1 the albacore rarely can be attracted by any device wherein there is not some resemblance to the flying-fish4 ,i have seen numbers taken1 when the ship has been going fast through the water1 by securing a three-inch hook to a slip of bacon fat1 cut into the form of a fish1 and further disguised by a long white feather1 taken from a goose's wing1 stuck on each side4 ,the line for such a purpose should be stout laid-cord2 for1 though bonetas rarely exceed twenty1 and dolphins forty pounds1 albacores will often be taken weighing from one to two hundred3 ,i have1 indeed1 heard of their reaching to three hundred weight4 ,their flesh may be compared with carrion2 it being coarse1 tough1 and very strong tasted2 but1 though not pleasing to the human palate1 it is a very choice bait1 attracting all fishes of prey4 ,albacores sometimes snap at the log2 which is a small piece of triangular board1 loaded at one corner with lead1 and fastened to a long line wound on a reel4 ,the log being lowered into the sea1 will remain stationary2 drawing the line off the reel in proportion to the velocity with which the ship is then passing through the water3 the number of yards run off1 while a minute glass is emptying1 shews the number of knots1 i4e4 miles1 sailed within the hour4 ,it is not uncommon1 when in the vicinity of islands1 to see turtles lying on the surface of the sea1 fast asleep2 these can sometimes be taken1 if two or three careful men proceed in the jolly-boat1 paddling her along with an oar out at her stern4 ,the turtle should be secured by one of the crew dropping gently into the water1 and swimming very cautiously until he can pass a slip-knot over the hind fin1 generally called the fipper2 the other end of the line being fast to some part of the boat4 ,touching at ,ascension on our way from ,india1 for the express purpose of obtaining a supply of turtles1 ,i had an opportunity of witnessing the facility with which they may be taken at certain seasons1 when in the act of copulation2 as happened while we were there1 in ,january4 ,the turtles floated in pairs1 in a state approaching to lethargy2 allowing our whale boats to run along-side of them1 without1 in general1 being alarmed4 ,the first object was to pass a boat-hook over each shoulder of the male1 to prevent his escape2 for1 on being touched1 these invariably quitted their mates1 and endeavored to strike downwards4 ,the instant the boat-hooks1 were placed1 their inverted points acting as curbs1 a third hand dexterously passed the noose over the fipper1 and left the turtle in charge of a second or third boat1 to which the other end of the noose line was fastened4 ,in that manner we took about a dozen one morning1 in less than two hours2 but were not equally successful in our operations on shore4 ,there we hid ourselves1 about night-fall1 behind the masses of rock every where scattered on the beach1 and1 allowing the females to pass us1 with the intention of depositing their eggs in the dry sand1 beyond the reach of the surf1 endeavored to intercept them in their way back to the water4 ,not a doubt was entertained that we should turn them over by scores2 but1 with the exception of one unfortunate female1 which by chance ran headlong against a crag1 our hopes proved to be visionary4 ,the awkward gait of these unwieldy animals1 added to the clouds of light sand they threw up1 completely defeated our most zealous exertions4 ,we had recourse to our oars1 placing them in the way of the turtle1 and using them as levers wherewith to overturn the shuffling animals2 but in every attempt the turtle only slipped a little to one side3 therefore1 after breaking several oars1 we found it expedient to desist4 ,while we were on shore1 the gulls hovered about us like so many gnats2 absolutely darkening the air1 and perching familiarly on our heads and shoulders4 ,these subsist chiefly on the shoals of mackarel cast ashore by every surf4 ,i am confident that many a heave of the sea threw up a cart load of those fishes2 some of which were drawn off by the next heave1 but thousands lay along the beach time enough to be carried off by the gulls4 ,sharks were to be seen in every direction1 and of all sizes2 the large ones generally swimming near the surface1 with their back-fins exposed to view1 and the lesser ones at about two or three fathoms deep1 on every side of the ship4 ,i was desirous to catch one of them for the sake of its skin1 but we were so environed by shoals of the chtodon plectorhenchus1 or pleat-nose chtodon1 which took their station much nearer the surface1 and intercepted my baits1 though they were tied down to the hooks with worsted yarn1 7some indeed being enveloped in cloth1 and secured in a similar manner71 that not one hook was allowed to descend to the level where the sharks abounded4 ,many hundreds of the chtodon were taken1 and1 after being stripped of their skins1 which make a beautiful black shagreen1 though in the water they appear to be chiefly blue and yellow1 were thrown to their greedy brethren1 by whom they were speedily devoured4 ,it should be noticed1 for the benefit of those who may touch at ,ascension1 either on their way to ,st4 ,helena outward-bound1 or in coming homeward from that rendezvous1 that we hooked several very fine fishes1 especially the much-admired ,bull's-eye1 by trailing a bait1 about fifty or sixty yards astern1 as we sailed partly round the island4 ,close in shore1 among the crags1 just beyond reach of the surf1 we caught half a boat load of old-maids in very little time4 ,the modern course of ships proceeding to ,india1 ordinarily carries them near the ,cape de ,verde1 and ,canary islands2 where1 if wine is to be taken in1 a detention of ten or twelve days may happen4 ,this being1 in all probability1 the first opportunity that may offer of going on shore1 after leaving ,england1 it may be proper to caution the young adventurer not to ridicule1 nor in any way to shew disrespect towards1 the religious ceremonies of the ,roman ,catholics who possess those islands4 ,under the exercise of prudence and discretion1 all persons landing among the ,portuguese are certain of receiving every civility and attention2 but1 when insulted1 no race of men are more irascible or vindictive3 the offender is sure to fall a victim to their unrelenting vengeance6 ,at either of these islands1 but especially at ,st4 ,jago1 abundance of fresh provisions may be obtained3 in all of them the tropical fruits abound1 but should not be eaten to excess2 lest a dysentery1 which1 in those latitudes1 proceeds with hasty strides towards death's portal1 should ensue4 ,many vessels1 after proceeding down the ,atlantic in a mid direction1 between the ,azores and the ,canaries1 until they catch the trade-winds1 which in that part blow constantly from the north-east1 or nearly so1 stretch over to the coast of ,brazil1 along which they run1 to about #cj south1 for the purpose of avoiding the south-east trade-wind prevailing to the southward of the ,line2 then being in the way of variable winds1 they shape their course towards the ,cape of ,good ,hope4 ,few quit this coast without putting into some port for a supply of wood1 water1 fresh provision of sorts1 c4 ,rio ,janiero is the most frequented by ,british ,indiamen1 both on account of its safe harbour1 and the abundance of supplies it can afford4 ,being in latitude #bc1 it will be requisite to guard against the great heats incident thereto1 and to be careful not to encounter the nightly dews1 which are here extremely heavy1 and give birth to the most dangerous species of fever4 ,the customs of the inhabitants throughout this coast being nearly alike1 a description of one portion may suffice for the whole4 ,the natives of this part of ,south ,america appear to be particularly inoffensive1 and to submit with perfect resignation to the authority of their conquerors4 ,they are of a middling stature and well-proportioned2 their complexions dark1 and their hair lank and black4 ,from what ,i saw of ,pernambuco and ,olinda1 which lie in about #g south1 it should seem that the houses of the better class are well calculated to debar access to the powerful influence of the sun2 which1 for six months1 is nearly vertical at the above parallel of latitude1 and does not form a very acute angle with the northern horizon at any time of the year4 ,the ,portuguese have organized several regiments of the natives1 clothed and armed in the ,european style3 it was not easy to ascertain the state of discipline of these troops2 but1 if we are to judge from the equipment and appearance of the regiments in the mother-country1 it might be reasonable to entertain some doubts regarding their prowess4 ,notwithstanding the intense heat of the climate1 the ,portuguese inhabitants omit no religious duties2 nor do they ever appear in that deshabille we should expect to see generally adopted among an effeminate people1 under such circumstances in regard to locality4 ,it could not fail to prove highly amusing1 when we beheld boys1 of about six or seven years of age1 full-dressed according to court etiquette1 with bags1 ruffles1 swords1 c4 representing the more ancient part of their population in miniature4 ,these young gentlemen1 as well as their seniors1 and especially the ladies1 were seen every-where riding in vehicles very strongly resembling the chair-palanquins of ,india1 but carried by only two men2 one before and one behind4 ,the profusion of compliments1 and of real civilities1 we experienced1 were absolutely burthensome2 we were every-where welcomed in the most kind and liberal manner2 barges1 rowing from twelve to thirty oars1 were at our command1 to take us to and from the ship1 which could not pass the ,bar of ,pernambuco1 and lay full four miles from the shore1 in seven fathoms4 ,as to fruits1 fish1 vegetables1 and poultry1 they may be had to any amount1 of the first quality2 their beef and mutton are not1 however1 much to be praised1 and their pork is intolerably fat1 without being firm4 ,this last is one of the principal viands at the tables of the ,portuguese1 in every quarter of the globe1 and is dressed in various ways1 all equally offensive to a delicate stomach4 ,the serenity of the weather rendered the acquisition of a supply of excellent water very easy2 the casks being floated to and from the shore2 all fastened to ropes1 and towed by the large boats already mentioned4 ,the land lying low towards the beach1 though backed at some distance by hills1 occasioned us to be within a few leagues before we discovered our proximity to the ,continent2 and we should probably have run into shallow water1 had not a large floating object been seen about a mile from us4 ,our glasses speedily enabled us to distinguish persons moving on a low frame1 that we conjectured could be nothing less than some great fragment of a wreck4 ,boats were immediately hoisted out1 and1 in less than half an hour1 we had the satisfaction to see our quarter-deck covered with a variety of fine fishes1 chiefly rock-cod1 that had been taken by the industrious ,indians1 whose catamaran we had mistaken for the remains of some unfortunate vessel4 ,although we could not converse with these people1 it was natural for us to suppose we were not far from land2 to which they directed our attention1 and by significant signs1 as well as by leading on the catamaran1 of which they had hoisted the sail1 pilotted us to the ,roads of ,pernambuco1 leaving us in good anchoring water1 and gratefully receiving some beads1 and other trinkets1 of no value in our estimation1 but highly prized among them1 in exchange for the excellent repast they had afforded to the whole ship's company4 ,a few days before our arrival at ,pernambuco1 the usual ceremonies attendant upon crossing the ,line were duly observed4 ,those who had never been so far to the southward1 were impressed with the belief that sundry operations1 by no means pleasant1 were to take place3 among other things1 it was said they were to be suspended from the fore-yard arm1 and to be thoroughly ducked by frequent dips into the sea4 ,however unreasonable this may appear1 there exists no doubt of such a practice having been perfectly common about forty or fifty years back2 it was then regarded as an excellent joke1 affording wondrous merriment to the veteran part of the crew4 ,in time1 the practice ceased2 either from the interposition of good sense1 or owing to the judicious distribution of some liquor among the chiefs of the dramatis person4 ,the amusements incident on this occasion are not very tedious1 and1 though filthy in the extreme1 cannot be witnessed without exciting much laughter4 ,about noon1 the boatswain1 being full dressed as the god of the ocean1 is supposed to hail the ship1 enquiring whence she comes8 whither she is bound8 and if any persons are on board who never before crossed the great boundary dividing the northern from the southern hemisphere8 ,after much pompous and authoritative elocution1 wherein ,neptune declares a firm resolution not to relinquish his rights1 he ascends at the bow1 under which his car is supposed to be in waiting1 whence1 attended by his mates1 whose paraphernalia accord with the dignity of their office1 and the solemnity of the occasion1 he proceeds to the quarter-deck1 where1 after an appropriate speech1 he exercises his powers of divination1 and in a few minutes discovers the several novices who are to submit to his decrees4 ,his god-head1 like his progenitor of ancient times1 invariably has an eye to business2 and as the sea deity of the ,greeks was supposed to delight in ample sacrifices1 so does his descendant1 or rather his representative1 of our time1 equally cherish the idea of copious libations in honor of the day4 ,hence1 there is little difficulty in appeasing his wrath1 and conciliating his good-will towards the vessel and her crew1 by the immolation of from two to three gallons each1 of good rum or gin2 which1 being duly tendered to the officiating priests1 soon reach their destination1 and avert the threatened danger4 ,while this is going on1 some of the old hands are busied in the construction of a ship1 which is to be launched in the presence of the deity1 under whose auspices she is to sail the world over1 and back again1 in perfect safety6 ,this important duty is conducted with great precision1 and takes place in the lee-waist1 where all the novices among the sailors1 recruits1 c4 are ranged in two rows1 face to face1 to represent the ribs of the stately ,argo4 ,it is usual to select some of the more pliant1 or silly1 of the party1 to form the head and bows3 one of these being placed in the centre1 looking forward1 his head covered with a long swab1 of which the threads hang down nearly to his heels1 and his face being smeared with all the filth the ship affords1 by way of paint1 is considered the typical figure suited to the nomenclature of the vessel4 ,all being in readiness1 the builders attend ,neptune as he retires1 in order to allow the shoars to be knocked away1 that the launch may take place3 the captain and his officers aid the farce by encouraging the passengers to advance towards the waist1 there to view the construction2 when1 at a fit moment1 the god roars forth his mandate for committing his proteg to the deep4 ,it1 however1 unluckily happens that the vessel does not shew any disposition to quit the stocks2 therefore1 as she will not proceed to the water1 the only chance of setting her afloat is by causing the water to proceed to her2 which it accordingly does from some dozens of buckets1 c4 previously secreted in the fore and main tops1 and in the long boat1 for that purpose4 ,this drenching concludes the show1 and the crew retire to make merry upon the amount of their collections1 which1 when not sufficiently abundant to afford a moderate allowance to each1 is liberally augmented from the ship's stores4 ,the sabbath is always observed on board every ,indiaman with perfect decorum3 there being no chaplain on board1 unless perchance as a passenger1 the captain1 or one of the officers1 reads the morning service1 and eventually a short lecture suited to the audience1 consisting of all on board who are not confined by illness4 ,it is not easy to describe the decency which prevails on such occasions2 the whole standing bare-headed on the quarterdeck1 and refraining from every act1 or look1 that might trespass on propriety4 ,many sailors1 notwithstanding the character in which they are generally accepted1 are of a very religious disposition1 and are easily led by those who shew a reverence for the church establishment4 ,yet1 like most persons bred up in ignorance1 they are shamefully superstitious1 and often entertain notions very little short of those which actuated their ancestors to throw ,jonah overboard4 ,however ridiculous it may appear1 yet it is strictly true1 that among hundreds of the bravest tars1 one wag may1 by whisperings1 groanings1 c4 aided by a white sheet1 and a hollow intonation1 create a most disgraceful panic4 ,but our terrestrial population1 of corresponding rank1 can claim no title to laugh at their peers on the element4 ,the sermon lately delivered and printed1 by the ,rev4 ,isaac ,nicholson1 ,a4,m4 ,curate of ,great ,paxton1 in the county of ,huntingdon1 in consequence of two attacks on the person of ,ann ,izzard1 a reputed witch1 whereby ,alice ,russel1 who endeavored to protect that poor woman1 was destroyed1 evinces the deplorable state in which the minds of our lower orders remain1 notwithstanding the great expence incurred for the propagation of the ,scriptures among them1 and the infinite pains taken to instruct those who cannot afford to pay for education4 ,funerals at sea can rarely boast of much display1 but their attendants are often sincere mourners4 ,confined within a narrow space1 the loss of a companion is not easily forgotten2 every object reminds us of his fate1 and exacts a sigh6 ,few linger1 either of disease1 or of wounds1 so long as persons under similar circumstances would do on shore4 ,the want of room1 of fresh air1 of clean linen1 of suitable diet1 and of a change of scene1 all contribute1 notwithstanding the most assiduous attendance1 to depress the spirits1 and to aggravate the symptoms4 ,above all1 the ravages of scurvy are peculiarly distressing1 and tend most to dishearten3 even those in perfect health become alarmed1 and1 from that circumstance alone1 often participate in the dreadful evil4 ,it being utterly inadmissible that a corpse should be retained on board1 no time is lost in sewing it up in a hammock2 placing a few lumps of coal1 or other ponderous matter1 at the feet1 to cause its sinking4 ,thus prepared1 it is laid upon a grating at the lee gang-way2 and1 after the usual burial service1 at which all attend1 is committed to the deep4 ,in some instances1 during calms1 sharks have been seen to dart from under the vessel1 and to attack the corpse in the most ravenous manner4 ,it is well known that all sickly ships are attended by many of those fishes2 which1 if numerous in the vicinity of a healthy vessel1 are1 in the opinions of the crew1 the surest indications of great mortality on board4 ,without pretending to doubt the acuteness of a shark's sense of smelling1 it may be permitted us rather to ascribe their congregating to chance1 than to their supposed powers of anticipation3 at the same time there can be little doubt1 that certain effluvia must escape from a vessel not duly purified by ventilation and ablution2 and that such a neglect will rarely fail to induce diseases of the most malignant description2 thereby giving a latitude1 among those who view things superficially1 to adduce instances apparently confirmative of their assertions4 ,whatever convenience it may be thought to afford to the survivors1 it appears to me1 that the customary sale of all the effects of the deceased1 indiscriminately in general1 is contrary to the dictates of prudence1 so far as relates to salubrity4 ,that1 in such a situation1 whatever is appreciable may produce a better price1 cannot be controverted2 but ,i should rather incline to think it were better to forego that advantage1 than to risk the dissemination of disease1 though not previously malignant1 by an unlimited distribution of the apparel of one demising under any clinical distemper4 ,to say the least1 perfect ventilation should be given to every atom2 nor would the trouble or expence 7if any7 of fumigating the wearing apparel1 and bed-clothes1 be ill bestowed3 perhaps baking would be found the safest precaution4 ,it has already been stated1 that1 in rounding the ,cape1 the weather may be expected to correspond with the season of the year3 this is so well understood1 that it is only during the summer season in that quarter1 vessels are considered to be safe in ,table ,bay1 situated to the north of a low1 flat1 sandy isthmus1 over which it is evident the sea formerly flowed into ,false ,bay1 lying a few miles to the southward4 ,the mouths of the two bays have different aspects2 consequently1 when a channel existed such as ,i have described1 the ,table ,mountain1 whence the northerly bay derives its designation1 together with ,cape ,town1 which stands between the mountain and that bay1 together with ,wineburg1 ,witti-boom1 ,constantia1 c4 c4 including a length of about forty-five miles by four1 on an average1 in breadth1 must have been insulated4 ,when a ship is to touch at the ,cape1 it is very desirable1 on every account1 that her arrival should take place during the summer season2 so that she may come to anchor in ,table ,bay1 about half a mile distant from the wharf4 ,the convenience1 thus afforded1 of going immediately into comfortable lodgings1 where nothing is wanting that can tend to the refreshment of persons fatigued by those narrow limits within which they have been confined1 probably for ten or twelve weeks1 is not to be calculated4 ,the ,dutch1 it is true1 are most offensively avaricious2 but that must be compounded for1 in consideration of the satisfaction attendant upon the liberty of taking exercise in a fine climate1 abounding with the most delicious fruits1 the choicest vegetables1 and that kind of social intercourse1 which1 chasing away the recollection of former langour1 gives energy to meet succeeding dulness and inactivity4 ,the ,british visitor will1 however1 experience considerable disappointment if he expects to witness the performance of dramatic pieces1 or that jocund hilarity which with us prevails among persons long resident together4 ,on the contrary1 the inhabitants of ,cape ,town think of nothing but money-making2 in which they are neither inexpert1 nor very scrupulous4 ,in public1 they are so awkward1 stiff1 and unsociable1 that ,i have often been surprised they did not go to sleep at their visits4 ,if such was the state of society only a few years ago1 what must it have been previous to the occupation of the ,cape1 during the ,american war1 by two ,french regiments2 which1 according to the confession of the ,dutch themselves1 made a very considerable improvement in their breed8 ,few of those who take lodgers will admit such as do not board with them3 the rates are not in any instance fixed1 but the average may be taken at from three to four rix-dollars for each lady or gentleman1 half-price for young children1 and one dollar for each servant1 per diem4 ,from this it may be collected1 that a single gentleman must be an economist if he manages to pay his expences of board1 washing1 horse-hire1 c4 under thirty shillings daily4--,the rix-dollar is fixed at four shillings2 but is an imaginary sum4 ,notes of any value may be had2 but gold and silver currency are scarcely ever seen2 the ,dutch being extremely eager to obtain guineas at twenty-one shillings currency1 and re-selling them at the rate generally of six and a half1 or seven rix-dollars4 ,persons visiting the ,cape should be careful to reserve their cash until about to pay their bills1 and then to account their guineas at their current value1 as above shewn4 ,such is the estimation in which bullion is held1 that no small coins are any where to be seen2 even shillings1 and stivers are paid in paper currency4 ,passengers from ,india ought to take a bag of rupees of the worst description2 for1 whether sicca or tersooly1 each will be gladly received1 without distinction1 at two shillings and sixpence4 ,the cookery of the ,dutch is pretty nearly on a par with their flesh-meats2 their beef1 mutton1 veal1 and pork1 being rarely of tolerable quality1 and invariably made to float in strong sauce1 of which butter and spices are the chief ingredients4 ,the table is1 in most houses1 laid in a central hall1 looking into a garden2 the floors are all painted1 that they may not absorb the damp when washed1 as they are almost daily3 the beds are tolerably good1 and the apartments of a moderate size4 ,before every house1 is an elevated terrace1 on a level with the ground-floor1 having at each end a seat1 usually of masonry also4 ,on this terrace1 called the steupe1 the ,dutch promenade half the day in fair weather1 enjoying their pipes1 and occasionally taking their sopkies2 which are small glasses of raw spirits1 for the most part hollands1 their servants tender to them at intervals1 as a matter of course4 ,the extensive gardens of the late ,dutch ,company1 through the centre of which is a broad gravel-walk full half a mile in length1 are crowded every ,sunday evening1 and on all festive days1 by a promiscuous group1 who walk in parties1 to and fro1 under the shade of the oaks and other trees planted on either side4 ,there is also an institution1 but of a more private nature1 and frequented1 with few exceptions1 by the ,dutch only4 ,it is held at a neat house1 where wines1 c4 are sold1 having attached to it a spacious garden2 not unlike some of our tea-drinking places in the vicinity of ,london4 ,this is called ,concordia2 a name perfectly unsuited to the scenes occasionally disgracing the interior1 which has more than once excited the attention of our government1 in consequence of the seditious principles of its visitors4 ,the late ,lord ,macartney did not fail to keep a watchful eye over ,concordia1 as well as to check1 in their infancy1 whatever attempts might be made to spread1 and to inculcate1 revolutionary principles4 ,a large portion of the inhabitants being descended from delinquents who had quitted their native country1 as ,gil ,blas says1 #8not without good reason1' and having rarely paid much deference to their rulers in ,europe1 it is not to be wondered at1 that those doctrines of the mountain1 which condemned ,louis the ,,xvi4 should have been adopted at the ,cape4 ,such was the advance made in the cant of the day1 and so numerous were the meetings at ,concordia1 that ,lord ,macartney judged it necessary to adopt measures for bringing his ,dutch subjects to their senses2 which he did in a manner that reflected the greatest credit on himself1 and evinced with what facility traitors may be subdued under a just and energetic government4 ,among the many who resorted to ,concordia every evening1 was a great farmer1 known at the ,cape under the designation of ,boor1 who was particularly smitten with the new-fangled terms of gallic civism3 if ,i err not1 his name was ,,van ,,clootz4 ,he was of immense stature1 and ordinarily wore a round slouched hat1 about the diameter of a gentleman's umbrella2 and as he paraded through the streets1 sitting on the front board of his waggon1 drawn by eight ,spanish horses1 always appeared like some enormous wild beast belonging to ,mr4 ,pidcock's menagerie4 ,this monstrous great man 7long considered the key-stone of the arch-traitors of ,constantia7 was summoned1 in a civil manner1 by ,lord ,macartney2 who1 in becoming terms1 rebuked him for his folly1 and explained the whole extent of what had been reported1 regarding the proceedings of those who visited the garden4 ,mynheer was not to be talked out of his veneration for the ,revolution in ,france2 and declared1 that1 in his opinion1 it would be equal to a martyrdom to die in so glorious a cause4 ,it was in vain his ,lordship depicted the horrors attendant upon so great a reverse2 the boor's enthusiasm rendered him blind to such trifles1 and to all those excesses which inseparably accompany civil convulsion4 ,in the course of a few days1 ,van ,clootz was informed1 that a troop of cavalry had arrived at a farm he had on the borders of ,hottentot ,holland1 about thirty miles from the ,cape1 and that it was supposed they would remain some time in that neighborhood4 ,the boor was delighted at the prospect of a long bill for hay1 corn1 c4 c4 folio after folio2 every day's stay was joyfully noted6 ,it was not long1 however1 before complaints were made that the troopers behaved in a licentious manner1 killing his poultry1 destroying his fences1 plundering his garden1 kissing his maids1 and the ,lord knows what6 ,now1 as most of his stock was consumed1 it was no longer an object for ,mynheer to court the stay of the cavalry2 therefore he went boldly to ,lord ,macartney with a long list of damages1 and his bill for corn1 c4 demanding1 in a very haughty manner1 that the farm should be evacuated by his now unwelcome visitors4 #8,bless me1 ,mr4 ,van ,clootz1' said his lordship1 #8why1 ,i thought you was delighted with revolutionary principles8'--#8,yes1 my lord1 ,i am so2 the acts of the ,french nation should be written in characters of gold6'--#8,and yet1 ,mr4 ,van ,clootz1 you complain against the troop ,i sent to be quartered upon you--no1 no1 ,sir2 you have been so fond of the sweets of revolution1 that ,i am resolved you shall taste some of its bitters also3 therefore the cavalry shall remain at your farm1 until you acknowledge the benefits of ,british protection1 and retire peaceably to your lands1 there to cultivate corn1 instead of sowing sedition at ,constantia4' ,the result may be easily guessed3 ,constantia was depopulated1 and ,mynheer ,van ,clootz was held in derision throughout the ,cape4 ,it should not remain untold1 that1 however strict ,lord ,macartney might have been during the time he governed at the ,cape1 such was the impression made by his equitable1 liberal1 and firm conduct1 that1 when he embarked for ,europe1 the inhabitants were truly grieved2 but consoled themselves under the hope1 that a petition they sent to his ,majesty1 for the re-appointment of his lordship1 might prove successful4 ,many of the farms1 within the compass of a morning's ride1 are well worth seeing2 not as objects of imitation1 but as displaying much novelty1 and tending to afford a just idea of the character of a ,dutch agriculturist in that quarter4 ,the vineyards1 and depts of wine at ,constantia1 are certainly curious2 especially when it is considered1 that the soil which produces that luscious wine1 is confined to a very few acres1 ,i believe not more than forty1 beyond which1 sets from the same vines1 under circumstances of perfect equality1 in regard to site and culture1 produce a very different liquor1 little superior to that sold at the several wine-houses at sixpence per quart1 and possessing a peculiar terraceous flavor1 which does not diminish by keeping4 ,the stranger not habituated to the use of the ,cape wines1 either white or red1 should be extremely cautious on his first arrival to avoid them2 drinking port in their stead4 ,a neglect of this precaution will produce considerable inconvenience1 and may be attended with habitual diarrha4 ,i was one of four1 who1 on landing at ,false ,bay1 drank about three or four glasses each1 and were violently affected by it during the whole of the following night4 ,many whalers frequent the coast to the eastward of the ,cape1 where they kill numbers of the white species1 which supply both spermaceti1 and the oil bearing that name4 ,in ,false ,bay1 which includes a space equal to at least two hundred square miles1 black whales may often be seen sporting about2 as1 indeed1 they may1 in ,table ,bay1 close in among the rocks1 about half a mile below the fort4 ,a few are killed by the crews of such ships as have not been so fortunate as to fill with the former kind2 but it seems to be done almost as much for pastime as for profit2 the oil extracted from black whales being very low in price2 it neither burning well1 nor making so good soap as the spermaceti kind4 ,although the winter months are held to be very dangerous for vessels riding in ,table ,bay1 on account of the dreadful swell that sometimes sets in from the north-west1 towards which it is much exposed1 it is1 however1 rare that vessels are lost therein during that season2 no doubt1 in consequence of their very short stay1 and of their usually proceeding to ,seamon's ,bay1 the inhabited part of which is about twenty-five miles from ,cape ,town4 ,the ,sceptre1 of #fd guns1 together with a ,danish #gd1 and about ten or twelve other vessels1 were wrecked in ,table ,bay on the #eth of ,november1 #agii2 a period when a gale of wind from the north-west is never expected4 ,to make up for the deficiency1 that part of the year is attended with very stiff breezes from the south-east1 which drive up the small gravel against one's face with such force as to give very acute pain4 ,these south-easters1 as they are called1 certainly produce excellent effects2 cooling the air1 and destroying an infinite number of insects4 ,nature has been truly liberal in the profusion of flowers she has scattered throughout this part of ,africa3 the plains are covered with heaths1 or hethers1 of an exquisite fragrance1 of boundless variety1 and of the most delicate coloring and formation4 ,the whole country1 where the soil is not absolutely barren1 teems with all that could enrich a pleasure garden2 among these1 the wild geraniums bear a large proportion3 the plain beyond the camp at ,wine-,burg absolutely resembling a rich carpet6 ,the opposite side of ,table ,bay1 as seen from ,cape ,town1 offers nothing pleasing to the eye2 the coast appearing to be low1 sandy1 and barren1 rising gradually into a range of hills1 displaying little arborage1 or verdure1 which connect with those on the east side of ,false ,bay1 forming a part of the district called ,hottentot ,holland2 wherein are partially interspersed small farms1 that combine to supply ,cape ,town with provision4 ,the back of the ,table ,mountain1 so called from its top appearing horizontal for several hundred yards1 indeed1 for near half a mile1 is rugged1 and of a most dismal hue4 ,when the wind blows from the westward1 the clouds come rolling down1 perfectly concealing the mountain nearly to what appears to be its base4 ,in that1 however1 the spectator is deceived2 for a block-house erected on a part of the hill where the signal port stands1 called the ,lion's ,rump1 and which is also apparently near the base1 has been ascertained1 by measurement1 to equal the highest part of ,gibraltar in elevation above the sea4 ,from this1 as well as from its being discernible at full thirty leagues distance1 some idea may be formed of the stupendous height of the ,table ,mountain4 ,it appears probable1 that but for that regulation which disqualifies persons who unnecessarily put into harbours deemed at certain periods unsafe1 from recovering their insurances in case of loss1 few ships would resort to ,false ,bay4 ,the distance1 the badness of the road to ,cape ,town1 the difficulty of procuring supplies and stores1 with various other inconveniences1 combine to give the preference to ,table ,bay1 notwithstanding the reputed hazard4 ,at ,cape ,town abundance of accommodation1 of every description1 may be had2 whereas1 at ,seamon's ,bay1 there are not more than two or three houses where persons of respectability could lodge4 ,in saying this1 ,i exempt the quarters allotted to the officers1 which are very comfortable4 ,after all that can be urged in favour of ,seamon's ,bay1 it is by no means a safe harbour2 as the bones of several vessels1 deep buried in the sandy beach1 at the most retired part1 which is a perfect cul de sac1 sufficiently corroborate4 ,there are1 besides1 sunken rocks near its mouth1 on which several ships have struck3 one1 called the ,anvil1 from its flat surface1 caused the loss of the ,colebrook1 ,indiaman1 some years ago4 ,another1 designated the ,bellows1 from the perpetual roar it occasions1 stands about two miles from the southernmost point of the ,cape3 it is not so dangerous as the others2 being discernible full ten miles off1 owing to the immense surfs1 arising from a strong current towards the westward1 which are perpetually breaking over it4 ,the ,cape1 considered as a colony1 cannot be said1 at present1 to be valuable in any respect1 except as an asylum for shipping1 homeward or outward bound4 ,the supplies requisite for the town are derived from the labors of a few boors1 settled at some distance4 ,hence1 provisions are by no means cheap2 nor would they be so1 even if the demands of ,st4 ,helena could be answered from any other quarter2 since the indolence of the ,dutch agriculturists would1 it is to be feared1 cause them to limit their operations in proportion as the consumption might decrease4 ,it is1 doubtless1 owing to some such cause1 that the greater part of the slaves are maintained upon a very black1 heavy kind of bread1 on which the fat of sheeps' tails is smeared1 as a substitute for butter2 and that the lower classes of the population live in the most wretched manner4 ,this should seem inexcusable1 where thousands of acres of good soil lie unheeded1 within such a moderate distance of the town as could scarcely fail to repay the ordinary expences of cultivation4 ,although neither coal1 nor peat1 is found at the ,cape1 and the colony is dependant entirely on the arborage of the vicinity for fuel1 it is very remarkable that little1 or rather no1 pains are taken to insure a supply4 ,if we except a few plantations1 made purely for ornament1 at the several garden-houses within six or seven miles of ,cape ,town1 we may in vain search for any symptoms of foresight in respect to the future supply of so indispensable an article4 ,i recollect stating this to a gentleman1 who seemed to be1 in other respects1 well informed of ,cape affairs2 but he silenced me with a remark which appeared unanswerable2 taking for granted it was true4 ,he said1 #8,we have endeavored1 ever since taking possession of the colony1 to induce the ,dutch to plant1 and to till1 the adjacent lands2 but in vain3 they prefer a scarcity1 or at least a pretended one1 on all occasions2 because they think it distresses us1 while1 at the same time1 they have an excellent plea for extorting the highest prices4 ,possessed of his waggon1 and team1 ,mynheer can always supply his own wants at a certain rate2 but if more is brought than is required for his own use1 the surplus is spared to us for a sum which covers the whole expence3 therefore1 the dearer the article1 the better for the waggon-master6' ,i am free to confess1 that where such hauteur1 indolence1 and extortion prevail1 and that1 too1 very extensively and actively1 against a protecting power1 7for we really do not appear as conquerors in that quarter17 ,i should not hesitate to adopt such measures as might fully meet the exigency4 ,if1 in so doing1 ,i should wound the feelings1 or partially injure the rights1 of the inhabitants1 my argument would be brief1 viz4 #8,you created a necessity1 and necessity has no law4' ,though1 here and there1 something resembling an ,european vehicle may be seen1 the general instrument of conveyance1 whether of families travelling1 or taking the air1 is a waggon1 usually drawn by eight small1 but fiery horses4 ,one ,hottentot commonly holds the reins of the pair next the wheels1 while another1 with an immense whip1 not less in the whole than thirty feet long1 manages the team with wondrous dexterity4 ,in these waggons are commonly three benches1 slung crosswise1 on leather straps2 each bench holding two persons4 ,they are likewise provided with painted canvas tilts1 made to take off at pleasure4 ,the motion of such a waggon1 while going over the rough part between the two capes1 is #8most horrible6' ,the lumber-waggons are made in the rudest manner1 generally with large truck wheels2 some are boarded1 or even thatched1 above1 and absolutely look like moving houses4 ,whether owing to the awkwardness of their construction1 or to the badness of the roads1 or to that incorrigible thing called custom1 may not be easy to decide2 though1 possibly1 their joint operation may be reasonably considered the cause2 it is certainly true1 that1 even with six or eight pairs of rather stout1 but high-boned1 oxen1 such a waggon rarely travels more than twelve or fifteen miles within the day4 ,nor is the plough a whit better managed4 ,this stupendous machine1 which appears calculated to turn up whole mountains in its progress1 rarely gets through more than two roods daily1 though drawn by six oxen1 all in a line1 and aided by three men2 one of whom holds the plough stilt1 7there being but one17 another drives with the usual enormous whip1 and the third guides the leading ox4 ,the operation of thrashing is commonly performed in the open air1 within an enclosed circle1 about twenty yards in diameter1 surrounded by a stone1 or mud wall1 about four feet high3 the floor is made of clay and lime1 rammed very hard4 ,the sheaves being scattered within the circle1 the farmer's horses are turned in1 and driven about by a slave1 who1 being provided with a whip1 stands in the centre1 and chases the cattle about2 while two1 or more1 of his associates in bondage1 stir the sheaves with forked sticks1 in order that every part may be equally trodden by the galloping steeds4 ,the winnowing is done in the same area2 the horses being sent into another circle1 to repeat their labors1 while several men1 first removing the straw1 sweep the thrashings towards the windward side1 and there toss it up1 that the wind1 which is commonly rather forcible1 may blow the chaff to the lee side1 while the corn falls nearly centrical2 of course1 as the latter goes with little further preparation to the mill1 the flour may be supposed to contain no small portion of grit4 ,the quantity of grain bruised1 and left in the straw1 must be considerable4 ,few ships remain long enough to allow of passengers proceeding to the interior2 where1 however1 they would find much to admire4 ,at some of the farms they may be well accommodated1 with the great advantage of finding their purses far less burthensome on their return6 ,the famous vineyards of ,stellenbosch are well worth seeing1 as is the ,salt ,lake1 which annually dries1 leaving a bed of muriate of soda many miles in diameter1 and of unknown depth6 ,surely1 in parts accounted sterile1 such a dept of manure ought not to be overlooked4 ,the hot baths1 situate in a most romantic valley about forty miles from the ,cape1 demand the traveller's attention4 ,whether he may proceed on horseback1 7as ,i should recommend17 or in a waggon1 a gun will be useful2 both on account of the prodigious quantity of game1 of every description1 and as a defence against the numerous wild beasts which infest all the woody country beyond ,hottentot ,holland4 ,i have been induced to enter upon the foregoing details regarding the ,cape1 from the consideration of its being intimately attached to our ,asiatic possessions2 and because so large a portion of those who visit them1 touch there2 either in going to1 or when returning from1 ,india4 ,the political importance of a point so advantageously situated1 and having such an expanse of territory annexed1 may1 perhaps1 at some convenient moment1 become a subject for future discussion3 in the mean while1 as connected with the ,cape1 ,i shall treat of ,st4 ,helena4 ,this island is most singularly situated1 being in the #afth degree of south latitude1 and separated from the two continents of ,africa and ,america by immense seas1 in every part unfathomable3 from the former it is about #abjj miles distant2 from the latter about #ahjj4 ,according to an analytic description1 published in #ahje1 it appears tolerably certain1 that ,saint ,helena owes its elevation above the sea to some great convulsion of nature2 probably to1 an earthquake3 for it does not1 like its neighbour ,ascension1 shew much remains of volcanic matter1 neither does there appear any cavity at all resembling a crater4 ,on the contrary1 the whole island is composed of immense strata of rock1 chiefly basaltic1 which1 from the variety of directions they assume1 some declining one way1 some another1 while a few assume nearly a perpendicular tendency1 may be supposed to have been disrupted1 and ejected from the great sub-marine mass1 by some tremendous earthquake4 ,it would be difficult to form the least idea of the period when that event took place2 nor1 indeed1 can it be altogether certified that this island was not coval with the creation2 since which it may have undergone various changes1 from volcanic operations within the deep3 the appearance of cinders without lava1 and the regular intermixture of clay1 especially of puzolana1 with the rock1 by such a gradual intercourse as to leave it undetermined where the one begins1 and the other ceases1 may be considered a lusus natur1 and certainly tends to involve the origin of this now valuable island still more among the arcana of nature4 ,situated in the heart of the trade winds1 and covering so small a space1 the whole island giving a girth of less than twenty-eight miles1 it is not to be expected that much rain should fall upon it3 such is the incertitude regarding a supply of water1 that for three years in succession scarce a shower fell6 ,this severe drought proved fatal to a very large quantity of cattle1 which had1 during the course of many preceding seasons1 been raised by the industrious efforts of the inhabitants4 ,such were the chagrin1 and the disappointment1 felt on the occasion1 that few have1 since that period1 turned their attention to the rearing of live stock in any quantity4 ,water would never be wanting1 if proper means were taken for its preservation2 as almost every valley has a copious spring1 the produce of which might be retained in tanks lined with the clay every where abounding4 ,these tanks should be situated as near as possible to the spring heads2 being dug in the form of a cone resting on its base1 so as to leave but little surface for evaporation4 ,by this means they might be kept in a continual state of overflow1 from the upper tank or cone1 to others below the level of its surface1 at such distances as should be judged proper4 ,the source of the spring supplying the stream that flows through ,james's ,valley1 whence the shipping receive their water1 cannot be less than six hundred feet above the level of the sea2 therefore1 admitting that a succession of tanks were to be made at such places as might be best suited to the retention of water1 and to the supply of cattle1 c4 it follows1 that any quantity1 beyond the actual consumption1 might be upheld for times of scarcity4 ,it cannot fail to astonish my readers1 that no means whatever have been taken to prevent even the stream above alluded to from being lost1 when they are informed that it is computed1 indeed1 has been known to supply no less than two thousand tons in three days2 and could have furnished a much greater quantity1 had it been practicable to bring more boats1 at the same moment1 near enough to the wharf-cocks1 to have the hoses laid into their respective casks4 ,i have heard1 that a computation of the spring was made1 whence it was shewn to be equal to that conduit which supplies ,liverpool4 ,now1 the whole population of ,st4 ,helena are supposed to be rather under1 than over1 #cjjj2 which1 compared with ,liverpool1 at once displays the possibility of guarding against drought2 though the lands should be stocked to their utmost with cattle4 ,this1 of itself1 is sufficient reason for the adoption of some plan for preventing the escape of the surplus fluid2 which ought to be retained as high up as possible2 but when we consider1 that1 under such an improvement1 agriculture would thrive in situations now deemed untenable by any farmer1 merely from a want of water1 there ought to be no hesitation in resorting to the proper means for securing a due supply throughout the island4 ,we should1 at the same time1 advert to the regular operations of nature1 which ever conform to the changes produced1 either by time or by art4 ,the naturalist well knows1 that in all well wooded islands1 however distant from continents1 the dews are remarkably heavy1 and encourage vegetation to its utmost luxuriance3 if1 then1 the soil could again be covered with arborage1 7for1 when first discovered1 about three hundred years ago1 the very summits of the hills were amply clothed with trees1 of which some were peculiar to the island17 it is obvious1 that1 even without the aid of irrigation1 an abundance of perpetual pasturage might be found4 ,in that case1 every acre might have its inhabitant2 whereas1 at this day1 computing the whole area to measure1 according to a very accurate survey1 about #cj1cjj acres1 and the population to be #cjjj2 it should seem evident1 that1 although there is not more than one inhabitant to every ten acres1 at least four-fifths of their provision are drawn from other countries4 ,the author of the #8,description of ,st4 ,helena1' quotes some anecdotes which shew the narrow views of those persons who have never quitted the island4 ,in one instance1 #8a top-mast1 or other spar1 is reserved as a great acquisition1 to be sold at an immense profit to some vessel in distress3' in another1 the author states his having been asked1 #8if the arrival of the ,india fleet did not make ,london very gay6' ,in these1 we certainly recognise the language of insulated ignorance2 but when the author makes a jest of that exclamation of a native1 who1 in walking with him over a spot luxuriantly verdant1 declared1 that #8if the whole island were like that part1 it would be the richest spot in the world2' the joke does not fit4 ,i am well aware of the hyperbole of such an enthusiastic expression2 but1 from what appeared at the ,government ,house1 where1 under the fostering care of ,colonel ,brooke1 the late governor1 wonderful improvements had been affected1 especially in the culture of exotics2 and having witnessed the great perfection to which vegetables had been raised1 on a farm in the occupation of the late ,major ,edward ,smyth1 of the artillery2 as well as the plantations upheld1 under most inauspicious circumstances1 by the late ,deputy ,governor ,lieutenant-,colonel ,robson3 ,i feel no hesitation in avowing an opinion1 that the now dreary1 bleak1 uncouth summits of ,st4 ,helena1 might become both ornamental and useful2 while the lower parts should teem with corn1 wine1 and oil4 ,in a climate where no hurricanes destroy the crops1 where the medium temperature is about #ed1 where health and longevity seem to hold their court1 and where there exist the greatest essentials towards culture1 7viz4 clay1 lime-stone1 sand1 and manure1 in the greatest abundance17 ,i really cannot see why this now neglected1 and comparatively desolate1 island1 should not become a perfect paradise6 ,that health should be a common blessing among the natives1 does not appear wonderful2 because they have not the means of excess1 at least not in drinking2 for wine1 and spirits1 are most exorbitantly dear4 ,i happened to be at ,governor ,brooke's on ,new ,year's ,day1 #ahjj1 when intelligence was brought that the whole of the troops were plunged into the deepest affliction1 by the loss of a cask of rum1 served from the stores as the usual basis of annual festivity3 in rolling up towards the barracks1 the cask had burst1 and spilled every drop of its precious contents4 ,this1 in any other situation1 would not have given a moment's uneasiness2 the deficiency might have been easily made up3 but1 at ,st4 ,helena1 where the most sparing economy1 in regard to all articles of subsistence1 is indispensably necessary1 and where no private suttlers could fill up the blank1 it was really a most uncomfortable circumstance6 ,it cannot be expected1 after the above detail1 that provision should be cheap1 or abundant3 so far the reverse1 that persons of all ranks daily receive their rations from the stores1 as indispensable towards their existence4 ,hence1 sheep1 poultry1 flour1 c4 are rarely procurable1 in any quantity1 for the supply of the homeward-bound shipping2 which1 being sometimes detained for months1 waiting for convoy1 occasions their passengers to be put to considerable expence1 without deriving proportionate comfort2 valetudinarians being the only strangers1 who1 in such cases1 experience the smallest benefit from the detention4 ,it would be difficult to state the expences incident to residence at any of those houses where lodgings are let3 which includes all1 excepting about half a dozen of the seniors on the island3 the rates vary according to the demand at the moment1 or the expectation of early arrivals4 ,it may be concluded1 that cheapness neither is1 nor can be1 the characteristic of ,james ,town1 when ,i observe1 that1 merely for the use of an apartment1 such as nothing but the change of scene would have induced me to occupy1 wherein ,i occasionally slept on a truck-bed1 whereof the whole apparatus might safely have been sent to the paper mills1 the charge made was twelve shillings daily1 or rather nightly2 for ,i never ate a meal in the house4 ,let it not be understood that ,i speak this in derogation of the people3 far otherwise2 ,i experienced all the civility they had the opportunity of shewing1 and ,i really believe they regretted their want of means to render my slumbers more refreshing4 ,their exertions might1 perhaps1 have obtained me a more comfortable lodging1 but there were other matters far beyond their power to remedy3 among these may be noticed the myriads of cock-roaches1 7or blatta gigantea17 which at night crawled about the bed2 offending not only by the very unpleasant sensations produced by their claws1 but by their peculiarly nauseous scent4 ,as for rats1 of no small breed1 nor1 indeed1 confined to one species1 they made as free1 at all hours1 as though they had paid for their lodging1 and absolutely seemed to approach with perfect indifference3 their gallopings1 not only within the walls1 but over me as ,i slept1 together with some very unceremonious pulls at my hair1 7for ,i then used powder17 at length compelled me to sleep1 when opportunity offered1 on board the vessel1 wherein our stock of these devastators1 though not insignificant1 was considerably less numerous1 and far more reserved4 ,we had1 however1 abundance of cock-roaches1 about two inches in length1 and an inch broad2 but1 owing to the pains taken to catch them by means of saucers filled with oil1 of which they are extremely fond1 their numbers were greatly reduced2 but we could never hope for their extirpation1 as every crevice afforded them shelter1 and the opportunity of depositing their eggs in safety4 ,it may be asked why ,i did not move to some other house8 ,in reply thereto1 it will be only necessary to observe1 that ,i was recommended to the good folks1 or they to me1 7,i forget which7 by a gentleman to whose urbanity and kindness ,i was under much obligation3 besides1 ,i was daily in hopes of quitting the island2 therefore judged it most expedient to remain where ,i was1 lest ,i might1 by avoiding ,scylla1 stumble upon ,charybdis4 ,there are one or two shops in ,james ,town1 where goods of various descriptions are sold4 ,i had occasion to buy a hat1 for which ,i paid ten dollars1 and on my arrival in ,england found that it could never have stood the exporter in more than twelve shillings1 even under a salt-water invoice4 ,but it was the best that was for sale1 and ,i was compelled to the purchase4 ,such ships as have touched at the ,cape1 on their return from ,india1 are usually well stocked with every species of provision1 and even import their own fuel2 according to existing regulations3 were they to be supplied with that article1 or indeed with any other1 to much extent1 the distress occasioned to the inhabitants would be deplorable4 ,this deficiency of fuel is occasioned1 at present1 by the number of wild goats1 every where secreting themselves among the crags2 during the night time they descend to the plantations1 and to the fields1 cropping every thing within their reach4 ,until a war of extermination1 as is now proposed1 be carried on against these destructive animals1 it will be useless to attempt planting1 at least on such a scale as should prove beneficial to the inhabitants4 ,it may justly be supposed1 that no weak measures could produce so desirable a result2 but it is reasonable to conclude1 that1 if a party of soldiers were to be posted daily on those superior points whence the goats could be seen and alarmed2 and if a number of half-bred greyhounds were to be kept to run them down1 much might be done in the course of a few years2 especially if a reward were given for every goat destroyed1 by whatever means4 ,yams and potatoes are cultivated in tolerable quantities on various parts of the island2 but the former will not grow except in very choice situations1 such as vallies through which streams flow4 ,in ,major ,smyth's grounds1 an immense variety of our esculents were to be seen1 growing luxuriantly3 ,i recollect his pointing out to me a peculiarity regarding the leek1 and the onion1 in both which he had been frequently disappointed1 after planting them to stand for seed4 ,as an experiment which did not promise success1 he sowed the little seed vessels which form the globular head of the stems2 and found1 that1 by so doing1 he could insure a regular1 and very rapid succession4 ,he cut off the heads1 and separated the capsules1 when they were in their green state1 but rather inclining to maturity4 ,having undoubted proof of the readiness with which many plants1 indigenous to the cold1 as well as to the hot1 regions1 may be naturalized at ,st4 ,helena1 it must excite some surprise to be informed1 that no public measures have yet been taken to stock the island with a variety of quick-growing and useful trees2 which1 being collected on favorable spots1 might serve as the dept for future supplies4 ,the various species of palms thrive amazingly1 as does the peepul2 of which1 for a long time1 there was only one in the island1 and no person could tell whence it came6 ,it seems curious1 that peaches should thrive so luxuriantly1 and acquire such an admirable flavor1 notwithstanding the dryness of the atmosphere3 formerly1 this fruit was in such abundance1 that large quantities used to be given to the hogs4 ,unhappily1 an insect1 only to be distinguished by the aid of glasses1 was imported with some slips from the ,constantia vines3 these attacked the peach trees1 devouring their bark1 and destroying at least nine-tenths of their number4 ,it is said1 that every means have been tried to annihilate these minute plunderers1 or to deter them from their wonted attacks1 but without effect4 ,i recollect1 that1 about twenty years ago1 a premium was given by some association1 7probably the society for the encouragement of arts17 to a person who discovered a means of ridding trees from this description of clustering insects4 ,it was very simple2 and was effected by boring holes with a gimlet1 obliquely downwards1 into the body of the trunk1 near the ground1 and filling them with quicksilver2 after which the holes were closed by means of pitch1 or plugs of wood4 ,as possibly this has never been essayed at ,st4 ,helena1 ,i give it a place under the hope of its proving useful3 it is1 however1 said to render evergreens deciduous4 ,the teak1 and poon trees1 both of which are of important service in naval architecture1 might certainly be raised to great size in ,st4 ,helena4 ,the burghut1 or banian tree1 might also thrive2 but ,i should except against it as requiring too much nourishment1 and exhausting the soil1 without being any wise useful as timber4 ,the tamarind tree1 though it supplies a large proportion of fruit1 has this objection against it1 that it is peculiarly unfriendly to all others in its vicinity3 no grass will grow under it2 and persons who sleep beneath its shelter1 or within its influence1 are subjected to fevers3 its timber is substantial1 being hard and heavy1 but by no means strong1 on account of its tendency to rive1 and to start into fissures2 especially at those knots whence boughs have been thrown out4 ,the bamboo may be cultivated to very great advantage3 it grows1 throughout ,india1 on the most elevated situations1 and on spots where scarcely a handful of soil is to be found in the vicinity of its roots4 ,the value of this reed1 7for it is nothing more1 though it reaches to the height of seventy feet1 and frequently measures from five to six inches in diameter17 would be incalculable1 were it applied merely to making fences2 which1 in such a climate1 would be very durable4 ,an invaluable acquisition would be obtained from its more general culture1 especially as it is of very quick growth4 ,but the most important advantages would certainly attend the formation of vine-yards1 in such parts as might1 by their aspect and soil1 be best suited to the purpose4 ,the temperature of the climate is highly favorable1 the thermometer averaging1 during the summer season1 from #gf to #gi and #hj1 and rarely falling below #ed4 ,that great enemy to grapes1 rain1 is not much to be dreaded2 though it cannot be doubted1 that in proportion as vegetation should be increased by assiduous planting1 and by preserving due supplies of water for the upper levels1 more dew and more rain would fall3 however1 not to such excess as to ruin the vine-yards4 ,coffee has been found to thrive here2 but ,i much doubt whether it would be an object to cultivate that which is so abundant throughout the ,west ,indies1 and which can be so amply supplied from countries1 whence it comes as a return for our own manufactures4 ,the great1 at least the primary1 object should be to add to the resources of the present inhabitants1 and gradually to effect such an excess of provision1 of their own raising1 as should allow of liberal assistance being given to such ships as might touch at the island2 especially to vessels from the ,south ,seas1 whither numbers of our whalers now resort1 and to such as might1 either intentionally1 or accidentally1 miss the ,cape4 ,this may certainly be effected1 by active perseverance in a well arranged plan2 the difficulties are really few1 and the means1 of remedy certainly within our power4 ,after maturely weighing the pros and cons1 no doubt remains in my mind1 that1 in the course of fifteen or twenty years1 ,st4 ,helena would not only cease to be a burthen on the parent state2 but that it must be able to afford a large portion of its produce to the accommodation of all shipping visiting its roads4 ,this island cannot boast of a harbour2 nor are its ,roads so extensive as to admit a very numerous fleet1 owing to the small extent of the bank on which ships cast anchor2 generally in from six to fifteen fathoms4 ,after the latter depth1 the bank falls off so suddenly as to become unfathomable1 within a few hundred yards1 rendering it necessary to lay in1 as close as the surf admits1 probably about two cable's length from the beach4 ,but it is not very easy to get so near in the first instance1 on account of a strong current that sets to the north1 and the necessity for being close hauled to meet the wind which comes down ,james's ,valley4 ,it is best to anchor any where about twelve fathoms1 and1 when the wind lulls1 to warp into a better berth4 ,there is but one landing place1 which lies to the left of a shallow inflexion1 forming a small bay opposite the sea-line2 built nearly on a level with the water1 and mounting a very heavy battery1 properly equipped for heating shot1 and always kept in readiness for service4 ,not that it would be possible for an enemy to surprize the island1 unless the most shameful inattention might prevail in every quarter4 ,all vessels must approach on the south-east2 where there are guards1 and telegraphs1 whereby notice is given full four hours before the northernmost point can be rounded4 ,this1 of course1 alludes to the day2 but1 so clear is the atmosphere in general1 that even during the night a ship would be discerned at many miles distance4 ,after passing the southernmost points1 it is necessary to keep well in with the shore1 which is every where composed of immense masses of rock1 without any inlet1 or means of disembarkation2 even if the tremendous surf should not impede4 ,here the coast is guarded1 or rather watched1 by various detachments1 stationed at commanding points2 where strong batteries are mounted1 and the means of communicating intelligence1 in the most rapid manner1 at hand4 ,the last battery to be passed1 previous to casting anchor1 is called ,munden's1 and stands immediately between the watering1 or landing-place1 and a small bay1 in which1 it is recorded1 that a landing was once effected during the night3 from my own observation1 having often gone in a boat to the edge of the surf at that part to fish1 ,i should think it by no means easy to get ashore in any manner1 much more as an armed body intending to capture the island4 ,but1 whatever may have been effected in former times1 that quarter seems now so well guarded as to leave no cause for apprehension1 of a surprize at least3 nor does there appear the smallest danger of a landing being effected at the watering place2 where a very small party might oppose the boats of a whole fleet4 ,the swell is here very great1 rendering it a matter of some hazard when jumping into1 or out of1 a boat2 besides1 only one boat can come to at a time1 in a position suitable to hostile purposes2 and it is not to be supposed1 that the battery above1 or that on the landing-place1 or the sea-line1 or the works on ,ladder ,hill1 would be silent upon such an occasion4 ,certain destruction awaits every person who falls into the water in this part2 where the sharks are as numerous as they are ravenous4 ,the wall of the wharf is perpendicular1 and built on a rock1 under which is a tremendous abyss4 ,the whole of the northern part is composed of rocks naturally scarped in a rugged manner1 so as rather to hang over1 than to retire from the sea2 rising every where from #hjj to #bjjj feet1 and more4 ,yet1 wonderful as it may seem1 with such force does the surf break on this leeward side of the island1 that the spray1 or mist1 may be seen constantly ascending1 like clouds of smoke1 nearly to the summits of the mountains4 ,the residue of the coast is equally bold1 and inaccessible2 except at a part called ,sandy ,bay1 to the southward4 ,there the shore is nearly flat for some distance1 but is interspersed with rocks1 and guarded by reefs of breakers1 which project some distance1 and totally obviate the means of attack4 ,if1 however1 a landing were to be effected1 the guns kept in readiness1 in masked batteries on the surrounding heights1 would soon defeat the enemy's purpose4 ,on account of the difficulty of approach1 the several ships take their water in regular rotation1 unless when a vessel is under despatch2 in which case her boats have the preference4 ,the mode of receiving water is certainly suited to the situation2 but is very tedious4 ,the butts being carried in the long-boats to the edge of the wharf1 are there filled by means of leathern hoses1 of which the ends severally attach to cocks on the pipes that conduct the water to that part4 ,with the upmost assiduity1 ,i should suppose that not more than forty or fifty butts could be supplied to any one long-boat within the course of the day1 notwithstanding the shipping lies so close2 but1 by a regular succession of boats1 full #ajjj butts might be received4 ,after landing1 the way leads under a very high hill on the left1 to the sea gate2 within which is a barrier that secures the flank of the sea-line1 and defends the road into the town2 it is terminated by a gate1 where the main guard is posted4 ,the town is small1 and by no means irregular2 the houses very low1 generally consisting of two and three floors1 in all which there are abundance of windows1 glazed with small panes1 which1 on the whole1 are not very sightly4 ,the valley1 in which ,james ,town is situated1 is very narrow1 and1 in the hot season1 extremely sultry4 ,on the right is ,ladder ,hill1 where a very heavy battery is mounted1 both of guns and mortars1 effectually commanding the road1 and the valley1 for a great distance4 ,this hill is so steep1 that it is ascended only by means of traverses cut out of its side1 and enclosed with a parapet sufficient to prevent accidents4 ,the soil is1 however1 so replete with large loose stones1 as to occasion frequent mischiefs to the houses below2 of which some have been greatly damaged by the fall of rubbish from above4 ,i imagine1 that the ascent1 by the road1 cannot measure less than a mile2 and1 that the perpendicular height of ,ladder ,hill1 above the level of the sea1 must be full #fjj yards4 ,major ,rennell states the various eminences to be as follow4 ,feet4 ,cuckold's ,point #bfgb ,halley's ,mount #bdfg ,flag ,staff #bbgb ,the ,barn #bjae 7,over-hanging the sea47 ,the ,alarm ,house 7centrically situated7 l#ifj ,high ,knoll 7where the ,citadel stands1 above ,ladder #aijc ,hill7 ,longwood ,house 7residence of the ,deputy ,governor7 #agfb ,this very elevated part1 namely1 ,ladder ,hill1 is nevertheless commanded by several small batteries1 judiciously situated1 which1 in their turn1 are subject to the fire of the works at ,high ,knoll1 built under the auspices of ,colonel ,brooke1 and under the immediate direction of ,major ,smyth4 ,this little fortification seems to be the dernier resort of the garrison1 of which it might hold about two hundred in the several bomb-proofs4 ,it has a small arsenal1 reservoir1 magazine1 a well of immense depth1 cut through the rock with great difficulty1 and1 exclusive of its outworks1 which are peculiarly compact1 has a central block-house1 mounting several pieces of heavy ordnance4 ,the site of this citadel is shewn to be full #aifj feet above the level of the sea3 the highest peak in the island is about #bgjj2 but it is too remote to have any effect on the citadel4 ,the force kept up at ,st4 ,helena is1 nominally1 a battalion of infantry1 and four companies of artillery2 but ,i doubt whether1 at any time1 more than #gjj men could be mustered3 that number is barely equal to the defence of the several outposts1 and to manning the sea-line1 ,ladder ,hill1 and the citadel4 ,it is1 fortunately1 a very healthy spot1 and the hospitals are rarely known to contain more than four men in the hundred4 ,the surrounding ocean supplies abundance of fish2 ,mr4 ,brooke describes no less than seventy-six kinds1 though few are much esteemed4 ,from the stern of a ship1 mackarel1 of a small size1 together with gar-fish1 plaice1 a kind of cod1 and a very fine species of gurnet1 may be caught4 ,the best bait for these is a piece of raw albacore4 ,chance supplied us with a very excellent stock of craw-fish3 under the idea of catching some small sharks1 we made a net of spun-yarn1 and slung it to a butt-hoop4 ,a few bones of salt beef were tied within for a bait4 ,this we lowered down at night1 and occasionally drew up very gently to the surface1 the depth being about ten or eleven fathoms4 ,we caught no sharks1 but frequently found two or three very fine craw-fishes1 of that sort called stumps4 ,i will now proceed with the regular order of my design1 and observe that1 if a ship is not to touch at the ,cape outward bound1 especially when that port is in possession of an enemy1 or that hostile cruisers are known to infest the southern coast of ,africa1 it is not uncommon to run down to the latitude of #ch or #dj1 thereby to avoid those dangers1 and to get beyond the influence of the current1 which sets to the westward at the rate of full three miles per hour4 ,experience has proved1 that1 by taking such a course1 the voyage has been quicker than when the land has been kept in sight4 ,when the ,cape is thus avoided1 it will probably be necessary to proceed by the inner passage to the island of ,johanna4 ,this is supposed to be the best route that can be followed1 by such as are bound to ,bombay2 though the number of shoals1 and of rocks1 scattered through the ,mozambique ,channel1 which separates ,madagascar from the ,main1 subjects it to some disrepute4 ,these are1 in a measure1 counterbalanced during war time1 by the danger attendant upon an approach to the island of ,mauritius2 whence the ,french have always fitted out a number of privateers1 that have done inconceivable mischief among our shipping in the ,indian ,seas4 ,a few vessels touch at ,st4 ,augustine's ,bay1 on the west coast of ,madagascar2 but the treacherous disposition of the natives is a great objection1 and causes the generality to pass on to ,johanna1 which is the only island of the ,comora cluster we have been in the habit of visiting4 ,the strong current setting round its southern extremity1 occasions vessels to keep close to the shore as they approach ,saddle ,island1 which1 at low water1 is connected with ,johanna by a ridge of sand1 whereon the ,huntingdon ,indiaman was lost about forty years back1 in attempting to pass1 without going round ,saddle ,island2 which derives its name from the appearance it bears1 when viewed at a certain distance4 ,the whole coast1 from the southern point to the bay where the town is situated1 presents1 with very little exception1 a bold shore1 divested of those dangerous reefs which render ,mohillah1 and others of its neighbours1 difficult of access4 ,the country is extremely mountainous2 in some parts abounding with cocoa and other trees3 wild goats are very numerous2 but1 being much in request among the natives1 are very shy1 and1 in general1 retire to the most rugged eminences4 ,to the left of the town1 about two miles distant1 a long reef of black rocks encloses a bay1 of which the beach is covered with a fine sand1 shelving very gradually1 and bearing a strong resemblance to that of ,weymouth4 ,the houses in the villages on the coast are rather mean1 though appertaining to persons who have ridiculously assumed ,european titles of eminence4 ,the island swarms with #8,prince ,ruperts1' #8,prince ,eugenes1' ,dukes1 ,marquises1 and ,lords1 all of whom are mean and knavish to an extreme4 ,the common form of building consists of a long barn-like apartment1 entered by a low door in middle of its length1 and having another opposite thereto at the back1 which leads to the most dirty out-offices that can be imagined2 wherein the culinary operations1 c4 are carried on4 ,in the dwellings of those who admit lodgers1 which may be said to include half the town1 the places for sleeping1 for ,i cannot call them bed-places1 are raised1 towards the two gable-ends1 to the height of full six feet2 and1 in some1 are parted off by a curtain of coarse chintz1 or other cloth4 ,these recesses are from three to five feet in width1 and may be ten or twelve feet long2 according to the breadth of the house4 ,the ascent to them is formed by several very broad stairs1 ordinarily covered with matting made of cocoa-tree leaves1 or1 in a few1 with carpets4 ,each step is considered as accommodation for two persons to repose upon1 feet to feet3 in most instances1 however1 the steps are not long enough to allow more than one person to lie down4 ,this theatrical arrangement is by no means displeasing1 nor is it attended with so much inconvenience as would be the case were the whole upon a level4 ,the middle of the room is set apart for meals1 usually served on tables of a wretched construction2 the guests sitting1 as well as they can1 upon little stools1 or eventually reclining on the matted floor against the lower steps2 which1 by the by1 is not only the most comfortable1 but1 among the natives1 is considered to be the most decorous1 mode4 ,the inhabitants of this island1 which lies in #ab south1 and #de east1 are chiefly descendants of some ,arabs who settled here about two centuries ago4 ,its name is1 properly1 ,hinzuan1 from which we have1 by a series of corruptions1 contrived to affix the present designation4 ,most of the inhabitants who are not of ,arabian descent1 are slaves1 purchased for a mere trifle at ,madagascar and ,mozambique1 with which places some intercourse is preserved2 though the ,johanna marine seems but ill suited to crossing even that narrow sea1 which separates it from either ,cape ,ambro1 or the opposite coast of ,mozambique4 ,the number of vessels called war-boats1 may amount to about twenty1 each capable of carrying two hundred men4 ,these barks1 which are entirely open1 are usually furnished with an immense number of paddles1 and oars1 which1 aided by a large square-sail1 cause them to make good way through the water4 ,in such a temperate climate1 where the wind always blows from the south-west1 and where1 with the exception of those hurricanes peculiar1 to the higher latitudes1 fair weather prevails during the whole year1 such a naval armament may prove adequate to the ordinary purposes of its construction4 ,all warfare with any of the neighbouring islands1 is supported by voluntary contributions2 each person of consequence taking with him provisions1 and arms1 for his respective adherents1 or slaves4 ,the revenues are collected from about two hundred villages2 but the three principal towns are exempted from any contribution beyond the fortieth part of their moveable property2 which all1 of whatever degree1 pay annually to the ,mufti1 or head of their church4 ,the king resides at the large and populous village of ,domoni1 where his whole train of artillery1 consisting of a condemned six-pounder1 is kept in great state6 ,the natives are1 in some degree1 conversant in the use of small-arms2 these1 with cutlasses1 spears of immense length1 and bows and arrows1 7the latter chiefly pointed with fish-bone1 or flint17 compose their stock of military implements4 ,their coast being generally so safe1 little skill is required to bring a vessel into a safe berth2 but it is usual to take on board a pilot1 who is known by the name of #8,purser ,jack4' ,this copper-colored knave never fails to put off1 so soon as any vessel is seen on its way from ,saddle ,island1 and to offer his services1 which are supposed to be well requited by a few dollars4 ,it is worthy of remark1 that1 on account of the rapidity of the current1 which sets off to sea round the black rocks1 and would infallibly prevent any vessel from reaching an anchorage1 all ships pass to the southern extremity1 near ,saddle ,island1 and proceed with a fair wind along the coast4 ,but it is not safe to carry too much sail while under the shore2 as violent gusts come down between the mountains1 in the most abrupt manner4 ,the population of ,johanna must be rather considerable3 perhaps it were not too much to estimate it at ninety1 or a hundred1 thousands2 including all ranks and ages3 the towns are large and extremely populous4 ,the ,mahomedan religion prevails1 though but very few sacred edifices1 worthy of notice1 are to be found on the island2 the principal one1 which does not seem to have cost any great sum1 being a mosque1 built by ,halimah1 a queen from whom the present king is descended1 situated near the landing place1 in the town of ,matsamudo4 ,nevertheless the priests are sufficiently numerous2 and1 as in most countries1 enjoy an excellent share of the earth's produce4 ,the areca-nut1 which grows wild all over the island1 but especially on its borders1 is here chewed with shell-lime1 as practised throughout the ,east3 wild pine-apples1 plantains1 and the greatest variety of tropical fruits1 are scattered over mountains exhibiting a verdure of peculiar richness1 and presenting1 on the aggregate1 one of the richest scenes imaginable4 ,not a horse is to be seen on the island2 but plenty of excellent cattle thrive uncommonly on the rich pastures of the vallies2 through most of which streams of the purest water1 every where broken by rocks1 or gliding over shallow beds of gravelly sand1 pursue their eager course4 ,it is rather peculiar1 that1 among other poultry1 the ,guinea fowl should abound2 thousands may be seen in a wild state1 if it may be so termed1 when1 by throwing a handful of grain at your feet1 all will instantly approach to participate of the bounty4 ,musquitoes are here exceedingly troublesome1 and attack the plethoric mariner with avidity4 ,it is said1 that no snakes1 or other venomous reptiles1 are to be found at ,johanna2 but1 in exchange for that blessing1 they are plentifully supplied with bugs4 ,the only vehicle known in the island consists of a machine1 termed a palanquin2 but which is1 in fact1 nothing but a litter made of clumsy net-work on a rough frame1 and borne by four men1 who each take an end of the two side-poles of bamboo on their shoulder4 ,this splendid piece of ingenuity is appropriated solely to the conveyance of his majesty1 and of such nobles1 and ,european1 or ,arabian visitors1 as may obtain permission to visit him at ,domoni4 ,angling is little understood at ,johanna1 yet large quantities of good fish are occasionally to be had4 ,these are either taken by night lines1 or are speared by persons standing at the heads of canoes1 who1 with wondrous dexterity1 strike such fishes as approach the surface4 ,this practice1 common throughout uncivilized countries1 is in great perfection among the ,nicobar ,islands4 ,i make no doubt1 that1 if proper means were used1 an excellent supply of stumps might be obtained4 ,what ,i have said on this subject1 when describing ,st4 ,helena1 would1 most probably1 be found equally efficacious in many other insulated situations1 under warm parallels4 ,on the shoals which lie within the channel of ,mozambique1 immense numbers of cowries1 called by us #8,blackamoors' teeth1' are dredged up3 these being current as money in most parts of ,india1 are exchanged1 together with live oxen1 for arms and ammunition1 hatchets1 knives1 nails1 c4 ,the oriental practice of dying the hands and feet red1 by means of the hinna1 which here glows wild in the utmost luxuriance1 prevails throughout the island2 especially among the females1 who color their lips and gums black1 with a peculiar preparation1 similar to the missy of ,hindustan1 in order to make their teeth appear to advantage6 ,although the men are extremely jealous1 the women of the lower class are allowed to walk the streets1 provided they wear veils4 ,we must not by that word suppose that any particular part of their dress is so termed1 or separately made for that purpose3 the only mode of concealing the face consists in drawing the cloth1 or sheet1 which is thrown over the head1 so as to cause its meeting forward1 leaving a very narrow opening to enable the wearer to see her way4 ,with respect to the mercantile operations of the ,johanna people1 ,i cannot afford a clearer idea than attends the description given by ,alwi1 a man of some consequence on the island1 to ,sir ,william ,jones1 who has recorded it in the following words4 ,he said1 #8,his country was poor1 and produced few articles of trade2 but if they could get money1 they might easily procure foreign commodities1 and exchange them advantageously with their neighbours in the islands1 and on the continent4 ,thus1 with a little money1' said he1 #8we purchase muskets1 powder1 ball1 cutlasses1 knives1 cloths1 raw cotton1 and other articles brought from ,bombay2 and with these we trade to ,madagascar for the natural produce of that country1 or for dollars1 with which the ,french buy cattle1 honey1 butter1 and so forth1 in that island4 ,with gold1 which we receive from your ships1 we can procure elephants' teeth from the natives of ,mozambique2 who barter them also for bars of iron1 and ammunition2 while the ,portuguese in that country give us various kinds of cloths1 in exchange for our commodities4 ,these cloths we dispose of lucratively in the three neighbouring islands2 whence we bring rice1 cattle1 a kind of bread-fruit1 which grows in ,comora1 and slaves2 which we buy also at other places where we trade3 all this traffic we carry on in our own vessels4' ,the foregoing should evince1 that1 under an effective government1 for the present may be deemed a mere toleration of royalty1 the island of ,johanna might become important among its neighbours2 and1 so long as ,european vessels should continue to touch there for refreshments1 might1 carry on a brisk trade4 ,yet the total want of any thing like a harbour1 must inevitably prove a great drawback on its prosperity4 ,while there1 our ship was driven by a sudden squall1 issuing from between two immense mountains1 from her anchorage1 though she had two anchors out1 and rode within a short half mile of the beach2 and this1 too1 in remarkably clear weather4 ,the mode of killing whales in the ,mozambique ,channel1 and by the ,africans all along their south-east coast1 is extremely simple2 it shews how much may be effected by perseverance2 and affords1 indeed1 an admirable moral1 together with no insignificant satire upon the great expence to which ,europeans1 engaged in that pursuit1 put themselves1 without becoming more certain of success4 ,when a whale is seen within a moderate distance of the shore1 basking1 as they often do for hours together1 with little intermission1 during the heat of the day1 the fishermen put off in their canoes1 which are excavated from large trees1 and equipped with out-riggers on each side4 ,generally1 each canoe carries from four to six persons2 but those which are intended to approach the whale1 give over their crew1 with the exception of one spearsman1 and one paddler1 to the other canoes4 ,the paddler urges his canoe very gently1 until within about eight or ten yards of the whale2 sidling up with extreme caution so as to be parallel with its shoulders2 this is done to avoid that lash of the tail which the fish invariably gives1 as he plunges downwards1 on feeling the spear enter his flesh4 ,the weapons used on this occasion are about five feet long1 extremely elastic1 and loaded at each end with iron or lead2 whereby not only the impetus is encreased1 but the vibration1 occasioned by the opposite weights1 causes the point1 which is of iron1 very acute and barbed1 to wriggle deeper into the flesh4 ,previous to striking1 the head of the canoe is turned towards the whale1 and a slight retrocessive motion is given2 so that1 at the very moment when the spear is delivered1 the paddler may1 by a sudden exertion1 pull further away1 and avoid the danger4 ,it sometimes happens1 that the spearsman is thrown from his station into the water1 by the sudden motion of the boat opposed to his own action2 being invariably expert swimmers1 such an accident is not in the least regarded4 ,after sinking to a great depth1 the whale rises again to the surface1 perhaps a mile off1 where other boats are waiting to repeat the attack2 by a succession of which he is1 ordinarily in the space of an hour1 so completely worn out1 as to float without the power of resistance1 when a long spear1 pushed through between his ribs1 speedily terminates the struggle4 ,the whale being dead1 all the canoes join their efforts to tow the carcase towards the shore2 where1 upon some sandy part1 a division is made of the spoil2 each of the crews cutting away with hatchets and cutlasses1 as much of the blubber as they can expend4 ,the residue is sold1 or exchanged for other articles of consumption1 dress1 c4 to the inhabitants of the neighbouring towns3 the whale-bone is reserved for sale to ,european traders2 the ribs serve for the couples of houses1 or rather cabins2 and the joints of the vertebr1 after being neatly trimmed at the sides1 and at one end1 make very comfortable stools2 of which1 however1 the strong1 rank scent1 retained for many months1 would prove highly offensive to any but persons who consider the blubber1 after the oil has been fried1 and pressed out1 to be a delicate morceau6 ,the operation of cutting away the adipose parts2 which come off in immense lumps1 of from eight inches to a foot1 or fifteen inches in depth1 is rather laborious2 it is likewise attended with the danger of attacks from an immense number of sharks1 that instinctively follow the carcase2 and1 so soon as it is hewn open1 seize whatever falls from it with the most ferocious avidity4 ,hence1 the fishermen are obliged to be extremely careful not to expose their limbs1 by allowing them to dangle in the water3 such of the crews as fall overboard1 are usually snapped up by their greedy competitors2 which1 it is said1 are known in these parts to grow to the enormous length of thirty feet6 ,it has often occurred to me1 that1 in lieu of casting loose the remains of whales1 after cutting away the blubber1 as our fishermen usually do1 an immense quantity of ammonia might be extracted1 were the skeletons to be towed to the shore1 and there to be applied to that purpose4 ,fuel is rarely wanting1 and there being invariably sufficient crews on board our whale-ships1 which cannot be always employed1 it should seem that much advantage might thus arise1 with little or no expence3 the price of ammonia is very high1 but if it could be lowered1 immense quantities would be consumed4 ,it is to be remarked1 that this valuable alkali has not hitherto been put under that course of experiments to which it certainly would be subjected1 did the price not stand in the way of its use on a large scale3 the following qualities1 as stated in the invaluable ,dispensary given to the public by ,dr4 ,andrew ,duncan1 may plead in apology for my digressing so far on a subject1 not apparently connected with my prospectus2 but which1 considered philosophically1 is1 by no means1 irrelevant thereto4 ,dr4 ,duncan states1 that1 #8ammonia does not dissolve animal substances2 it extinguishes flame2 colors vegetable-blues green2 is decomposed by being transmitted through a red hot tube1 and1 by the electric spark1 into its constituent gases1 and by oxygen1 and atmosphoric air at a red heat2 by oxy-muriatic acid1 it is converted into water and hydrogen-gas4 ,it is absorbed1 without change1 by porous bodies2 it dissolves sulphur and phosphorus2 and combines readily with water1 in all its states4 ,ammonia combines with the acids1 forming neutral salts4 ,it is formed during the putrefactive fermentation2 and is commonly classed among the alkalies4' ,my readers will see1 at once1 how wide a field is open for speculation6 ,after quitting ,johanna1 which is the only island1 in that cluster1 whither ,european vessels ever intentionally resort1 such as may be bound to ,bombay usually make the great peninsula somewhere about ,anjengo1 pursuing their course up the western1 or ,malabar side2 while those proceeding to ,coast and ,bay1 7i4e4 ,madras and ,bengal17 endeavor to get a sight of ,dondra-,head1 which determines both their latitude1 and their longitude2 thence they pass round the eastern side of the island of ,ceylon1 of which the shore is sufficiently bold to allow their keeping within two or three miles of the land with perfect safety1 in regard to reefs or shoals2 but this quarter being extremely subject to violent gales1 that come on rather suddenly1 or1 at least1 without much notice1 and are known by the name of #8white squalls1' it is generally considered most prudent to keep a good offing4 ,these white squalls invariably take place when the sky is free from clouds2 but may sometimes be distinguished1 as they approach1 by the white spray raised from the water by the violence of the wind3 so soon as that is discovered1 all the small sails should be taken in1 and the ship rendered as compact above as time may admit4 ,the warning spray is too frequently unnoticed2 and1 even when perceived1 is1 for the most part1 too close at hand to admit of much preparation4 ,this insidious danger extends1 more or less1 from the south end of ,madagascar up to the latitude of ,tranquebar1 being most prevalent to the southward of the ,line1 where the south-west trade wind prevails at all times4 ,the island of ,ceylon has been adopted as a royal possession1 in the government of which the ,company have no share whatever4 ,the whole of the civil establishment are appointed by the king2 and the military receive their commissions from the secretary at war1 independent of the ,company's chartered establishment4 ,it generally happens1 however1 that some of the ,madras battalions are on duty in the island2 which has always been in a most perturbed state1 especially since it came under our dominion4 ,it is rather unusual for the ,company's ships to touch here1 except when sent to ,columbo with stores1 or calling there on their way home for cargoes and passengers4 ,none but very small vessels can pass between ,ceylon and the ,main1 notwithstanding the great width of the channel1 on account of that immense reef1 intermixed with shoals1 stretching across its northern part4 ,this reef1 called #8,adam's ,bridge1' is supposed to be formed by the summits of mountains1 that1 by some dreadful convulsion1 were sunk below those waters1 between which they originally formed a stupendous isthmus1 like that of ,darien1 connecting ,ceylon with the continent4 ,notwithstanding what has been said by many authors on the subject of #8spicy gales1' the expectation of meeting with perfumed breezes in this quarter should not be too much encouraged4 ,after coasting the whole length1 from ,dondra-,head to ,point ,pedro1 not one puff1 conveying the idea of proximate ambrosia1 ever reached my nose4 ,it must1 at the same time1 be understood1 that a certain terraceous scent1 something like that resulting from rain in dusty weather1 generally prevails within a certain distance of a windward shore2 particularly where the country is well wooded4 ,after passing to the northward of ,ceylon1 the navigation becomes more difficult2 there being immense shoals stretching1 in various directions1 all the way from ,tranquebar up to the mouths of the ,ganges4 ,it is generally opposite some short interval between these dangerous shallows1 that our principal settlements are situated4 ,thus1 ,tranquebar1 ,pondicherry1 ,cuddalore1 ,negapatam1 and some others1 to the southward of ,madras1 enjoy a partial benefit in that instance2 but1 to the northward1 our principal sea-ports are under very considerable disadvantages1 arising from the great distance at which all vessels1 with the exception of very small coasters1 are obliged to lay out in an open road1 subject to the fury of storms1 and to the depredations of privateers1 which seldom fail to take advantage of these localities1 whenever the season may allow them to visit our shores4 ,the shallows may easily be distinguished at a considerable distance3 being composed of light1 shifting sand1 and acted upon by a strong current1 the water above them appears discolored2 assuming a dun1 or yellow hue1 sufficiently contrasted with the deeper parts1 to enable the eye at once to trace their respective limits4 ,madras ,roads being exempt from shoals1 for some miles on either side1 are entered without a pilot2 ships in general anchoring off the fort1 in from six to ten fathoms2 the bottom a firm sand4 ,the surf is here1 at all times1 rather high2 but when a south-west1 or westerly wind1 prevails1 becomes so tremendous as to debar all communication with the shipping4 ,from the beginning of ,october to the middle of ,january1 the flag-staff is struck1 as a signal to vessels that no insurance is payable on account of such losses as may happen during that period1 which is held to be replete with danger4 ,so great is the apprehension entertained of the perils attendant upon a continuance on the ,coromandel coast during that monsoon1 that even our ships of war retire from the protection of such trade as may be carried on by adventurous individuals1 and seek an asylum in some well-sheltered port1 such as ,trincomalee4 ,before we obtained possession of that admirable harbour1 our fleets were under the necessity of going round annually to ,bombay2 there they employed their crews in putting the respective ships into complete order1 against the ensuing season2 whatever vessels required substantial repairs1 being taken into dock4 ,in the mean while1 the enemy's fleet went to the ,mauritius1 which could be easily reached at any season2 and whence they could return full a month before our's could get back from the ,malabar coast4 ,the serious losses occasioned1 both to the ,company1 and to private traders1 by such management1 7which then appeared to be inevitable1 though not so in reality1 since ,bengal could have received and repaired them17 rendered it a desideratum to obtain some port1 not far removed from our principal settlements4 ,the fortune of war once put us in possession of ,trincomalee2 but1 somehow or other1 it was re-taken3 as we have now command over the whole of ,ceylon1 it is to be hoped we shall have the wit to keep it4 ,the construction of keeled boats being1 in many respects1 unsuitable to intercourse between the shipping and the shore1 recourse is always had to the common country boats1 called #8masoolahs2' which1 however rude their formation may appear1 are perfectly adequate to every purpose1 and convey both goods and passengers with general safety4 ,these masoolah-boats may carry from forty to sixty tons2 they are made of plank1 about two inches in thickness above1 and three below1 fastened together by means of coir2 that is1 the fibres of cocoa-nut rinds1 passed through small holes pierced along the edges of the several planks1 all around each3 these planks appear as though sewed together with twine of the above description1 and are fastened to battens and sleepers1 answering for ribs and floor timbers4 ,at the bottom1 planks are laid in the opposite direction of these1 which form the vessel1 and near the gun-whales1 several thwarts are secured across2 they passing through the sides1 and being firmly pinned in4 ,there is no deck1 and the rudder consists of a large kind of oar1 rigged out at the stern4 ,at a little distance1 the masoolah-boats look like rude imitations of our coal-barges3 they row from ten to sixteen oars1 and when unladen make more speed than persons accustomed to wherries1 or to ships' pinnaces1 would expect2 getting through the surf1 both coming and going1 with amazing facility3 though sometimes1 owing to letting them swing round1 instead of steering head-on1 they fill1 or overset3 but this very rarely happens2 and the mere act of #8swamping'1 unless in the first1 or outward surf1 is not attended with any imminent danger2 the next wave generally impelling the boat1 and all that it contains1 high 7but not dry17 upon the beach1 where it is soon run up out of the water's way4 ,in order to encourage the boatmen to exert themselves towards saving any ,europeans who may be in danger1 owing to a masoolah-boat's upsetting in the surf1 the ,company allow premiums1 generally medals1 to such as may prove their title thereto4 ,several of the ,company's servants1 and others1 owe their lives to the activity of these people1 a few of whom have been enabled to retire upon a very comfortable subsistence allowed to them by those gentlemen they had rescued4 ,it is much to be lamented1 that the ,company have never been able to adopt the only efficient means of breaking the surf for a few hundreds of yards2 namely1 by conical caissons1 forming an angle in front of the landing place4 ,nature has done this for the ,portugueze at ,pernambuco1 forming a bar of coral1 at the end of which is a battery3 the sea at all times breaks with tremendous violence upon the ,bar1 and sometimes1 though very rarely1 dashes over the guns4 ,the supposed objection will be1 that1 owing to the great expanse of the coast of ,coromandel1 nothing could be made to resist the force of the water4 ,but1 in answer to this1 ,i must observe1 that ,pernambuco is much more exposed than ,madras1 it being subject to the force of the trade winds1 blowing all the year round from the south-west1 across that immense1 uninterrupted ocean lying between the two continents of ,africa and ,america1 while a very strong current at the same time sweeps round1 and causes the surf to rise with full as much violence as in any part of the ,east4 ,at ,pernambuco1 vessels lie within the bar1 where the water is perfectly still1 and deep enough for those of four hundred tons to ride clear of the sandy bottom4 ,at ,madras1 we could scarcely expect to see so extensive a desideratum obtained1 as should afford shelter to the numerous ships of great burthen which frequent its ,roads2 the expence would be enormous2 otherwise1 we should be as well able to form such a barrier there1 as the ,french were at ,cherburg4 ,it may be said1 that the inconvenience attached to the works at the latter place1 namely1 a vast accumulation of sand1 would follow3 that would by no means be likely to take place in so very strong a tide1 with deep water at hand2 and if it should1 might perhaps rather tend to facilitate the measure1 and to augment the strength of the defences4 ,it is indispensably necessary1 when going ashore at ,madras1 or in any part where the surf runs high1 to be well covered with a boat-cloak1 or some ample exterior clothing2 for1 even under the best management1 and during the most favorable weather1 the spray will rise around the boat1 completely wetting whatever finery may be exposed to its action4 ,nor must it be considered any way extraordinary1 if a large portion of that surf which propels the boat1 should pour over her stern or quarters1 so as to drench the whole party6 ,the masoolah-boats are1 with great propriety1 under the sole management of the master-attendant1 or the beach-master4 ,none can put off without licence2 and no person can be admitted to serve on board who is not an expert and bold swimmer4 ,i believe1 that instances of individuals of any description being lost are extremely rare3 such as are enumerated1 took place chiefly at the outer surf1 7there being usually three following waves to pass1 or to accompany17 where the water is very deep1 and where immense numbers of ground-sharks are ever on the watch for what accident may throw in their way4 ,it may readily be supposed the shore is tolerably bold1 when it is explained1 that our ,indiamen1 deeply laden1 have been several times necessitated to warp to the very edge of the outer surf1 in consequence of an enemy's fleet having entered the ,roads1 with the view to cut them out4 ,so soon as a vessel is seen standing into the ,roads1 signals are hoisted1 which it is expected she should1 if a man of war1 or a ,company's ship1 be able to answer4 ,on her approach to the anchorage1 a boat puts off1 with a deputation from the beach-master1 to enquire whence she comes1 as well as to take the purser1 c4 ashore with the despatches4 ,in this first boat1 a number of debashes are sure to arrive1 bringing with them various articles of provision1 fruits1 c4 as presents to the captain and officers2 whose favor each of them courts1 under the hope of being employed as the agent for the ship1 or for the supply of necessaries1 and for providing lodgings for individuals4 ,these debashes are generally men of property1 and of some consequence among the natives1 owing to their having at times so many purchases to make for those who arrive at ,madras2 but especially where the supplies necessary for a whole ship1 or sometimes for a whole fleet1 are in question4 ,they all speak broken ,english1 understanding far beyond what they can express in our language2 they are servile to an extreme1 and most completely trained in every money-making device4 ,the provision brought on board usually consists of half-starved mutton1 buffalo-beef1 which might safely be classed with carrion1 some tolerable fowls1 with1 eventually1 a few ducks and geese1 yams1 biringals1 capsicums1 and other vegetable productions4 ,fish abound in the ,roads1 yet are rather scarce1 and are very rarely brought on board3 this is in a measure owing to the greater number of fishermen being private servants1 who are obliged to supply their masters first4 ,it is said1 that the water-serpents1 which abound in the ,roads1 and may be seen1 in beautiful varieties1 to rise1 at all hours to the surface1 destroy great quantities of the smaller kinds3 this ,i can easily suppose to be true2 but1 having occasionally seen the catamarans returning from the offing1 with immense loads of the best sorts1 it would be difficult to convince me1 that the scarcity of fish in the market1 and on board the ships in the ,roads1 does not proceed from either the want of industry1 or of regulation4 ,few people1 taking all things into consideration1 are more hospitable than the ,europeans residing at ,madras3 where deficiency in that respect is supposed to exist1 we may1 by due consideration of peculiar circumstances1 relating to the person1 or to the place1 always find some sufficient apology4 ,being so much frequented1 and the number of ,european gentlemen resident on the spot being comparatively trifling1 it cannot be expected they should keep open house1 or indulge their friendly dispositions in the exercise of unlimited kindness4 ,in fact1 the expectations of those who visit ,madras1 on their way from ,europe to ,india1 are1 for the chief part1 rather too sanguine3 they have heard much of ,indian hospitality1 and wonder at that disappointment which is purely the offspring of their own unreasonable anticipations4 ,i know not of any situation where a letter of introduction is of more avail1 or indeed more necessary1 than this3 but such letter should be addressed to some person resident at ,madras2 else it may be perfectly nugatory1 in consequence of the immense expanse over which the civil servants1 as well as the military1 are scattered4 ,a young gentleman taking out a dozen letters1 may1 on his arrival1 find them entirely useless1 in consequence of the parties being absent from the presidency4 ,the passengers of every class are expected to reside on shore during the ship's detention in the ,roads4 ,few1 indeed1 neglect to avail themselves of the opportunity offered of seeing one of our principal fortresses1 and of observing the customs of a country so celebrated in history1 and forming so essential a branch of the ,british ,empire4 ,if an introduction is obtained1 by any means1 the usual result will be an invitation to reside with the gentleman if he keeps house2 otherwise1 every attention will be paid in seeing the stranger accommodated1 at the best house of that description which admits boarders2 and which are commonly called #8,punch-,houses4' ,this designation doubtless arose from the habits of those who first settled in ,india1 and who1 finding spirits1 sugar1 and limes1 7a small species of lemon17 every where abundant1 indulged in copious draughts of punch4 ,that beverage is now completely obsolete1 unless among sea-faring persons1 who rarely fail to experience its deleterious effects4 ,in all sea-ports1 taverns1 or punch-houses1 are more frequented than in places where shipping lie in some distant road1 or harbour4 ,this occasions them to be more respectable in the opinions of those who keep them1 but nothing could reconcile a gentleman1 long resident in the country1 to seek an accommodation among them3 it would imply a total want of respectable connexions3 and1 in itself1 appear sufficient cause for avoiding his acquaintance3 so different are the customs of different places6 ,totally ignorant of the language1 and without any guide1 it is not to be wondered that so many impositions are practised on our countrymen on their arrival in ,india4 ,a debash of the lowest order1 and of the most crafty disposition1 perfectly experienced in all the ordinary requisitions of ,europeans1 and prompt to gratify their desires so long as profit attends the speculation1 is ever at the elbow of the novice1 serving as banker1 purveyor1 pimp1 and interpreter4 ,what more can be requisite to ruin an helpless1 inconsiderate youth8 ,most of the gentlemen in the ,company's service reside in the fort1 or at houses a few miles off1 in the country1 or at ,st4 ,thomas's ,mount1 about six miles from ,madras1 where the ,artillery are usually quartered1 together with the troops destined to defend the works in case of attack4 ,the incursions to which the ,carnatic was formerly exposed1 during the times of ,hyder1 and of ,tippoo1 rendered it expedient to fortify the ,black-,town2 which is very extensive1 and contains the houses of many highly respectable ,european merchants1 chiefly ,british and ,portugueze1 together with the entire property of the richer natives of rank and consequence4 ,i cannot say the ,black-,town is an enviable site for residence2 but the situation1 being subject to the land and sea breezes1 the latter of which are as refreshing as the former are debilitating1 reconcile the older inhabitants to many inconveniences1 among which1 smoke is by no means the least obnoxious4 ,the musquitoes are here tolerably numerous1 as are also rats of all sizes1 cock-roaches1 and scorpions3 the latter grow to an immense size1 and are peculiarly venomous4 ,that most loathsome companion1 the bug1 is to be found here in such swarms1 that it is by no means uncommon to see them crawling about at all hours1 and in all places4 ,st4 ,thomas's ,mount is certainly the more pleasant station and may be fairly put in competition with any of those rural retreats1 called #8,garden-,houses1' scattered every where in the vicinity of the capital3 at these1 many families reside all the year round2 the gentlemen who have offices to attend1 being conveyed thereto in the mornings1 either in palanquins1 or in their carriages2 the climate by no means favoring much exercise on horse-back4 ,except at that season when the flag-staff is struck1 ,madras ,roads are1 in general1 much resorted to by shipping4 ,being the seat of government on the ,coromandel coast1 it necessarily has become the emporium of that side of the peninsula4 ,most of the ,china ships touch there1 and very few of those proceeding to ,bengal omit to call2 especially when war either prevails1 or is expected to break out4 ,it is much to be lamented1 that no means have yet been devised1 nor1 indeed1 appear easily practicable1 of rendering the ,roads safe against the attack of an enemy4 ,the fort certainly could repel any attempt to land within the reach of its cannon2 but there does not appear any possibility of preventing an enterprising enemy from causing all the shipping1 either to surrender1 or to run ashore4 ,perhaps hulks might be so stationed1 as to become very efficient in the defence of whatever shipping might remain beyond the surfs4 ,one or two old #fd gun ships properly prepared against boarding1 might1 at all times1 suffice1 if moored with chains in proper situations1 under cover of the batteries4 ,it being indispensable that every person should be conversant with the several coins1 or currency1 in which payments are made1 or accounts kept1 ,i recommend to my readers to make themselves acquainted with the tables of coins1 weights1 and measures1 in use at ,madras3 observing1 that1 throughout the dependant provinces1 an endless variety in the two last are to be found2 and that1 consequently1 all dealings must be regulated in proportion to the encreased1 or diminished1 variations1 wherever situated4 ,the #8,,east ,,india ,,directory' will be found to contain whatever may relate to this subject1 including the three presidencies4 ,conceiving1 that1 with few exceptions1 the customs of many classes among the natives of ,bengal1 assimilate greatly with those of the population on the coast1 ,i shall now pass on to the ordinary occurrences attendant upon the arrival of a ship off the ,sand-,heads1 in the ,bay of ,balasore4 ,it has been already stated1 that the voyage from ,madras to ,bengal will depend1 in regard to duration1 entirely upon the season4 ,if the southerly monsoon prevails1 ,point ,palmiras1 which is at the southern boundary of ,balasore ,roads1 may be made in from three to seven days3 during the northerly monsoon1 it is usual1 experience having confirmed what accident probably first suggested1 to stretch over to the opposite side of the bay upon a wind1 and then to run obliquely across on the other tack1 so as to arrive in soundings of the mouth of the ,hooghly1 where the tides will speedily convey a vessel up to any place on the river1 notwithstanding the wind's direction4 ,during the passage1 under the former prevalence1 the land is not1 in general1 seen until the water becomes obviously discolored with sand4 ,in the first instance1 the course is made directly from ,madras ,roads1 to gain a good offing1 whereby the dangerous shoals of ,pulicat1 about five miles north of ,madras1 may be avoided3 the land all along the coast being invariably low1 and the shallows projecting1 in some places1 full ten miles seaward1 it is prudent to keep rather towards the middle of the bay1 and1 from a ,n4,n4,e4 course1 to change latterly to a ,n4,n4,w2 rounding in1 when the latitude directs1 until ,point ,palmiras may be from four to six leagues distant4 ,it is of infinite importance to be correct in making that point1 which is best regulated by a perfect knowledge of the latitude1 there being a promontory very similar thereto1 thence designated #8,false ,point'2 by mistaking which many vessels have been lost4 ,when in sight of ,point ,palmiras1 it is usual to await the arrival of some pilot-vessel1 of which one or more are always on the look-out below the ,sand-,heads1 and to proceed into the river under her guidance4 ,the capture of several of those vessels having occurred within these few years1 in consequence of ,french privateers anchoring1 as though in want of pilots1 thus taking advantage1 in the most infamous and unprincipled manner1 of an institution1 that ought ever to be held sacred1 has given occasion for many precautions1 which must inevitably be attended with inconvenience1 and even danger1 on particular occasions4 ,in lieu of proceeding boldly towards vessels anchored at the usual ne plus ultra1 the pilots now draw off towards the channels1 allowing the ships to follow at some distance1 and refraining from sending a boat on board1 until1 by their knowledge of the soundings1 the schooners may be placed out of danger4 ,if all should prove right1 which is soon ascertained by the signals made by the mate sent on board the ship to be piloted1 the schooners may then proceed with confidence2 but if any suspicion should remain1 an alarm would instantly be given2 and1 if possible1 the enemy be decoyed among those dreadful shoals1 where1 being once entangled1 he must fall an easy prey to such force as might be sent against him4 ,there are various channels by which a ship may proceed to the harbour of ,kedgeree1 situated many miles up the river1 but those most frequented1 especially by such as import1 are the middle1 and left channels1 which have1 however1 barely three fathoms and a half at low water2 consequently1 ships of burthen are commonly brought to anchor1 in such positions as may allow their taking advantage of the best part of the tide for passing the shallows3 nevertheless1 the sand is ploughed up1 by the action of a ship's passage over them1 in such manner as would lead one1 at first sight1 to conclude she were touching the ground1 when perhaps her keel is many feet above it4 ,during daylight1 the pilot-schooner makes few signals1 but1 after night-fall1 on every heave of the lead1 she communicates1 by means of maroons1 7which are flambeaux of an immense size1 alternately exhibited and concealed in a large tub17 the exact soundings in which she is proceeding4 ,no greater care can possibly be taken1 than in the ,company's pilot-service1 to conduct ships in safety3 exclusive of character1 there is much at stake2 for no pilot who loses one of the ,company's ships1 is retained on the list3 he is1 ipso facto1 dismissed4 ,this regulation1 which1 no doubt1 may1 in a few cases1 press hard on very meritorious individuals1 must be considered one of the most important props of the institution1 among persons who may have habitually indulged in the use of spirituous liquors to a dangerous excess4 ,i knew some of the pilots who were perfectly sensible of their failings1 and could not be induced1 either by temptation1 or entreaty1 to taste of any beverage stronger than water or country-beer1 until they had seen their charges moored in safety4 ,that being done--good bye to forbearance6 ,it is not a little wonderful1 that men who have the power to overrule a dangerous propensity1 merely when their professional characters are at stake1 should at every other moment throw aside that curb1 which1 if duly maintained1 would preserve their health1 and render them far more acceptable members of society6 ,the country all along the sea-coast1 on both sides of the river's mouth1 being extremely low1 and there being no hills of sufficient altitude to be distinguished at sea1 especially on the right bank1 very little gratification is offered to the eye by the surrounding scenery4 ,the shelving beach1 on either hand1 is overgrown1 in most parts1 with trees rarely exceeding twenty feet in height1 whose stems are surrounded with under-wood1 or grass jungle1 in which abundance of deer are to be found4 ,the pursuit of sport must1 however1 be invariably desisted from1 on account of the immense numbers of tigers which occupy the same covers4 ,it rarely happens that a party land for the purpose of shooting deer1 or wild hogs1 7which are equally abundant17 without meeting with some accident2 or1 at least1 being frightened so as to produce the most salutary forbearance4 ,about twenty-five years ago1 a son of the late ,sir ,hector ,monro was carried off by a tiger from among his comrades1 who had seated themselves round a large fire1 made to obviate the apprehended danger1 while they awaited the arrival of a boat that was to convey them back to their ship4 ,all the way1 from ,balasore up to ,kedgeree1 the prospect1 if we except those agreeable sensations arising from the display of vegetation1 and from arriving at the ultimate thule of destination1 rather wearies than pleases3 nothing is to be seen but a series of wilderness1 perhaps here and there enclosing a few huts1 or1 in the broken intervals1 displaying some insignificant village1 of which the inhabitants are as poor as they are idle4 ,no public edifice2 no gay villas2 no busy hum of men2 no crowded wharfs6 ,in fact1 ,i scarcely know a spot more dreary than the debouch of the ,hooghly1 for at least thirty miles2 or until arrival at ,diamond ,harbour4 ,it is usual for the pilot-schooner to return to the ,roads1 in search of other importations1 unless her tour may be over2 in which instance1 she proceeds up to ,calcutta2 leaving a person on board1 lest the vessel should drag her anchors1 and to prevent her getting into foul ground4 ,the purser1 for the most part1 avails himself of the attendance of the chokey-boats1 which are always plying about the mouth of the rivers for the express purpose of receiving packets4 ,in favorable seasons1 these boats have been known to reach ,calcutta1 distant full sixty miles1 in one tide4 ,if a schooner should be proceeding up the river1 there should be no hesitation in embarking in her3 no equal accommodation can1 in general1 be had3 the whole risk1 trouble1 and delay1 attendant upon making a passage in any of the common country boats1 are at once annihilated4 ,the pilot may possibly expect some return for his good offices2 but1 if he likes his company1 will1 in all probability1 set them ashore at ,calcutta free of all expence4 ,i should not envy the purser his trip in a chokey-boat1 with no other than a very small semi-circular covering of mats1 under which it is impossible to sit upright1 except exactly under its centre4 ,in tempestuous seasons1 and such are generally the periods in which the ,indiamen arrive1 there is often a high swell between ,kedgeree and ,fulta1 the river being in some parts from three to six miles across1 and running to the southward1 from which quarter the wind blows very forcibly for five months at least4 ,therefore1 although so very few accidents happen1 it cannot be considered as a safe voyage between the ship and the capital4 ,the chokey-boats are all under the master-attendant1 and bear the ,company's colors1 on a small staff1 or1 at times1 at the head of the mast1 made of a single bamboo1 nearly as long as the boat2 which ordinarily rows ten or twelve oars4 ,being of a light construction1 and divested of all superfluous apparatus1 the chokey-boats proceed at a prodigious rate2 and1 on emergency1 even when opposed by the tide1 can gain from two to six miles hourly2 according as they may be able to row along the slack water2 to pole up against the more rapid streams2 or to track up1 when both wind and tide are strongly adverse4 ,when relatives1 or particular friends1 are on board any ship whose arrival is expected1 it is customary to send a stout pinnace-budgrow to meet her at ,kedgeree1 there to receive the persons for whose accommodation it was provided4 ,when this act of kindness takes place1 all the necessary provision1 a bed1 table1 chairs1 c4 are put on board1 together with a proper number of servants of such description as are generally needful on the water4 ,few who have any feeling for their noviciate companions on board1 especially those who have been in ,india1 quit the ship without taking with them as many as the pinnace can1 without distressing all1 receive4 ,this wind-fall does not happen every day2 though few ships return to ,india without conveying one or more old standards1 either civil or military3 but it is not always that notice can be received of a ship's being about to import2 and when such notice has been received1 it is not always thought of1 or perhaps practicable1 to send a pinnace to receive an old friend4 ,persons in a delicate state of health should1 if possible1 wait till some safe and comfortable conveyance can be obtained4 ,the most certain mode is1 to commission the purser to hire a vessel the moment he reaches ,calcutta1 and to send her off under charge of some servant1 who should see that no delay were made by the boatmen2 which1 if paid by the day1 would inevitably follow4 ,the misfortune is1 that very few can endure to be confined so much longer on board1 and often impatiently reject such a proposition3 here we may expect to find that the greatest haste makes the worst speed2 at the same time that the expences are encreased greatly1 while the accommodations are deteriorated in exact ratio4 ,now and then1 an adventurous manjee1 7or boat-master17 who knows how to make a good bargain1 will linger about ,diamond ,harbour1 or lay up in ,culpee ,creek1 with the intent of going down1 wind and tide permitting1 to the first ship which may arrive from ,europe4 ,such men are certain of a good fare1 it being very common to give from fifty rupees 7about six guineas7 to one hundred 7about twelve guineas7 for the trip4 ,such an opportunity1 however extravagant the terms may appear1 ought not to be lost2 it being a great chance whether a second vessel of the same description may proceed to the ship4 ,as to small boats1 rowing four or six oars1 and having either a thatched cabin1 or a semi-circular awning of mats1 several of them may come along-side2 but they will not be found to yield the smallest accommodation beyond shelter from the sun2 while their manjees will not fail to take every advantage of whatever distress1 or difficulty1 the passenger may labor under4 ,it would not be just to infer1 from what ,i have said1 respecting the readiness with which the boatmen avail themselves of the necessities of persons desirous to leave a ship1 that they are particularly covetous1 or prone to imposition3 we need only look at home1 where we shall find that no mercy is shewn to such unfortunate persons as become the prey of our watermen1 along the whole extent of our coast4 ,see with what hard-hearted1 callous apathy1 the boatman views the distress of the unthinking youth1 who1 either by neglect1 or by accident1 remains on shore after the boats that frequent his own ship1 then under weigh1 have put off6 ,what prayers1 or arguments1 short of those issuing from the purse1 can urge him to relieve the anxiety of him1 whose whole hope1 whose only resource1 lies in that voyage for which every preparation has been made1 and for which expences1 often nearly ruinous to friends and connections1 have been defrayed6 ,i speak not of those who are in a hurry to quit their ships1 before coming to an anchor2 if they will have their way1 they must pay for such intemperate haste2 it is an expence they have the option of avoiding4 ,really1 when we come to a fair computation of the risks attendant upon taking a vessel1 built expressly for accommodation1 and not intended to meet the rude surges of1 what may be called1 an arm of the sea2 that from twelve to eighteen men are engaged2 that much time is lost in waiting arrivals2 that full sixty miles are to be passed over2 and that1 perhaps1 four or five gentlemen1 with all their luggage that may be at hand1 are conveyed2 ,i say1 when all this is considered1 although we certainly1 from habit of having things cheaper in ,india1 may deem even the fifty rupees exorbitant1 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 boatman6 ,whatever may be the rate at which the boat1 supposing it to be a pinnace-budgrow1 is engaged1 no apparatus of any description should be expected2 for none will be found4 ,there will usually be an open veranda in the front1 having three or four steps to descend from the deck thereto2 it being on the same level with the front1 or dining room4 ,the after-room narrows considerably towards the stern2 and1 on account of the vessel's form1 its floor is usually raised one or two steps2 this is the sleeping apartment3 at the stern is a small slip1 serving for a quarter-gallery3 ,the roofs of these boats are usually flat2 and some have side-rails above to prevent luggage1 or those who sleep there1 from falling overboard4 ,the sides are furnished1 for their whole length1 with ,venetian blinds1 in frames which lift up by means of hinges at their tops2 and a long curtain1 made either of tarpaulin1 or of painted1 or of white canvas1 is nailed on the outside2 letting down at pleasure1 to keep out wind1 rain1 dust1 c4 ,the baling-place is ordinarily about the centre of the front room2 that being the deepest part of the boat's bottom4 ,baggage may be put under the deck2 but that part is generally occupied by the dandies1 7or rowers17 if permitted to sleep there2 or perhaps the manjee may think it worth his while to make it a trading voyage and lay in salt1 rice1 c4 to be disposed of to advantage on his arrival at the presidency4 ,from this concise detail it will be seen1 that some penance must be undergone1 even in this kind of boat1 and supposing it to be perfectly fitted up with the above defences against bad weather3 but such will rarely turn out to be the case4 ,the sea-cot is now of singular use2 its hooks being withdrawn from the ship's beams1 and inserted in those of the budgrow4 ,those who had standing bed-places1 must spread their mattresses1 c4 on the floor3 all must sit upon their trunks1 or whatever may be at hand2 and every little article of convenience brought from the ship will become useful4 ,candles1 candle-sticks1 tin-ware1 glasses1 c4 are now invaluable4 ,as to table-cloths1 there being no table1 they may be cheerfully dispensed with2 as may also knives and forks1 there being no plates2 it being probable that curry and rice1 prepared by the boatmen1 will form the bill of fare4 ,those who are fond of savoury dishes1 may1 in this instance1 gratify themselves with a repast in high estimation among the gentlemen of ,india3 viz4 a dandy's curry2 but ,i fear1 that those who have been in the habit of eating made dishes1 at a distance from the culinary operations1 may not altogether relish the manner of preparation1 nor be invariably pleased with the appearance of the cook2 whose habiliments will probably consist of a cloth wrapped round his waist1 then passed between his thighs1 and a small cap1 if the party be a ,mussulman2 if a ,hindu1 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-leaf4 ,herpetic eruptions1 in large patches1 all over the back1 breast and arms1 together with obvious symptoms of a more troublesome cutaneous complaint1 about the fingers1 c4 are by no means rare1 yet never disqualify the scratching sufferer from officiating as cook to the crew6 ,were such trifles to be objectionable1 it might be somewhat difficult to get a dinner dressed4 ,it being utterly impracticable to row a budgrow against the tide1 which ordinarily runs from three to six miles in the hour1 and many difficulties presenting themselves to render it by no means easy to track along the shore1 especially where the mud-banks shelve out a great way1 the manjee will probably come to near some village1 or in some creek1 during the ebb2 and1 as it rarely happens that the first of the flood is taken1 particularly during the night time1 in all probability the best part of three days will be expended between ,kedgeree and ,calcutta4 ,if a few bottles of wine1 a small quantity of biscuit1 a piece of beef1 or of pork1 and a pack of cards1 have been supplied from the ship1 so much the more agreeably will the time be passed2 but ,i cannot forbear from observing1 that intemperance at this time rarely fails to bring on fevers1 such as baffle the art of man4 ,those who heat their blood on first entering the country1 whether by drinking1 or by exposure to the sun1 become subject to diseases of the liver which are too often incurable1 and finally1 though after some years perhaps1 drag their lingering victim to the grave4 ,with respect to bathing1 it is not only insalubrious1 as practised by persons who have not proper apparatus at hand1 but highly dangerous1 on account of the incredible numbers of alligators and sharks1 which infest not only the great river1 but every little creek1 and puddle1 within reach of the tide4 ,the manjee generally endeavors to reach ,culpee1 ,fultah1 or ,diamond ,harbour1 with the first tide3 at either of those places many articles of provision may be had1 and there will be found some persons who can speak a little ,english4 ,these will invariably do all in their power to encourage the purchase of many things of no use whatever1 but which become perquisites to the manjee1 on his passengers quitting the vessel4 ,abundance of poultry may be seen2 but1 with the exception of a curry1 there will no method of dressing them2 unless accidentally some person be on board1 in whatever capacity1 who can trim a fowl1 and roast it4 ,if fish are to be had1 they will come under the same difficulty2 so that1 like ,sancho1 in the midst of plenty1 a man may be next to starving1 if he cannot make up his mind to partake of the dandies' curry4 ,it is proper to caution against eating much fruit1 though it may be perfectly ripe3 unseasonable avidity in this way has proved fatal to many on their arrival4 ,a few bananas will not incommode2 but the cocoa-nut1 however pleasant and refreshing it may be1 should be partaken of very sparingly2 it being extremely apt to affect the bowels1 as is also the jack4 ,those who have never had an opportunity of seeing the fire-fly1 will be agreeably surprized at the millions of those little luminaries1 which at night bespangle every bush3 displaying themselves in the most vivid manner4 ,the hind parts of these insects1 which may be about the size of common house-flies1 are replete with a brilliant substance1 similar to that contained in the glow-worm1 and1 like it1 equally innocent4 ,it is extremely curious1 that1 in many parts of the ocean1 immense shoals of the luminous sea-maggot1 each about the size of a man's finger1 should be seen at nights1 causing the water to assume a phosphoric appearance4 ,in sailing through these living shoals1 abundance may be drawn up in buckets2 while1 at the same time1 innumerable fishes of prey may be heard1 or seen1 rushing among them1 and1 no doubt1 making many a hearty meal4 ,the great distance from all land at which these shoals are to be found1 must cause us to wonder at their origin1 and at their future purposes2 for we can scarcely suppose them to be derived from terrestrial parents2 nor is it very easy to reconcile to ourselves1 that they change into fishes of any kind4 ,it should rather seem that all-bountiful ,providence has created them for the sole purpose of affording sustenance to those fishes1 which1 in consequence of their remaining1 perhaps altogether1 remote from every shore1 would1 but for these larv1 7as we must1 for want of knowing better1 call them17 be unable to subsist4 ,persons arriving from ,europe1 rarely have any but ,british coins2 in the disbursing of which many impositions will be practised4 ,the best mode is to tender the whole1 without delay1 to some of the ,english agency houses1 who will readily pay their full value2 it being often a matter of difficulty to obtain a few guineas for their friends who may be about to embark1 without paying an exorbitant sum to the shroff's1 or native bankers1 who can acquire them only from such persons as import with the ,indiamen1 and are rarely acquainted with their real value4 ,accounts are generally kept in current rupees1 which are considered1 7though in themselves nominal1 there being no such coin17 the standard to which all other denominations of money should be reduced3 this is1 in fact1 the application of one term1 whereby all others are to be appreciated4 ,it is often found useful to have a second column1 in every folio1 wherein to note the corresponding amounts in sicca rupees1 they being in general use4 ,the infinite variety1 both of gold mohurs1 and of rupees1 renders it highly necessary for the young adventurer to be careful1 lest he should receive such as are of inferior value2 a trick extremely common among servants1 as well as shroffs1 sircars1 and shop-keepers2 all of whom will exercise their cunning to obtain the smallest advantage1 and derive peculiar satisfaction from involving the matter in as much confusion as possible4 ,the ,calcutta seer is fixed at eighty sicca rupees weight2 the factors' maund1 of the same place1 amounts to one-tenth less1 on account of its having but seventy-two siccas to its seer4 ,in the upper provinces1 even the neighbouring villages often vary to a great extent2 some seers being only sixty-four pice1 while others are ninety-six2 the pice and the sicca rupee being nearly of a weight4 ,nor is the value of a pice1 which is a copper coin1 less uncertain2 on some days they are at sixty to a rupee1 at other times1 as high as sixty-five or sixty-six2 just as may happen to suit the shroffs1 who1 by this fluctuation1 create a kind of stock-jobbing traffic2 whereby they rob the public as much1 and as often1 as they please2 no one interfering to control this nefarious and unparalleled insolence6 ,the following varieties regarding the guz should be understood2 they being what formerly were in use1 and upon which many details of ancient occurrences and measurements depend4 ,the guz-soudah1 #bd of a finger1 as measured by ,haroon ,resheed from the hand of one of his slaves4 ,this was the basis of the nilometer1 and of the yard for measuring cloths4 ,the guz-me-sahet measured twenty-eight fingers1 and that of ,humaion thirty-two3 the latter was used by order of ,sheer ,khan1 and ,selim ,khan1 for the measurement of cultivated lands4 ,akber also allowed a guz of forty-six fingers to be used for cloth only1 and one measuring forty-two isecunderees1 7small coins of base silver17 to be used for other purposes4 ,this is called the secundry-guz4 ,a coss is generally accepted at two ,english miles1 and will1 for the most part1 be found to come within a mere trifle of that measurement4 ,in some places1 they reckon by the puckah1 or long coss2 in others1 by the ghow-coss1 which alludes to that distance the lowing of cattle may be heard3 this is also called the cutcha-coss2 meaning imperfect1 or short4 ,the fact is1 that the length of a coss is perfectly undefined by any proper standard1 or explanation4 ,what else1 indeed1 can be expected in a country where there are neither public roads1 nor inns1 public conveyances1 nor even mile stones1 or directing posts1 on the most practised routes4 ,among other salutary and useful1 but unfortunately temporary1 regulations1 the ,emperor ,akber fixed the coss at #ejjj guz1 equal to #dgeg yards1 or two miles1 five furlongs1 of our standard4 ,shah ,jehan afterwards encreased it1 by the addition of one furlong2 but both their measurements gradually fell into disuse1 and the old nominal coss of ,hindostan again came into vogue4 ,including all the variations1 however1 in what are called puckah-cosses there appear less anomalies than might be expected in a range of #agjj miles1 throughout which no determinate law1 on that subject1 obtains4 ,computing by horizontal measurements1 between places whose distances are accurately known1 it appears that the coss may be taken at a mile and nine-tenths3 in this1 one mile in seven is thrown into the computation1 to account against the winding of roads4 ,in the ,malwa country1 the cosses are about an eighth longer than in the ,company's dominions towards that quarter2 while1 in the vicinity of ,masulipatam they are in the same proportion shorter4 ,the goondy coss of the ,nagpore district1 is about three miles4 ,perhaps the most absurd mode of ascertaining the length of a coss1 which1 by the by1 must be a very short one1 and1 according to the statement of ,abu ,fazil1 was practised among the ,hindus1 depended on #8,one thousand steps taken by a woman bearing a child' 7of what age is not specified7 #8in her arms1 and a jar of water'1 7also indefinite as to bulk17 #8on her head6' ,again1 #8the distance a man could go1 at a quick pace1 without being out of breath'1 was accounted a coss6 ,others determined that measurement by #8plucking a green leaf1 and bearing it on their heads until it became dry6' ,the most rational1 and simple mode of adjustment1 appears to be that ordered by ,sheer ,khan1 viz4 sixty jereebs of sixty guz each4 ,this would be about #cejj yards2 being only twenty less than two statute miles4 ,whenever the emperor marched with his armies1 persons were appointed to measure his route1 by means of bamboos cut to the length of twelve and a half ilahi-guz2 four hundred bamboos being accounted a coss2 which1 as already specified1 amounted to two miles and five furlongs4 ,the land-measure in use among the ,europeans of ,calcutta1 is thus arranged4 #bj feet by #bj1 equal to #djj square feet make #a cottah1 #bj cottahs #a beegah or bigah ,the natives are more particular in their divisions of the beegah1 they average its parts in the following manner4 #cj square feet make #a chattack1 #af chattacks #a cottah or biswah1 #bj cottahs1 or biswahs1 7i4e4 twentieths7 #a beegah or bigah4 ,among the peasantry1 other beegahs are in use1 viz4 one which has an area of #cfjj ilahi-guz1 equal to #cjbe square yards2 but1 in general1 the dessy-bigah of only #afjj square yards1 prevails4 ,this ilahi-guz is divided into twenty-four tesuj1 each of which1 in the long guz should be equal to the breadth of eight ordinary barley corns2 but in the short guz1 only of six4 ,the former was used in great works2 the latter in small ones1 such as manufactures1 c4 ,all goods being landed under the inspection of custom-house officers1 the passenger will have little opportunity of interfering in regard to his baggage1 or merchandize4 ,nor should ,i recommend his attempting1 personally1 to transact any business before he may have delivered his letters of credit1 or of introduction4 ,that should be his first step2 both because it will be the means of managing all his concerns with facility1 and1 probably1 of being comfortably situated1 without having occasion to resort to a tavern4 ,here ,i deem it an indispensable duty1 to warn the young adventurer not to dissipate his money1 ruin his health1 and injure his reputation1 by frequenting taverns4 ,in ,england1 where persons who do not keep house must occasionally sit down to a meal in public1 custom has not only connived at1 but sanctioned1 the resort to coffee-houses1 c4 ,with us1 these afford convenience to thousands1 who could never provide so comfortably at home1 at the same expence4 ,the coffee-houses in ,europe may likewise be considered as the rendezvous of persons in the same line of business1 and offering the opportunity for adjusting a thousand matters1 which1 either owing to remote residence1 or to the pressure of other concerns1 could not else be brought to immediate conclusion4 ,the taverns in ,india are upon a very different plan3 they are either of the first rate1 at which public dinners are occasionally given2 or they are of that mean description which receive all who have a rupee to spend1 under the determination of extracting that rupee1 in some shape or other4 ,the former class is very confined in numbers1 but the latter are abundantly numerous1 and may be readily distinguished by the promiscuous company1 the shabbiness of the treatment1 and the excess of imposition practised1 especially on novices4 ,it is extremely easy to avoid the necessity for running into the mouths of these leviathans3 all that is requisite1 being merely to call at the first office1 or shop1 and to enquire for the residence of the gentleman to whom the letter of introduction may be addressed4 ,no ceremony should be used in explaining the circumstances1 and in soliciting the aid of a servant to lead the way4 ,i never yet heard of a want of civility on such occasions4 ,in speaking thus confidently regarding a letter of introduction1 ,i am pre-supposing1 that the case alludes to a person not appointed to the service of the ,company3 for ,i cannot conceive what could induce any man of respectability to visit ,india1 without some substantial recommendation1 or1 indeed1 unless under some agreement1 or sufficient assurance of being employed in such manner as might tend to certain advantage4 ,nothing can be more forlorn than the situation of a mere adventurer1 on his arrival in ,india6 ,with money in his pocket1 he may assuredly subsist2 but1 without some friend to introduce him into society1 he may remain for years without being noticed2 for1 throughout the ,east1 and especially at the several presidencies1 he who knows nobody1 him will nobody know6 ,residence at a tavern1 is1 in itself1 a perfect disqualification among persons of repute2 as implying either an addiction to liquor1 or a predilection for low company4 ,in saying this1 ,i must not be understood as denying1 that some worthy characters have been rescued from perpetual degradation1 by accidental intercourse with persons of peculiar sensibility3 but such nice feelings1 and that unqualified liberality1 which may have been occasionally discovered in a few individuals1 are rarely united2 and1 when they are1 it too often happens that the power to render them effectively beneficial is altogether wanting4 ,a man may be thoroughly convinced of the worthiness of his proteg1 but it will not always follow that society will join him in opinion4 ,in considering the state of society in ,india1 this will be evident3 its being strongly inculcated will prove serviceable to many1 who may have mis-conceived the subject in general3 or who may have been led1 by a too sanguine disposition1 to deem the whole toil1 risk1 and solicitude as being over1 so soon as their feet can rest on the terra firma of ,hindostan4 ,the ordinary mode in which an ,european is attacked1 on his first arrival at ,calcutta1 is by the tender of a bearer1 carrying a large umbrella1 to shelter master from the sun1 or rain4 ,there is something about a stranger1 in that quarter1 which instantly announces him to all the predatory tribe1 who wait at the wharfs in expectation of living booty3 but1 if such were not the case1 his total ignorance of the language would be sufficient to determine their conduct4 ,the bearer1 who is in league with that numerous horde of miscreants called sircars1 abounding1 not only at ,calcutta1 but throughout the lower provinces1 speedily conveys the hint to his associates1 when a smooth-faced chap1 who speaks ,english well enough to be understood1 and who comprehends more than he will acknowledge1 advances1 and making a respectful obeisance1 called a salaam1 by bending his head downwards1 and placing the palm of his right hand to his forehead1 makes an offer of his services to the stray ,briton4 ,however prepared a youth may be1 by all the cautious injunctions of friends1 and by the detail of knaveries practised by such characters1 still it is by no means easy to avoid the snare6 ,when we reflect on the anxiety inseparably attendant upon arrival in a country where every thing is new1 every thing strange1 and where1 in case of disappointment1 all must be misery2 it should not surprize us to find so much dependence placed on those who cheer the novice1 by speaking to him in his native tongue4 ,but1 admitting the folly of confiding in any stranger1 how is the case to be ameliorated8 ,ignorant of the language1 as well as of the customs2 totally unacquainted with any soul on the spot2 and eager to obtain a shelter from the oppressive heats2 what is the poor adventurer to do8 ,he cannot remain in the boat6 ,he cannot take root1 and vegetate1 at the water side6 ,nor can he perambulate the public roads1 until fatigue shall sink him to the dust1 or some benevolent1 and inspired ,european may1 on perceiving his distress1 offer him an asylum6 ,what then is to be done8--,why1 the sircar must lead him to some paltry tavern1 in which he either is interested1 or from whose keeper he receives a douceur for introducing the guest4 ,in the mean time1 his baggage1 with the exception of such minuti as may adhere to the fingers of the boat-men1 or of those who have the handling of them on shore1 will follow1 and there will be no want of attention to immediate accommodation4 ,the tavern-keeper1 under the plausible pretext of aiding towards the completion of the youth's wishes1 never fails to enquire whether the gentleman has any friends in town8 or even in the country8 ,if affirmatively answered1 #8mine host' feels himself tolerably secure of his money3 but will probably assert1 that the friend in town is out of the way1 and will not be back for some days3 should the gentleman be totally destitute of friends1 then comes the rich harvest4 ,imposition following imposition1 swell the bill2 which1 if appearances warrant forbearance1 is kept back as long as possible1 under the pleasing assurance of perfect confidence3 but1 in the end1 a catalogue of items is produced1 which never fails to alarm1 if not to ruin1 the unsuspecting victim6 ,if1 unhappily1 the guest should so far lower himself as to associate with the ordinary company of the common drinking-room1 he is irretrievably gone4 ,quarrels1 riots1 and inebriety1 must follow2 in all probability rendering him subject to the notice of the police4 ,should his face ever be seen at that office1 it would be next to impossible that he should be admitted into any respectable circle4 ,what with lodging1 dinners1 wines1 c4 of the worst description1 but all rated at the highest prices1 he must be a fortunate wight who escapes under a gold mohur 7i4e4 two guineas7 per day3 in general1 double that sum is charged2 so that a person starts at the rate of #ajjj4 per annum1 at least2 while1 in all probability no established1 or even apparent1 provision exists1 whereby he may be maintained4 ,if we add the allurements held out by the sable beauties1 who will contrive means to retail their charms so long as they think money is to be had1 we shall find no trifling expence incurred4 ,this latter part of the ceremony is usually performed by some fellow who can speak ,english1 and thoroughly understands whatever relates to the interest of the concern2 which1 among other things1 includes thieving1 lying1 cheating1 pimping1 c4 ,this first essay is ordinarily made by describing the elegance of the native women1 and their great perfection as singers1 and dancers2 and rarely fails1 especially with youths under such circumstances1 to excite something more than curiosity4 ,the dancing-girls are introduced1 and consequences follow1 over which ,i shall draw the veil2 simply observing1 that nothing can be more dangerous than this irregular indulgence2 it never failing1 first to drain the purse1 and1 in a few days1 or weeks1 the constitution also4 ,those servants who usually ply at the wharfs1 and endeavor to obtain employment1 either among the officers of ships1 or among persons fresh from ,europe1 for the most part speak broken ,english with sufficient fluency3 this renders them particularly serviceable to both those classes1 by enabling them to provide1 and to act1 when1 without such assistance1 they would be in distress1 and at a stand4 ,it is a very general custom among the ,mussulmans of low condition1 to give such of their male children as are born during their ,lent1 7or ,ramzaun17 the name of ,ramzauny3 meaning #8born during the ,ramzaun4' ,there being so many thus designated1 renders the name extremely common2 and1 as an infinity of rogueries have been practised by persons so called1 it has rather got into disgrace4 ,hence1 the adventurers above described are1 by a slight1 but ludicrous corruption1 termed ,rum-,johnnies4 ,that a servant thus enabled to act as the medium of intercourse1 must prove on many occasions highly convenient1 may be confessed2 but1 like a double-edged sword1 he may operate either way1 as to himself may appear expedient2 and while pretending to serve1 may be pillaging his employer4 ,it is to be lamented1 that the stranger has no immediate resource2 and1 in case of injury1 little redress4 ,the mischief is not owing to any deficiency in the police1 but arises from that invariable precaution with which ,rum-,johnnies carry on their manuvres3 they never fail to have a third person in the way1 who is to disappear with the purloined articles1 and to bear all the blame2 while the principal affects great resentment at the villain's audacity1 and sorrow for master's loss4 ,this is often so dexterously managed as to occasion serious quarrels1 when friends1 who see through the deception1 endeavor to convince the infatuated party1 that his confidential menial is at the bottom of the roguery4 ,the disreputable circumstance of having a thief at his elbow1 does not sit very easy on the stranger's mind3 deriving so much convenience from ,rum-,johnny's aid1 and1 having only the fair side of the knave's conduct in view1 he is unwilling to give credit to what appears a gross misrepresentation1 founded on prejudice4 ,by this means1 he sinks deeper into the mire1 and renders it dangerous for his well-wisher to attempt his extrication4 ,i recollect an instance of a young gentleman's joining a regiment1 about a hundred miles up the country1 who had among his servants a khedmutgar1 7or table-attendant17 of whom ,i never could get a sight4 ,the fellow was always sick1 or busy2 or some excuse was invariably made4 ,at length1 one of my own domestics informed me1 that he was a ,rum-,johnny who had been discharged from my service1 in which he held the office of mosaulchy1 7or link-boy17 for theft4 ,i found out1 that he had been employed in the barracks at ,fort-,william1 where he picked up a little ,english1 and had fastened upon the gentleman1 no doubt with the intention to avail himself of the first good prize wherewith to decamp4 ,finding1 to his great discomfiture1 that ,i had been removed to that station1 where he found me1 the scoundrel kept aloof1 under the hope of carrying his project into execution4 ,strange to say1 it was with extreme difficulty ,i could convince my young friend that he was the dupe of a downright thief2 who1 if ,i had not been improperly lenient1 would have had the certificate of his crime noted on his back1 by the drummers of the regiment6 ,to state the evil1 without pointing out the remedy1 would be next to useless3 but1 when ,i suggest the means of avoiding those difficulties1 or any portion of them1 attendant on arrival in a foreign land1 it must be understood1 that ,i consider the stranger to be possessed of pecuniary means3 that is1 that he can pay his way4 ,without this1 he can do nothing2 and must undergo all the afflictions and miseries attendant upon despised poverty1 in every part of the globe4 ,it may be proper to point out in this place1 that what might here appear to be liberal calculations1 will not suit the ,east2 where every article of ,european manufacture bears so enormous a price1 where house-rent is so expensive1 and where it is indispensably necessary to retain so many servants4 ,the first thing to be done1 7setting a letter of recommendation out of the question17 should be to report arrival at the secretary's office1 depositing the certificate of the ,court of ,directors' licence to proceed to ,india2 without which1 the party is treated as an alien1 and scarcely considered entitled to ,british protection4 ,this does not arise from ill-will on the part of government1 or of the inhabitants2 but from that strict attention the politics of the country imperiously demand to be paid to the several characters1 and descriptions1 of persons residing within our territory4 ,the above relates equally to all persons in the civil or military branches2 the certificate granted at the ,india ,house must be produced1 in order to identify the party2 but if it should have been lost1 he himself1 together with the commander who received the order to take him on board1 must attend1 to make affadavit to that effect1 before the appointment can be admitted upon the registers in ,india4 ,such as appertain to the civil service1 being always strongly recommended and often finding many old acquaintances of their families on the spot1 require but little advice2 nor does the cadet stand much in need of instruction1 as to the manner in which he should provide himself with a home4 ,all he has to do is to wait upon the town-major1 at his office in ,fort-,william1 when he will receive the necessary order for his admission into the ,cadet ,corps1 at ,baraset1 about sixteen miles from ,calcutta4 ,he who has not these advantages1 must do the best his circumstances may afford2 he will find temperance to be not only cheap1 but indispensable2 for1 if he should act so indiscreetly at the outset as to injure his health1 a thousand privations1 and a certain encrease of difficulties1 must follow4 ,the first point must necessarily be to get under cover4 ,this will not be found so easy1 as those who have never quitted ,england may suppose4 ,it will be after much research1 that a small house will be had1 and then only the bare walls2 for no such thing is known in ,india as a furnished house to be let2 and lodgings are1 if possible1 still more out of the question4 ,fortunately1 there are1 among the ,european shop-keepers in ,calcutta1 some most respectable characters2 men distinguished for their urbanity1 philanthropy1 and generosity4 ,application should be instantly made to one of these firms1 for aid1 and advice4 ,the case should be candidly stated2 and1 in order to insure confidence1 a deposit of money should be made1 either with them1 or at one of the ,banks4 ,the consequences will be1 that1 in a few hours1 some small tenement will be obtained1 either on hire1 or granted as a temporary accommodation1 and the whole of the articles really necessary will be provided1 at some one or other of the auctions which daily take place within the central parts of the town4 ,the appointment of proper servants will be a matter of importance2 but1 under the auspices of any old resident1 by no means difficult2 such will be not simply the most expeditious1 but the safest1 way of proceeding2 since those who recommend will1 in all probability1 be expected1 according to the custom of the place1 to become sureties for the honesty of all persons hired through their means4 ,one servant who can speak ,english1 or at least1 an underling sircar1 deputed from the warehouse1 will prove a very agreeable resource1 on all occasions of difficulty2 but ,i cannot too forcibly inculcate the good policy1 or rather the absolute necessity1 of immediately studying the language3 till that is acquired1 to such an extent as may remove the necessity for an interpreter on ordinary occasions1 no person can be deemed independent2 far less1 capable of acting in any civil1 military1 or commercial capacity1 with effect4 ,strange to say ,i have known gentlemen to be resident from ten1 to thirty1 years in ,india1 without being able to summon resolution to acquire sufficient of the ,hindui language even to take their accounts6 ,with such the sircar was every thing4 ,the consequences were1 invariably1 that he was rich1 and master ever in distress6 ,without pretending to make a very accurate estimate1 ,i shall attempt to give an outline of those expences to which every person keeping house1 though in the most retired manner1 and on the most economical plan1 must be subjected4 ,in doing this1 ,i consider the instructions given for the outfit to have been duly attended to2 and1 that wearing apparel1 plate1 bedding1 blankets1 sheets1 and pillow cases1 have been provided4 ,if they have not1 the whole of those articles may be rated at from fifty to a hundred per cent4 more than they would cost in ,england4 ,the following brief catalogue will be found to contain only those conveniences which are indispensable4 ,rupees4 ,one dozen of chairs2 say at four rupees each #dh ,one dining table for six1 say #be ,two tepoys 7tripods7 #c each #g ,one writing-table1 with drawers #be ,one bedstead of #f feet #d in4 by #d feet #f in4 #cj ,curtains to ditto2 those for the exterior of chintz #bj ,inside ditto1 of gauze1 to keep out musquitoes #aj ,bookcase upon chest of drawers #ajj ,china and glass-ware1 say #ajj ,shades to put over candles1 one pair1 say #dj 7,those with wooden pedestals to be preferred47 ,a chillumchee 7or metal bason7 for washing hands1 with its #be tripod1 c4 ,a palanquin and bedding #ajj ,table cloths and towels #ej ,one large1 and one small1 satringe 7cotton carpet7 #be and #aj #ce ,various culinary articles1 say #dj ,a variety of small articles in cutlery1 c4 say #de ------ ,making in all1 on a rough estimate #gjj ------ ,in this ,i have not included a horse1 because it is not every body who keeps one1 nor is it peremptorily needful2 but1 both as a convenience1 and as tending to health1 ,i recommend that a cheap1 safe1 and quiet poney be provided3 numbers are sold every week1 at all prices2 but ,i should think that1 including the saddle and bridle1 from #bej to #cjj rupees1 would be going far enough3 say the whole expence should be #ajjj sicca rupees1 or #abe2 which will1 ,i apprehend1 be as little as any person can expend1 so as to be either creditable or comfortable4 ,the necessary stock of wines1 spirits1 wax-candles1 sauces1 sugar-candy1 tea1 coffee1 salt-petre1 and a number of lesser items1 would require full #fjj rupees more2 under the supposition that a year's stock were laid in4 ,at that rate we may compute #bjj4 to be necessary to establish a gentleman at his residence1 supposing it to be fixed4 ,travelling makes quite another concern1 and will be found to encrease the disbursements considerably4 ,a comparison with the prices of those articles we1 in ,europe1 consider to be requisite for the furniture of two or three rooms1 will shew that ,calcutta is by no means a favourable market for the purchase1 either of furniture1 or of wines1 cattle1 c42 and should at once satisfy every free-mariner1 free-merchant1 c4 proceeding to ,india on speculation1 that he must be provided with at least six hundred pounds to answer the demands of his outset1 including house rent1 which cannot well be taken at less than #aej4 per annum2 his servants will amount to about as much more2 and his table expences1 pocket-money1 c41 on the most moderate scale1 will demand one hundred1 after laying in his stock of wines1 tea1 c4 ,so that1 in all1 we may think he does very well on the #fjj4 ,if1 indeed1 he should be so fortunate as to make numerous respectable acquaintances1 at whose tables he may frequently become a guest1 a considerable portion of the expences1 stated at #ajj4 may1 perhaps1 be retrenched2 but such good fortune does not happen to all2 and1 when it does1 rarely comes at once2 it requires some time to gain that footing which may relieve the pressure of table charges2 and when that footing has been gained1 it may not be attended with more than common civility1 without the smallest prospect of being served4 ,i say thus much with the view to correct an opinion known to prevail1 that it is easy to get into society in ,india2 and that then a gentleman may put his hands in his pockets1 while his friends forward him rapidly4 ,such1 assuredly1 was the case in days of yore2 but1 within the last twenty years1 there have been so many retrenchments in all the public offices1 so many young men have gone to ,india with the hope of being engaged in merchants' houses1 and so many have failed in those prospects1 that ,i should omit a very important branch of that duty ,i have imposed on myself1 in offering my advice to those who are about to proceed to ,india1 were ,i to encourage the idea of such supposed facilities being realized4 ,it should never be forgotten1 that all persons who are ignorant of the language spoken in common1 namely1 the ,hindui1 7vulgarly called the ,moors'17 are incompetent to any duty1 beyond what may relate to making out copies of accounts-current1 and registering correspondence3 even these demand some local knowledge1 to be performed with correctness4 ,this consideration will lead to the conviction1 that full one year must be provided for before any employment1 on which dependance can be placed for a livelihood1 and affording the prospect of future rise1 should be expected4 ,of such importance does this appear1 that1 were ,i to advice any young friend1 about to proceed to ,india1 as to the manner in which he should pass his first year1 it would be nearly in the following terms3 #8,rise at daybreak1 and ride gently for one hour in the hot season1 and two hours in the cold season2 make a moderate breakfast1 avoiding melted butter1 salt meats1 salt fish1 sweetmeats1 c41 good tea or coffee being assuredly the most wholesome2 study the language for an hour2 attend some office gratuitously1 with the view to become acquainted with the accounts1 price-currents1 markets1 provisions1 commodities1 c42 about two o'clock retire to rest2 about an hour before sun-set bathe1 by means of three or four large pots of water poured over the head2 put on clean linen1 and dine moderately upon plain viands1 taking care never to exceed four or five glasses of the best ,madeira2 proceed for two hours with studying the language1 and1 after taking a cup or two of tea1 or of coffee1 or a crust of bread and a glass of ,madeira1 go to bed1 avoiding to sleep in a strong current of air4' ,possibly1 it may be urged1 that a person intent on learning the ,hindui1 so as to be competent to transact business in the course of twelve months1 would not attain that object by three hours only of daily assiduity4 ,i am1 however1 completely satisfied1 that such a portion of time1 appropriated under the guidance of an intelligent linguist1 may enable the student to make a wonderful progress2 especially when combined with the resolution to enter as much as possible into familiar colloquy in that language4 ,an old friend1 long since gone to #8kingdom come1' began the study of ,persian at rather an advanced age2 which caused many to rally him on the new turn he had taken4 ,he1 however1 persevered1 and1 in the course of two years1 made himself more than commonly proficient4 ,the explanation he gave1 regarding the plan he had laid down1 was such as convinced me1 that any person1 with a tolerable memory1 may1 in a moderate time1 acquire any regular language4 ,his mode was1 for the first month never to retire to bed until he had learned twenty words perfectly by heart1 so as to explain them with promptitude1 however catechized3 after that first month1 he was master of no less than six hundred words4 ,during the next month1 finding that former acquirements greatly facilitated his progress1 he made a point of gaining twenty-five words daily2 therefore that month gave him seven hundred and fifty words2 which1 added to the six hundred of the preceding1 made a total of thirteen hundred and fifty4 ,in this way he added five words every month1 until he found1 that1 by aid of derivations and compounds1 he was well grounded in the language4 ,his computation was1 that1 as few languages contain more than forty thousand words in common use1 when ever he should be able to learn fifty words daily1 he might1 to use his own terms1 #8make the language fall before him in two years4' ,this is an arithmetical demonstration of the powers annexed to persevering regularity1 and ought to induce every youth1 for that is the season for acquirements1 to adopt such a system as should insure the great object in view4 ,so steady a mode of carrying on a pursuit1 cannot1 however1 be expected in young folks1 many of whom have just escaped from the trammels of parental vigilance2 and who1 having passed so many years at their studies1 rarely feel much disposition to prolong academic labors2 while1 at the same time1 the pleasures of society are open to their participation4 ,still1 ,i feel a hope that this volume may prove intrinsically beneficial to a large portion1 by pointing out the means whereby preferment may be obtained1 and by shewing with what facility the foundation may be laid for a most superb superstructure4 ,the number of servants1 and the amount of their wages1 forming so conspicuous an item in domestic economy1 cannot fail to attract the attention1 not only of persons proceeding to ,india1 but of their parents1 and friends1 who often express much surprize at the apparent extravagance of the young debutants in this particular4 ,such notions of improper indulgence in retinue1 though perfectly natural1 as resulting from long habits1 and the little necessity felt among us in ,europe1 for keeping many servants1 even in large families1 by no means find a sanction when transplanted beyond the narrow limits of our own island4 ,in many parts of ,europe1 custom has rendered permanent various practices which1 no doubt1 had their origin in the purest motives1 and did not1 in the first instance1 appear likely to serve as the basis of future excesses and encroachments4 ,thus we find that1 in ,spain1 no old servant is ever discharged by any person of rank2 in such families the domestics of deceased parents are invariably retained4 ,the obvious consequence is1 that a young man1 on coming to his title1 often finds himself burthened with some scores of the aged1 and of the idle2 to discharge any of which would be not only disgraceful1 but deemed illegal2 they being considered as heirlooms1 by the rejection of which1 the rest of the inheritance would be virtually forfeited4 ,here we see an excellent1 and meritorious act1 converted into a nuisance1 that proves highly injurious1 both to the interests of the successor1 and to the morals of the pensioners4 ,but who shall lead the way to break through so formidable a phalanx6 ,the multiplicity of menials employed in the houses of ,european gentlemen in ,bengal1 results from a cause very different from that above described3 it is founded on the tenets of religion1 especially among the ,hindus2 and is by no means likely to be abrogated within our time4 ,what may be effected by a relaxation of their present rigid principles1 and by the further extention of our customs1 cannot be foretold4 ,our situation has ever been critical2 now is more so than ever2 and we may be deprived of the opportunity of judging what would have resulted from the silent operations of succeeding ages1 by some sudden burst of revolt1 occasioned by the intrigues of petty rajahs within our own territory2 fomented by the animosity of the native powers on our frontier1 and by the intrigues of ,french emissaries4 ,it being my intention to treat separately of the religious tenets1 and institutions1 both of the ,mussulmans and of the ,hindus1 little need be said in this place1 further than1 that1 owing to the division of the latter into sects1 called by us casts1 which render the occupations of all perfectly distinct1 a necessity exists for hiring such of each cast as may attend to those duties they undertake1 without becoming subjected to the animadversions of their priesthood1 or to those penalties attendant upon even the most trifling deviation from the marked path4 ,add to this1 that the climate arbitrarily imposes the necessity for retaining some classes of servants1 unknown in ,england2 or1 at least1 supposed to be exclusively attached to the convenience of ladies1 and of sick persons4 ,when all matters are considered1 it will be found1 that that host of domestics appertaining to the establishment of a gentleman in ,bengal1 proves1 in the aggregate1 little1 if at all1 more expensive than the ordinary number retained by families of respectability in most parts of ,england4 ,what with wages1 liveries1 lodging1 board1 washing1 waste1 negligence1 and1 ,i am sorry to say1 pilfering1 we shall find the one man servant1 and the two maids1 fully a match1 in point of expence1 with the whole body of those in the pay of one of our countrymen abroad4 ,a gentleman in this country never can guess at the ultimate of his disbursements1 where his domestics are concerned either in the appropriation1 or in the expenditure3 in ,bengal1 c4 the uttermost farthing is known2 each servant receiving a certain sum monthly1 in consideration of which he is in attendance during the whole day1 finds his own cloaths1 provides his own victuals1 and pays for whatever cabin he may build or occupy4 ,as to purloining victuals1 there is little danger2 for1 with the exception of some of the lower casts1 which are held in a state of utter abomination1 no native of ,india1 by which ,i mean either ,mussulman or ,hindu1 will so much as touch those viands which an ,european has partaken3 or which have been served up to his table4 ,in this ,i must be understood to speak generally1 and without any reference to those few deviations that have at times been discovered2 being sensible1 that some instances could be adduced of servants1 particularly ,mahomedans1 having so far trespassed against the doctrines of their religion1 as absolutely to eat of ham1 and other viands1 in secret4 ,such anomalies must be abstracted from my main position2 which is well known1 by all who have resided in ,india1 to be perfectly correct4 ,so strict are all the casts1 however much the one may be below the other in a religious point of view1 regarding the preservation of that conspicuous distinction laid down by their sacred code1 that1 notwithstanding they may worship the same deities1 under the same forms1 and with the same ceremonies1 yet will they not allow of participation at meals2 nor even of contact1 at such moments4 ,the stranger will1 no doubt1 be greatly surprized on his arrival1 to see during the evenings1 about sun-set1 each individual1 or1 perhaps1 here and there1 two or three1 if of the same cast1 squatting on the bare ground1 within a small space levelled for the purpose1 of which the limits are marked out by the line of dust1 or rubbish1 moved from the centre towards the exterior4 ,in such an area1 each man1 or woman1 cooks and afterwards eats1 the principal meal of the day4 ,in fair weather1 these areas are made under the canopy of heaven2 but during the rainy season1 and perhaps in winter time1 they are made within the huts of the persons respectively4 ,so extremely scrupulous are the natives1 in respect to the preparation of their victuals1 and to their consumption1 that1 if any person not of the very same cast1 with the reservation of the brahmans1 or priests1 were to touch their bodies1 or their cloaths1 or any one article within the area1 or even the surface of the area itself1 the whole meal1 together with any earthen ware1 standing within the circumvallation1 7if it may be so called17 would be instantly thrown away1 as being polluted4 ,nay1 whatever portion might be in the mouth1 must be ejected2 and the party be obliged to perform an ablution1 before he could attempt to resume his culinary labors1 or to join in society with his compeers4 ,nor will either a ,mussulman1 or a ,hindu1 drink water out of any vessel touched1 while in a state of repletion1 by a person of inferior cast1 or by an ,european4 ,earthen ware of every kind1 though new1 or empty1 becomes defiled by such contact1 so as to be utterly useless to the proprietor4 ,knowing such to be the case1 it must be both cruel1 and impolitic1 to trespass on a prejudice in itself perfectly innocent1 and by no means interfering with the rights1 or the convenience1 of others4 ,it is true1 the patient ,hindu1 even while suffering under those privations attendant upon the destruction1 or at least the disqualification1 of his meal1 will rarely proceed to extremity against any ,european1 who may occasion such an inconvenience and loss3 because1 under a supposition of the trespasser's ignorance1 he1 in his mind1 finds an excuse for1 and pardons1 what he mildly terms #8the accident4' ,but1 should any native offend in a similar manner1 a war of words would exhibit the irritation of the ,hindu's mind6 ,nor would he be passive were one of his countrymen to step over him while asleep2 that being considered not only indelicate1 but productive of serious mischiefs2 inducing the visitations of evil spirits1 thereby causing disease1 and1 at no very remote period1 death4 ,this strange infatuation must appear perfectly ridiculous in any civilized being1 but especially among a race of people who are1 one and all1 predestinarians4 ,the ,european should be careful not to stride over any of his domestics who may occasionally lay down in the veranda1 c4 of his house3 such an act on the part of an unbeliever1 7applying the term to ourselves17 being considered doubly laden with mischief4 ,the servants1 whether of ,europeans1 or of natives of consequence1 are divided into two classes4 ,the first class1 which is known by the designation of nokeron1 7plural of noker17 includes such as1 either from the important1 or confidential1 offices they hold1 are1 in general estimation1 judged exempt from all menial duties4 ,they are as follow4 ,the ,banian1 or money agent4 ,the ,darogah1 or ,gomastah1 or factor1 or superintendant4 ,the ,moonshy1 or linguist4 ,the ,jemmadar1 or chief of the retinue4 ,the ,chobe-dar1 or silver-pole bearer4 ,the ,soontah-burdar1 or silver-baton bearer4 ,the ,kansamah1 or chief table-attendant4 ,the ,sircar1 or immediate agent for receipts and payments1 and cash keeper4 ,the ,cranny1 or clerk1 or writer in the office4 ,the second class comprises the ,chaukeron1 7plural of ,chauker74 ,the ,khedmutgar1 or table-attendant4 ,the ,mosaulchy1 or flambeau bearer4 ,the ,hookah-burdar1 or preparer of the hookah1 7pipe74 ,the ,bheesty1 or water carrier4 ,the ,babachy1 or cook4 ,the ,durzy1 or tailor4 ,the ,doby1 or washerman4 ,the ,mohote or ,mohout1 or elephant driver1 who has always one or more ,coolies1 called mates1 to assist4 ,the ,surwan1 or camel driver4 ,the ,syce1 or groom4 ,the ,gaus-kot1 or grass cutter1 dependant on the former4 ,the ,chaubuck-asswar1 or horse breaker4 ,the ,mauly1 or gardener4 ,the ,aub-dar1 or water cooler4 ,the ,compadore1 or purveyor1 under the kansamah4 ,the ,hirkarah1 or messenger4 ,the ,piada1 7or ,peon17 nearly the same as the hirkarah4 ,the ,hajaam1 or ,nye1 or ,nappy1 i4e4 barber4 ,the ,duftoree1 or office-keeper4 ,the ,fraush1 or furniture keeper4 ,the ,mater1 or sweeper2 a female for the same duties being termed matranny4 ,the ,dooreah1 or dog keeper4 ,the ,kalashy1 or camp-equipage keeper4 ,the ,berriarah1 or shepherd4 ,the ,chokeydar1 or watchman4 ,the ,durwan1 or gate-keeper1 or porter4 ,the ,cahar1 or palanquin bearer4 ,the ,coachman1 or postilion4 ,the ,ayah1 a female attendant in charge of children4 ,the ,dhye1 a ditto attendant on a lady4 ,such is the superiority claimed by the nokers1 that1 to ask one of them #8whose chauker he is8' would be considered a gross insult3 the inferior class are1 on the other hand1 very ready to assume the former designation2 holding it to be far more respectable in the eyes of their countrymen2 who comprehend1 and value1 that distinction1 which1 among ,europeans1 is little attended to2 far the greater portion being1 indeed1 absolutely ignorant of any reputed difference4 ,the ,banians being1 without doubt1 the first in fortune1 as well as in rank1 claim priority of description4 ,these are1 invariably1 ,hindus1 possessing in general very large property1 with most extensive credit1 and influence4 ,so much is this the case1 that ,calcutta was1 some twenty years ago1 absolutely under the control of about twenty or thirty banians1 who managed every concern1 in which they could find means to make a profit4 ,it is inconceivable what property was in their hands2 they were the ostensible agents in every line of business1 placing their dependants in the several departments over which themselves had obtained dominion4 ,was a contract to be made with government1 by any gentleman not in the ,company's service2 these became the securities1 under the condition of receiving a centage1 and of appointing their friends to such duties as might control the principal1 and save themselves from loss4 ,when a person in the service of the ,company1 was desirous of deriving benefit from some contract1 in the disposal of which he had a vote1 and which1 consequently1 he could not obtain in his own name2 then1 the banian became the principal1 and the donor either received a share1 or derived advantage from loans1 c4 answering his purpose equally well4 ,the same person frequently was banian to several ,european gentlemen2 all of whose concerns were1 of course1 accurately known to him1 and thus became the subject of conversation at those meetings the banians of ,calcutta invariably held1 and do yet hold1 after the active business of the day has been adjusted4 ,it cannot1 however1 be denied1 that many speculations have been carried on by the aid of banians1 which1 but for the strength of their resources1 could never have been attempted4 ,we owe our present extended trade in the fabrics of ,dacca1 c4 in the sugar of the western and northern districts1 in indigo throughout the country1 and numerous other branches of commerce1 to the support given by this class to such gentlemen as appeared to them likely to succeed4 ,it has ever been a maxim among them1 never to back an unfortunate man2 their opinion being1 that misfortunes in trade ordinarily arise from want of management3 if their own prosperity may be adduced in support of that sentiment1 it will be found strongly to exhibit their policy of combining with those who have not1 on any occasion1 embarked on a rotten bottom4 ,a banian invariably rides in his palanquin1 attended by several underling sircars1 hirkarahs1 c4 ,he1 to a certain degree1 rules the office1 entering it generally with little ceremony1 making a slight obeisance1 and never divesting himself of his slippers3 a privilege which1 in the eyes of the natives1 at once places him on a footing of equality with his employer4 ,under such a system1 it has been easy for the tribe of banians to effect the ruin of any individual2 while it was impossible for any man in distress to conceal his circumstances1 so as to obtain a loan1 or to extend his credit3 hence1 the courts of law were full of causes in which banians were plaintiffs4 ,of late years1 the case has altered greatly2 for1 if we except a few large concerns1 such as banking-houses1 and the principal merchants1 who1 having valuable cargoes on hand1 are each under the necessity of retaining one of this jew-like gang1 for the purpose of obtaining cash to make up payments1 or to advance for investments1 banians are become obsolete4 ,in former times1 there was little alternative how money should be secured1 except on mortgage1 or in the ,company's treasury2 whereas1 few now think of lending money at less than #ab per cent41 which is the legal interest2 and1 as the ,company do not receive loans at that rate1 except when pressed by exigency and1 that the great agency-houses continue to make such an immense profit as enables them to pay so high for money accommodation2 the floating property belonging to individuals1 with little exception1 falls into their hands3 consequently1 there is little occasion for banians2 the principal remains of whose extensive influence are to be seen in the above concerns1 and in the management of elephant1 bullock1 or other contracts2 which they often buy of the contractor1 either for a specific sum paid down1 or by allowing him an annual contingent2 so as to exempt him from the responsibility1 as well as from the management1 altogether4 ,i shall only add1 that this description of persons may be classed with the superior debashes of the ,carnatic2 and that1 although there certainly have been found some individuals who might fairly claim exemption from the accusation1 yet1 that1 generally speaking1 the present banians1 who attach themselves to the captains of ,european ships1 may1 without the least hazard of controversion1 be considered as nothing more or less than ,rum-,johnnies #8of a larger growth4' ,some of these gentry usurp the designation of dewan1 which should imply an extensive delegated power2 that office1 under the emperors of ,hindustan1 and even now in the courts of ,lucknow1 ,hydrabad1 e4 being confidential1 and never bestowed but on persons in high favor4 ,the ,darogah1 or ,gomastah1 or factor1 or superintendant is an office rarely held under ,europeans1 though extremely common in the services of native princes1 and of men of opulence4 ,some of our merchants appoint persons to attend to their concerns in remote parts2 such as the timber-dealers in the ,morungs2 the iron-smelters of various parts2 the contractors for elephants1 camels1 bullocks1 horses1 c4 have also their agents at the various stations4 ,in general1 these are common sircars1 who assume the title of darogah by way of pre-eminence1 without any authority from1 and often without the knowledge of1 their employers4 ,the latter1 however1 are rarely averse to such an assumption2 which1 while it tickles their vanity1 costs not a farthing4 ,the darogahs1 or1 ,i may rather say1 the sircars1 frequently call themselves naibs1 or deputies3 this should seem a more modest term2 but1 among the natives1 is considered at least as consequential as the former2 especially when the principal never eclipses the self-created dignitary1 by personal attendance to his own affairs in that quarter4 ,many of this class are considered as approaching to menials4 ,the ,moonshy1 or linguist1 is ordinarily a teacher of some language1 particularly the ,persian and ,hindui3 though numbers are employed only as interpreters1 or as scribes4 ,learning is their sole pursuit2 and so far as that can reach in a country where but little is understood of philosophy and mathematics1 some of them do assuredly advance themselves considerably4 ,but1 speaking of them in general1 it will be found1 that a few volumes of tales1 the lives of those great men who have either invaded1 or ruled1 the empire1 some moral tracts1 and the ,koran1 7for moonshies are ,mussulmans7 constitute the acquirements of this very haughty class of servants4 ,a moonshy is never so well pleased1 as when the payment of the domestic establishment is confided to his charge4 ,here he is sure to touch the penny1 and to create an influence very injurious to his employer's interests3 the whole tribe of menials1 considering him to have full command of the whole concern1 and viewing their master as a mere cypher1 dread the moonshy's authority1 and crouch before him in the most submissive manner4 ,the banian rarely receives wages1 or any immediate remuneration for his services2 he knows full well1 that no money can pass the files on his fingers without leaving some dust4 ,the darogah is sometimes paid by centage on the quantity of goods he transmits1 or on the amount of his account2 but the moonshy is ever in the receipt of wages1 which vary according to his own talents and reputation1 or to the rank of his employer4 ,perhaps1 a few may be found who receive more1 but two gold mohurs1 7equal to four guineas17 per month1 may be taken as rather a liberal1 than an ordinary1 rate4 ,some do not receive more than eight or ten rupees2 but1 whatever the learning of such men may amount to1 their conduct is generally influenced by motives wide from purity4 ,many of this class might formerly be seen attached to those young officers1 and civil servants1 who found an easy mode of gratifying their ostentation by that display of study they never realized1 and who employed these pretended tutors in all the drudgery of expenditure2 not forgetting those meaner offices1 which1 while they disgraced themselves1 levelled all distinction between the man of letters and the common pander6 ,the private habits of moonshies1 in general1 by no means correspond with the respectability of their profession4 ,having only to attend their employers at stated hours1 and the residue of their time being wholly unoccupied1 it is not to be wondered1 that1 with their liberal salaries1 they should rather court1 than shun1 pleasure4 ,hence1 with very few exceptions1 we find them extremely debauched and unhealthy4 ,what with venery1 drinking1 smoking1 c4 nine in ten of them exhale the most intolerable effluvia6 ,this1 by no means1 lowers their pride3 on the contrary1 they apparently resort to arrogance1 and to that precious species of fastidious hauteur1 ordinarily to be found under the same sheep-skin with every consummate hypocrite6 ,the ,jemmadar is considered the most confidential1 and important1 of all that class of servants forming the retinue of a person of distinction4 ,the despatches1 and consultations of the various members of the council1 are usually conveyed by1 or presented to1 the several jemmadars1 in small boxes1 of which each member has a key4 ,some jemmadars are retained merely with the view to superintend buildings1 and commercial operations2 but such cannot be classed1 strictly speaking1 with those who are merely state servants2 although the wages of each may be nearly on a par2 viz4 from twelve to twenty rupees monthly4 ,this servant bears no insignia of office1 but1 for the most part1 studies to imitate the appearance of a moonshy of a respectable class2 from which he may1 however1 be often distinguished by the dagger1 ornamented with gold and tassels1 or in a crimson velvet case1 tipped with gilt guards1 worn in his cummer-bund1 or waist-cloth3 whereas the moonshy never wears any weapon whatever4 ,the ,chobe-dar1 or silver-pole bearer1 is retained only by persons of consequence2 sometimes only one1 but usually two are employed1 and even four may be seen in the retinue of very exalted characters4 ,the pole1 7or chobe17 may be about four feet and a half in length1 tapering gradually1 from the metal ferule at its base1 to the top1 which may be about four inches in diameter1 and is generally embossed with some figure1 such as a tiger's head1 c42 while the rest1 for the whole length1 is of some pattern such as volutes1 scales1 flowers1 c4 ,the pole consists of a staff1 perhaps three quarters of an inch in diameter1 spreading towards its top1 so as to assimilate to the form of the exterior case2 which is of solid wrought silver1 often weighing #aej rupees or more1 into which1 the staff being placed centrically1 melted rosin is poured to fill up the intermediate space2 the same as our plated knife handles are done1 thereby rendering the whole sufficiently substantial1 without adding too much to the weight4 ,the chobe-dar is generally a man of some prudence1 versed in all the ceremonies of court etiquette4 ,he stands at the inner door of the audience1 or receiving1 apartment2 announcing the approach of visitors1 and conducting them to the presence4 ,the chobe being in itself of some value1 and the office of considerable trust in many instances1 it is usual for this servant to give adequate security1 by means of creditable persons who vouch for1 and take upon themselves1 the actual responsibility regarding his conduct4 ,the wages of chobe-dars vary considerably1 but we may take from eight to twelve rupees as the average4 ,they attend early in the morning2 and1 besides the above-noticed duty of announcing visitors1 run before the palanquins of their employers1 or1 if there be no jemmadar1 at the sides1 so as to receive orders without being called4 ,they likewise carry messages1 or notes1 on formal occasions2 especially to superiors4 ,to this particular1 great attention is paid2 it being considered1 that the rank of the servant bearing the message1 or note1 implies the degree of respect the person sending would pay to the person receiving4 ,thus1 a message sent by a jemmadar1 is held to be more ceremonious1 than one by a chobe-dar2 by a chobe-dar more respectful than by a soontah-burdar2 and by a soontah-burdar than by a peon1 or hirkarah4 ,so well is this understood1 that1 the precursors of a great man always arrange themselves according to the above rules2 the hirkarahs and peons are the foremost2 next to them the soontah-burdars2 then the chobe-dars2 and1 lastly1 the jemmadar2 the latter running at the side of the palanquin1 but being replaced during occasional absence by a chobe-dar2 and thus throughout4 ,it must not be forgotten1 that1 in ,india1 the retinue precede the employer3 a custom by no means suited to the climate1 though perhaps gratifying to those who take pleasure in seeing two lines of sweating domestics preceding them2 it need hardly be urged1 how unpleasant the clouds of dust raised by them must be to the person seated in the palanquin4 ,the dresses of the jemmadar1 and of the chobe-dars1 may be considered the same2 there being no characteristic difference1 though the former usually make their jammas1 or robes1 which are always of white calico2 unless where colored broad-cloath may have been presented to them for the purpose of making up liveries3 which1 however1 do not usually extend to this class of messengers2 white being considered by themselves more dignified4 ,nor do they feel any partiality for colored turbans1 or waist-bands4 ,the ,soontah-burdar bears a baton of about thirty inches in length1 generally curved at its upper extremity1 so as to resemble the ordinary form of bludgeons4 ,these batons are made of the same materials as the chobe1 or pole2 but1 while the latter are borne1 when their bearers are proceeding with a palanquin1 by a suitable balance near their centres1 like trailed arms1 the former are held by their lower extremities2 which1 since they never are rested on the ground1 as the chobes are1 require no ferules2 the crooked end of the soontah being carried over the shoulder4 ,soontah-burdars are frequently employed by persons in a second or third rate of office1 or of opulence1 where no jemmadar1 nor chobe-dar1 is kept4 ,as already explained1 the absence of one state-servant calls up the next in rank to supply his place2 a circumstance which by no means impairs the dignity of the locum tenens4 ,the pay of this servant varies according to circumstances1 but may be from six to ten rupees monthly3 the dress differs from that of the superior class2 it1 in most cases1 being confined to a much shorter jamma1 reaching only to the knees1 or but little below them1 and there being less objection to wear colored turbans1 c4 ,the ,kansamah may be classed with the house-steward1 and butler2 both which offices appear to unite in this servant1 who1 in his dress1 generally imitates the jemmadar1 or the chobe-dar4 ,those who have but rarely seen a table laid out in ,india1 must wonder at the elegance1 and perfection1 which may there often be found3 this must appear still more surprizing1 when it is considered1 that none of those concerned in the preparation of the viands1 would1 on any account1 taste of them during the course of preparation1 any more than when returned from the table4 ,it must not be supposed1 that every servant bearing this description is equally acquainted with the several minuti the character ought to include3 in fact1 but very few of them possess such qualifications as should entitle to pre-eminence3 generally1 some of the more observant1 or intelligent1 of table-attendants of the lower order1 contrive by application1 and even by paying those kansamahs who are considered clever in their business1 to climb up the ladder of menial rank1 and ultimately to reach this station2 which is the ne plus ultra in its branch of servitude4 ,the wages are supposed to correspond with the talents2 but1 there being no scale whereby to regulate estimation1 we may be better guided1 in this particular1 by the rank of the employer2 though a few instances may be adduced wherein epicures1 of very moderate income1 have retained kansamahs at very exorbitant rates4 ,perhaps ,i may be right in taking from twelve to fifteen rupees for a common standard2 from fifteen to twenty in families of rank1 or opulence2 and from twenty to forty among the first circle4 ,i have known instances far beyond even that monthly stipend3 a few cases might be adduced where not less than a hundred rupees have been given6 ,as that corresponds with l#ej4 per annum of ,british currency1 a sum which all below princely magnificence could but indifferently afford1 it may be concluded1 that1 in the ,east1 as well as in the ,west1 there are to be found individuals who think no expence too great1 when their appetite and taste are to be indulged4 ,the ,sircar is a genius whose whole study is to handle money1 whether receivable or payable2 and who contrives either to confuse accounts1 when they are adverse to his view2 or to render them most expressively intelligible1 when such would suit his purpose4 ,these rogues are pretty nearly the same as the ,madras debashes3 ,i believe all1 who have experienced the kind offices of either1 will readily confess that no compleater knaves are to be found in any part of the world4 ,and this under the most sedulous appearance both to please1 and to serve1 those whom they are about to plunder4 ,as peons and hirkarahs rise to be chobe-dars1 and jemmadars2 and as khedmutgars succeed to the appointment of kansamahs2 so may sircars in time become banians1 dewans1 darogahs1 gomastahs1 c4 ,many of them even set up as shroffs1 or bankers1 and establish such an extent of credit as would astonish the inhabitants of ,lombard ,street4 ,there are sircars of all ages1 and of all degrees2 from the shrewd lad of twelve1 to the superannuated monster1 whose sixty1 or seventy1 years of worldly intercourse1 may be considered a record of fraud and extortion4 ,nothing can perhaps be more forcible in exposing the characteristic traits of sircars1 than the fact of their ordinarily tendering their services to young men1 under the declaration that they seek for no pay2 nor for remuneration in any form1 beyond the pleasure of laying out master's money to the best advantage4 ,i should premise1 that1 on account of the immense variety of coins current in ,india1 it is customary1 whenever any large sum is to be received1 to employ an examiner1 called a podar2 who1 having confined his pursuits to the acquirement of a most accurate knowledge of their several values1 at once decides upon the correctness of a payment4 ,the precision1 quickness1 and touch1 of these persons1 are beyond description4 ,i have been assured that many of them can1 even in the dark1 distinguish between several kinds of money1 whose size and weight bear no great dissimilarity3 besides1 even those coins that bear the same value1 and come from the same mint1 differ greatly in both those particulars2 some being broad and flat1 like a shilling1 though not defaced2 while others are more dumpy1 and1 though of purer metal1 not so ponderous4 ,many of the sircars1 especially of late years1 unite the office of podar with their own business4 ,this1 it will be supposed1 should enable them to secure their employer from loss1 but is1 on all occasions1 made the means of injuring both his pocket and his credit1 by passing inferior money at an unjust value into his chest1 and issuing it at a less rate1 if to a native colleague2 but1 if to an ,european1 then at a higher value2 the sircars of each joining in the device3 when circumstances fit1 this operation is reversed4 ,i am prepared for the following obvious question2 viz4 #8,if the master knew the rate at which the money was paid to him1 how happens it1 that1 after entering it in his books1 he allows it to be paid away at a different1 or1 at least1 at a lower1 rate1 than that at which it was received8' ,this query should appear sufficient to stagger any person to whom it might be put2 but to a sircar would not prove in the smallest degree difficult of solution4 ,he immediately tells master1 that the batta1 i4e4 the exchange1 is altered1 and1 in saying that much1 he may have the truth on his side4 ,i have already hinted at the fluctuations that take place in all coins1 whether gold1 silver1 or copper4 ,this up and down price of money1 if ,i may use the expression1 is managed by the shroffs1 or native bankers2 who invariably1 except on particular holidays1 meet towards midnight1 compare accounts1 and settle the value of money for the succeeding day4 ,notice is accordingly circulated in an underhand manner2 and1 throughout the great town of ,calcutta1 covering perhaps three thousand acres1 and well peopled1 the whole of the parties concerned1 nay1 even the ordinary retail shop-keepers1 are apprized of the alteration4 ,sometimes the exchange is allowed to remain at the same rate for a few days in succession3 this rarely takes place except when a particular currency1 say silver1 is to be bought up at a low rate1 such as #eh or #fj pice to a rupee1 to be sold again when the rate has been1 for that purpose1 raised to #fd1 or #fe4 ,so soon as either purpose is accomplished1 the exchange alters by the same invisible means4 ,the number of pice in a rupee constitutes its value2 as the number of rupees and annas do that of a gold mohur2 which1 if sicca1 from the ,calcutta mint1 ought invariably to pass at sixteen rupees4 ,but the regulations of government have too often been openly trespassed1 in the most daring manner4 ,this was carried to such a pitch1 that the whole of the silver currency at one time disappeared2 the shroffs and sircars had bought it all up2 so that persons in business were induced to offer premiums for silver2 without which mercantile concerns could not proceed4 ,it is a well known fact1 that1 for some months1 the troops at the presidency were paid in gold1 issued to them at par2 but which1 owing to the infamous combinations above described1 would not pass in any part of the market1 unless a deduction of one-eighth was allowed6 ,sircars contrive to defraud all parties with whom their masters may have concerns2 thereby disgracing them on many occasions1 especially in payment of card-debts2 which are soon distinguished by this ,argus race4 ,besides the advantages thus made1 the sircars derive a very considerable emolument from all purchases made in the markets1 of whatever description4 ,whenever an ,european1 even in person1 buys goods of a native1 his servants have1 from time immemorial1 a claim on the vendor of half an anna in every rupee the latter receives4 ,this1 which is called dustooree1 or customary gift1 being a thirty-second of the disbursement1 amounts to no less than #c per cent43 it may therefore be imagined what immense sums these gentry must pocket1 when serving gentlemen who have large establishments to support1 and whose servants are numerous3 for even from the very domestics does the sircar claim the above gratuity1 when paying their wages6 ,military persons have little occasion for such servants2 therefore1 unless in eligible circumstances1 and of a very liberal disposition1 a sircar will not think it worth his while to serve an officer on a small salary4 ,but it is quite different where a young civilian is in question2 to him the rogue's purse is instantly opened2 not only with a view to make him1 like the steward in ,gil ,blas1 pay interest for his own money1 but under the hope of attaching firmly to the rising sun1 and ultimately of being banian1 naib1 dewan2 of course1 ascending to the very acm of prosperity4 ,those sircars who are employed by mercantile1 or manufacturing persons1 derive the advantages attendant on the foregoing transactions in a less degree than when serving an individual divested of such concerns2 but they gradually acquire large property1 and are often placed in situations of great trust2 such as darogahs and gomastahs4 ,in such establishments they are1 for the major part1 relatives to the banian1 who assists with his purse on emergency2 therefore1 though they may feel the necessity of paying attention to their ostensible employer1 they pay their court1 under the rose1 chiefly to the former4 ,the rates of wages are1 in this branch1 progressive2 some receiving a bare livelihood1 such as from five to eight rupees monthly2 while those of longer standing1 or who are more in favor with the banian1 sometimes receive from fifteen to thirty4 ,the dress of sircars is extremely simple3 their heads are shaved1 with the exception of one lock1 about two inches in diameter at the base1 which is held sacred1 and is tied in a kind of loose bow-knot4 ,the turban is white1 of fine muslin1 wrapped perhaps fifteen or twenty times round the head1 leaving the crown nearly bare1 and the lock of hair protruding4 ,round the waist a piece of cloth is passed1 so as to allow freedom of motion2 then tucked in1 in a peculiar manner1 and one skirt1 passing between the thighs1 is1 in like manner1 secured behind4 ,unless in cold weather1 the body and arms are left entirely bare2 in moderate seasons1 they are covered by means of a cloth sewed into two breadths1 thrown over the shoulders3 a chintz quilt is likewise worn at times4 ,for the convenience of keeping accounts1 and of making payments1 one sircar is allowed by the ,company to each battalion of sepoys4 ,it is surprizing to see how these men1 whose utmost legal receipts can amount to only twenty rupees monthly1 get forward1 and become possessed of property4 ,much money goes through their hands1 and1 as before observed1 every finger is a file which takes off a trifle en passant4 ,this class of servants rarely associate1 in any degree1 with the others2 they form1 in fact1 a separate tribe of ,hindus1 and devote their time to one object1 viz4 making money4 ,they generally read ,english well enough to know the contents of a bill2 but1 in giving receipts1 usually sign their names in the ,bengallee character3 few of them undertake to write ,english accounts2 but1 in their own way1 which appears to us prolix1 they are extremely regular4 ,the superiors seldom touch a pen1 leaving that office to those servants who are entitled to confidence1 and causing the less expert to act as collecting clerks2 an employ in which they are eminently punctual1 as most young debtors throughout the ,east must acknowledge4 ,it is a peculiar circumstance1 that scarcely an instance has been known of a sircar absconding with the money entrusted to him3 from this1 however1 ,i exempt the vile crew of tide waiters1 who are by no means scrupulous2 though1 for the sake of perpetuating their game1 which any open act of felony might break up1 they prefer extracting the money from the novice's pocket1 by means of extortion and fraudulent accounts4 ,considering him as being at least attached to1 if not of the very same species1 as the knave just described1 ,i shall give a short description of the ,podar2 of whom mention has already been made4 ,he is not always an attendant at an office1 though1 in great concerns1 his presence is indispensable4 ,he either receives from four to ten rupees per month1 or is paid1 by a very small centage1 for whatever money he examines4 ,we often admire the dexterity of our money-tellers2 but the podar1 who counts by fours1 7i4e4 gundahs17 finishes the detail of a thousand in so short a time1 as would cause even our most expert money-tellers to stare with astonishment6 ,it is only mixed money that is counted1 when large sums are passing2 most payments are first sorted1 when1 the several kinds of rupees being made into parcels1 are weighed1 fifty at a time3 in this manner1 a lac 7i4e4 a #ajj1jjj7 may be speedily ascertained2 each parcel of fifty being kept separate1 until a certain number is completed3 when the whole are accounted1 and removed into bags1 to make way for further operations4 ,here it may be proper to remark1 that no sircar will take charge of money when his employer keeps the key3 nor is it1 on the other hand1 customary for the sircar to have the entire charge4 ,so many tricks have been played by changing the coin1 that it is now a general rule for every treasure-chest to have two large padlocks1 of different construction2 the sircar1 or tusseel-dar 7cash keeper17 receiving one key1 and the master retaining the other4 ,this prevents aggression on either part1 but is by no means pleasing to the banians1 though they affect to be highly satisfied1 because a command of specie will often enable them to make very advantageous purchases in ,company's paper2 but such a precaution inevitably debars their access to master's cash4 ,the ,cranny1 or clerk1 may be either a native ,armenian1 a native ,portugueze1 or a ,bengallee3 the former are not very common2 the second are more numerous2 but the third are every where to be seen4 ,it really is wonderful how well many of the latter can write1 without understanding a word of what is written4 ,they have a steady hand1 a keen eye1 and an admirable readiness in casting up accounts4 ,those who are habituated to our mode of book keeping1 profess to consider it greatly superior to their own1 but it is not a very easy matter to get them into it4 ,that multiplicity of fractions which prevails1 in consequence of the perpetual fluctuation in their currency1 causes them to be very well versed in that branch of arithmetic1 and to produce the most correct calculations4 ,the rates of wages are different according to the abilities of individuals2 thus1 a clever cranny in a public office1 such as the auditor general's1 or the pay-master general's1 or the assay and mint1 may receive from forty to a hundred rupees monthly1 while1 in mercantile houses1 they rarely receive more than thirty1 generally1 indeed1 from ten to twenty2 while many are glad to serve gratis1 merely for the purpose of an introduction to that line of employment2 as well as to perfect themselves in book keeping1 and in a proper style of correspondence4 ,the use these gentry make of ,english words1 is often highly diverting3 they study synonymes very industriously2 poring over ,johnson's dictionary1 and carefully selecting such terms1 as appear to them least in use2 thinking that such must1 of course1 make finer language4 ,the following may serve as a specimen3 it was written by a cranny to his master1 in consequence of an exterior window shutter having been blown down by a severe north-wester4 #8,honorable ,sir1 #8,yesterday vesper arrive great hurricane2 valve of little aperture not fasten2 first make great trepidation and palpitation1 then precipitate into precinct4 ,god grant master more long life1 and more great post4 ,i remain1 ,honorable ,sir1 in all token of respect1 ,master's writer1 ,,bissonaut ,,metre4' #8,p4,s4 ,no tranquillity in house since valve adjourn4--,i send for carpenter to make re-unite4' ,those unacquainted with the pedantry of ,bengallee writers1 may suspect me of coining for the occasion2 placing the above on a footing with ,smollet's #8,horse-spittle of anvil-heads1' c42 but ,i assure my readers1 that it is a literal transcript from a note of which the original was in my father's possession for many years2 it is by no means so preposterous as many that have1 on account of their ridiculous diction1 been published in the ,calcutta papers4 ,the dress of a ,bengallee cranny is exactly the same as that of the sircar1 of which tribe he may be considered a relative4 ,the ,portugueze cranny1 assumes the ,british dress2 but the ,armenian invariably retains that of his own country1 which is truly becoming4 ,they shave their heads1 and wear black velvet bonnets1 not unlike a mitre in form4 ,their vests are of white linen1 and reach down to their knees1 so as not to conceal the knee-bands of their small-cloaths4 ,their coats1 or tunics1 are usually made of colored silk1 for the most part purple1 lilac1 crimson1 or brown1 and flow loosely rather below their vests2 the sleeves are loose1 and there is no collar4 ,they use also stockings and shoes2 and1 when within doors1 lay aside their black bonnets1 wearing in their stead white skull-caps1 round like a small bowl1 and often neatly tamboured with colored silks4 ,they have pockets both in their vests1 and in their small-cloaths3 some wear girdles1 under their tunics2 and some wear silken sashes4 ,having disposed of those who pride themselves as appertaining to the nokeron1 it remains to detail the services1 c4 of such as come under the general designation of chaukeron4 ,the ,khedmutgar1 or1 as he is often termed1 the kismutgar1 is1 with very few exceptions1 a ,mussulman3 his business is to prepare all the apparatus1 and to wait at table4 ,for this purpose1 he repairs to the house of his employer shortly after day-break2 when1 after seeing that the breakfast apartment has been swept1 and taking care that the bearers have put on a kettle1 he lays the cloth1 with small plates1 knives1 forks1 spoons1 c4 together with bread1 butter1 sweetmeats1 c4 but reserving all the tea-things for a side-table2 at which1 if there be no kansamah1 he officiates1 making the tea1 coffee1 chocolate1 cocoa1 or whatever is ordered4 ,where there is an ,european lady in the family1 she may1 perhaps1 have the cups1 c4 set upon the breakfast table2 but1 on account of the steam arising from the various preparations1 this custom is by no means general2 and often1 after being persevered in for a while1 is relinquished in favor of the bachelor's mode2 which is in every respect1 the most comfortable4 ,every gentleman must have one khedmutgar2 but the majority keep two1 or even more2 not only adding thereby to their own expence1 but considerably incommoding every party in which they may dine4 ,as every gentleman1 when at table1 is attended by his own servants1 it may easily be conceived1 that where two or more are posted behind each guest1 a living enclosure is formed1 tending by its own exhalations1 added to those from their masters1 and from the viands1 to banish comfort1 and to render all artificial means of cooling the apartment perfectly abortive4 ,hence it is usual1 at all public entertainments1 to admit but one servant for each person invited3 on some occasions a better plan is adopted1 namely1 that of employing only as many servants as may be deemed absolutely necessary3 but this1 though obviously judicious1 rarely gives satisfaction2 habit having so strongly confirmed1 what luxury so very insagaciously invented4 ,gentlemen fixed at ,calcutta1 or at any place1 as residents1 cause plates1 knives1 forks1 spoons1 napkins1 and glasses1 to be laid for the whole company2 but at all military stations1 each guest sends his servant with two plates1 a soup plate1 a small plate for bones1 c4 a tumbler1 a long glass for claret1 and a smaller for ,madeira1 a table spoon1 a dessert spoon1 perhaps also a marrow spoon1 two or three knives and forks1 and a napkin3 these are usually taken to the rendezvous by one of his khedmutgars1 who accompanies the aub-dar2 the latter causing a bearer with a bangy1 or sling1 to carry the apparatus for cooling water4 ,however luxurious the latter custom may seem1 yet ,i do not know any more gratifying1 or more conducive to health4 ,a glass of cold water is at times invaluable6 ,when seated at table1 the khedmutgar stands behind his master1 changing his plates1 c4 which are cleaned by servants without2 and1 either keeping him cool by means of a small hand-fan1 made of palm-tree2 or driving away the flies with a whisk1 called a chowry1 made of the hair from a wild ox's tail1 or of a peacocks' feathers1 or of the roots of grass1 called cuss-cuss1 c4 often1 however1 these offices are left to a bearer1 who likewise stands1 behind his master's chair1 for that purpose4 ,after dinner the khedmutgars retire to their own homes1 and1 about sun-set1 attend their respective masters1 if they have remained2 but should they sup where they dined1 as is customary where suppers are laid1 the attendance is repeated1 the same as at dinner time2 after which the khedmutgars go to their respective houses1 without ceremony4 ,the pay of this menial varies from five1 to perhaps ten1 rupees monthly2 but the generality receive from six to eight4 ,much depends on the rank of the employer1 and whether the khedmutgar is ever expected to officiate as kansamah3 such is1 indeed1 the case with the families of single gentlemen1 not in possession of large receipts2 but the officiating khedmutgar is honored1 almost invariably1 by all the other servants1 with the title of khansamah4 ,nor is such distinction always ill-bestowed2 many of those who serve under gentlemen of a liberal disposition1 and who take pleasure in keeping a good table1 may fairly competite with1 at least1 half the servants actually entitled to that designation1 in all the knowledge requisite to support its character4 ,few1 however1 of those who become thus capable of managing all that appertains to domestic economy1 refrain from making attempts to enter the superior circle4 ,nor are there wanting persons ready to seduce such good servants from the employ of their acquaintances4 ,about eight and twenty years ago1 when it was the fashion to wear the hair1 both of ladies and of gentlemen1 full dressed1 a good peruquier was an indispensable part of the establishment3 the great difficulty of procuring persons properly qualified1 induced several gentlemen to have lads instructed under those who were known to be expert2 this often cost from eighty to a hundred rupees 7ten or twelve guineas72 but1 in many instances1 so soon as the pupils had learned the business1 offers were made clandestinely from other quarters1 sometimes by intimate friends of their masters2 when some little disagreement was started so as to give pretext for quitting4 ,i must remark1 at the same time1 that ,i believe the gentlemen of ,india are more scrupulous1 and more delicate1 in matters of this nature1 than those in any other quarter3 but we must not expect all to be perfect2 still less to be disinterested6 ,khedmutgars are1 with few exceptions1 the sons of ayahs1 dhyes1 c4 in the service of ,european1 or native1 ladies3 their first introduction to the table commonly takes place when about eight1 or nine1 years of age2 at which period children in that quarter are usually smart1 intelligent1 and well-featured4 ,at first they attend only at home2 not receiving any wages1 or so little as barely to suffice for clothing3 by degrees they become useful1 and are allowed to attend abroad4 ,from this it may be concluded1 that1 too often1 a kind of compact1 or coalition1 takes place behind the curtain1 not very favorable to either the pocket1 or the brows1 of the employer4 ,when we consider the various opportunities both for peculation1 and for intrigue1 possessed by khedmutgars so initiated1 we cannot refrain from condemning that practice1 which is too generally prevalent2 and which we should suppose could not fail to produce some inquietude3 such1 however1 is rarely the case4 ,the dresses of khedmutgars are generally of the same form2 but the quality of the cloth1 the length of the skirts1 and sleeves1 and the trimmings1 are matters of great consequence in the eyes of this vain tribe4 ,all endeavor to obtain turbans and cummer-bunds 7i4e4 waist-cloths7 of the same color1 and are not the less pleased if a tassel of silver fringe be added to the outer end of the former4 ,during the hot season1 a coortah1 or vest1 reaching at least to the knees1 of white calico1 or of chintz1 is worn2 but1 during the winter1 one of perpet1 or other woollen of ,european manufacture1 is held to be more respectable4 ,the long-drawers are ordinarily white1 or of striped gingham2 though some great favorites1 and debauchees1 who pride themselves on being favorites among the ladies1 often wear a kind of silk stuff1 called gool-budden1 such as is used by women above the middle class1 and denotes effeminacy1 or a disposition to intrigue4 ,the origin of such a type of libertinism may commonly be traced to the haram2 probably to that of the fop's own master4 ,the office of ,mosaulchy1 or flambeau-bearer1 may be considered another introduction1 or rather an apprenticeship1 to the foregoing4 ,a lad serving in this capacity should be agile1 smart1 and careful2 having to run for miles as fast as the ordinary rate of a carriage2 he will find abundance of work in cleaning boots1 shoes1 knives1 dishes1 c4 together with a million of et ceteras1 which fit him for the title of #8,jack of all trades4' ,many valuable articles in glass-ware and crockery1 being given to his charge1 for the purpose of being washed1 it is indispensably necessary that his whole attention be devoted thereto4 ,during the time a lad remains as a mosaulchy1 he may acquire much experience relating to the duties of a khedmutgar3 some are to be seen1 in the service of persons in rather low circumstances1 acting in both capacities1 and carrying the umbrella2 which is properly the duty of a bearer3 but1 where the mosaulchy performs the khedmutgar's duties1 bearers are rarely kept4 ,few mosaulchies are allowed more than five rupees monthly1 and then on the proviso of supplying the flambeaux and the oil1 where such are used4 ,the general pay is about four rupees2 the master1 as is now almost every where prevalent1 using a lantern instead of a mosaul1 7or flambeau17 and supplying ends of wax candles1 or whole ones of tallow1 for that purpose4 ,many of this description of servants begin as coolies1 or laborers1 and gradually acquire sufficient insight to be admitted into the services of non-commissioned officers1 c42 whence they take the opportunity of removing into the employ of gentlemen4 ,others start from the sepoy regiments1 in which they have served as goorgahs1 or fags1 to some native officer1 c42 but these are more rare2 the generality of our sepoys being ,hindus1 to whom various domestic operations occurring in the families of ,europeans are obnoxious1 on account of the nature of many aliments in use among us4 ,the mosaul1 or flambeau1 consists of old rags1 wrapped very closely around a small stick2 it is generally about two feet in length1 and may be two inches and a half in diameter2 an iron ring fits on1 so as to confine the fire within about an inch at the tip3 being refreshed1 from time to time1 with oil extracted from the sesamum1 it burns with great fierceness2 as the cloth consumes1 the ring is brought back1 by means of an old fork1 thereby renovating the flame4 ,the oil is either carried in a glass bottle1 to the embouchure of which a reed is fitted1 to prevent spilling2 or it is contained in a brass vessel1 made expressly for the purpose1 and thence called a tale daunny 7i4e4 oil-pot17 which may hold nearly a quart4 ,the dress of a mosaulchy consists of a turban1 generally colored2 a short pair of drawers1 reaching half way down the thigh1 nearly the same as the jangheeahs of the native soldiery2 and a cloth1 wrapped round the waist4 ,but where this servant is at any time employed to wait at table1 he imitates the dress of the khedmutgar1 so far as his pocket may allow4 ,persons of distinction1 among both ,europeans and natives1 cause their mosaulchies to carry what are called branch-lights4 ,these consist of a semi-circular frame of iron1 supported on a centre stem1 to which the side ribs join2 upon the circumference are five or seven spikes1 on each of which a small mosaul is stuck4 ,when they are all lighted1 and raised above the head1 by means of the stem1 they make a great show4 ,commonly two1 or1 eventually1 three branch-lights1 may be seen preceding a great personage1 intermixed with his retinue3 two or more ordinary mosauls1 or lanterns1 are also carried near the palanquin1 to prevent the bearers from stumbling4 ,the next upon our list is the ,hookah-burdar1 or preparer of the pipe2 a domestic of wondrous consequence with many gentlemen1 who give themselves up1 almost wholly1 to the enjoyment of smoking4 ,some begin before they have half breakfasted2 whiffing away1 with little intermission1 till they retire to rest3 ,i know not of any custom which becomes so habitual6 ,it is inconceivable how distressed some are1 in consequence of their hookahs not arriving in time particularly when on a march3 at such moments1 nothing goes right3 hookah6 hookah6 hookah6 seem to be the three indispensables towards happiness4 ,some few may plead in apology1 that1 without its aid1 they would be subject to an irregularity1 such as rarely fails to induce severe illness3 when this is the case1 we cannot censure the practice1 provided it be confined to that duration which may produce the salutary stimulus2 and which1 it is obvious1 must be rather weakened1 than aided1 by the subsequent use of smoke during the rest of the day4 ,to so great an extreme is this carried1 that ,i have known more than one instance of two hookah-burdars being retained2 one for the day1 the other for the night4 ,where such prevails1 it may be rationally concluded the wages are in proportion3 in most services1 these may be from ten1 to fifteen1 rupees per month2 occasionally somewhat less1 but rarely exceeding2 except where excessive partiality for his pipe induces a gentleman to give more1 under the common error of expecting satisfaction in proportion to the disbursement4 ,to such an egregious excess has this opinion led some persons1 that ,i have heard of no less than one hundred rupees per month having been given to a hookah-burdar4 ,yet1 many gentlemen1 supposed to be judges1 were unanimous in declaring1 that such high-priced preparations were very inferior to the generality of those obtained at that moderate expence usually incurred by persons contenting themselves with mediocrity4 ,in some instances1 the whole expence lies with the hookah-burdar1 who receives such a sum as may1 besides his wages1 include tobacco1 gools1 7or fire-balls17 and chillums1 7or sockets for receiving the towah1 or tile17 on which the prepared tobacco is applied4 ,some even provide the snakes1 or pliable conductors4 ,with respect to the tobacco used for smoking1 #8tot homines1 tot sententi2' in that particular few are to be found of the same opinion3 and among those that are1 probably more than half are under the grossest deception4 ,the little village of ,bilsah1 in the ,maharrattah country1 has been long celebrated1 and it should seem not without reason1 for the fragrance of the tobacco raised around it4 ,but the quantity of tobacco sold annually throughout ,bengal1 where it produces from thirty to sixty1 and even eighty rupees per maund1 7if ascertained to be genuine17 is known to exceed1 full an hundred fold1 the amount of any crop ever raised at ,bilsah4 ,the substitutes are various1 but one kind1 raised in the ,bundelcund district1 supplies the greater portion2 many1 indeed1 are of opinion that it is not inferior4 ,may not its excellence be owing to the practice1 common in that quarter1 of sprinkling the plants at harvest time with a solution of molasses8 ,we know that many fruits yield but little of their flavor1 until excited by the saccharine acid3 the raspberry may serve to coroborate my position4 ,i have known that very cheap kind of tobacco1 the ,cuggareah1 which ordinarily sells for about four rupees per maund1 7of #hb lb47 rendered so mellow1 and so fragrant1 by being worked up with molasses1 and kept in close vessels for some months1 as absolutely to be admired even by persons who prided themselves on never smoking any but the true ,bilsah6 ,the usual mode of preparing tobacco for the hookah1 is by first chopping it very small2 then1 adding ripe plantains1 molasses1 or raw sugar1 together with some cinnamon1 and other aromatics2 keeping the mass1 which resembles an electuary1 in close vessels4 ,when about to be used1 it is again worked up well2 some1 at that time1 add a little tincture of musk1 or a few grains of that perfume1 others prefer pouring a solution of it1 or a little rose water1 down the snake1 at the moment the hookah is introduced3 in either case1 the fragrance of the tobacco is effectually superceded2 giving ample scope for the hookah-burdar to serve up rank mundungus1 7as bad tobacco is termed17 in lieu of the supposed1 or perhaps the real1 ,bilsah4 ,the hookah-burdar rarely fails to smoke of the best his master may at any time possess2 which1 however highly perfumed1 will rarely be strong enough for his gratification3 the deficiency is supplied by the admixture of bang2 a preparation from the leaves of the ganjah1 or hemp1 7the cannabis sativus17 and is extremely intoxicating4 ,the leaves of that plant1 when triturated with water1 compose a drink of the same tendency1 known by the name of subzy1 7i4e4 green17 which is a constant beverage among the more established sinners1 who rarely fail1 towards nightfall1 to take an ample dose1 of either bang1 subzy1 or majoom3 the latter being sweetmeats impregnated with a decoction of the ganjah1 or hemp plant1 much used by all debauchees1 and too often admitted within the sacred area of the zenanah1 7or haram74 ,the use of any preparation of the ganjah1 or hemp plant1 is attended with much opprobrium3 like most intoxicating drugs and spirits1 they1 in the first instance1 excite to gaiety1 but ultimately leave their victim in the most deplorable state of stupefaction2 the recovery from which is attended with dreadful headache1 ill temper1 and hypochondria4 ,some hookah-burdars indulge freely in the use of musk1 which never fails1 after a while1 to produce considerable derangement of the nerves2 and1 not unfrequently1 that complete debility which is ever attended with the greatest depressure of spirits4 ,a very common species of debauchery1 in which ,i have known only one or two gentlemen to indulge1 is the incorporation of opium with the prepared tobacco1 previous to its being spread upon the towah2 a custom so repugnant to discretion1 as to leave little room for animadversion1 the folly being usually of very short duration1 and1 intermediately1 attended with the most abject degradation4 ,many native princes1 and others1 who have been hurled from their thrones1 or from offices of trust1 are said to have been treacherously overcome by means of opium thus administered3 it appears to me very practicable1 by such a device1 to lull a whole guard to sleep2 for few can resist the offer of a whiff when the goorgoory 7a small kind of hookah used by the lower classes7 is passing round4 ,among such trash as is generally sold to the poor1 who care not much about the flavor1 so long as they can draw abundance of smoke1 the opium would probably1 if at all tasted1 rather give a zest1 than prove an objection1 to the indulgence4 ,it is asserted1 that if a capsicum be put among the gools1 or be mixed with the tobacco1 fatal consequences will ensue2 an instant attack of apoplexy taking place4 ,this ,i have never known to be done2 therefore am incapable of producing any testimony1 one way or the other3 but it appears rather doubtful whether any reasoning1 or analogy1 could be adduced in support of the assertion2 the acrid stimulus would1 in all probability1 be dissipated1 rendering the residue as inert as any other raw culinary vegetable4 ,admitting it to be true1 that a capsicum can produce such an effect1 a very strong argument against smoking may be adduced3 no man would1 altogether1 relish the idea of being so perpetually in the power of a debauchee1 who might1 either through resentment1 or by a small bribe1 be induced to bestow a quietus1 without the possibility of a discovery4 ,in such case1 the hookah-burdar would have all the advantages of an inimical cook1 without the danger of his narcotic being detected4 ,however complicated the hookah may appear1 it is1 nevertheless1 extremely easy of construction4 ,i have been told1 that one has been made in ,england2 and ,i have seen a few in use1 that were brought from ,bengal4 ,the preparation of the tobacco with apples1 in lieu of plantains1 is equally simple and approved4 ,the kaleaun1 or small kind of hookah1 used on the west coast of ,india1 is certainly commodious3 it has a larger bottom1 in general1 than the ,bengal hookah2 though ,i have seen some very small1 with beautiful imitations of flowers1 and of coral1 shells1 c4 within them4 ,some of the real ,persian kaleauns exhibit considerable ingenuity1 and taste1 on the part of their manufacturers4 ,in the centre of the interior1 bunches of flowers1 beautifully colored1 far too large1 and too delicate1 to have been introduced at the embouchures of the vessels1 may be seen4 ,over these1 the glass1 which is rarely of the best quality1 though far superior to any ,i have seen of ,hindostanee formation1 has evidently been cast1 or blown4 ,many of these artificial bouquets are1 however1 made piece-meal1 as ,i discovered by examining their construction1 after their exterior cases had been accidentally broken3 such were found to consist of a cone of rosin firmly cemented to the bottom of the kaleaun1 by heat2 it appeared that the several leaves1 branches1 flowers1 birds1 c4 were introduced one after the other1 in a heated state1 and applied to the rosin1 in which they buried themselves sufficiently to retain a firm hold4 ,i likewise ascertained that some models of ,persian architecture were combined in the same manner2 while1 on the other hand1 others1 especially small figures of great personages1 seated on thrones1 elephants1 c4 were never subjected to that device3 in the latter instance1 some grapes were1 however1 joined in the manner above described4 ,the goorgoory is a very small kind of hookah1 intended to be conveyed in a palanquin1 or to be carried about a house2 the person who smokes holding a vase-shaped bottom by its neck1 and drawing through a stiff1 instead of a pliant1 pipe1 formed of a reed1 arched into such a shape as should conduct its end conveniently to the mouth4 ,in this1 the pipe is rarely more than a yard in length3 it is an implement very generally used by the middling classes of natives2 and especially among the women in harams4 ,the neriaul is nothing more than a cocoa-nut1 with the pipe-stem thrust through a hole at its top1 and a piece of reed1 about a cubit long1 applied to another hole rather lower down4 ,the nut-shell1 being half filled with water1 the air1 or rather the smoke1 we might suppose would be cooled2 but1 from observation1 ,i much doubt whether any change takes place in the temperament of either4 ,these little hookahs1 7for1 however paltry1 their owners do not omit to give them that designation17 are often used without any reed to conduct the smoke2 the lips being1 in that case1 applied to the small lateral aperture into which the reed should be fitted4 ,one of these usually serves half a dozen men1 who pass it round with great glee3 it often forms an appendage about the feet of a palanquin1 if the opportunity offers for securing it there1 without master's knowledge4 ,the dress of a hookah-burdar1 in the service of a gentleman of rank1 approaches nearly to that of a chobe-dar2 a jamma being generally worn by such1 but1 in more humble situations1 the courtah of a khedmutgar is common4 ,in the former situation1 his office is confined entirely to the hookah2 while1 in the latter1 he is generally expected to wait at table1 at least1 on occasion2 but wherever the master1 of whatever rank1 may go1 thither the hookah-burdar is expected to proceed1 so as to furnish the pipe in due season after dinner1 or at any other time it may be required4 ,the ordinary periods for smoking1 are1 after breakfast1 after dinner1 after tea1 and after supper3 such may be deemed regular2 and1 if no more than two or three charges are used1 at each time1 are by no means considered extraordinary4 ,i have already stated1 that some gentlemen smoke day and night4 ,in such a climate1 water is1 during four months1 at least1 the main spring of existence1 both in the animal1 and the vegetable1 kingdom2 consequently1 its supply becomes a profession1 giving bread to thousands4 ,the person officiating in this capacity1 if provided with a bullock for the purpose of conveying two large leather bags1 each containing about twenty gallons1 is called a ,puckaully2 but if he carries the water himself1 in the skin of a goat1 prepared for that purpose1 he then receives the designation of ,bheesty4 ,the bags for a puckaully are made of strong hide1 sewed very firmly at the front1 which is at right angles with the bottom1 where the leather doubles1 and1 consequently1 has no seam2 the back part1 is diagonal1 forming a kind of spout behind1 opposite the bullock's knee2 while the top is left open1 rather in a funnel form1 for about a foot that the water may be poured in3 the spout is first rolled up1 and then tied with a strong strip of leather4 ,every puckaully carries also a small bag1 that he may serve as an ordinary #8hand-bheesty'1 when required4 ,this is made of the skin of a goat1 taken off in a particular manner4 ,being put into a solution of lime1 the hair soon quits2 when the inside fleshings are carefully scraped off4 ,a tan is then made of the bark of baubool1 7mimosa71 khut1 7catechu17 and alum4 ,bheesties are1 with few exceptions1 ,mussulmans2 it being contrary to the ,hindu code to touch either the carcases1 or the skins1 of animals killed in any way4 ,hence1 a ,hindu of this profession is extremely rare1 and will seldom be discovered2 owing to the necessity for change of name1 so as to pass for a ,mussulman4 ,hindus will1 nevertheless1 drink of the water supplied from the mussock1 7or bheesty-bag72 though they are extremely partial to such as they can draw themselves1 by means of a line and metal pot1 with which most travellers are provided4 ,some few are1 to be sure1 extravagantly scrupulous1 and will undergo excessive thirst1 rather than partake of the bheesty's supply4 ,dust1 heat1 and fatigue1 however1 rarely fail1 after a while1 to overcome such ill-timed fastidiousness4 ,the puckaullies1 or1 as they are usually called1 the bullock-bheesties1 replenish their bags by driving their cattle into some tank1 or pond1 up to their knees1 or even deeper1 then baling in the water1 by means of a small leather bucket1 holding about two quarts1 or more4 ,the hand-bheesty usually sinks his bag under water1 when it soon fills4 ,when drawing water from the wells1 the leather bucket1 called a dole1 is used by both the puckaully and the hand-bheesty4 ,the constant application of a wet skin to the cloaths on the hip1 necessarily disposes them to rot3 on this account1 most bheesties provide themselves with a piece of cloth1 called karwah1 which1 being dyed in grain with a composition1 whereof the solution of shell-lac forms a large portion1 resists the effects of the moisture1 better than any other substance in use for apparel4 ,the wages of a hand-bheesty1 may be from four to five rupees1 according to the agreement1 whether he is to furnish his own mussock1 c4 which is the general mode4 ,his duty1 during the cold season1 and in the rains1 is mere pastime2 he has then but little to do beyond the supply of water to horses1 and filling a few pots for culinary purposes1 bathing1 drinking1 c4 all of which might be done in half an hour4 ,but in the summer months1 his labors are severe4 ,exclusive of the above requisitions1 which are multiplied ten-fold1 he has to water the tatties1 7or frames filled with grass17 applied to the windward side of every house1 for the purpose of cooling the air2 at that season not only uncomfortably hot1 but absolutely parching the skin of a person not habituated to its influence4 ,by day-break the bheesty must begin to fill the several tubs1 or immense nauds1 7pans7 of earthen-ware1 placed near the house2 this being done1 he brings the tatties1 and after wetting each thoroughly1 as it lays on the ground1 places it against its respective aperture1 supporting it with props1 and1 during the whole day1 indeed often till mid-night1 sprinkling it in every part2 occasionally replenishing the vessels1 as their contents may be expended4 ,though it cannot be said to occur often1 yet1 in some very dry seasons1 it has been found necessary to continue the bheesties at their labor during the whole night4 ,i recollect an instance1 in the year #agic1 when the winds were1 if any thing1 hotter at night than in the day time2 rendering it absolutely necessary to keep the tatties up for a full week1 or more2 and demanding additional bheesties1 who performed the night duty4 ,all the houses in ,india are tarrased1 not only on the basements1 but on every floor2 therefore1 previous to sweeping1 the bheesty sprinkles the tarras slightly2 thereby preventing the dust from rising when the sweeper performs his part4 ,he likewise waters the precincts of the house1 several times daily1 but especially towards sun-set1 when gentlemen usually take their tea in the open air4 ,if going any distance1 perhaps two or three miles1 in their palanquins1 during the prevalence of the hot winds1 it is common for persons of respectability to be accompanied by their bheesties1 who carry a small quantity of water in their mussocks2 therewith sprinkling the tatties applied to the sides of the vehicle2 the interior1 which but for this would be insufferably hot1 is thereby rendered fresh and cool4 ,those who do not take bheesties with them1 have their gutta-topes1 7or palanquin covers17 which are ordinarily made of the karwah before described1 well soaked in water before they set out3 this1 though not so effectual as the foregoing mode1 is no bad substitute4 ,water1 when dashed out from the end of a mussock1 or bheesty-bag1 would be apt to penetrate into the interior of a palanquin2 and as its expenditure1 while proceeding any distance1 should be economically managed1 a very simple device is in use1 which effectually answers every purpose2 namely1 the introduction of a small rose-head1 similar to those affixed to the spouts of garden watering-pots1 which being firmly secured within the neck of the mussock1 by means of the leather throng always attached to that part1 divides the water more minutely1 and checks its too abundant supply2 at the same time that it causes the distribution to be more general and equal4 ,tatties are made of the roots of that long grass of which most of the jungles in ,india consist1 and which correspond exactly with the ,guinea grass1 once so ridiculously sent to the ,east as a great acquisition2 the fibres are of a rusty brown color1 devious in their direction1 and may be from ten to twenty inches in length3 we see among us cloaths brushes1 and carpet brooms1 made of it4 ,the ,hindostanee name is kuss-kuss1 and the general price may be about four rupees per maund1 7of #hb lb74 ,the frame1 in which this material is to be enclosed1 is made of split bamboo1 chequered into squares1 of about four inches each way1 and in the whole sufficiently extensive to overlap the exterior of the door1 or window1 to which it is to be applied1 at least six inches1 or perhaps1 a foot1 at the sides and above4 ,the kuss-kuss is then placed very regularly on the bamboo frame1 as it lies on the ground1 in the same manner as tiles2 each layer being bound down1 under a thin slip of bamboo1 extending the full breadth of the tatty4 ,the great art is to make the tatty neither too thick1 which would exclude the wind2 nor too thin1 as it would then let the dust pass through1 without rendering the interior sufficiently cool4 ,i found1 after much experiment1 that a maund of kuss-kuss1 applied so as to cover about a hundred square feet1 answered extremely well4 ,but it is best to have one or two tatties made rather thin2 so as to apply in case of light winds3 when it blows hard1 these may be applied double2 one at the back of the other4 ,at such times1 the interior of a house will be very cool2 sometimes rather too much so2 for the great evaporation caused by the heated air's passage through the cold medium1 produces perfect refrigeration4 ,in the western provinces1 and other parts of ,india1 tatties are frequently made of a short1 prickly bush1 that thrives during the hottest months on sandy plains1 especially in places inundated during the rainy season4 ,this shrub is called1 jewassah2 its leaves are not unlike1 but not so numerous1 nor of so deep a green1 as those of rue4 ,it is extremely prickly1 being every where furnished with spines about the size of a pin4 ,when fresh1 the jewassah is most pleasing to the eye1 and its scent is equally agreeable2 but1 after the first day1 its verdure disappears1 and the whole house is filled with its leaves1 and its thorns4 ,hence1 the kuss-kuss1 which1 when fresh1 is rather fragrant1 though the scent is somewhat terraceous1 is usually preferred in making those tatties which roll up1 so as to be particularly applicable to palanquins1 and are called cheeks2 wherein nothing but kuss-kuss is ever employed3 where this root cannot be procured1 or when in the early part of the hot season1 little has come to market1 common grass1 pared from the soil1 or even small boughs1 straw1 c4 are occasionally used to fill between two frames of bamboo3 they answer tolerably when well watered2 but1 on account of their disposition to rot1 soon become objectionable3 kuss-kuss will keep for years4 ,very few puckaullies1 or bullock-bheesties1 are retained in the service of individuals2 such are usually attached to the establishments of barrack-masters1 and quarter-masters4 ,they answer admirably for the supply of water at the soldiers' quarters1 and at the hospitals2 to which tatties are allowed1 at the public expence1 during the hot season4 ,in most cases1 the bullocks that carry the water1 as well as the leather bags1 appertain to the establishment1 and the driver receives only the pay of a hand-bheesty2 where he supplies the whole1 his pay is from ten to twelve rupees per month4 ,the ,babachy1 or cook1 is a servant who may fairly claim very considerable approbation1 since he prepares most sumptuous dinners1 although he never tastes any of the viands while in a state of preparation2 and is1 besides1 often put to his wits to guard against the joint attacks of dust1 wind1 rain1 sun1 and birds of prey4 ,in a regular1 settled family1 it is true he may have every convenience afforded him2 such as a substantial and spacious kitchen1 with fire-place according to the ,indian style2 a range of stoves1 a scullery1 apparatus of all sorts1 c4 c4 ,but when on a march1 the case is widely different2 he must then turn to with his mattock1 and dig a number of holes1 to receive his fuel2 which is usually green wood1 or dried cow-dung2 he must make choolahs1 or fire places1 by placing three lumps of earth1 kneaded into a stiff paste1 for each choolah1 so as to support the boiler it is to receive2 he must burn his wood to embers1 over which his meat is to be roasted1 by means of a small spit2 perhaps made of slit bamboo1 but if of iron1 with a crank at one end1 whereby to turn it1 as it rests upon two dogs1 or iron spikes1 driven into the ground1 a few feet asunder2 he must1 in all probability1 kill and flay a kid1 or two or three fowls2 some for curry1 others for roasting1 c42 and1 perhaps1 after all1 he may have to turn the spit himself2 occasionally looking to the contents of the several boilers1 c4 ,the fixed roasting place in a permanent kitchen is generally made of two inclined bars of iron1 about four or five feet in length1 set sloping against a wall1 at an angle of perhaps forty degrees4 ,each of these bars is furnished with eight or ten hooks1 in any suitable pair of which the spit is turned by a boy3 the spaces under them1 that is to say1 the triangle on each side1 are filled with masonry1 so that the heat may be retained1 and the embers be kept within certain bounds4 ,for roasting in this manner1 the embers are divided lengthwise1 leaving a vacancy1 or kind of trough1 under the line of the spit1 wherein a metal platter is sometimes set1 to receive the dripping1 which is returned to the meat by a bunch of feathers1 7generally those from the wings of the fowls just killed17 tied to the end of a short stick4 ,this little neat1 cleanly1 and cheap dripping-ladle1 answers admirably2 it being in the power of the babachy to baste any part with great precision4 ,i know not any thing in the culinary way1 that proves more uncomfortable to delicate stomachs than the sight of this part of the process2 unless it be the very common practice of preparing toast1 by means of melted butter laid on either with the above implement1 or with a piece of old rag6 ,as for straining soup1 c4 through dirty clouts1 that is considered as a matter of course2 therefore1 after a full conviction that it is so1 and that the soup is well flavored1 very few exceptions are made4 ,notwithstanding such unpicturesque operations1 the dinner1 when brought to table1 looks well1 and tastes well3 appetite1 at that time1 supersedes daintiness1 and prevents the imagination from travelling back to the kitchen2 though1 to be sure1 the number of flies at times found in the sauces1 will occasion a disposition to enquire how they got there1 and whence they came6 ,these obnoxious visitors rarely fail to visit the purlieus of the balachy's camp2 where they assemble in swarms2 not only covering the garbage1 which usually lies but a few paces distant1 but settling on the meat1 or visiting the stew-pots1 c4 where they are overcome by the heat1 or fixed by the dripping1 c4 ,flies may1 however1 be picked out2 but those shoals of dust that skim during the middle of the day1 often render the whole dinner absolutely unacceptable4 ,i have been in situations where1 although a large table cloth was spread over the knives1 forks1 c4 as laid for dinner1 there has been collected near a pound of sand underneath2 while the upper cloth was really covered full a quarter of an inch in depth3 those who have been stationed at ,lucknow1 during the hot season1 cannot but confirm my assertion4 ,this never can be altogether obviated in moveable camps2 but1 when fixed for a while1 it is usual to set up mats1 or konauts1 7which are walls of cloth1 kept upright by ropes and sticks17 on the windward side2 whereby the inconvenience may be considerably lessened3 but sometimes a b'hoot1 or whirlwind1 comes suddenly1 and not only be-grits the whole of the cookery1 but whisks away the fences1 embers1 c4 in an instant6 ,the boilers in general are made in the country1 of copper1 tinned2 in shape not unlike the common cast-iron pots used throughout the ,north1 without feet1 and with the addition of a flat rim projecting about an inch outward1 serving both to steady a kind of inverted lid1 and1 as they have no handles1 for the babachy to apply two wet rags1 wherewith to put the vessel off1 and on1 the choolah4 ,tinning is performed by persons who make a livelihood thereby2 they receiving a certain sum1 from one to two rupees per score1 for the several pieces1 counting boilers1 lids1 c41 according to their size4 ,the kully-ghur1 or tinman1 uses but few utensils2 he has the vessels well scoured1 and then1 by means of powdered rosin1 gives the interior a coating1 scarcely distinguishable to the sight1 or touch4 ,some use no rosin2 others employ borax2 but1 whatever the medium may be1 or whether there be none1 the vessel is heated sufficiently1 and equally1 over embers1 when the tin1 being thoroughly melted1 is kept rubbing round the interior1 with a large piece of fine cotton wool1 so long as any will adhere3 the vessel is then set to cool4 ,it cannot require pointing out1 that the above mode is retained in vogue entirely by the cheapness1 and expedition1 with which it is done2 were it otherwise1 its want of durability1 could not fail to give the preference to some more permanent1 and less soluble1 preparation4 ,but it happens1 that tinning can be performed in almost every town2 and1 that there is rarely occasion to have recourse thereto more than once in two or three months2 when a score1 of good sized pieces1 may be done for as little money as would be charged1 by one of our artizans1 for tinning a very moderate-sized kettle4 ,some gentlemen use tin boilers1 sent from this country2 but1 though certainly devoid of the inconvenience1 and danger1 attendant upon a want of tinning1 such are highly objectionable1 in consequence of their being so soon burnt through1 or rusted1 when laid by3 notwithstanding the generality of babachies adopt the precaution of smearing the bottoms of most vessels1 but of these in particular1 with fine clay1 sufficiently diluted to be laid on thin and smooth4 ,our cooks at home might1 perhaps1 not do amiss1 were they to adopt that excellent plan4 ,the babachy has nothing characteristic in his apparel2 he is generally more of a sloven than of a beau1 and may often be mistaken for a mosaulchy4 ,in some families1 mates1 or assistants1 are allowed1 who do the drudgery1 and whose pay is often included in that of his superior2 in which case1 four rupees are the common allowance1 though the poor mate seldom receives more than half that sum2 the cook-major adding the residue1 as a perquisite1 to his own wages1 which may be stated at from six to twelve rupees1 according to ability4 ,as in the case of kansamahs1 and hookah-burdars1 a few instances may be adduced of exorbitant salaries2 but we may generally take the single cook at eight rupees1 and the mate at four4 ,where there is much work1 as in taverns1 c41 from fifteen to twenty rupees are sometimes given monthly to the head babachy4 ,the ,durzy1 or tailor1 however strange it may appear to those who never left ,england1 is an indispensable domestic in every part of ,india4 ,it is to be recollected1 that all such branches of servitude are there filled by males2 except for the zenanah1 or haram1 where there may be from two to four females2 all exclusively attached to the lady4 ,these know nothing of needle-work2 not so much as to enable their hemming a petticoat4 ,under such circumstances1 the only alternative is to employ a sempster1 who understands cutting out1 and making1 waistcoats1 small-cloaths1 pantaloons1 shirts1 c43 many1 indeed1 can make a very tolerable coat1 if furnished with a pattern4 ,the durzy is invariably expected to be proficient in whatever relates to the apparel of native women1 as well as to be a competent judge of the value of different kinds of cloths made in the country2 nor is it less necessary1 that he should know the exact quantity of materials requisite for the several parts of dress4 ,all this science is to be had1 at the average rate of seven or eight rupees monthly2 the durzy finding his own needles and threads4 ,durzies capable of making gowns1 c4 for ,european ladies1 being scarce1 and1 as ,i have said in speaking of kansamahs1 much in request1 double the latter sum may always be earned by one of moderate skill in that branch4 ,the inferior class of durzies1 called keemah-dozes1 who do no fine work1 but principally are employed in tent-making1 rarely earn more than four rupees monthly3 or1 if paid by the day1 not more than three and a half4 ,the various pretexts under which the durzy obtains admission into the zenanah1 added to the constancy of his attendance at the house1 unless when any purchase is to be made1 gives him an admirable opportunity for carrying on intrigue2 for which the whole tribe are notorious3 hence1 if any cause of suspicion appears1 the durzy is the first object of jealousy2 when it generally turns out1 that1 if not the principal1 he is accessary1 as a go-between4 ,as a tailor is immediately distinguished among us1 so is the durzy in ,india instantly ascertained by his gait4 ,some are personable men1 but speedily become emaciated by debauchery2 in which their liberal wages enable them to indulge4 ,yet they are1 on the whole1 excellent workmen2 finishing apparel of all sorts in a remarkably neat manner1 and often fitting with great exactness3 but they are devoid of invention2 mostly following old patterns1 and rarely suggesting the smallest improvement4 ,the dress of a durzy much resembles that of a khedmutgar2 but1 in the hot season1 the former wear no coortahs1 being bare from the waist upwards2 sometimes substituting a small cap1 7worn only by ,mussulmans17 for the turban1 which is usually compact and neat4 ,the ,doby1 or washerman1 is also exclusively a domestic1 washing for only one family2 by which it should be understood1 that1 not only his master's linen of every description1 but the zenanah apparel is given to him to wash1 and to iron4 ,sometimes1 however1 the latter operation is performed by an ,istree-wallah1 or ironer2 yet this is rare2 only taking place in very large families1 or in large towns1 such as ,calcutta1 ,madras1 c4 where proximity of residence renders such a resort convenient3 none but box irons are used2 and of these a large portion are heated by means of embers shut up in their cavities4 ,the doby who washes for a single gentleman1 will sometimes1 at the risk of severe punishment1 or of being discharged1 take the linen of low ,europeans1 or ,portugueze1 in hand clandestinely3 many have1 indeed1 been detected in letting out the linen given to their charge4 ,hence1 it is needful to keep a watch over these folks1 who commonly take all the foul articles every week1 bringing home at that time what they received at the former delivery4 ,the wages vary according to the labor2 but from six to ten rupees may be taken as the standard2 the doby finding soap1 and every part of the apparatus1 without any demand upon1 or reference to1 his employer4 ,when an ,european lady is in the family1 some encrease must be made to the pay1 on account of the great additional labor2 nothing but white being worn at any time4 ,in such case1 it is found expedient to have a small apartment appropriated1 in which the finer articles may be got up by the lady's maid4 ,the usual process of washing in ,india1 is1 first to boil all the cloaths in a large earthen naud1 mixing plenty of soap1 or ley1 or sudjee1 7fossile alkali17 or wood-ashes1 with the water4 ,this operation is called the butteah2 the cloaths are then well rinsed1 either in a large tank1 or in a running stream1 when they are again rubbed with soap1 and laid in a heap to soak4 ,after a few hours they are washed again1 and1 being folded up into whisps1 or bundles1 of a convenient size1 are beaten forcibly on a board1 cut into deep transverse grooves1 and placed aslant in the water2 in which the doby stands immersed up to his knees4 ,after dashing each bundle several times on the board1 he opens and rinses it in the water2 repeating the dashing1 as though he were beating the board with a flail1 until every part of the linen appears to be duly cleansed4 ,if a board is not at hand1 7though every doby has at least one1 of about four feet long1 two broad1 and four inches thick1 with a stout stick wherewith a prop it17 any smooth stone is made to answer4 ,it should seem1 that this must be a most destructive method2 but experience proves1 that the fine calicoes of ,india will1 even under such apparently rough usage1 wear longer than our stout linens washed in tubs1 c4 ,every doby has his drying lines1 which are fixed at each end to pins driven into the ground1 and then sustained by cross-sticks1 on the forks of which the ropes rest4 ,in the rainy season1 the cloaths are hung somewhere under shelter1 where they soon dry2 though not so quick as in the summer months2 during which the heaviest articles may be dried in a few minutes4 ,the doby's wife1 7called the dobin17 usually assists in every part of the process2 as do also such of his children as are of an age to be useful4 ,this sect is very peculiar in many instances1 it1 and that of the comars1 or potters1 being the only two privileged to ride1 or even to carry burthens1 upon asses1 without suffering the most ignominious degradation3 hence1 those animals are jocularly termed1 'dobies's palfreys4' ,the dress of the doby is generally very plain1 consisting of a turban1 a dotee1 7or waist-cloth17 and a chudder1 7or sheet17 worn loosely over the body in cold weather4 ,when dobies are at work1 their lungs aspirate strongly1 like those of paviors2 which produces a very singular effect2 especially if1 as is very often the case1 several of these board-thrashers are assembled at the same piece of water4 ,dobies are very generally ,hindus2 and ought1 agreeably to the ordinary tenets of that religion1 to refrain from touching any animal substance1 except leather1 when used in the construction of shoes1 and implements of war2 but a particular exception is made in favor of this cast1 7or sect17 who could not otherwise use soap1 when made of suet2 though1 by far the greater portion of that made in ,hindustan1 is manufactured with oil expressed from the sesamum4 ,when on a march1 the doby in each gentleman's service loads his cloaths1 wet or dry1 upon his camels1 bullocks1 cart1 c43 the servant's own apparatus being conveyed on a donkey2 which1 in general1 is tolerably well burthened with the wife1 or some young children1 the washing-board1 its prop1 the drying lines1 the sticks1 box irons1 c4 c42 forming1 in the whole1 an abundant accumulation of moveables for so small an animal as an ,hindostanee jack-ass2 which is seldom to be seen half the size of the common breed we have in ,england4 ,a ,mohout is a person employed to feed1 and to drive1 an elephant3 most of this profession are ,mussulmans1 and very dissipated in their conduct4 ,except at particular periods1 on a long march for instance1 the mohout has little to do2 all the drudgery that relates to bringing in fodder on the elephant1 for its own use1 as well as taking the animal to water1 rubbing it down1 oiling its forehead1 painting its cheeks with vermilion1 or with ochre1 putting on the pads1 clearing away the dung1 with a variety of such matters1 being in general done by the mate1 or deputy1 who is often nothing more than a cooly1 or common laborer1 employed for this especial business1 but who ultimately succeeds to the charge of an elephant4 ,mohouts receive from three to six rupees monthly3 the lowest rates of wages being confined to those countries where elephants are caught2 and the highest attainable only in the service of gentlemen of rank2 who require this1 as well as all other of their domestics1 to dress more correctly than such as appertain to persons in less opulent1 or less dignified1 circumstances4 ,the duty of a mohout1 when actively employed1 is to sit upon the neck of his elephant1 bare-footed1 and furnished with an instrument1 called a haunkus1 7or driver17 wherewith to guide the animal4 ,this is commonly about twenty1 or perhaps twenty-four inches in length1 generally made of iron1 though some have wooden hafts2 the tip is pointed1 and1 about six inches below it1 is a hook1 welded on to the stem1 forming nearly a semi-circle1 whose diameter may be four or five inches4 ,at the butt of the shaft1 a ring is let through1 for the purpose of fastening the haunkus to a line2 the other end of which is fastened to some soft cord1 about half an inch in diameter1 passing very loosely eight1 or ten1 times round the elephant's neck1 and serving1 in lieu of stirrups1 to keep the mohout from falling over to the right or left1 on any sudden motion1 as well as to retain his feet in their due direction4 ,when the elephant is to be urged forward1 the point of the haunkus is pressed into the back of his head1 while the mohout's toes press under both the animal's ears3 when it is to be stopped1 the mohout places the hook part against the elephant's forehead2 and1 throwing his weight back1 occasions considerable pain1 which soon induces to obedience3 when it is to turn to the left1 the mohout presses the toes of his right foot under the right ear of the elephant1 at the same time goading him about the tip of the right ear2 thereby causing the animal to turn its head1 and to change its direction3 to turn to the right1 vice vers4 ,when the elephant is to lie down1 in order to be laden1 the haunkus is pressed perpendicularly upon the crown of the head3 but most elephants1 after a year or two1 become very well acquainted with the words of command2 obeying them readily1 without being mounted1 or even approached4 ,each mate1 or cooly1 is generally provided with a cutting bill1 called a d'how1 for the purpose of lopping off the lesser branches of barghuts1 peepuls1 and other trees1 in common use as fodder4 ,an elephant will usually carry as much of these on his back1 as he can consume in two days2 but it is not customary to load more than will last for one day1 when on a march2 as it would be superfluous4 ,boughs1 as thick as a man's arm1 are very easily chewed by this stupendous animal2 which often uses one1 of full a hundred weight1 to drive the flies from its body4 ,besides the d'how1 each mate is furnished with a spear1 about six or seven feet in length1 having a long pyramidal blade1 ornamented at its point with a tassel1 and armed at its other extremity with a blunter's pike3 the former is used to urge the animal to exertion1 the mate goading his hind quarters2 the latter serves to stick the implement upright in the ground1 or to press upon the elephant's arm while the load is putting on1 or the rider ascending into the howdah4 ,the dress of the mohout is1 in most points1 similar to that of the khedmutgar2 and that of the mate is1 if any thing1 but little better than the ordinary costume of poor laborers1 though their pay may be rated from three to four rupees per month3 in those provinces where elephants are caught1 provisions are extremely cheap2 there1 few mates receive more than a rupee and a half1 or two rupees4 ,the occupation of a mohout is considered by no means conducive to longevity2 a premature decrepitude generally disqualifies after a few years of service4 ,this is supposed to arise from the motion of the elephant2 but may1 perhaps very justly1 be attributed to the too great intervals of leisure1 which are generally passed in conviviality4 ,the health of a ,surwan1 or camel-driver1 is yet more subject to early decay1 than that of a mohout3 the motion of this animal being most oppressively severe2 causing such a vibration of the loins as is attended with great pain1 and often with suppression of urine1 together with tenesmus1 especially in tender persons not accustomed thereto4 ,it is said to be less severe when trotting1 than when walking3 the former ,i never tried2 being perfectly satisfied with a gentle ambulation1 which made every joint of my vertebr crack at the time1 and ache for some hours after4 ,the dress of this class resembles that of a mosaulchy of the superior order2 the pay may be from four to five rupees1 if in charge of only two camels2 but1 if three1 it is usual to allow a rupee more4 ,the duty consists in seeing the camels fed properly1 for which purpose the surwan proceeds1 every second or third day1 to some village1 for chaff of various kinds3 the usual quantity of gram1 7a kind of pulse wherewith laboring cattle are fed17 is given1 part in the morning1 and part in the evening2 or perhaps all at the latter time3 three seers1 equal to about six pounds1 are considered good keep4 ,camels being rarely very tractable1 especially when lustful1 must be approached with great caution3 their bite is dreadful1 not only from the size of the mouth and the strength of the jaw1 as well as the form of the tushes1 but because they rarely quit their hold4 ,it often happens that the same camel kills several surwans3 probably1 if there were lords of the manor to claim such beasts as deodands1 fewer accidents would happen4 ,the only mode1 hitherto ascertained1 of governing these vicious animals1 is1 by boring a hole in the nostril1 and passing through it1 from within1 a piece of tough wood1 with a knob about as large as a nutmeg4 ,a strong piece of line is then fastened to the outer extremity of the wood1 that1 on being pulled1 causes the camel to lie down at pleasure4 ,this contrivance1 which is called naukell1 keeps him in tolerable order2 though it is prudent to have a stout bludgeon1 in case of any attempt to seize4 ,when camels are very vicious1 it is common to cut off their noses1 so far as the gristle extends3 this privation is supposed to do much good2 but ,i have seen numberless instances wherein it totally failed2 while1 on the other hand1 it greatly depreciated2 since few would like to purchase one bearing so obvious a type of treachery4 ,a good surwan will always distinguish himself by the order of his cattle1 by their freedom from injuries in consequence of galling under the saddle1 and especially by the compact manner in which he places whatever burthen is to be carried4 ,this should never exceed six maunds of #hblb each2 though the ,company require1 in all their contracts1 that the camels furnished for their service should carry much more4 ,possibly1 on a soil suited to the camel's foot1 he may1 on emergency1 carry as far as eight maunds1 equal to no less than #feflb2 but such must not be expected to last4 ,if the soil is boggy1 half that weight will be found sufficient2 especially where slippery2 for1 when overladen1 the animal will1 in such places1 be very subject to ruin2 his hind legs sliding asunder1 so as to bring the pelvis to the ground3 this1 which is termed #8splitting1' renders him unable to rise1 or1 if raised1 to proceed1 in consequence of the violent injury sustained4 ,on such an occasion the animal's throat is cut by some good ,mussulman1 who1 as he performs that operation1 and during the time the blood is flowing1 recites a prayer and benediction1 whereby the meat1 which is esteemed a great delicacy1 is sanctified1 and may be eaten4 ,the ,syce1 or groom1 attends but one horse1 and has attached to him an under servant1 whose business it is to provide grass for fodder1 and to do various jobs relating to cleanliness1 c43 this may be looked upon as the extent of duty the latter has to perform while stationary2 but1 when marching1 the assistant1 or1 as he is called1 the ,gaus-kot1 7i4e4 grass-cutter17 has to carry the pickets1 headstall1 head and heel ropes1 curry-combs1 cloathing1 c4 c4 to the next place of encampment4 ,the labor is certainly severe1 but is undergone1 with tolerable alacrity1 under the hope of one day succeeding to the post of syce4 ,in every country a good groom is invaluable2 but if any where more particularly enhanced1 it certainly is in ,india3 the horses there being invariably high spirited1 from want of castration1 and often becoming1 under the least provocation1 or licence1 incorrigibly vicious4 ,there we see gentlemen1 when mounted1 afraid to approach each other within ten or twelve yards1 lest their horses should begin fighting3 some few have1 indeed1 been tempted1 by the supposed passiveness of their respective steeds1 to ride boot to boot2 but rarely without experiencing some dreadful misfortune2 many legs having been thus broken6 ,although much may depend upon the natural temper of a horse1 still there will remain much in the power of the syce4 ,if he be timid1 and the animal spirited1 the affair is soon over1 by the latter gaining such an ascendancy as to render him ungovernable4 ,being once let loose1 and a mare within sight1 or scent1 away goes the steed1 completely disqualified for future saddling4 ,it is inconceivable what control some syces obtain over their horses1 which will allow the approach of no others4 ,this1 though it may be an admirable mode of temporizing with a vicious beast1 is often attended with most ludicrous1 or rather most distressing1 circumstances2 it being very common to see persons sitting on horses from which they dare not alight1 until their own syces may arrive1 and1 by securing the head1 with a baug-door1 7or leading-halter17 grant master leave to quit the saddle4 ,this occurs so frequently as to cause no surprize2 though it often excites some merriment1 not always pleasing to the sufferer4 ,when a person falls from his horse1 the whole troop separate1 lest the stray animal should attack them3 in such case1 two or three active syces may prevent mischief2 but1 few will attempt to catch a horse whose character for gentleness is not established4 ,every syce is provided with a strong cotton cord1 rather thicker than a stout window line1 of several yards long1 which he fastens to the left cheek of the bit when leading1 and does not loosen until his master has mounted2 when1 by drawing a slip knot1 the animal is liberated from the groom's control4 ,in general1 the line 7baug-door7 is affixed before dismounting3 a neglect of that precaution is frequently attended with unpleasant consequences2 for1 to say the least1 the horse will in all probability gallop away to his stable1 which may be some miles distant2 leaving his incautious rider to walk after him2 not always very cool1 either in regard to the weather1 or to his own state of mind4 ,in consequence of the immense number of gad-flies to be seen at all times of the year1 each syce carries a whisk1 made by fastening horse-hair to a short stick1 commonly lacquered in rings of alternate colors4 ,this implement1 with which the flies are driven away1 is called a chowry1 and may cost about sixpence1 or eight-pence4 ,a small sheet of karwah1 either double1 or single1 is usually thrown over the syce's shoulder1 or fastened around his waist1 before he sets off to accompany his master3 this is carried to lay over the horse's back1 so soon as given in charge to the groom1 to prevent the accession of dry-gripes2 to which the animal would be subjected1 if much heated1 but for that precaution1 added to walking him about gently until perfectly cool4 ,hence it will be seen1 that no gentleman ever rides unless accompanied by his groom2 many of whom run remarkably fast1 keeping up for many miles with a gig going at a smart pace3 by habit1 they become long-winded1 and capable of enduring great fatigue4 ,the dress of a syce1 taken generally1 is a medium between the khedmutgar and the mosaulchy2 while that of the gaus-kot is rarely better than that of a common laborer4 ,the former receives from four to six rupees per month2 five being the general rate3 the latter usually has three1 when paid independently of the syce2 but when through his hands1 a small deduction is often made2 to resist which would lead to discharge1 either peremptorily1 or by the imputation of some neglect1 c4 ,the grass-cutter is always expected to provide a net for carrying a large bundle of fodder1 and a kind of paring instrument1 called a koorpah1 wherewith to cut the grass1 about half an inch under the surface of the soil3 the upper part of the root being considered extremely nourishing4 ,no hay is ever seen in ,india2 nor would it answer that purpose nearly so well as the common expedient of paring it for daily consumption4 ,the ,maharrattahs1 it is true1 make a coarse kind of hay1 wherewith to feed their large bodies of horse at certain seasons2 but the condition of their cattle in general by no means recommends such a measure in private studs4 ,nevertheless1 that practice has its advantages1 for while our cavalry horses would starve for want of green1 or succulent fodder1 the less delicate ,maharrattah charger plucks at any old thatch with great readiness2 and even on such diet will perform wonders4 ,i have always thought that our public cattle were too highly pampered2 at least1 that the mode of feeding them by no means corresponded with that ready adoption of any kind of coarse foraging1 which might become necessary under the most ordinary circumstances of a campaign3 a pig will gradually become dainty1 and rather starve than return to its former coarse provision4 ,the practice of soaking gram for cavalry horses1 is peculiarly objectionable2 as not only causing them to expect it at all times1 even when water 7much less soaking-pots7 cannot be had in any quantity2 but inducing most horses to swallow the grains whole1 without mastication4 ,in my humble opinion1 the whole of the grain supplied to cavalry horses ought to be reduced to a coarse meal1 mixed with hay1 and straw1 in equal quantities1 cut very fine in a chaff-trough4 ,it may be readily supposed1 that when a camp has been settled for a few days1 on even the most luxuriant verdure1 the whole must disappear3 it1 however1 speedily springs again after the first fall of rain1 presenting a beautiful light-colored blade1 very small1 and of rapid growth4 ,the kind of grass prepared for horses1 is the doob1 or sun-grass1 nearly corresponding with our fine creeping-bent4 ,this should be well beat with a stick1 and be washed before used2 if kept for a day or two in an airy place1 it is supposed to be more wholesome1 than when given immediately after being cut1 as is generally done4 ,the doob is not to be found every where2 but1 in the low countries about ,dacca1 ,mahomedpoor1 c4 where the inundation is general during near three months every year1 this grass abounds2 attaining to a prodigious luxuriance6 ,i have often seen it full two feet and a half high1 absolutely matting the ground4 ,cattle are turned into it promiscuously1 and never fail to thrive4 ,it appears curious1 that in a part where1 during the rains1 nothing is to be seen of the soil2 the little villages built on eminences being the only discernible objects1 if we except the tops of large trees staring out of the water2 no provision should be made for the maintenance of the cattle2 which1 at such times1 depend entirely on what can be drawn up by means of forked poles1 from1 perhaps1 a depth of twenty feet4 ,this green food1 highly impregnated with moisture1 surely cannot be wholesome at such a season for these poor animals1 which are then cooped up in the hundreds of boats that surround every village6 ,whereas1 if the doob1 such as ,i have described1 were to be cut1 and stacked in the month of ,february1 when it is in high perfection1 and the atmosphere moderately warm1 there might certainly be provided a more appropriate1 and less hazardous1 species of fodder4 ,but the truth is1 that cattle are1 in every part of ,india1 left1 so long as possible1 to shift for themselves3 and this1 notwithstanding that a load of the finest hay in the world might be made in the low countries for about half-a-crown2 even admitting that labor were paid for6 ,it gives me very great pleasure to observe1 in the ,gentleman's ,magazine1 for ,february1 #ahji1 that a grass has been discovered in ,ireland1 called the fiorin1 which perfectly corresponds with the doob of ,hindustan4 ,this invaluable plant stands the severest cold of ,iceland1 as well as it does the scorching heats of tropical summers4 ,in the latter instance1 the verdure certainly disappears2 but the root remains unimpaired1 and abounds with succulence4 ,i feel no hesitation in asserting1 that if the fiorin be what it is described1 namely1 the doob of ,hindostan1 it will prove an invaluable acquisition to the ,british agriculturist4 ,a rich grass that will stand either heat or cold1 or immersion for many successive months1 cannot fail to abridge our catalogue of ,georgic desiderata4 ,the doob is rarely sown in ,india2 but1 after being cut below the surface by the tool in common use among grass-cutters1 called a koorpah1 is chopped with a hatchet into pieces about two or three inches in length1 when1 being mixed with mud1 it is plastered on the surface of the plot where it is intended to remain2 the plot being previously saturated with water4 ,in a very few days1 the doob will be seen to vegetate1 especially if care be taken to keep the mud moist for a short time4 ,this grass is likewise well suited for transplanting1 by which operation very large plots are sometimes turfed4 ,the stems all throw out roots at every joint that is suffered to touch the ground2 but when very thick1 and abundant1 it is disposed to tower and spindle1 not unlike our pink and carnation plants4 ,if set in small tufts1 at a foot asunder1 they will soon cover the surface4 ,the ,mauly1 or gardener1 next claims attention4 ,the dress of this servant1 unless he be at the head of a large establishment1 is scarcely better than that of a common laborer2 nor are the wages much higher2 four rupees being a very common rate1 though sometimes as much as six1 or seven1 are given to men of superior ability1 that understand some particular culture of moment to the employer4 ,those who act under the maully are1 for the most part1 bildars1 hired by the day1 probably at five or six pice1 equal to about two rupees and a half monthly4 ,these bildars work with a kind of mattock1 called a phourah1 consisting of a blade1 about as large as that of a common garden-spade1 furnished with a very strong eye at the top1 rivetted to the blade1 and set on so as to give the handle a direction of about #gj from the plane of the blade1 which is slightly curved inwards4 ,the handle may be about thirty inches in length1 and is driven nearly through the eye1 where it is occasionally wedged1 to keep the blade from turning upon it2 as would be the case1 on account of the eye being round1 were it not made very tight4 ,while working with a phourah1 the bildar stands in the same position as if using a pick-axe3 throwing up whatever soil may accumulate at each stroke4 ,when the tool is new1 much may be lifted in this manner2 but when worn down nearly to the eye1 the most active laborer cannot effect much more than might be done by an ordinary bean-hoe4 ,those maullies who serve gentlemen1 are usually provided with rakes and hoes2 but1 in any other situation1 they content themselves with using short iron spuds1 set into wooden handles1 the stem being cranked1 and the whole rarely exceeding eighteen inches in length3 with these they beat the clods to pieces1 and level the surface admirably3 but1 of course1 not so quickly as our gardeners4 ,with the same kind of tool1 though of a smaller size1 they dig up weeds2 keeping the garden remarkably clean2 and1 under proper observation1 raising an immense quantity of vegetables4 ,it would surprize an ,european to see with what precision maullies sow and cover their seeds2 the seasons for which they are perfectly acquainted with1 even though the greater portion of the horticultural produce in that quarter consists of exotics3 this is the more remarkable1 because there is no book of gardening extant in the ,hindui language2 and if there were1 the chances would be1 at least a thousand to one1 that the maully could not read it4 ,the greater part of the manure used in gardens is known by the name of kallah-matty1 7i4e4 black-earth17 and is collected from such places as are set apart for the reception of filth of all sorts4 ,horse-dung1 cow-dung1 c4 are generally too much valued to be appropriated to the soil3 these are almost invariably preserved carefully2 and1 being made into a mass1 are formed into cakes1 between the hands1 about the size of a plate2 while moist1 they are stuck up against some wall exposed to the sun2 where1 in a day or two1 they become thoroughly dry1 and make an excellent kind of fuel1 burning very like good peats4 ,these guttees1 as they are called1 are generally prepared by the syce's wife1 and kept in a stack for culinary purposes4 ,the gardens of ,europeans are1 with few exceptions1 laid out much in the same way as our kitchen-gardens2 having one main walk1 with a few ramifications and parallels1 all of which are covered with soorkee1 or brick-dust2 though sometimes1 where gravel1 or rather shingle1 can be found1 it is used in preference4 ,the whole area is intersected by little channels made of earth1 or perhaps lined with semi-circular tiles1 whereby water is conveyed to every part at pleasure4 ,the peculiar gratification afforded to the eye1 and1 indeed1 to the feelings1 by the proximity of perpetual verdure1 in a country where1 for many months together1 scarcely a green spot is to be seen1 induces most persons1 when laying down a garden1 to appropriate such a piece of ground as may be in view1 to the formation of a grass-plot4 ,this is refreshed every third or fourth day by laying on water from the well1 always made on some more elevated spot1 so as to command every part to which the irrigation is to extend4 ,the doob is invariably selected for this purpose2 and1 in consequence of its numerous seeds1 as well as owing to the cool shelter it affords1 never fails to attract great numbers of ants1 of various colors and sizes2 all of which are a perfect nuisance throughout the ,east4 ,gentlemen who rear turkies1 find from experience1 that few can be brought up except where such grass-plots exist2 and where shade1 and water1 are at hand for the birds to avail themselves of at pleasure4 ,most of our garden esculents thrive in ,india2 cabbages1 cauliflowers1 lettuces1 celery1 beets1 carrots1 turnips1 peas1 cucumbers1 ,french beans1 radishes1 potatoes1 c4 are cultivated in abundance2 together with capsicums1 love-apples1 egg-plants1 gourds of various kinds1 calavanses1 yams1 sweet potatoes1 and hundreds of the indigenous tribe4 ,the common fruits are guavas1 peaches1 nectarines1 grapes1 a few apples1 but no pears1 melons of sorts1 pine-apples1 mangoes1 oranges1 citrons1 limes1 pomegranates1 byres of a very huge kind1 comringahs1 7or winged apples17 currindahs1 and1 in general1 most of the tropical fruits4 ,within the last twenty years1 very considerable additions have been made by the introduction of various trees1 and also of gardeners1 from ,china3 the former have thriven admirably2 while1 to the latter we are indebted for many valuable practices1 common among that industrious people1 and which promise to contribute greatly to the perfection of ,asiatic horticulture4 ,the best of maullies could not be ranked with the least capable among the ,chinese gardeners2 though it cannot be denied1 that they possess many strong recommendations2 and are not a little proud of any improvements1 or novelties1 committed to their management4 ,in the art of irrigation they cannot be surpassed4 ,that indispensable operation is performed1 in most instances1 by drawing water from a narrow well1 into a cistern1 or hollow1 at its edge2 whence1 by means of the channels before described1 each bed receives the necessary supply of moisture4 ,a pair of very small oxen1 worth about twelve or fifteen shilling's each1 suffice to draw up a moot1 or leather bag1 containing from twenty-five to thirty gallons4 ,in general1 a small hut is erected in the garden for the accommodation of the maully2 most of whose operations are performed after sun-set3 especially that of laying on water1 and the setting of plants4 ,rat-catching is also an object of importance1 and most successfully followed during moon-light nights2 when those large black rats1 called bandycoots1 equalling most cats in bulk1 are often speared1 as they ramble among the cucumber and melon beds1 wherein they make prodigious havoc4 ,nor is there any deficiency of other sorts1 or sizes1 of rats3 they are to be found both in immense numbers1 and in every variety2 but the large ,norway rat is most abundant4 ,i never saw1 nor heard of a mole in the country3 most probably the soil does not suit2 as it becomes so hard and dry during the hot season4 ,the ,aub-dar1 or water-cooler1 is scarcely less indispensable than the cook2 for1 without the exercise of his art1 all the delicacies of the table would be of no value4 ,hot wine1 and hot water1 are by no means acceptable to those who inhale so rarefied an atmosphere2 and who generally prefer such made-dishes as abound in spice4 ,it is true1 that1 sometimes1 a khedmutgar1 or a bearer1 may be found1 capable of cooling liquors nearly as well as aub-dars of the lower class2 but such are rare1 and cannot always be depended upon4 ,in saying this1 ,i do not mean to attribute the success of even the best qualified aub-dar to any chemical knowledge1 or to much comprehension of the manner1 or moment1 in which the refrigeration takes place3 far from it2 they are all the children of imitation1 and by keeping within certain parallels1 wide enough asunder1 hit upon their object2 though not without much loss of materials1 as well as of time4 ,the apparatus necessary for the operations of this servant1 consist of a large pewter vessel1 near half an inch in thickness1 and in its form not unlike a very thick ,cheshire cheese1 of which the edges are much rounded off4 ,at the top1 a circular aperture1 about a foot in diameter1 is left1 for the introduction of two pewter flasks1 7each containing about a pint and a half17 of a spherical form1 and furnished with long narrow necks1 nearly cylindrical1 about ten inches in length1 and fitted with caps1 of the same metal1 that come down about an inch and a half1 every where close4 ,the great bason just described is called a taus1 and the flasks are called soories4 ,when water is to be cooled1 about a gallon is put into the taus2 which1 by means of a small wooden frame1 made for the purpose1 or1 for want of it1 a few bricks1 c4 is sloped a little1 that the water may lie more towards one side3 a handful or two of salt-petre is then put in1 and the soories1 being about two thirds filled with the water to be drank1 are moved about in the taus1 one in each hand1 while the salt-petre is dissolving4 ,so soon as that is effected1 which is usually in two or three minutes1 the soories are laid at rest2 their necks projecting out at the opposite side of the aperture1 the sphere part being immersed1 and a wet cloth laid over the whole of the opening3 in that manner the intense cold1 generated by the solution1 acts upon the water within the soories2 so effectually indeed1 in many instances1 as to be unpleasantly condensed4 ,as to cracking the glasses1 that is extremely common1 but is rather to be imputed to their being somewhat heated by the atmosphere2 when the cold water1 being suddenly poured in1 causes nine in ten1 so acted upon1 to fly4 ,wine is always cooled in the common glass bottle wherein it is drawn from the cask1 and so soon as taken from the taus1 which may be in about five minutes after being left at rest1 is covered with a petticoat made of karwah1 or other cloth1 well wetted4 ,being placed in a stand made of turned wood1 to receive the drippings1 the bottle is placed on the table2 usually stopped with a silver-mounted cork4 ,decanters are rarely used in any part of ,india2 both because they are extremely subject to crack1 and1 that they certainly do not keep wine so cool as the common glass bottles do4 ,the dress of the aub-dar generally resembles that of the khedmutgar1 and his wages may rank with the superior classes serving in that capacity3 he has1 in general1 some perquisites1 both in charging for more salt-petre than is used1 and from the sale of the salt-petre water2 which1 throughout ,calcutta1 and in many other places1 is carefully preserved in large jars1 to be sold to persons who boil it down for the purpose of producing the nitre in a more purified state4 ,aub-dars should not be allowed to cool water within the house2 the salt-petre doing considerable injury to the walls1 from which it cannot possibly be extracted4 ,wherever a gentleman dines1 thither his aub-dar repairs1 in time to have water cooled as the dinner is served up3 when a large party are assembled1 it is curious to see perhaps two dozens of these servants1 laboring at their profession under the shade of the house1 and making a noise not very dissimilar to the quick motion of a stone-saw4 ,custom occasions it to pass unheeded1 unless so far as relates to the anticipation of a cool draught4 ,it should be remarked1 that water is the common beverage3 the smallest hole in the bottom of a soories utterly spoils it2 therefore the defect must be well closed with solder4 ,all the wine used at the table is cooled by the host's own servant2 though1 when any particularly famous aub-dar is in attendance1 he is often asked to exert his skill3 a request always complied with1 in a manner fully exhibiting that vanity pervades this1 as well as other classes of mortals4 ,the ,compadore1 or ,kurz-burdar1 or ,butler-konnah-sircar1 are all designations for the same individual1 who acts as purveyor1 sometimes under the orders of the master1 but more generally of the kansamah1 who never fails to participate of the profits made by over-charges1 and by the receipt of dustooree1 7or customary gift17 from the venders of whatever may be provided for domestic1 consumption4 ,this servant may be considered as appertaining to the order of sircars1 of which he should possess all the cunning1 the smooth tongue1 the audacious and persevering effrontery1 when maintaining a palpable lie1 together with that obsequiousness which should conciliate master1 and make him believe it6 ,without these1 the compadore could never thrive4 ,the pay of such a rogue is generally about four1 or1 at the utmost1 five1 rupees per mensem2 but that is comparatively no object1 in any family where some hundreds are spent in house-keeping4 ,in order to aid the deception1 he invariably dresses so very meanly1 as to claim our commiseration in behalf of his apparent poverty3 while1 at the same time1 it is probable that1 one way or other1 he contrives to retain about an eighth part of the money entrusted to his disbursement4 ,the usual custom is1 for the kansamah to enquire1 during the evening1 what is to be done in the culinary department on the succeeding day3 if the family dine abroad1 no directions are necessary2 otherwise1 fish1 flesh1 and fowl must be laid in4 ,as the best of the market is between day-light and sun-rise1 after which all the prime articles will have disappeared1 the compadore must proceed with his catalogue of desiderata1 attended by one or two under-servants1 7mosaulchies1 kalashies1 c47 to purchase the required articles4 ,no time must be lost in returning home1 at least during the hot months2 for such is the rapid progress towards putrefaction1 that ,i have more than once seen veal1 which had been killed after midnight1 become perfectly offensive in ten hours1 notwithstanding every possible precaution was taken to keep it cool4 ,it will be understood1 that a compadore must1 of necessity1 be a good accountant2 like the sircar1 he is well versed in fractions1 and carries his computations down to a single gundah of cowries1 7i4e4 four ,blackamoors' teeth74 ,this minuteness passes with many for honesty2 but by far the greater part of house-keepers either put those very small parts out of the question1 7regardless of the old saying1 that1 #8if the pence are well taken care of1 they will nourish the shillings2 while the pounds acquire strength to take care of themselves1'7 or they content themselves with the reflection1 that the accounts are correctly taken1 without even examining their contents4 ,every charge thus becomes sanctioned when committed to paper2 therefore each knave is anxious to have his items noted1 under the full conviction1 that1 thenceforth1 they are beyond the probability1 if not the possibility1 of refutation4 ,but such will never be effected1 unless a few of the filberts are1 according to the old fable1 dropped into the compadore's bag2 so as to diminish the bulk of the hand1 and to allow its retiring with the remainder of the booty4 ,not a cowrie can stir without the compadore's knowledge6 ,under the plea of fidelity to his employer1 he insists upon being privy to every disbursement2 never failing to preach up his own vigilance2 and 7which is the best of the joke17 making a point of attending every morning with his hands full of papers1 and his ink-pot1 c41 in readiness to give a detail of the expences of the preceding day2 though he perfectly knows that detail is never attended to4 ,let us not suppose that such deception is local3 in other1 or in various1 forms1 we may find it throughout the world4 ,some1 who boast of the excellence of ,english menials1 c4 may1 perhaps1 affect to believe them to be less infected with such knavery as is above displayed2 but an appeal to that too correct history of the times1 yclep'd #8,the ,newgate ,kalendar1' must remove every doubt of the instability of such an exemption2 and should assure us1 that1 whenever temptation solicits1 and opportunity favors1 few1 of any sect1 color1 or rank1 have the virtue to resist1 provided the object be proportioned to the risk6 ,the ,hirkarah was1 formerly1 a servant used solely for carrying expresses1 or such letters1 messages1 c4 as were to be sent beyond the circle of ordinary1 or daily1 communication3 he was1 in fact1 what is now commonly called a cossid4 ,we have retained1 however1 the designation of dawk-hirkarahs for those who convey the dawks1 or posts4 ,in every other instance1 the duty of the hirkarah1 as an attendant upon a gentleman in office1 c4 is similar to that of the peon1 or piada1 or running footman4 ,his pay is generally the same2 but the former usually bears a lacquered walking-stick1 armed at its extremity with a square spike1 the ferule of which is ornamented with dark-colored fringe1 or tassels4 ,this stick is carried over the shoulder1 and is the only distinction between the hirkarah and the peon3 but1 though the latter has no such insignia1 he frequently claims precedence1 causing the hirkarah to precede him in the retinue1 while attending their employer's palanquin4 ,both these servants1 whose capacities are now perfectly blended1 when serving ,europeans at least1 receive from four to five rupees monthly4 ,in every respect1 beyond the foregoing exceptions1 they dress much the same as khedmutgars1 but generally have turbans and cummer-bunds of the same color1 by way of livery2 and1 when in the employ of great merchants1 agents1 and especially under the principal officers of the government1 wear belts of colored broad-cloth1 with metal breast-plates2 bearing either the initials1 or the arms1 of their employers1 or inscriptions stating the offices to which they appertain4 ,the generality of such inscriptions have the ,english designation in the centre1 with a translation in the ,persian1 or the ,bengallee1 language1 7perhaps both17 around1 on the margin1 or vice vers4 ,many most extraordinary journies have been made by hirkarahs3 instances have been adduced of their travelling full a hundred miles in the four and twenty hours4 ,the ,duftoree1 or office-keeper1 attends solely to those general matters in an office1 which do not come within the notice of the crannies1 or clerks2 such1 for instance1 as making pens1 keeping the ink-stands in order1 ruling account books1 and perhaps binding them1 preparing and trimming the lights1 setting pen-knives1 together with a great variety of little jobs1 easily performed by an individual allotted thereto1 but trenching deeply on the occupations of those engaged in more connected and important business4 ,the pay of the duftoree may be from four to six rupees monthly2 though a few may receive rather more2 but such is unusual4 ,the dress depends on the cast of the individual3 if he be a ,mussulman1 it will correspond1 in some measure1 with that of the khedmutgar2 but1 if a ,hindu1 it will1 probably1 assimilate with that of the cranny4 ,the ,fraush1 or furniture-keeper1 is generally a ,mussulman1 and receives about four or five rupees monthly3 his dress corresponding with that of a first-rate mosaulchy1 or an inferior khedmutgar4 ,the duty of this menial1 among ,europeans1 consists chiefly in cleaning the furniture1 putting up1 or taking down beds1 7which1 in ,india1 is always effected without the aid of a carpenter17 beating carpets1 preparing and trimming the lights1 opening and shutting the doors for guests1 handing chairs1 setting tables for meals1 together with a variety of minuti of a similar description4 ,among the natives1 the office comprehends far more laborious employments1 among which the arrangement of tents may be adduced3 in this they aid the kalashies1 or tent-men1 reserving to themselves the performance of whatever relates to the interior4 ,according to the account of ,abu ,fazil1 who wrote regarding the establishment of the ,emperor ,akber1 that monarch retained no less than one thousand fraushes1 for the purpose of attending his encampments1 or parties of pleasure4 ,these1 however numerous1 must have had plenty to do2 for we find that #8the equipage1 on such occasions1 consisted of #ajjj elephants1 #ejj camels1 #djj carts1 and #ajjj men1 escorted by #ejj cavalry4 ,there were employed in this service #ajjj fraushes1 #ejj pioneers1 #ajj water-carriers1 #ej carpenters1 #ej tent-makers1 #ej link-men1 #cj workers in leather1 and #aej sweepers4' ,the number of large tents was prodigious2 but some idea may be entertained of their amount1 when it is stated1 that the royal precinct was enclosed by konauts 7walls of cloth7 eight feet high2 and1 in the whole1 nearly two miles in length6 ,such a display in this country1 would attract half the population to witness its enormity6 ,the ,mater1 or sweeper1 is considered the lowest menial in every family3 his cast is held in execration1 on account of the filthiness of his occupations4 ,there are1 nevertheless1 various stages1 or classes1 even among these abhorred people2 of which the hullalcore may be considered the lowest1 while the loll-baygies assume the upper rank of infamy4 ,but1 however much they may arrogate to themselves1 in consequence of such distinctions of cast1 all are considered1 by both ,hindus and ,mussulmans1 to be equally impure1 alike polluting whatever they touch4 ,hence1 it would be considered the height of disrespect1 were a mater1 in the service of a native gentleman1 to handle any part of his master's raiment1 or to step on the carpet intended for his master's seat3 as to touching his cooking utensils1 c4 that would be an unpardonable offence1 and subject the delinquent1 not simply to private1 but to public1 castigation4 ,hair1 or birch1 brooms are never seen in ,india3 there the instrument for sweeping1 called a jarroo1 is made of bamboo1 split to the size of a wheat straw1 about thirty inches long1 and tied together very firmly1 for about six or eight inches at one end2 forming a bundle of1 perhaps two inches and a half in diameter4 ,this instrument is furnished by the mater1 who generally receives three1 or sometimes four1 rupees monthly4 ,the dress corresponds in general with that of a decent cooly1 7or laborer27 but some wear a short coortah1 and take a little pride in this particular4 ,the mater is generally at little expence for provisions2 he being the only servant that may1 according to his tenets1 partake of what has been served up at the table of any person1 whether ,european1 or native1 not of his own sect4 ,in this1 the matranny1 or female sweeper1 whose duties are exactly the same1 but usually confined to the women's apartments1 must be included4 ,the latter is1 however1 in general far more sober1 cleanly1 and dainty1 than the male sweeper4 ,in such a climate1 it is of the highest importance that all filth should be speedily removed3 therefore it is established as a custom1 that the privy should be cleansed so soon as soiled3 the mater attending for that purpose1 with his jarroo1 and a tickra1 or piece of broken earthen-ware1 into which he sweeps away the ordure4 ,this operation is facilitated by a slight layer of grass placed below the seat1 which is usually of masonry4 ,wooden seats are highly objectionable2 both on account of being subject to collect filth1 and because they harbour centipedes1 scorpions1 c4 ,many very ludicrous accidents used to happen1 some thirty years back1 before a reform was made in the construction of these conveniences2 which are now on an admirable plan4 ,when a dog is kept1 and that there is not occasion for retaining a professed dooreah1 or dog-keeper1 the mater is always expected to dress its victuals1 and to supply it with such refuse from the table1 as he may not deem worthy his own acceptance4 ,the ,dooreah1 though properly an out-door servant1 residing at the dooreah-konnah1 or kennel1 occasionally officiates as mater1 performing all the duties of that menial2 but this is rarely done with good will2 dooreahs1 though of a cast held equally in abomination with the ordinary sweeper1 by persons of a different persuasion1 invariably considering themselves to be far superior thereto4 ,although confined to one occupation1 in general1 a dooreah can have very little knowledge of its duties1 beyond the mere mechanical routine of dressing a little rice1 and meat1 for the dogs1 and taking them out for an airing4 ,he is usually provided with a short whip1 consisting of a thong1 or two1 of raw hide1 fastened to a piece of small bamboo2 with this he corrects the animals under his charge1 the number of which necessarily varies according to their size4 ,thus1 a brace of greyhounds1 or1 at the most1 a leash1 are considered as many as a dooreah should lead out2 while of small dogs1 it is common to see him surrounded by seven or eight4 ,each dog has a collar1 to which a strong metal ring is sewed very firmly3 this serves to fasten a piece of stout cord1 the other end of which is looped1 so as to pass over the dooreah's hand1 and to sit round his wrist2 in general1 the whole are led by the left hand1 the right exercising the whip4 ,the dress of this servant mostly resembles that of the mosaulchy3 their pay is also much on a par4 ,the manner of preparing victuals for dogs is simple3 the dooreah1 being provided with a large earthen pot1 proportioned to the quantity of provision to be boiled1 puts in the meat1 cut very small1 the rice1 some turmeric reduced to a pulp1 some ghee1 or granulated butter1 some salt1 and abundance of water4 ,the pot is placed on a choolah1 or stove1 and its contents are stirred until they are sufficiently boiled1 when they are taken out2 the water being first drained off into a vessel1 and the more solid contents spread upon a mat to cool4 ,each dog is led out to separate picket1 always in the ground for that purpose1 and there tied2 so that he cannot quarrel with his neighbours4 ,a parcel of old earthen vessels1 every where abounding1 are collected for the purpose of receiving each dog's mess3 the meat and rice are first allotted among them1 according to bulk1 and the gravy afterwards added4 ,each then receives his portion2 though not without exhibiting1 both by vociferation and greediness1 how eager he is to obtain his meal4 ,in this manner1 dogs are usually fed night and morning4 ,the business of a ,kalashy is1 properly speaking1 confined either to what relates to camp-equipage1 or to the management of the sails1 and rigging1 on board a budjrow4 ,in the former instance1 he is expected to understand how to set up tents of every description2 to pack1 and unpack2 to load and unload3 to make tent-pins2 to sew the taut 7or canvas bags17 in which each part of a tent is generally enclosed1 when on the elephant1 camel1 bullock1 or cart1 by which it is conveyed2 to handle a phourah1 or mattock1 to level the interior2 and1 in short1 to compleat the whole preparation1 within and without4 ,many kalashies are extremely expert in all the foregoing duties1 and are1 besides1 excellent domestics2 not hesitating to perform a variety of services about a house1 such as swinging the punkah1 7or great fan17 suspended in most dining halls1 rattaning the bottoms of chairs1 helping to arrange1 and to clear1 furniture1 and doing1 besides1 the duties of hirkarahs1 or peons4 ,this general assemblage of useful talents1 no doubt1 renders the kalashy a most useful servant2 hence1 more are retained at this time1 than were formerly employed4 ,as a public servant1 whether attached to the train of artillery1 or to a quarter-master's establishment1 his merits are equally conspicuous3 in the former he is enrolled in some company1 in which rank may be obtained by a due continuance of good conduct4 ,though in a private capacity he rarely receives more than five rupees1 he may1 in the latter instance1 consider his average pay at six rupees2 which1 with the chance of promotion to the several ranks of cossob1 tindal1 and serang1 with consequent encrease of wages at each gradation1 is considered a very respectable situation4 ,his duty in the above instance1 is1 however1 by no means trifling3 during the whole day he is employed1 generally in the arsenal1 or the store room1 or the artillery shed2 or1 eventually1 in drawing timbers1 cannon1 c4 on transport carriages2 mounting1 or dismounting great guns1 cleaning arms1 working in the laboratory1 piling1 or serving out1 shot2 with a million of et ceteras in the various branches of that department4 ,whether attached to the train1 or serving with a regiment of infantry1 or cavalry1 the kalashy1 7or1 as he is often termed while in the public service1 the lascar7 must be adroit in whatever relates to camp-equipage1 making up ammunition of all kinds1 sorting stores1 packing1 loading1 serving1 and drawing field-pieces1 limbering1 yoking the cattle1 marking out lines for a camp2 and1 in short1 whatever relates either to the ordnance1 or to the quarter-master's duties4 ,all appertaining to these branches1 are cloathed in woollens of ,english manufacture3 those in the artillery wearing blue jackets with red trimmings1 and such as appertain to regiments of cavalry1 or of infantry1 being served with such colors as may assimilate with the dress of the corps respectively3 unless when a quantity of any particular color is on hand in the ,company's stores2 in which case1 it is disposed of by varying the dress of regimental lascars1 pro tempore1 as far as it will go4 ,the whole of the kalashies wear blue turbans1 of rather a flat form1 having on their edges a red tape1 about three fourths of an inch in breadth2 which greatly relieves the sombre appearance of their jackets4 ,the kalashies on board budjrows1 which are generally of the pinnace1 or keeled1 kind1 may be placed1 nearly on a footing with those retained by individuals2 allowing for a certain imitation of the public servant1 and a smattering in what relates to the management of sails4 ,this class is by no means numerous1 being confined entirely to the aquatic equipages of great men3 one of this description is by no means flattered when directed to handle an oar on board the budjrow1 though he prides himself in rowing a jolly-boat furnished with oars on the ,european plan4 ,the ,manjy1 ,goleeah1 and ,dandy1 are the steers-man1 bow-man1 and common rower in a boat1 respectively4 ,where a gentleman keeps a boat1 he must always retain the two first1 and1 if in constant employ1 the last also2 or he may generally1 by previous notice1 obtain a crew of teeka-dandies1 that is1 job-watermen1 at any of the ghauts1 or wharfs1 along the river4 ,the manjy is usually paid from five to seven rupees per mensem2 the goleeah from four to five2 and the dandy from two and a half to three and a half1 or even four2 all according to the kind of boat1 and the dignity of the employer4 ,there is no established dress for either of the above classes2 though the manjy will1 in general1 be found to adopt a mixed costume1 between the kalashy and the mosaulchy4 ,his business is to steer1 and to give directions regarding the several operations incident to the very numerous metamorphoses of circumstances in rivers perpetually changing their direction3 thus1 it is by no means uncommon to see a budjrow hoist1 and lower1 her sails1 take to her oars1 or to the track-rope1 some scores of times during the course of a day's progress2 just as the localities may render necessary4 ,whatever authority may be vested in a manjy1 it is rare to see one able to enforce his orders3 each of the crew has an opinion of his own2 and1 knowing that his services cannot be dispensed with1 will1 in most cases1 adhere to his way of thinking1 until peremptorily compelled by the master's interference1 to submit to orders2 or overcome by absolute force4 ,the ,goleeah has particular charge of the bow1 where he either rows the foremost oar1 or1 when necessary1 keeps the boat from running against the bank1 or upon shoals1 by means of a luggy1 or bamboo pole1 probably thirty feet1 or more1 in length2 first casting it out in the proper direction1 and then lapping it round several times with the end of a strong tail-strap1 fastened to a ring on the forecastle2 so as to prevent the pole from returning4 ,those who have not witnessed the dexterity of this class of people1 and the rapidity with which they recover their poles1 so as to make repeated resistances in dangerous situations1 can form no idea of the strength1 activity1 and judgment1 necessary to qualify a man for this arduous situation4 ,often the fate of a boat depends on the certainty of the goleeh's throw2 especially under a cutchar1 or sand bank1 perhaps twenty feet1 or more1 in height1 under which a strong current cuts away the foundation1 occasioning immense bodies of the soil to fall in1 attended by a noise competiting with thunder4 ,one of these falling upon a boat1 could not fail to sink her2 as experience has too frequently proved4 ,the very swell occasioned by the fall of such ponderous and bulky rubbish1 amounting perhaps to fifty or sixty loads1 is sufficient to sink the smaller class of vessels4 ,fortunately1 the cutchars1 in general1 subside1 as it were1 perpendicularly2 without casting outwards2 otherwise1 no vessels could navigate the ,ganges1 or the other great rivers1 at certain seasons2 especially during the early winter months1 when the cutchars are high1 and the current rather strong4 ,the ,dandy certainly leads as hard a life as any scavenger's cart-horse2 and really ,i know not what more picturesque instance can be given of his consummate drudgery6 ,imagine the effects1 even upon the most hardy constitution1 of exposure to all weathers2 at one moment under a burning sun1 or numbed by a cold northerly blast2 by turns on board1 or at the track rope2 moving at a slow pace against a rapid current2 and wading1 without the smallest hesitation1 through a million of puddles1 often up to the neck1 or even obliged to swim3 the footing perhaps rugged1 or along a heavy sand1 or a deep mud2 and the path lying through briars1 bordering steep precipices6 ,all this the dandy undergoes for the small wages before specified2 rarely equal to three-pence daily6 ,it is true1 he has some reliance on the produce of the fields he passes through1 appropriating it1 together with fire wood1 and1 occasionally1 some stray poultry1 or a kid1 to the participation of his companions4 ,nor do this class1 which consists promiscuously of ,hindus and ,mussulmans1 act very fastidiously as to the means of obtaining their cloathing3 they are1 indeed1 perfectly divested of those prejudices entertained by our judges1 and law officers1 respecting the iniquity of purloining whatever may offer itself to their acceptance3 far otherwise2 all is fish that comes to their net4 ,knowing such to be the invariable disposition of dandies1 the ,european must blame himself1 should his valuables be missing in consequence of an ill-placed confidence1 or of neglect in regard to securing his property1 so far as may be practicable4 ,hence1 it is advisable never to allow any one of the crew to enter the cabin of a budjrow1 under any pretext1 unless attended by a servant2 who must direct his whole attention to the prevention of theft4 ,most boats are baled by means of a skuttle in the cabin3 this affords a very reasonable plea for entrance2 but too much caution cannot be used1 when that operation may be necessary2 which may be from two1 to fifty1 times within the twenty-four hours2 accordingly as the hirer may be in luck regarding the soundness of his vessel's bottom4 ,as to describing a dandy's dress1 that is scarcely practicable2 but a tolerable outline was given when treating of the passage from the ship at ,kedgeree to the presidency3 the perpetual changes from hot to cold1 and from wet to dry1 7for each dandy reserves a dry clout1 to put on when he returns on board17 must1 one would think1 at all events1 keep the poor wretches something like clean1 and free from vermin4 ,such1 however1 is not the case2 for what with ring-worms1 itch1 and a certain loathsome1 and infectious disease1 added to an inexhaustible stock of body-creepers1 no mortal can well be more disgusting than a ,bengal dandy4 ,it would be injustice to class them all under one general anathema2 there being1 doubtless1 some among them who are tolerably clean in their persons2 but such most assuredly form a very disproportionate minority6 ,the ,berriarah1 or ,gurrearah1 is a person who1 according to the general custom of the country1 devotes his life to tending sheep and goats2 and1 in most situations beyond the metropolis1 obtains a place among the usual servants attendant upon the out-door concerns of a family4 ,this is not owing to the scarcity of meat1 but to its bad quality2 there being plenty of sheep in ,india1 which1 however1 are rarely slaughtered for table expenditure1 even by the natives2 who very justly consider it to be an unclean animal1 feeding on all kinds of filth4 ,this occasions them to prefer the meat of a castrated goat1 commonly denominated kussy1 which is certainly not to be despised2 though its taste is somewhat strong1 and the meat itself rather coarse1 and dark colored3 but it abounds with fat1 and is very juicy4 ,be it good1 or bad1 prejudice has proscribed it from the tables of persons in respectable stations1 or in easy circumstances2 a joint of bazar mutton1 that is1 such as the butchers sell in the market1 being considered no treat1 and proving extremely obnoxious to the generality of delicate persons3 though ,i have frequently seen them partake of a joint of kussy1 when palmed upon them as home-fed wether1 in such style as led me to believe1 that the imagination was a principal agent in condemning the unfortunate goat-mutton4 ,i do not mean to deny1 that a certain difference exists2 but1 when the former could not be had1 ,i rarely failed to make an excellent meal off the latter2 while some of my more fastidious friends have been grievously disappointed of their dinners4 ,sheep may1 in a few instances1 be purchased in tolerable good condition1 especially during the hot season1 when they nibble the short stems1 and even the roots of the finer grasses2 yet it must not be expected that any1 which may be procurable in the villages1 should cut up well3 they are usually mere skeletons2 and if they have any fat it is of a bad color4 ,this compels gentlemen to keep small flocks1 perhaps from thirty to sixty1 according to the average of expenditure2 which1 among officers in the army1 may amount to one sheep in every fifteen1 or twenty days3 observing1 that the meat is seldom good1 nor the animal comparatively the better for his keep1 until it may have been put up for about three or four months4 ,the most approved mode of fatting sheep1 is to have about a dozen on full feed2 allowing as much gram as they can well eat2 say about two pounds daily for each3 another dozen should be upon half feed2 having an allowance of very fine chaff to complete their diet2 or perhaps some cut grass1 the same as is brought in for horses4 ,all these twenty-four sheep should be confined in an area1 enclosed either by mud walls1 or by railings of a suitable height2 taking care to allow them access to sweet water1 and to have a small quantity of salt in a flat vessel1 accessible to them at pleasure4 ,in this manner they will fatten admirably in the course of six or seven months2 their flesh becoming fine grained1 juicy1 and high flavored4 ,besides the above number1 about as many more should be kept on a small allowance of gram2 allowing them to graze1 in company with half a dozen milch goats and their kids1 under charge of the berriarah1 in some place remote from any camp or town2 so as to insure their feeding clean4 ,this precaution may seem unnecessary1 but is certainly proper2 for all sheep1 especially those of ,india1 are particularly partial to certain excrements1 abounding in a country where the goddess is worshipped on the plains3 the borders of tanks being particularly the resort of all descriptions of persons1 when pressed to pay their devoirs to the deity4 ,the dress of the berriarah is usually similar to that of the cooly2 with this addition1 that1 on account of the oppressive heats at one season2 the heavy falls of rain at another2 and the sharp cold during three months2 he has constant recourse to a substantial blanket1 generally black3 that being the ordinary color of the sheep4 ,in the hot season1 the blanket serves to repel the heat2 during the rains1 to keep him dry2 and in the winter1 to keep him warm4 ,as any cross folds1 or pleats1 would infallibly rather retain1 than cast off1 the rain1 these people have recourse to a most effectual mode of managing the blanket2 tying it together in a very regular manner1 after puckering the longest side1 and placing that part over their heads4 ,whatever portion of moisture may lodge within the short pleats above the tie1 cannot sink downwards1 if the ligature be properly made2 while all the pleats below it1 being in a perpendicular direction1 serve as channels to carry the water downwards4 ,in fact1 the blanket becomes a bell-tent1 of which the inhabitant is himself the pole4 ,the wages of the shepherd are usually about three and a half1 or four rupees monthly2 but some gentlemen regulate them by the number of sheep maintained3 this by no means answers their expectations2 for if the number be great1 one or two deficiencies1 imputed to the wolves1 are rarely noticed2 and if the flock be small1 the only chance a shepherd has1 is to make away with a fat sheep1 now and then4 ,no sheep can be fatted1 taking all things into consideration1 under four rupees1 equal to about ten shillings1 including the price given2 which of late years has risen to about a rupee per head1 for such as have six teeth3 all below that age are generally rejected1 because their food goes more towards their growth1 than to their flesh2 which is seldom of a good color1 but retains a certain light hue1 like very young beef1 until the second year be passed4 ,the wool of the ,bengal sheep is by no means valuable1 as an article of commerce2 it being coarse and lank1 more resembling dog's hair than a fleece4 ,the natives manufacture a good deal of it into puttoos2 which may be made in any form1 being nothing more than a very heavy close kind of felt1 which1 when well made1 stands proof against the severest weather4 ,the usual shape of these puttoos is nearly conical1 and more resembles a bell-tent1 than any thing now occurring to my memory2 the generality are made with a border1 rudely worked1 of some color strongly contrasting with the body of the cloak3 thus1 a black puttoo would have a white pattern1 another white puttoo a black pattern4 ,this manufacture is extremely simple1 and performed by means of a kind of carding machine that entangles the wool2 which is previously mixed in a very strong lather of soap4 ,i have already stated1 that the average price of a sheep fit for fatting1 is about a rupee2 but that price has only existed for about twenty years4 ,before that date1 the common value of a coarge 7or score7 was from six to eight rupees2 and ,i recollect1 about twenty-nine years back1 when marching from ,berhampore to ,cawnpore1 with a detachment of ,european recruits1 seeing several coarges bought for their use1 by the contractor's sircar1 at three1 and three and a half rupees6 at the latter rate six sheep were purchased for a rupee2 which1 in ,british currency1 would be five-pence each6 ,it is true1 the sheep were not fat2 far from it2 being driven into the camp from the flocks grazing in the adjacent plains1 and1 in general1 taken without much selection4 ,they were the only animal food we could at times get2 for the ,hindus would never sell us an ox1 knowing it was intended for slaughter4 ,notwithstanding the very low rate at which the sheep were purchased1 many proved dear bargains4 ,some had their livers in such a dreadful state as disgusted every spectator1 and caused an insuperable objection against the meat3 fluke-worms crawled about in hundreds2 while1 of many1 the stomachs1 as well as the intestines1 were completely lined with bots1 which stood as close as they could stow1 keeping each other parallel1 like pins on a cushion6 ,strange to say1 some few of which the entrails were thus preyed upon1 seemed as though they would have thriven1 provided they had been turned into a good pasture4 ,the ,chokey-dar1 or watchman1 is a very different sort of being from such as guard the ,british metropolis4 ,in ,india1 no man dare undertake this office1 unless he be a professed thief1 or in league with the local chief of all the thieves of the district4 ,were any person of a contrary description to assume the protection of a house1 c4 he would be outwitted1 and1 in all probability be implicated2 or he would lose his life in the ,quixotic attempt6 ,this may give but an unfavorable idea of the police2 but1 on examination1 it will be found by no means so injurious to the interests of the public1 as persons ignorant of the fact1 and of its derivation1 might suppose4 ,thieving is there put on a par with other speculations2 it becomes a monopoly1 the invasion of which carries with it the most fatal effects4 ,to explain this1 ,i must state1 that1 in the vicinity of all great towns1 there will be found some person of apparent respectability1 whose word indeed passes with the same validity as other mens' bonds2 and who is considered the chief of the chokey-dars1 or watchmen2 of which he will furnish one1 or two1 perhaps three1 according to the extent1 and situation1 of the premises to be guarded4 ,for each person thus supplied1 four rupees are paid monthly to the individual employed2 the head-man being responsible for whatever losses may be occasioned by professed robbers4 ,the chokey-dar attends during the day1 often performing many little offices1 in the most willing and effective manner2 at night parading about with his spear1 shield1 and sword1 and assuming a most terrific aspect1 until all the family are asleep2 when--,,he ,,goes ,,to ,,sleep ,,too666 ,thus the matter is compromised2 the gang receive a tribute1 and the gentleman is insured from nocturnal depredation3 though1 by way of deception1 slight feints are now and then made1 in order to keep up the system of terror1 and to uphold the chokey-dar's vigilance4 ,i am sensible1 that instances may be adduced of houses being plundered1 and of the chokey-dars being cut to pieces4 ,these1 however1 do not confute the well known fact ,i have above delivered2 on examination it will always appear1 that such robberies were committed either by some gang from another quarter1 or where the premises were in charge of military guards4 ,so audacious are the thieves in ,india1 that they have been known to come into a cantonment with lighted mosauls1 in imitation of a marriage procession1 or of a religious ceremony1 and thus to attack a treasury where a strong guard was posted4 ,they likewise crawl about in dark nights1 so as to be mistaken for dogs1 or other small animals2 thus gradually lulling the vigilance of a sentry1 and making their way good to the interior4 ,on such occasions their bodies are usually well oiled1 thereby rendering it impossible to retain a hold2 which is1 in most cases1 prevented by a small sharp knife1 always carried in a girdle by these insinuating rogues3 that girdle consists only of a stout piece of twine carried round the waist1 supporting a lungooty1 or clout1 passing between the legs1 and as narrow as an exception from absolute nudity can possibly admit4 ,when travelling through any part of the ,company's territories1 it is proper to require chokey-dars from such villages as may be in the vicinity of the encampment3 on failure of this precaution1 robbery will very often take place1 without the most distant chance either of recovering the lost goods1 or of tracing the thieves4 ,nor should such chokey-dars be sent away unpaid for their night's labor3 two annas1 equal to nearly four-pence1 should be given to each2 otherwise1 intelligence of the deficit will be conveyed to the next halting place1 and no chokey-dar will be forthcoming2 unless1 indeed1 one of the collector's peons accompany1 or1 that his order be sent1 particularly cautioning all the inhabitants to provide whatever may be wanting4 ,the reader must not imagine himself in ,england1 but transplant his ideas to a country where there is no public place of accommodation1 no relay of horses1 no public conveyance1 and perhaps no other ,christian within scores of miles6 ,his fancy may have abundance of scope1 in picturing to him the variety of preparations necessary to be made before a party1 much more a single gentleman1 breaks ground1 for the purpose of sporting1 or of repairing to some distant station4 ,he will then see how very necessary it is to adopt the local customs1 as well as every means that prudence can devise2 observing particularly1 that when a gratuity is to be bestowed upon any villager1 c4 for provisions1 or services1 he should never fail to see the full sum paid into the poor fellow's hand3 otherwise1 the servants will at least diminish1 if not altogether withhold1 the donation4 ,in consequence of the great number of servants that sleep within the houses1 and the circumstance of each dwelling having a separate gateway1 where a durwan1 7or porter17 constantly attends2 as well as owing to the great number of chokies or patrole stations1 every where to be seen2 few chokey-dars are employed in the town of ,calcutta1 unless by merchants who have warehouses full of valuable commodities2 or shroffs1 7i4e4 bankers7 residing in that part of the town inhabited principally by natives3 at the baugeechahs1 or garden-houses1 which generally stand1 like our farm-houses1 at some distance from other dwellings1 chokey-dars are found to be indispensably necessary4 ,within the ,company's provinces no head chokey-dars are to be seen3 there the watchman may perhaps be exempt from the imputation of belonging to the local gang3 though circumstances do sometimes authorize the suspicion1 that he aids the perpetrators of the robbery4 ,generally speaking1 however1 there appears no ostensible person who comes forward to guarantee the safety of goods under charge of a chokey-dar3 when this most desirable assurance is wanting1 the greatest vigilance is sometimes inadequate to the prevention of theft4 ,it is not a very easy matter to defeat the machinations of a most expert banditti1 in a country where it is necessary to throw open every door1 and window1 during the night1 lest suffocation should ensue6 ,i have said that a ,durwan1 or porter1 is stationed at the gate1 on entrance into that area1 7called the compound17 within which most houses in ,calcutta are situated4 ,this servant usually receives from four to five rupees monthly1 and dresses little better than a cooly2 though1 in some instances1 he may be seen more respectably cloathed4 ,so soon as a palanquin enters the gate1 the durwan vociferates lustily2 informing1 that a visitor approaches2 when immediately some other servant1 such as a peon or hirkarah1 runs to enquire the name1 c4 which is immediately announced to the master or mistress4 ,the durwan is always allowed a small lodge near the portal1 where he is in constant attendance day and night4 ,when the family have retired to rest1 he shuts and secures the gates3 formerly1 it was an invariable rule to close them during meals1 and to retain them in that state1 until notice was sent by the head servant that all the plate1 c4 were safe4 ,this certainly was not a bad custom2 and1 no doubt1 operated as a check upon many1 who1 but for such a restriction1 would purloin some valuable article of a portable description3 ,i regret to think it should have been not only relaxed1 but nearly abandoned3 probably owing to mistaken delicacy4 ,the ,cahar1 or palanquin-bearer1 is a servant of peculiar utility1 in a country where1 for four months1 the intense heat precludes ,europeans from taking much exercise2 and where1 during a similar term1 the constant state of puddle1 in every place not artificially raised1 and drained1 at a great expense1 utterly precludes them from walking4 ,indeed1 even in the cold months1 it is not always that the palanquin can be dispensed with3 at all events2 the chattah1 or large umbrella1 must accompany4 ,many gentlemen who arrive during the winter season1 find the sun little more than comfortable2 they therefore1 very foolishly1 dispense with the chattah1 and allow themselves to be heated extremely4 ,so many instances have happened of persons being carried off suddenly1 in consequence of such exposure1 that ,i cannot too earnestly exhort all visiting ,india1 to be very cautious of placing reliance on strength of constitution3 the strongest are in most danger2 on them fever seizes firmly1 giving but little time for the adjustment of affairs1 and even less scope for the exercise of medical skill4 ,the number of1 what is called1 a set of bearers1 varies according to the situation1 the occupation1 and the weight of the employer4 ,in ,calcutta1 where there is much visiting1 at least seven must be kept1 of whom one stays at home to cook victuals for the rest2 and as another of them will probably be the sirdar1 or head-bearer1 who attends personally when his master is dressing1 and generally has some charge of linen1 c4 he will not1 except on emergency1 officiate under the bamboo4 ,thus1 in fact1 only five will be left to carry the palanquin and the umbrella2 the man bearing the latter at times relieving one of the four that carry the vehicle2 and they1 in exchange1 assuming his part of the labor1 alternately4 ,there are1 however1 various tribes of bearers1 generally provincial1 all of which are to be found at ,calcutta2 those chiefly employed in that capital are called ,ooreeahs1 i4e4 natives of the province of ,orissa2 a tract of country lying between the ,roopnarain and the northern sircars3 this occasions them to be generally designated #8,balasore-bearers3' ,balasore being the principal town4 ,language is scarcely adequate to describe the influence this set of menials had obtained1 throughout those parts to which they extend their services2 which is rarely more than a few miles around ,calcutta4 ,they are1 in fact1 a commonwealth1 governed by one or more of their gang1 and subject to the regulations1 from time to time1 established by councils convened1 in the most imperious manner1 by the old sirdars2 every trespass against which is attended with1 not only immediate punishment1 by means of ejection from among their society in the town1 but absolutely by a species of out-lawry1 even in their own country6 ,to such a pitch had these gentry carried their audacity1 that1 more than once1 they withdrew from ,calcutta1 leaving its inhabitants in the most awkward predicament1 until they thought fit to return1 or that their insolent demands were complied with4 ,if any offence be given to one or more1 especially to a whole set1 the matter is instantly submitted to their superiors2 who have1 on many occasions1 issued their mandate1 interdicting all ,ooreeahs from engaging in the offender's service4 ,where real injury is done1 they never fail to carry the matter either before the commissioners of the police1 or into the supreme court3 the costs being defrayed by a general assessment4 ,the prudence with which they proceed1 in this mode of prosecution1 is by no means unworthy of notice2 if imitated by some of our own litigious spirits1 it could not fail to save infinite vexation1 trouble1 and expence4 ,they put the case1 very fairly1 before a fictitious tribunal1 consisting of sircars1 writers1 c4 who1 having been employed by gentlemen of the law1 have picked up a smattering of that profession1 and are perfectly acquainted with all the forms attendant upon most civil causes4 ,these #8base epitomes of legal greatness' possess wonderful shrewdness2 and1 by means of two fictitious advocates of a corresponding description1 who1 with an acuteness scarcely to be equalled1 argue their respective sides of the question1 i4e4 plaintiff and defendant1 are enabled to decide on the case with strict propriety4 ,the fact is1 that this mock court1 being instituted for the purpose of preventing any native1 who chooses to have his cause pleaded before it1 from being entangled in that glorious net of perplexity1 the supreme court1 every endeavor is made to sift the several turns and arguments1 that may be resorted to by the defendant4 ,consequently1 it is ever the study of the accusing party to strengthen his opponent's side1 with every subtlety that can be devised4 ,the sages give their opinions the same as in our courts2 but are very cautious never to decide in favor of a plaintiff1 unless the case appears fully established4 ,it is a well-known fact1 that1 with the exception of a few haughty1 opinionated individuals1 who1 relying on their own judgment1 and thinking such a resort would degrade them1 or perhaps discover that chicanery on which they rely for success1 omit the above very sagacious precaution1 scarcely an instance is to be found where a native1 residing in ,calcutta1 has failed to gain his cause against an ,european4 ,to such a tribunal1 as above described1 the ,ooreeahs almost invariably resort2 when1 if its decision is in their favor1 the real court soon becomes arbiter on the occasion4 ,it is perhaps fortunate for the inhabitants 7,i mean the ,european families7 of ,calcutta1 that1 within the last twenty years1 great numbers of ,patna1 ,dacca1 and other cahars1 or bearers1 have resorted to the presidency1 to participate in those services formerly monopolized by the ,ooreeahs4 ,the latter1 after some struggle1 by endeavoring to intimidate their rivals1 and by debarring the teeka1 or job-bearers1 who were formerly1 to a man1 of the ,balasore tribe1 from serving1 even for the day1 those who retained ,patna1 or other cahars1 were1 in the end1 obliged to lower their tone1 and rather to conciliate1 than to arrogate1 upon all occasions4 ,not that they are by any means reconciled to the new system2 but they find their mandates of less force1 their influence nearly extinguished1 and their numbers considerably decreased3 at least1 they bear no proportion to the cahars from the country2 who now ply for teeka1 i4e4 job-work1 in every quarter4 ,still it must not be denied1 that the ,ooreeahs are1 in some respects1 excellent servants3 they are very careful of furniture2 and being able-bodied men in general1 are capable1 even with less numbers1 of proceeding great distances3 they are1 besides1 far more cleanly in their persons1 and neater in their dress2 which1 however1 consists merely of a doty1 wrapped round the middle1 and tucked in1 together with a wrapper1 to be thrown over them in very inclement weather1 but usually folded up1 and carried over the shoulder4 ,when their heights are unequal1 they use a small quilted pad1 of linen1 stuffed with rags1 or cotton1 which is suspended from the palanquin pole1 or bamboo1 and being placed between it and the shoulder of the shortest bearer of the two1 7they carrying in pairs1 two bearers before1 and two behind1 serves to bring about an even bearing on each4 ,the ,balasore bearers1 i4e4 the ,ooreeahs1 all preserve but one lock on the top of their heads1 the same as the sircars1 and other ,hindus in general2 they wear no turban1 but paint their faces1 arms1 throats1 and breasts1 with sandal-wood and vermilion4 ,some wear a few small beads1 chiefly of turned wood1 about their necks2 and1 occasionally1 a stout silver ornament1 of the ring kind1 called a bangle1 or kurrah1 on either wrist1 or a pair of tigers' claws set in silver1 back to back1 suspended by a number of black threads from their necks4 ,this is considered a potent charm against ,j'haddoo1 or witchcraft3 and a preventative of various dangerous diseases4 ,it is peculiar1 that the ,ooreeah bearers never wear shoes1 and that they prefer cloaths of an almond color4 ,the number of ,ooreeahs in a single set1 is generally1 as before stated1 seven3 the head-bearer or sirdar1 receiving five1 or even six1 rupees monthly2 sometimes a mate receives1 or is said to receive1 five1 and the residue about four4 ,formerly the rates were generally one rupee less than the above for each rank3 but #8the hay was made while the sun shone1' and these gentry did not fail1 while in power1 to raise their respective wages4 ,where there is a lady in the family1 three more bearers must be added2 or perhaps five3 and a good comfortable building must1 at all events1 be set apart for these domineering servants3 without that is done1 they will not stay4 ,nor will they handle a chillumchee1 7or wash-hand bason17 after it has been used3 though they will officiate in pouring the water1 serving the napkin1 laying the shaving apparatus1 and a variety of matters formerly supposed to be repugnant to their tenets2 but which objections are not so much insisted upon since the country cahars have resorted1 in such numbers1 to ,calcutta1 and aided to overthrow that immense edifice of insolence1 imposition1 and pride1 so conspicuously rearing its head2 whereof1 fortunately1 the foundation was thus destroyed4 ,i perfectly recollect the time1 and1 indeed1 the matter is not yet obsolete1 when the council1 as the sirdar vainly termed their meeting1 used to send their summons to any ,ooreeah in an ,european's service2 and1 in case of refusal1 or neglect1 mulcted the party according to their pleasure4 ,thus1 no individual1 however attached to his master1 or tired of the noxious and tyrannic mandates of the sirdars dared to disobey2 the smallest relaxation in points of forbearance1 or in the least tending to augment the duties of the whole class1 whether individually or collectively1 was certainly followed by the most severe inhibitions1 and by fulminations1 perfectly terrific to those brought up in ignorance1 and under the complete domination of a persecuting priesthood4 ,a few instances occurred wherein the masters almost forcibly debarred their servants from obedience to the adjudications of this overbearing usurpation2 but it was in vain3 the government1 perhaps prudently1 discouraged every attempt to change the system2 while the ,supreme ,court1 then newly robed1 and panting for the exercise of power1 whereby to shew their extensive authority1 and their sedulous attention to the rights of #8an oppressed people'1 favored every complaint wherein a native was to be redressed3 this was done with the view to annihilate those multifarious extortions1 and severities1 not to say cruelties1 under which it was supposed they were groaning4 ,the farce had its day1 like all other good farces2 but1 in the end1 ,blacky found out that law was very expensive1 and that it had so many ins and outs1 with which they were then unacquainted1 that the disease fortunately carried its own remedy3 the fact1 as it now stands1 being simply this2 that all are ready enough to complain to a justice1 but are very shy of bringing the subject before a judge6 ,where bearers are not constantly wanted1 7a very uncommon case1 by the by17 the best mode is to hire teeka-bearers1 when occasion may demand3 for ordinary excursions1 five are usually employed2 each receiving four annas1 or the quarter of a rupee1 daily4 ,this has its advantages1 and its disadvantages2 for it is not always these job-men are to be had2 nor will they come at the hour appointed2 then1 again1 they must go 7the ,lord knows where7 to their meals2 and they are by no means so careful of the palanquin1 c4 as regular servants2 nor will they attend to a variety of in-door matters1 which may be peremptorily requisite4 ,it must further be obvious1 that1 if the occasions for employing them be numerous1 they will prove very expensive3 consequently1 can only suit those whose incomes are confined1 and whose ordinary avocations do not lead them further than may be walked1 without danger1 or great inconvenience1 under the shade of a chattah1 or umbrella4 ,it is evident1 that one sirdar at five1 one mate at four and a half1 and five bearers at four each1 amount only to twenty-nine rupees and a half per mensem2 whereas five teekas1 if employed every day at a rupee and a quarter daily1 will amount to thirty-seven rupees and a half4 ,this would be like riding in a ,hackney-coach all day1 when an excellent equipage might be kept for less money4 ,the ,patna1 ,dacca1 and other up-country bearers1 in general receive less wages than the ,ooreeahs2 but require to be more numerous in a set2 few consisting of less than eight1 including the sirdar1 who generally remains at home4 ,his usual wages are from four and a half to five rupees1 and the rest receive from three up to four rupees monthly2 according to circumstances4 ,when in their own country1 they serve for less wages than when employed elsewhere4 ,those at ,dacca1 where provisions are very cheap1 seldom have more than two1 of two rupees and a half2 and it is wonderful how reluctant they are to quit that part of the country1 even under a very considerable advance of pay2 therefore1 when a corps marches from the ,dacca district1 every endeavor is made to procure bearers who are going to the several districts lying in1 or near1 the route4 ,this is sometimes attended with considerable convenience2 since it obviates the necessity of exchanging servants while on the march2 it being extremely common for bearers to proceed only to an appointed town1 there to leave their employer1 who must use his endeavors to obtain others in their stead4 ,thus1 in marching from the frontier to ,lucknow1 or ,cawnpore1 it is necessary to obtain a new set of bearers at either of those places1 to proceed to ,benares2 at ,benares they will engage probably to go no further than ,patna1 if proceeding by the river route2 or1 if by the new road1 only to ,hazary-,bang1 or perhaps to ,rogonautpore1 or to ,bissunpore2 where a final exchange must be made1 for a set that will proceed to ,calcutta1 ,midnapore1 c4 ,yet it cannot be said that this occasions any very serious difficulty2 the occurrence being so common1 and the prices so well settled by the ordinary practice1 that1 unless a gentleman has the character of using his servants ill1 there seldom appears any deficiency of candidates for employment4 ,bearers1 of all descriptions1 are extremely apt to carry too much luggage for themselves1 stowing it1 to an unmerciful amount1 on the back of some poor camel1 or on some cart1 which their master thinks is very lightly laden4 ,the mischief is not suspected1 until he notices1 day after day1 the late arrival of his baggage1 or receives a report that his cattle have sore backs1 c4 c42 which must1 of course1 prove highly pleasing in situations where no substitutes for the disabled beasts can be found6 ,let me recommend my mode of correcting this evil2 under which ,i was so often1 and so grievously1 a sufferer1 that1 at length1 a radical cure became indispensable4 ,i made a point of lagging behind sometimes1 or perhaps of riding back1 and of stopping my camels1 c41 to see what1 besides my own property1 might be on their backs4 ,it is inconceivable what bundles of cloaths1 pots1 and pans1 were burthened3 nay1 even perroquets sometimes formed a part of the group4 ,in the first instance1 ,i gave fair warning1 that whatever was found thus clandestinely laden1 should be destroyed3 after that1 ,i spared nothing2 but caused all the brass vessels to be beat up with a tent-mallet1 and the rest of the luggage to be burnt4 ,the consequence was such as might be expected2 my baggage was always up in excellent time1 and my cattle were no more chafed1 and galled1 by excessive burthens4 ,i anticipate the observation1 that1 #8the drivers were to blame4' ,true1 but few of them have the resolution to withstand solicitation1 or1 perhaps1 a small douceur1 in some shape or other2 and as to discharging them1 it is not always practicable1 the greatest fear being that they should discharge themselves4 ,elephants and camels must not be put into the hands of novices3 neither will they always submit to be ruled by strangers4 ,as ,i have just said1 the bearers are almost always principally concerned in these instances2 the reason for which is1 that every other servant has usually some family1 or goes share in some tattoo1 7poney17 which conveys his luggage3 not that they would be a whit more scrupulous1 were it not for the fear of discovery2 to which they would be peculiarly liable4 ,on the other hand1 the ,bearer1 being perhaps merely a temporary servant2 and1 if ,i may so term it1 an alien in the camp1 has no such means of disposing of his luggage1 as falls to the lot of the regular servants3 besides1 all this tribe are either most penurious1 or most dissipated4 ,they either hoard every cowrie2 or run in debt1 and then1 to avoid payment--run away4 ,the immediate business of a head-bearer is to prepare for his master's dressing2 seeing that the linen is all properly in order1 boots and shoes cleaned1 coat1 c4 brushed1 side-arms1 c4 bright2 also that the palanquin is clean1 and free from defect2 that the water used for drinking be purified2 that the kettle is put on in due time3 in general1 the inferior bearers clean the furniture1 and carry the chowry1 7or whisk17 and swing a kind of punkah1 7or fan17 made either from a large palm leaf1 or with split bamboo1 and printed cotton2 of which pieces are to be had stamped expressly for that purpose2 they are swung backwards and forwards to cool a room3 the butt of the punkah-stick resting on the ground4 ,a punkah is1 by some1 used instead of a chattah1 7or umbrella72 but it is very inferior as a defence against either sun1 wind1 or rain4 ,the natives in some parts1 especially to the northward1 use these punkahs very generally2 but1 of late1 they seem to have rather changed in favor of the chattah1 great numbers of which are now conveyed1 as an article of merchandize1 from the lower provinces to ,benares1 ,lucknow1 c4 ,the dress of the cahar1 by which ,i mean the up-country bearers1 usually consists of a colored turban1 blue being1 if anything1 the prevailing color2 the head-bearer generally has a short coortah1 not unlike that of the mosaulchy1 and1 as well as all the inferiors1 wears a doty1 in the usual manner3 though some few wear a kind of petticoat-trowser1 not unlike the ,highland kelt4 ,cummer-bunds are also in general use2 though1 with few exceptions1 of a very coarse quality4 ,many gentlemen present their bearers1 hirkarahs1 peons1 syces1 khedmutgars1 and mosaulchies1 annually1 with a set of turbans and cummer-bunds1 all of the same color2 so that the whole appear1 to a certain extent1 in livery4 ,in this indulgence many of the natives take great pride3 on the whole1 indeed1 they are as vain as our beau-footmen2 and1 like them1 can assume wondrous airs1 when they have to deal with the servant of a person inferior in rank to their own master4 ,while speaking of bearers1 ,i shall describe the various kinds of palanquins in use2 observing1 that the greatest improvements1 which perhaps ever took place in any vehicle1 have been brought forward in the construction of this sine qu non of ,indian luxury4 ,in order to preserve due order1 ,i shall commence with a description of the naulkeen1 or naulkee1 it being the first in rank among the contrivances of this description4 ,this immense carriage is only used by crowned heads1 and may be compared to a portable throne1 on which the prince sits with his feet crossed1 and tucked up under his hams1 7the usual sitting position of ,asiatics17 having at his back an immense pillow1 and under him a suitable bedding1 both sumptuously ornamented2 besides these1 many smaller pillows lie scattered about1 to be applied as may be found agreeable4 ,the frame of the naulkeen may be about five feet long by four broad1 well secured at the corners1 and taped at the bottom in a very close manner1 both lengthwise and breadthwise1 so as to leave no interstices4 ,the sides are raised with richly carved wood-work1 generally gilded in a very shewy style4 ,the naulkeen is carried1 like a litter1 by eight men1 who support two poles1 one running under each side-bar1 and projecting before and behind2 two bearers being at each extremity1 the same as in a palanquin4 ,this vehicle1 though it appears extremely ponderous1 is said1 by the bearers1 to be far lighter than one of those ,mahannah-palanquins ,i am about to describe3 no doubt but eight men must feel less pressure1 individually1 from such a weight1 supposing it to be equal to that of the mahannah1 which is1 to say the truth1 a very heavy1 though a very comfortable1 machine4 ,the dooly1 or covered litter1 was certainly the parent of all the palanquin kind2 it is yet in very common use among the less opulent classes1 and especially employed for the conveyance of women2 in our armies this little vehicle affords excellent means1 of transporting sick and wounded men1 either to the hospitals1 or on a march4 ,its usual construction is extremely simple2 consisting of a small carpoy1 or bedstead1 perhaps five feet by two and a half2 having four stump feet1 about nine or ten inches from the ground1 into which the sides1 and end pieces1 are tenoned4 ,a very slight frame of bamboo work1 equal in size to the frame of the litter1 is placed over it horizontally2 serving as a roof for the support of a double cover1 7generally of red karwah1 or of blue1 or white calico17 which lies over the roof1 and falls all around2 so as to enclose the whole space between the roof and the bedstead4 ,there is seldom any bedding but what is provided by the party carried in the dooly2 unless it be one appertaining to some family1 thereby it is frequently used3 in such case1 the interior is made very comfortable1 and the cover ornamented with borders1 fringes1 c4 ,this last kind1 being almost exclusively appropriated to the zenanah1 is on a very small scale2 rarely exceeding three feet1 by little more than two3 of such1 thousands are to be hired at ,calcutta1 and most of the provincial towns4 ,they carry very easy2 often1 indeed1 having only two bearers under the bamboo1 with one carrying a bangy1 or a bundle1 who relieves the others occasionally2 but1 for the most part1 four bearers are employed4 ,the closeness of the interior1 added to the very trifling elevation1 7whereby the dust cannot fail to be offensive17 and the very insufficient guard against rain1 combine to render this vehicle by no means pre-eminent for comfort2 especially to delicate females4 ,it should seem that1 in the course of time1 an improvement was made in the construction of litters1 by giving the bamboo1 or pole1 a considerable arch in that part which went over the interior4 ,thus the frame was raised considerably2 while the rider was enabled to sit upright1 rather more conveniently than when the bamboo was straight3 this1 however1 could only be done towards the centre2 the legs being crossed under the hams1 according to the usual sitting position of the natives4 ,to them1 such a posture1 being confirmed by long habit1 in use from their infancy1 is a relaxation2 whereas1 to a person not so accustomed1 nothing can be more irksome and fatiguing4 ,gradually1 the sides of the vehicle were ornamented1 and changed from the simple parallelogram to an oblongated hexagon2 which is now very common3 the bamboo was also yet more arched1 and its anterior projection carried out in an upward curve to the length of full twelve feet or more3 it was also covered with broad-cloth throughout2 that part above the seat being ornamented with silk fringes1 and the fore-end furnished with a brass ornament2 either a tiger's1 or an alligator's head1 or perhaps some imaginary non-descript1 placed at the end of a brass ferule1 enclosing the bamboo for half a yard at least4 ,still there was abundant room for amelioration2 but the natives could brook no encroachment on the publicity thus given to their persons1 while seated in a vehicle1 which1 owing to the weight being nearly on a level with the bearers' shoulders1 7a great portion1 namely1 the head and shoulders1 being far above it7 added to the awkward arch above1 which operated as a lever1 was peculiarly unsteady2 ever threatening to upset with the least inattention to equipoise4 ,the danger of adding to the superincumbent weight1 of which the mischief was sensibly felt1 caused a slight reduction of the lever1 by lengthening the suspending laths a few inches1 so as to lower the centre of gravity4 ,but1 by way of recompence1 perhaps1 for the supposed degradation1 a rich covering of broad-cloth was thrown over the arch2 having in it several bamboo-laths running at right angles with the bamboo2 and forming a canopy1 corresponding in form with the curve1 about four and a half feet in width2 of which the corners were tied down to those of the palanquin frame1 and the edges were trimmed with an open quadrated1 or reticulated fringe1 full six inches in depth4 ,as it would be a sin to spoil so costly an awning1 it was taken off in bad weather1 and put into a bag made of wax-cloth1 to be carried on one of the bearers' shoulders2 in the mean while1 a large sheet1 of the same material1 was thrown over the bamboo1 to keep the inhabitant from being washed away4 ,it is not above twenty-five years back1 that this kind of palanquin was in use among the ,european residents of ,india1 and especially among the military4 ,probably in consequence of a painted canvas awning being used1 curving down gradually at the sides1 not unlike a testudo1 this machine was called a #8fly-palanquin4' ,it was1 however1 made full six feet in length1 and of a comfortable breadth1 being also furnished with a good pillow or two1 and a neat bedding1 stuffed with that kind of cotton known by the name of seemul4 ,the bamboo frame1 on which the canvas was stretched1 and of which a ruffle about six inches in depth remained pendant1 was lined with colored silk1 chintz1 c4 giving the interior rather a finished appearance4 ,i have no doubt but the form of this kind of palanquin1 as in use among the natives1 gave rise to the use of punkahs1 in preference to chattahs2 it must be obvious that the former1 being flat1 and furnished with a flounce full half a yard in depth1 was more conformable to the lateral apertures than an umbrella could be2 while1 at the same moment1 it was far more portable in passing through those narrow streets and gullies1 characterizing every great city in ,india4 ,time #8astonished the natives1' as well as the ,europeans1 by bringing forth the ,mahannah-palanquin4 ,this vehicle1 now so common1 has entirely banished the fly-palanquin1 of which it would probably be difficult to find one in use with any ,european throughout the country3 so general1 indeed1 has been the adoption of the former1 that many of the natives1 in every part1 now either ride in mahannahs1 or have their doolies constructed in imitation of them4 ,the mahannah resembles an immense chest1 standing on four feet1 raising it nearly a foot from the ground4 ,about two-fifths of each side is open1 serving for a door2 the residue being usually closed up1 either with very thin pannels1 or with canvas1 leather1 c4 ,the doors are sometimes made to close1 by means of two ,venetian frames1 that1 when brought from their recesses1 meet in the centre1 but at other times run back1 on small metal wheels1 in grooves behind the pannels respectively4 ,the roof is made of very thin pannelling board1 laid longitudinally over slight battens a little cambered2 though some are quite flat3 over the boards a stout1 but thin1 canvas is well stretched1 and beaded down at the edges3 this is usually painted white4 ,the fore1 and back1 parts are in general closed1 with the exception of two small ,venetian1 or perhaps glass1 windows1 near the top2 to allow a draught of air4 ,the exterior is painted according to the fancy of the proprietor2 often very handsomely1 and well varnished4 ,the front and hind poles attach at about three-fifths up the body of the vehicle2 being rivetted to iron ribs1 firmly screwed by means of diverging claws to the main pieces1 they are further steadied by iron stays1 proceeding from the top and bottom corners1 of each end respectively1 to the pole2 to which they are bolted at about eighteen inches from the body4 ,the poles are always covered with leather4 ,the body of a mahannah is generally about six feet1 or six feet two inches long1 and from twenty-six to thirty inches in width2 the height is sufficient to allow a tall person's sitting upright1 without a hat4 ,the beddings of most are covered with chintz of neat patterns2 while a small piece of carpet1 tiger's-skin1 morocco-leather1 or some such article1 is spread at the feet1 to prevent its being soiled4 ,in most mahannahs there are racks1 which serve to support the back2 others are provided with two small1 or one large pillow1 also covered with chintz4 ,above the doors it is common to screw in flat brass knobs1 whereon to button either canvas or leather curtains1 that will roll up occasionally1 and buckle like the aprons of gigs1 c43 there are also studs1 of the same description1 fixed at the sides of the doors1 to fasten down the edges of the curtains4 ,one principal use1 however1 of such studs1 is1 to affix cheeks made of kuss-kuss1 to be watered when journeying any distance4 ,the mahannah is unquestionably a very heavy vehicle1 and1 being totally devoid of elasticity1 far more oppressive to the bearers than any machine on a slighter construction4 ,yet the average rate of travelling may be computed at from three and a half1 to a quarter wanting of four miles1 within the hour1 in going great distances2 such as from ,chunar to ,calcutta1 at the proper season1 when the waters are not out1 and the heat not too oppressive4 ,that estimate includes all stops for changes of bearers1 which1 in travelling dawk1 7that is1 post17 will take place at certain stages1 from ten to fifteen miles apart4 ,thus1 a journey of four hundred miles may be made in about five days1 with great ease2 the night being often more favorable than the day to making progress2 especially from ,march to the middle of ,june4 ,during that period1 the roads are every where good1 the grass jungles in most places burnt away1 and fewer tigers lurk near the highways4 ,it is often necessary to lie by for a few hours during the mid-day2 when the ground is so hot as absolutely to scorch the bearers' feet4 ,at such times1 the kuss-kuss tatties are peculiarly serviceable2 but1 in case none are affixed1 the guttah-tope1 or palanquin-cover1 must be kept wet2 as already observed1 in describing the occupations of the bheesty1 or water-carrier4 ,ladies are usually conveyed about ,calcutta1 or any where for short distances1 in a kind of palanquin1 called a bohah4 ,this has its poles fixed much in the same manner as in the mahannah1 but its body is of a very different form2 being a compound of our sedan chair with the body of a chariot4 ,its deep shape1 and its seat1 much resemble the former2 but having two doors1 one on each side1 with one window in front1 as well as a small one behind1 all furnished with ,venetians and glasses1 give it1 in those respects1 some claim to alliance with the latter4 ,i should have observed1 that most of the gentlemen residing at ,calcutta1 ride in bohahs2 which afford a better look-out1 are more portable1 and can turn about in narrow places1 where a mahannah could not3 besides1 they are far lighter4 ,the bohah made expressly for a lady1 is fitted up in some style1 and always has four large tassels1 commonly of white silk1 hanging at the four upper corners4 ,there are usually pockets in front1 and to the doors2 the same as in chariots1 c4 ,about ,dacca1 ,chittagong1 ,tipperah1 and other mountainous parts1 a very light kind of conveyance is in use1 called a taum-jaung1 i4e4 #8a support to the feet4' ,this consists of an arm-chair1 with a low back1 at the sides of which two poles are affixed1 even with the seat2 from the two fore legs of the chair1 iron stays project forward1 supporting a foot-board1 placed diagonally1 so as to meet the natural position of the soles when the feet are thrown forward1 much the same as the foot-boards of coach-boxes1 only on a very light construction4 ,in some instances1 the taum-jaungs 7vulgarly called tom-johns7 are carried the same as the naulkeen2 that is1 by the four ends of the poles resting on the shoulders of as many bearers1 all independent of each other4 ,experience has1 however1 proved such to be a very dangerous practice2 for1 if one of the bearers stumbles1 the machine must inevitably be overset3 the fall from such a height1 especially if proceeding at a quick pace1 is not devoid of danger4 ,to remedy this1 it has latterly become a custom to suspend two stout batons1 by means of strong doubled cords1 between the ends of the poles1 before and behind2 making such an allowance in respect to the length of cord1 or sling1 as may allow the poles to come down about as low as the bearers' hips4 ,the batons are slung by their middles1 one bearer supporting the fore1 the other the hind1 part of each2 all moving between the two side poles1 but nearly in a line one behind the other4 ,this does not altogether obviate the possibility of falling1 by means of a stumble2 but it lessens that danger considerably1 and renders the accident less severe2 the seat being much lowered4 ,in this respect1 the bohah is also safer than the mahannah2 the former being so much nearer the ground1 and the erect position of the rider rendering him less liable to injury4 ,when the hind bearers of a mahannah fall1 not only the legs of the vehicle1 but the head of its inhabitant1 may be injured3 such accidents are rarely attended with any other inconvenience than a job for the carpenter4 ,if the fall takes place when a bearer is pushing behind1 resting the palm of his hand against the butt end of the hinder pole1 as is very common1 there will be an additional impetus1 by no means favorable to the machine2 especially if the foremost bearers give way4 ,most of the mahannah palanquins have a box under the feet1 and perhaps one under the head also1 made water tight1 and furnished with a lock4 ,this1 when travelling1 is extremely convenient2 insuring the presence of many little articles1 both of raiment and refreshment1 which1 if trusted to a bangy1 might not arrive in due time4 ,the bangy is a slip of bamboo1 perhaps five feet in length1 which1 in the middle1 may be four inches in width2 the thickness about an inch2 towards the ends it tapers a little1 and has shoulders left1 whereby to secure the nets1 wherein are two baskets1 made either of rattans1 or of reeds1 very closely worked1 and probably covered with painted canvas1 of leather4 ,the bangy-wollah1 that is1 the bearer who carries the bangy1 supports the bamboo on his shoulder1 so as to equipoise the baskets suspended at each end4 ,if not overladen1 the bangy will generally keep pace with the palanquin2 the bearer shifting the bamboo from one1 to the other shoulder1 as he proceeds4 ,many gentleman have r'hunts1 or r'huts1 for the conveyance of their native ladies1 either on a march1 or to take an airing occasionally3 in such case1 a man must be employed to drive1 and to take care of the bullocks4 ,he is designated the #8g'horry-waun2' or carriage servant4 ,his dress cannot be reduced to any exact standard1 but will generally be found to resemble that of the khedmutgar2 his pay being ordinarily from four to six rupees monthly4 ,the generality of persons following this avocation1 are rather elderly1 and possess the outward shew of great decency and respectability2 but ,i believe they are1 with few exceptions1 by no means of a character such as would be supposed from their venerable and sanctified appearance4 ,i have seen so much1 and the instances are so common1 of the intrigues carried on1 or connived at1 by g'horry-wauns1 as to satisfy me of their being as great hypocrites as are to be found on earth4 ,the construction of a r'hut is so very curious as almost to defy description4 ,the g'horry-waun sits astride that part of the fore-frame which may be compared with the pole and traverse of one of our four-wheeled carriages1 under a seiwaun1 or semiaun1 made of the same stuff as the covering1 supported in nearly a horizontal position1 by two slight poles fixed into iron ferules at the body of the frame1 and proceeding1 at and angle of about #de to the foremost edge of the seiwaun4 ,the bullocks are managed by means of a strong cord1 passed through their septums1 or divisions between their nostrils1 and tied over the crowns of their heads1 where the rein1 made also of rope1 attaches3 this effectually curbs the cattle4 ,possibly such a device may appear to partake of cruelty2 but experience has proved1 that no other mode is adequate to keeping this fiery1 restless1 and vicious1 breed of cattle in tolerable subordination4 ,the g'horry-waun is provided with a severe goad3 the application of which1 to the hind quarters of the bullocks1 causes them to keep up a good smart trot4 ,when they are tolerably quiet1 the driver's feet generally suffice1 to keep them to their pace3 but1 when all other modes fail1 he twists their tails1 and thus urges them to their best speed4 ,the reins should serve both to stop1 and to guide2 but1 as the bullocks are not always prompt in turning when only so acted upon1 the tail is often resorted to1 as a never-failing rudder6 ,your true home-bred ,englishmen can have little idea of the rate at which a pair of oxen can draw one of these r'huts2 he cannot readily imagine1 that they can travel from four to six miles within the hour2 and that1 too1 where the g'horry-ka-leek1 or track of a wheel1 is scarcely to be found4 ,i have seen a pair of ,nagore1 or of ,guzzerat1 bullocks1 7,i forget which17 standing full sixteen hands at the withers1 7making allowance for the humps on the shoulders of all cattle bred in that quarter27 that could with ease trot with a r'hut at the rate of eight miles within the hour4 ,but such must not be considered as common3 perhaps five miles may be the truest average4 ,nor is it to be understood1 that bullocks keep up an even pace1 as horses do2 on the contrary1 they either proceed at their quickest trot1 or at a walk2 there is little medium3 the fact is1 that1 not being trained to a continuance of one set pace1 but urged by starts1 at the will of their driver1 they want that habit which would improve their wind4 ,that breed of oxen said to be chiefly raised in the ,guzzerat1 and ,nagore districts1 is very fine4 ,the animals are of a milky whiteness1 handsomely formed1 with fine eyes1 and horns generally not more than a foot in length1 but gracefully turned1 partly forward1 and partly upward4 ,the natives invariably either paint or gild the horns2 and sometimes mark the sides1 necks1 hams1 and shoulders1 of their favorites with mindy2 that is1 with the plant generally known among botanists1 under the name of hinna4 ,of this ,i shall have occasion to speak more fully when treating of the ornaments in use among the ladies of ,india3 at present briefly remarking1 that1 whether owing to the coarse manner in which the mindy is applied1 or to my want of taste1 the practice never pleased me2 although the color itself1 namely1 a tawny red1 forms by no means a bad contrast to the brilliant whiteness of the animal4 ,a conveyance on two wheels1 but in most other respects perfectly similar to the r'hut1 is extremely common in ,india2 being used by men1 as well as by women4 ,the body of this kind is usually square2 and the roof by no means so elevated4 ,with few exceptions1 these have red covers1 in the sides of which1 as also in those of the r'huts1 are small slits1 serving for peep-holes4 ,in this two-wheeled kind1 called generally ghorries1 7i4e4 carriages17 such are more necessary than in the others2 the former being almost invariably fitted up with cheeks1 or screens2 one of which is ever appended to the fore-part1 between the interior and the driver4 ,the common g'horry1 now under description1 is rarely1 if ever1 kept by any ,european2 but may be seen plying for hire in various parts of ,calcutta4 ,some of these have shafts in which a tattoo 7poney7 is fixed1 with very slight harness2 barely sufficient to keep the crook-saddle in its place4 ,this is a recent improvement2 as is also the application of tattoos to r'huts3 ,i understand they are found to be more manageable1 and far cheaper than bullocks2 besides1 their pace is much quicker2 and1 in case of failure1 they are most easily converted into cash3 an object of great moment to the parsimonious ,hindu6 ,neither the dress1 nor the emoluments1 of the persons driving such carriages1 can be estimated with precision1 but1 in regard to the latter1 we may safely conjecture that something handsome is made2 knowing them to be employed more in the conveyance of prostitutes than in any other kind of fare4 ,the usual hire of a four-wheel r'hut1 drawn by tattoos1 is1 ,i believe1 about three rupees per diem2 while those with two wheels1 and only one tattoo1 at the utmost earn only two rupees3 ,i never could ascertain any fixed rate2 the g'horry-waun always endeavoring to make his bargain for the trip to the best advantage4 ,judging from the rapid strides made in various parts of the country1 especially at the several presidencies1 to bring all matters to that kind of system1 without which nothing could be done in ,europe1 we may expect1 in a few years1 to see regular fares and rates established1 as in use among us1 for the prevention of misconduct1 and over-charges1 on the parts of ,hackney-coachmen and watermen4 ,the g'horry-waun may further be employed in a more subordinate capacity2 namely1 in driving a common cart1 usually called a chuckrah1 and known by the designation of a #8hackery' among ,europeans4 ,this kind of vehicle may carry1 on an average1 about eighteen or twenty maunds1 equal to about thirteen or fourteen hundred weight3 it is drawn by two oxen2 though1 in the northern parts of the country1 we often see four attached to those which convey cotton1 or other gruff merchandize1 ,i confine myself1 however1 to such as may be retained by gentlemen1 either for the carrying on of works1 or for the transportation of baggage4 ,such as are hired by the day1 usually cost half1 or1 at times1 three quarters of a rupee daily1 when employed on the spot2 but1 if required to proceed many stages1 a whole rupee is demanded4 ,when the g'horry-waun is the menial of any officer1 c4 his pay1 generally1 is from four to five rupees monthly2 or sometimes four when stationary1 and five when marching4 ,his dress is little better than that of a common cooly4 ,like all other servants to whose care the feeding of cattle is entrusted1 this domestic will continue to extract some perquisite from whatever he either receives1 or has to purchase4 ,what with dustooree1 short weight1 over-charges1 repairs1 medicines1 ,i have always found the g'horry-waun fully a match for his ,british compeers1 in the proportion of emoluments derived from whatever money1 c4 passed through his hands4 ,fortunately1 the sum total of expences in the maintenance of a hackery1 is very small1 when compared with those attendant on a handsome chariot and pair1 parading daily in the park4 ,the duty of a g'horry-waun is confined to the charge of his cattle2 he seeing them properly rubbed down1 and supplied with provender1 which usually consists of the small chaff from various kinds of pulse1 or of the stems of badjra1 jewar1 c4 7various kinds of millet17 or of the bootah1 7or ,indian-corn17 which1 being purchased in bundles1 he chops1 with a common bill1 on a log of wood4 ,when bullocks are allowed gram1 7already mentioned17 the usual portion for each is about two1 or1 at the utmost1 three seers each2 the seer weighing about two pounds avoirdupoise4 ,it is indispensably necessary that this servant should understand how to load his carriage to advantage1 and be able to repair such parts as may not actually require the aid of artizans4 ,thus1 he must be competent to sew saleetah1 or large sacking cloth spread at the bottom of the hackery1 and lapping up1 over every part1 so as to prevent articles from being lost2 and1 in some degree1 keeping them from being injured by the weather4 ,he must likewise be able to take off a wheel1 and above all things1 he must be a careful1 steady driver4 ,this is the more necessary1 owing to the distance between the wheels in all ,hindostanee carriages being very small2 and the load being placed1 in most instances1 above the level of their upper fellies2 causing the gravity to be thrown very high in a hackery laden with bulky articles2 and1 consequently1 very liable to be overturned4 ,on the whole1 few accidents of this kind happen2 which1 considering how much night travelling prevails in ,india1 is rather surprizing4 ,possibly this is owing to the deepness of the ruts on roads frequented by carriages2 whereby the wheels are presented in their course1 so as to prevent the bullocks from deviating4 ,as to the distance a hackery can travel in the course of a day1 that must depend entirely on the state of the road1 the strength and condition of the cattle1 the heat of the weather1 and the weight to be drawn3 under fair circumstances1 from fourteen to sixteen miles may be effected2 but the latter distance is considered a forced march4 ,to the weight of the carriage and its load1 that of the driver must be added3 he usually sitting immediately behind the bullocks4 ,when the load is unavoidably rather too heavy behind1 so as to cause a tendency to tilting1 he sits more forward1 between the cattle1 and even occasionally upon the yoke itself4 ,it is evident the latter position must be extremely oppressive to the cattle2 but in hackeries laden with cotton1 where the burthen necessarily occupies a great space1 hanging over the rumps of the cattle1 such a position is nearly inevitable4 ,the hackeries used in that branch of trade1 are peculiarly strong1 and invariably drawn by at least three bullocks2 though more commonly by four4 ,sometimes buffaloes are used2 but their pace is very slow1 and they are extremely addicted to lying down in every puddle3 their immense strength is1 nevertheless1 a great inducement to employing them1 where very heavy commodities are to be carried2 but it is found eligible1 when buffaloes are yoked1 to travel entirely by night2 those animals being by no means calculated to bear the solar heat1 which oppresses them inconceivably4 ,the native merchants commonly mix one or two among their teams1 and1 not unfrequently1 cause full thirty-five maunds1 equal to about twenty-four cwt41 to be laid on one hackery3 but the distance travelled under such an immense load1 can seldom amount to twelve miles4 ,while on the subject of drivers1 which ,i have purposely made the last among the male servants1 it may be as well to offer a few hints regarding ,european servants1 and ,english cattle4 ,it might be said1 in brief1 that neither the one1 nor the other1 is found to answer in ,india4 ,an ,european servant must have nearly as many natives to attend him as an officer requires2 he must have a house2 and a million of indulgences1 such as nearly abrogate his services1 must be shewn towards him4 ,many have been taken to ,india1 but the result has generally been1 that1 after saving a little money1 or making a few friends1 especially by farriery1 they have set up in some business1 and with very little warning1 or ceremony1 quitted their masters2 who1 on the other hand1 were usually far from desiring their continuance4 ,i think my own memory would furnish sufficient instances to warrant the assertion1 that few1 if any1 of this class1 can be exempted from the charge of ingratitude4 ,really1 when all things are considered1 it must be owing to excess of vanity1 or to some kindred folly1 that any gentleman would retain an ,european coachman1 or postilion1 at full two hundred rupees monthly1 all items included1 when an excellent substitute may be found1 among the many natives who follow those professions1 and to whom a twelfth part of that sum is a little fortune4 ,as to an ,european butler1 steward1 c41 the same objection exists2 with the additional inconvenience of having not only an extra guest at all times1 7for his fare will1 in every respect1 equal that of his master17 but a spy in livery1 who will hear all the table talk1 commercial1 military1 or political1 and retail it1 together with his own opinions and comments1 to the whole of the native domestics4 ,whenever a lady has carried out an ,european female servant1 whether old or young1 ugly or beautiful1 it has usually happened that a speedy separation has taken place3 many1 indeed1 have deserted from their mistresses while touching at ,madras4 ,consequently1 nothing but vexation and disappointment are ever to be expected from the attempt to fix such a person in her situation after arrival in ,india4 ,no matter what bonds1 contracts1 or agreements1 may have been entered into3 these are all got rid of1 by the party's behaving in such a manner as totally precludes the possibility of detention4 ,it may perhaps be urged1 that1 by reference to a magistrate1 any unwarrantable conduct might be punished2 but1 however reasonable such an expectation might appear in ,britain1 it would be found totally inapplicable to ,india4 ,i much doubt whether any justice would take cognizance of such a complaint1 unless connected with some felonious proceeding1 which might warrant him in committing to prison4 ,this may appear a strange doctrine1 and give but an indifferent opinion of the police2 which1 nevertheless1 is superior to our own3 it is far easier1 for either ,european or native1 to obtain redress in ,calcutta1 than at any of our public offices4 ,the fact is1 that the necessity for upholding the ,british character1 however much formerly neglected by some persons in power1 is now so well understood1 that1 nothing short of absolute compulsion would actuate a magistrate to commit an ,european woman1 upon a charge of neglect of duty1 inebriety1 insolence1 or other such impropriety3 the litigation of pecuniary points would1 of course1 be referred to the ,supreme ,court2 where the expences are at least three times as heavy as in the ,british tribunal1 and the prosecutor would1 in the end1 have little to boast in regard to gaining his cause2 though1 possibly1 he might gratify his resentments at a precious price6 ,ladies embarking for ,india should seek for some female attendant1 native of that country1 wishing to return to her home4 ,many of these women1 whose characters will bear ample scrutiny1 come to ,england in charge of children1 or with their mistresses1 and would be extremely glad to go back under the joint advantages of emolument1 and protection4 ,an advertisement will bring forward many applicants3 and a constant search among the advertisements in the various newspapers1 will rarely fail to answer the same purpose4 ,as numbers of this class promulgate their wishes to return to ,india1 an additional advantage results from this measure2 because1 on arrival in the river1 an useful interpreter is at hand2 while1 perhaps1 a trusty and able servant is obtained2 who1 being attached1 by many little kindnesses while on board-ship1 would continue to serve1 at least until some other might be obtained4 ,the female who attends a lady while she is dressing1 c41 is called an ,ayah2 pretty nearly corresponding with the #8lady's maid' among us4 ,the wages of this servant are by no means settled1 but may be taken on average at from eight to twelve rupees monthly4 ,some are half-cast children2 that is1 of ,european fathers and native mothers3 brought up in families from their infancy4 ,to these1 good treatment and kindness should form a valuable compensation for the smallness of wages2 and induce some among them to remain for numbers of years1 faithful and affectionate2 but such are by no means numerous1 when compared with the thousands who1 at a certain age1 either quit in search of places affording either higher pay1 or handsome perquisites2 or who1 if handsome1 engage as #8house-keepers to single gentlemen6' ,the majority of ayahs are of ,portugueze extraction1 being descended from those heroes who1 in times of yore1 #8laid bleeding ,asia prostrate at their feet2' but who now compose the most contemptible race to be found on earth2 affording to the natives ample scope for comparison between the modern1 and the quondam ,european4 ,these ,portuguese are all #8good ,christians1' and1 in several parts of the country1 have small church-establishments1 where they support missionaries2 but in that humble style which strongly represents that abject state of ,christianity1 when the disciples were in a state of persecution4 ,however much their ancient splendor may have been tarnished1 yet it cannot be denied1 that1 in religious matters1 the sable ,portugueze of ,bengal have out-done the ,british completely4 ,they had long ago churches1 and have now one in ,calcutta1 built at a great expence by an opulent individual1 which may at least competite with the only ,english steeple to be seen under the presidency of ,fort-,william4 ,this solitary type of ,english devotion1 was built some twenty years ago1 in an old burying ground1 where the bones of many worthy men1 among whom ,i reckon my own grand-father1 had lain in peace for scores of years2 but which1 in making arrangements for the new edifice1 were torn up1 and exposed1 without much regard to decency4 ,it would be difficult to pourtray the horror expressed in the countenances of many natives1 who were witnesses of the disgusting scene3 as to their observations1 they were indeed pointed2 and conveyed their decided detestation of so sacrilegious an act4 ,i say sacrilegious1 because no ,mussulman would allow even the remains of his most bitter enemy1 to be ejected from their last asylum6 ,many ,portugueze ayahs affect to be in possession of genealogies1 whereby it should appear they are lineally descended from most illustrious characters2 most of whom would1 no doubt1 be indeed abashed1 could they now take a peep at their ill-fated and degenerate posterity6 ,it is scarcely to be conceived how much pride is retained by women of this class3 they are fond of adulation1 and love the dear word #8,signora1' even to adoration4 ,to see one of them full dressed on ,christmas ,day1 is truly diverting2 their costume being1 as nearly as circumstances will admit1 that of the days of royalty in ,france1 with a dash of the antique ,,vera-,,cruz3 to remind them1 ,i suppose1 of that eclipse which a gradual intermixture with the natives1 has cast upon their once tawny1 but now sable1 countenances4 ,one would think1 that the humiliating reflections attendant upon such a comparison1 should prompt them to burn their pedigrees1 and to avoid whatever could induce to retrospection6 ,but1 no2 the ayah prides herself on that remote affinity1 to which her records give the claim2 she retains all the offensive hauteur of her progenitors2 which1 being grafted upon the most obnoxious qualities of the ,hindu1 or ,mussulman1 characters1 makes a tout ensemble as ridiculous as it is despicable6 ,the ,hindostanee ayah1 7by which ,i mean a woman born either of ,mussulman1 or of ,hindu1 parents17 is rather rare1 unless in cases where young women have lost their casts1 and1 in a manner1 become aliens to their own sects4 ,these are said to be far the most valuable servants2 much superior to such as come under the designation of baundy1 7i4e4 slave17 and which have1 for the most part1 been purchased in their infancy1 from those miserable beings who1 during times of scarcity1 have been compelled to sell their offspring2 thereby preserving the lives of both4 ,the obligation1 however1 does not hold good1 according to the existing regulations1 under the ,british government2 slavery being totally repugnant thereto2 though the ,mahomedan law authorizes the purchaser of a child1 thus obtained1 to retain it1 and to command its services1 upon the condition of proper food and raiment1 until a certain age2 when liberation takes place4 ,there is1 nevertheless1 in this a wide latitude2 it being extremely difficult for the slave to substantiate his age1 which can only be computed according to what the purchaser may choose to assert it to have been when the sale took place3 it is obvious1 that he may sink many years in that particular4 ,although very few of the ,hindostanee women1 except such as come under the above description1 serve in the capacity of ayahs attendant upon ladies1 many are employed as nurses to children after quitting the breast4 ,in such case1 an ayah rarely attends more than one child2 hence1 in some families1 this class of domestics would be extremely numerous1 were it not that few children1 born of ,european parents1 are retained beyond their third1 or fourth1 year in the country4 ,the generality of those remaining1 even for that term1 under the care of ayahs1 become crafty1 proud1 and unmannerly2 which has occasioned several ladies to engage as few as possible of those attendants1 and to give their little ones in charge to bearers1 or other male servants2 under whose care they are found to be less vitiated1 and1 in general1 far more healthy4 ,unless great attention be paid1 ayahs will initiate their young charges in many practices1 and especially in language1 such as must require infinite assiduity to subdue2 and1 after all1 may not be completely suppressed4 ,besides1 they are usually very slovenly1 and offensive in their persons4 ,the ,dhye is more generally an attendant upon native ladies3 many of these are perfect in all the arts of intrigue2 and1 while they appear to be tottering to their graves1 are often on their way to manage an assignation6 ,the dress of these1 in most points1 corresponds with that of the ,hindostanee ayah1 but their pay is much less2 few receiving more than five rupees1 and the majority serving for four4 ,but1 according to the old saying1 #8what they loose in the dance1 they gain in turning round2' for what with little presents from both parties1 and a number of domestic perquisites1 especially the remains of victuals1 cast-off wearing apparel1 donations on certain festivals1 overcharges in purchases1 dustooree on all articles bought by the lady1 c4 c4 c41 these ,oriental #8,mother ,coles1' manage to pick up a very good income1 and1 not unfrequently1 lend money to their mistresses at the moderate rate of one anna1 7i4e4 a sixteenth17 per month1 for every rupee advanced4 ,this is never done without a pledge1 generally of silver or gold ornaments1 which the cunning jades lodge1 under various pretexts1 with some friendly goldsmith1 by whom they probably were made4 ,such a rate of interest may appear very high1 but is in general practice where money is lent for short dates2 and then under good security4 ,it is to be understood1 that the money-lending business1 especially that on bunduck1 or pledge1 is confined entirely to the ,hindus3 ,mussulmans are prohibited by their sacred institutes from receiving1 though they are not so strictly tied down in respect to paying1 interest2 indeed1 owing to the less frugal habits of this sect1 and their greater indulgence in ostentatious display1 few of its individuals can be considered totally exempt from that heavy fine collected by the ,hindu shroffs1 and mahajans1 from such inconsiderate persons as have occasion to seek their aid4 ,it is1 nevertheless1 remarkable1 that the generality of such money-lenders as reside at our several cantonments1 are extremely liberal in their advances to officers1 who1 when much in arrears1 are often extremely pressed for cash to defray their immediate table expences3 and that1 too1 even on the most economical plan4 ,i have been repeatedly kept from starving1 by the accommodation afforded by shroffs2 whose civility and forbearance form a most striking contrast with the punctual1 and greedy1 claims of both the ,christian1 and the ,jewish1 ,shylocks of ,britain4 ,it must not be denied1 that1 when practicable1 they will obtain some kind of security for their loans2 which is but reasonable3 but many hundreds of rupees have been furnished to me1 simply on my acknowledgement1 on a scrap of paper1 barely specifying the sum and date1 without any form such as could have validated the claim in case of my demise1 or of my being prosecuted on the occasion4 ,the truth is1 that1 where they see no danger1 they feel no reluctance4 ,the generality of dhyes attendant upon native ladies1 hold a regular intercourse with some one of the above class1 by whom all difficulties resulting from irregular receipts of pay are removed4 ,this is wonderfully facilitated by the circumstance of being related to some young khedmutgar in master's service4 ,of this kind of family compact ,i have already spoken2 therefore it is not necessary to enter into details at this moment3 my readers will form a just opinion of the situation in which a gentleman is placed1 when parties are formed1 both before and behind the purdah1 7curtain17 to watch his motions1 and to carry on the great work of deception4 ,in this1 ,i speak feelingly1 having1 like hundreds of others1 many of whom appeared studious to perpetuate their misfortune1 been the dupe of such coalitions2 from which it is1 indeed1 very difficult to escape4 ,the attachment of many ,european gentlemen to their native mistresses1 is not to be described6 ,an infatuation1 beyond all comparison1 often prevails1 causing every confidence1 of whatever description1 to be reposed in the sable queen of the haram6 ,i do not mean to say that the above deceptions are universal2 for ,i could adduce instances1 wherein native women have conducted themselves invariably in the most decorous manner1 and evinced the utmost fidelity1 in every particular1 to their keepers2 some have absolutely sacrificed property to no inconsiderable amount1 and given up every pretension to cast2 that is1 to admission among those of the same sect1 or faith1 braving the most bitter taunts1 and the reproaches of their friends and relatives4 ,here it may not be out of the way to notice that strange medley of religion1 and of interest1 some may say of love1 which is observable in the conduct of the native women1 either residing under the protection of ,europeans1 or coming under the ordinary description of kusbeen1 7i4e4 prostitutes74 ,their rigid adherence to1 or1 at least1 their superficial observance of1 whatever relates to the purification of their persons1 after contact1 is admirable6 ,it is not uncommon1 among those professing immense purity1 both of body1 and of soul1 to get up several times during the night1 for the purpose of ablution4 ,however ridiculous such a practice may appear1 yet we cannot refuse to bestow some commendation on so strict an etiquette3 lamenting1 at the same time1 that so much perseverance should be thrown away4 ,must it not strike every person1 as being highly curious1 that a woman should make no scruple of cohabiting with a man1 whose very touch1 indeed1 his entrance within a certain area1 or even treading on that carpet whereon she were eating1 should pollute the whole of the viands1 and occasion their being thrown to the dogs1 or given to some matranny1 or other equally debased character8 ,it really becomes a very serious question1 ,i believe hitherto overlooked1 under what plea a woman can allow her child1 born under such a connection1 to participate in her meals8 ,but1 reason is one thing1 and maternal affection another6 ,still1 though it may require no great sophistry for a woman to find an apology for such a decided inconsistency1 it seems unaccountable how she is suffered to escape that vigilance1 with which the priesthood1 and others of her sect1 watch her every act4 ,i can ascribe it only to a certain deference1 which has habitually sprung up in favor of all relating to ,europeans1 and regarding their domestic concerns4 ,this1 doubtless1 saves many from those punishments1 ordinarily attendant upon the most trifling dereliction of religious or civil ordinances4 ,the following description of the private lives and customs of those native women that are secluded from the public eye1 was furnished to me by a friend1 whose extensive researches have rendered him conspicuous as a ,member of the ,asiatic ,society4 ,i give it in his own words as a faithful detail1 which cannot fail to prove interesting4 #8,the very confined knowledge which ,europeans have of the domestic manners and customs of the inhabitants of the ,company's territories1 and of their ally the ,nabob ,vizier1 arising principally from the total want of familiar intercourse with the natives1 and a consequent ignorance of the language1 is a circumstance which1 by the inquisitive ,european traveller1 would scarcely be credited4 ,there are few countries in which a year's residence would not give a more intimate knowledge of the language and manners of the inhabitants1 than is generally to be acquired during a whole life spent in ,india2 particularly in ,bengal and the eastern provinces4 ,europeans have little connection with the natives1 of either religion2 except what relates to business of a public1 or of a private1 nature3 and1 though acquaintances1 which originate from such intercourse1 may continue after the causes which gave rise to them have ceased1 yet seldom or never do they extend to domestic communication4 ,a native will attend rather in a ceremonious way at a nautch#a1 or other exhibition given by an ,european2 but no ,hindu1 and very few ,mussulmans1 would eat in an ,european's house2 at least at his table4 ,the native will1 in his turn1 invite his ,english friend to a nautch1 to an exhibition of wild beasts1 and so forth2 and sometimes an entertainment may be given1 7of which1 however1 the master rarely partakes17 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 constraint1 which the eye of a stranger1 who is generally treated1 if not considered as a superior1 throws upon all their actions4 ----- ,footnote #a3 ,or public dance1 generally performed by hired women4 ----- #8,with the native women1 of any rank in society1 the ,european has not the most distant communication4 ,it will be observed1 therefore1 how impossible it is for an ,european to speak from his own personal knowledge of the familiar manners of the native of ,hindostan4 ,the following sketch is collected from the various accounts received from sensible and respectable people of different ranks in society4 ,it will probably correct some prejudices respecting the fair sex in ,eastern countries1 or at least afford some reasonable explanation of the manner in which they are treated4 ,their confinement is in general solely ascribed to the jealousy of the husband1 and to the number of wives allowed to one man1 to which the voluptuousness of a warm climate is supposed to conduce4 ,but1 in speaking themselves of the confinement of their women1 they offer the following reasons for the custom1 viz4 the variety of tribes1 and intermixture of strange people2 the instability of their government1 and consequent confusion in the country1 requiring that their families should be placed in secure places2 the tyranny of their former rulers and their favorites1 with whom it was no unusual occurrence to seize by force the wives of others2 and1 lastly1 because a passage in the ,koran#b seems to recommend a reserved deportment in women4 ,it says1 #8,you shall not shew your zeenut#c to any one except your husband1 your own father1 or your husband's2 7the present custom in ,bengal precludes him27 your own son1 or your husband's son2 or your brother1 or his son1 or your sister's son2 or your own female servants1 being of your own faith2 or your male servants of the following description3 such as old men1 eunuchs1 debilitated men1 or fools1 who think of nothing but eating1 or little children1 unto such are you allowed to shew your zeenut#c4' ,such exceptions from so sacred an authority1 which leaves little but the fingers and toes for general inspection1 would seem to render the seclusion of a ,mussulman lady a matter of necessity1 not choice4 ----- ,footnote #b3 ,the ,institutes of ,mahomed1 held in the same estimation as our ,bible4 ,footnote #c3 ,zeenut1 literally ornamented1 means such parts as are usually covered2 such as the breast1 from the knee to the ancle1 from the wrist upwards1 the hand1 shoulders1 c4 ----- #8,neither the husbands1 nor the wives1 will1 by any means1 allow jealousy to be the cause2 for they say1 #8,were a woman viciously inclined1 even encircled by walls of iron1 she would1 by some contrivance or other1 find means for accomplishing her purpose4 ,it is not1' say they1 #8against such their precautions are aimed3 it is1 that the minds of those who are really pure may not be contaminated through the force of bad example2 and1 that women1 being naturally weak1 and easily led astray1 as may be inferred from the story of poor ,eve1 it becomes the duty of the husbands to guard them from the flowery paths of temptation4' ,such1 indeed1 is the force of education1 that a lady of ,hindostan1 of decent parentage1 would rather suffer death than exposure to public view4 ,in imprecating the greatest evils on the head of an enemy1 a female could not conceive any term so severe as those which conveyed a wish that the veil of concealment might be rent asunder4 ,however1 notwithstanding the seclusion of the ladies is so much talked of1 and deemed so harsh1 it will1 probably1 on investigation1 be found1 that the prohibition extends only to such as could have but a slight intercourse with them1 even if the full influence of social communication obtained4 ,their rules respecting muhrem and na muhrem1 words implying forbidden and not forbidden1 are1 in their principle1 simple enough1 viz4 #8,that a woman may be seen by any man whose relationship to her precludes marriage'2 though custom has established many deviations from this rule2 all which seem to have arisen1 not from jealousy1 but from a mistaken sense of modesty4 #8,in the upper provinces1 all the brothers visit each other's wives without distinction2 but1 in ,bengal1 only those junior to the husband4 ,indeed1 in ,bengal1 the distinctions of muhrem1 and na muhrem1 are so whimsical1 and amount to such a mixture of ,hindu superstition and ,mahomedan prejudice1 as would render a detailed account of them disgusting to the reader4 ,i shall therefore comprize what ,i have to say on the subject in as few words as possible4 #8,a wife1 even in ,bengal1 may enjoy the society of all her own male relations4 ,in this light are considered chellas1 children brought up in the family1 and the relations of the nurse2 the nurse being considered as standing in the same relationship as the natural parents2 and often1 among the great in the upper provinces1 where two females are solicitous to form an intimate connection1 it is accomplished1 as completely as marriage could do it1 by obtaining a female of one family to suckle a child belonging to the other4 ,male friends1 of the respectable class1 though never permitted to see each other's wives1 make enquiries after the ladies' healths1 send and receive compliments1 and are sometimes permitted 7with the precaution of the curtain7 to free and unrestrained conversation4 ,it may be seen from the above1 that the circle of a lady's male acquaintance may be much more extensive than ,europeans would in general suppose2 for1 taking advantage of the spirit of the regulations1 and waiving the more preposterous1 half a dozen sisters might enjoy the society of a number of men1 little less limitted than falls to the lot of most ladies of the middle ranks in colder climates2 and it must be remembered1 that1 what is said here generally applies to the middle ranks1 including the lesser ,ameers4#d ----- ,footnote #d3 ,ameers are persons high in office1 or of illustrious families4 ,this title is also bestowed on military commanders4 ----- #8,in the upper provinces1 the ladies and gentlemen1 at least among the ,sheeaus1#e generally eat together2 but in ,bengal this is not the case2 there the wife does not even presume to eat in the husband's presence1 and never partakes of any of his amusements4 ,in the upper provinces the social qualities are better understood2 for when the company consists of persons admissible into the zenanah1 they all go in2 the men and women dine together1 and1 in general1 sit on opposite sides4 ,the ladies1 like ours1 indulge in tiffings1 7slight repasts17 it being delicate to eat but little before company4 ----- ,footnote #e3 ,a particular cast1 or sect4 ----- #8,when there is an assemblage of fair visitors1 the husband seldom enters the zenanah1 that he may not disturb their amusements1 which1 when unobserved by men1 take a free range4 ,the wife never mentions her husband by name4 ,this respect1 as it is termed1 is reciprocal4 ,indeed1 people in general avoid addressing each other by name1 substituting some title2 as #8your ladyship2' or by the name of a favorite child1 as #8,william's mother2' or by a periphrasis4 ,it is so strictly observed by some wives1 that they would not mention an indifferent matter by the same name as their husband is called by4 ,should1 for instance1 the husband's name be #8,year1' the wife would say1 #8,i am sixteen twelvemonths old1' rather than sixteen #8years4' ,however1 this excessive nicety will only be found among villagers4 #8,some ladies pride themselves much in the arts of needle-work and cookery3 excellence in the former being deemed a good criterion to form a judgment of a lady's education3 a wife1 therefore1 who did not take upon herself the whole internal management of the household1 would be held in great disrepute4 ,they are1 in general1 allowed a certain sum yearly for cloaths1 and all expences of the house within doors1 from which1 by good management1 they often save considerable sums of money1 and1 in times of distress1 when the inconsiderate husband thinks his all is gone1 often does his wife relieve his distresses from her little treasury4 #8,in addition to the established allowance1 there are other fixed sums appropriated4 ,in their holidays1 which frequently occur1 dinner is always dressed within the zenanah1 except upon occasions of great feasts and entertainments1 when1 of course1 the arrangement must be made by men4 ,when only a few friends are expected1 the wife1 being informed of their number and rank1 issues her orders accordingly1 through her female attendants1 to the male servants of the house4 ,the education of the daughters1 and sons also1 whilst young1 is entirely entrusted to the mother4 ,should one of the former forget those lessons of chastity1 and of correctness of behaviour1 which it is her mother's constant solicitude to impress on her mind2 nay1 should her conduct even be such as to create suspicion2 immediate death from the hand of the parent would be the consequence4 ,i am speaking here of rather the higher orders2 for people in the middle ranks of life are more restrained in their conduct1 more within the reach of the law1 and1 besides1 the point of honor which acts with such force in high-minded families1 loses its impetus with them4--,such is the influence the women possess in ,hindostan1 that1 whenever ,soonees and ,sheeaus#f intermarry1 7a circumstance not unusual17 the children are always instructed in the tenets of the mother1 and often their first prattle consists in a ridicule of their father's faith4 ----- ,footnote #f3 ,two different sects of the ,mahomedan religion4 ----- #8,at all marriages1 7the ceremonies of which will be hereafter detailed17 or on the occurrence of much-wished-for events1 such as the return of a son safely from the wars1 the recovery of a lost child1 c41 or when a lady wishes to be enrolled among the naik zuns1 or pure matrons1 a feast is given in honor of ,fatima1 the daughter of the ,prophet1 which is termed kundooree1 a word implying off-falls4--,no woman can partake of this feast1 unless she be of the purest morals2 and it is generally imagined1 that an impure person1 even tasting the sacred food prepared on that occasion1 would surely die4 ,the lady who gives the feast1 performs menial offices to the guests1 such as washing their feet1 c4 ,the victuals served up1 consists of such articles as ,fatima is supposed to have preferred1 viz4 rice1 ghee1 sugar1 pulse1 and vegetables4 ,a share is sent to the men2 but not of that set apart for the offering2 of which the pure matrons may alone partake4 ,to be considered as such1 a woman must have regularly kept all the annual feasts1 and be married2 or1 if a virgin1 she must then at least disclaim all intentions of changing her condition4 ,no woman contracted in marriage only for a time1 such as the moota#g of the ,sheeaus1 and the nekaw#g of the ,soonees1 can be admitted4 ,the word nekaw1 among the vulgar1 implies1 but improperly1 the secondary kind of marriage4 ,no woman1 who has married a second time1 though she may not have conversed with the first husband1 can partake of the kundooree4 ----- ,footnote #g3 ,a loose state of irregular matrimony1 sanctioned by the ,mahomedan law4 ----- #8,the females are seldom married before the age of fifteen4 7,i wish it to be understood1 when ,i speak indefinitely of the ,mussulmans1 that ,i allude to those of the upper provinces2 for the manners of the ,bengal ,mussulman partake so much of the ,hindu1 as to leave but few traces of their original character perceptible74 ,an earlier period is frequently fixed on1 where purposes of interest and policy may be answered4 ,old maids1 at least among the great1 are not at all uncommon2 caused by a kind of false pride1 or ,i know not what to term it1 of the parents1 who cannot bear that their daughters' nakedness should be known to any one4 ,nadir ,shah1 it is said1 either from a prejudice of this nature1 or more probably from a jealousy of too highly honoring any of his subjects1 destroyed all his female children1 which were extremely numerous1 immediately on their birth1 except one2 who was concealed from him till she had attained her thirteenth year4 ,it was then contrived that she should be brought into his presence4 ,she is said to have been all that was beautiful in nature6 ,she flew to his embrace1 which he fondly returned1 ignorant that he clasped his own daughter4 ,but1 when this devoted child addressed him as her father1 the hardened monster seized the innocent victim by the legs1 and kept her head immersed in a fountain till she expired6 ,such an account1 even of the unfeeling ,nadir ,shah1 is scarcely to be credited2 but the story may shew the name he has left behind him in ,hindostan4 #8,the late vizier1 ,asoph ul ,dowlah1 left about thirty sisters unmarried2 not that ,i believe his delicacy would have suffered from any such fastidious notions as above alluded to2 their celibacy was owing to the difficulty of obtaining suitable matches for women of their rank2 which1 in the present state of the country1 must be almost impracticable4 #8,reading and writing are not usual accomplishments with the ladies of ,hindostan4 ,among the great1 there are1 however1 some who read such books as the ,koran1 c4 and some few who write2 but of all delightful intercourse by letter they are entirely debarred2 it being deemed indecent even for a wife directly to address her husband2 therefore1 whether she employ an amanuensis to pen a letter1 or be capable of transcribing it herself1 it must be written as from a third person2 such as a son1 or near relation4 #8,among the better order1 about ten in a hundred can read the ,koran2 but it must not be understood by reading1 that they thence comprehend one single word of it2 that book being to them1 what our ,bible1 in a ,latin version1 must formerly have been to our common people4 ,the mode of passing their time1 though apparently not affording all that variety which an ,european lady enjoys1 is not devoid of amusement4 ,they generally rise1 or should do so1 at daybreak2 that they may have time to purify themselves before the rising of the sun1 at which time the first prayer is repeated4--,after prayers1 the important business at the toilette commences1 in which1 as is usual among ladies1 two or three hours1 at least1 are profitably spent4 ,the missee is applied to the feet and sweet-smelling oils1 c4 to the body2 while their flowing ringlets 7those nets which entangle unhappy lovers1 and which their poets are so fond of describing7 are now nicely adjusted4 ,in short1 the toilette is become with them a perfect art1 and much of a young lady's time is engrossed in attending to instructions on this head4 ,after the toilette1 comes the breakfast2 which does not1 like ours1 consist of fixed articles1 but varies agreeably to the taste of the parties1 and to the management of the mistress4 ,it will not appear unnecessary to observe1 that they never use knives or spoons2 and1 indeed1 they seem to think that we lose much of the relish of the food by the artificial aids we employ on such occasions4 #8,after breakfast1 and having issued the necessary orders for dinner1 the lady of the house1 attended by her daughters and slave-girls1 sits down to needle-work2 an excellence on which1 as well as all kinds of embroidery1 they greatly pride themselves4 ,among the middle ranks1 such as can write1 often employ themselves in copying the ,koran1 which1 when compleated1 is either sold for1 or given to1 some poor person1 to be converted into property more needful to him4 #8,the sound of the cherky1 or spinning wheel1 is always considered indicative of poverty1 and is therefore seldom heard in the houses of the great2 but women of a middling class1 often spin large quantities of cotton-wool into fine thread1 intended to be wove into mulmuls1 c4 for their own apparel4 ,the coarser skeans being allotted to their baundees1 or female slaves4 #8,between twelve and one they generally dine1 every person washing the face and hands before the company sits down at table1 or rather table-cloth2 which is spread on the ground1 and around which all the party arrange themselves3 except it be among the ,bengal ,mussulmans1 or among such as have adopted the ,hindu manners1 by whom a wife is not permitted to eat in the presence of her husband4 ,this meal generally consists of boiled rice1 or of wheaten cakes1 stewed or curried vegetables4 ,curry is made of fowls1 kid1 and goats' flesh4 ,beef is seldom sought after1 except in cities2 and mutton is by most considered as an inflating1 unwholesome food4 ,the head1 heart1 lights1 feet1 c4 of animals1 are rejected4 ,the dinner is usually divided into as many shares as the company consists of1 and brought in that way from the cook-room2 except on great occasions1 when the servant serves it out4 ,they have no change of plates until the sweetmeats are brought in4 ,tooth-picks1 and the wash-hand bason1 are presented to each1 except there should be a large company2 in that case1 they perform the ablution apart4 #8,they have not the custom of any particular person saying grace before or after meals2 each repeating in a low voice the name of ,god4 ,after meals1 thanks are returned by the male part1 but not by the female3 a curious distinction6 the reason for which1 my ,mussulman narrator ungallantly alleges to spring from the nature of woman in general4 ,immediately after dinner1 the parties retire to take their afternoon-nap2 on arising from which the toilette again engages the ladies' attention4 ,disengaged from it1 they walk round their gardens 7which are enclosed17 to enjoy the evening air4 ,after sun-set1 when the evening prayers are over1 the relations and friends visit each other2 and this is the hour in which the husband withdraws himself from general intrusion1 and retires to the zenanah4 ,here1 surrounded by his wife and children1 he enjoys the pleasing converse of the one1 and the innocent diversions of the other4 ,the young folks of both sexes play at blindman's buff1 and such-like sports1 which are generally succeeded by the proposing of enigmas1 the narration of enchanting tales1 unpremeditated rhymes1 and other various1 and not unuseful1 exhibitions of wit4 ,in such disports1 great part of the night glides away unnoticed1 as the female visitors do not return home till the next morning4 ,games are not much encouraged among them4 ,patchees1 a game in high vogue among the ladies1 is1 ,i believe1 the only one allowed4 ,the word means twenty-five4 ,the game is played with cowries1 which answer for dice4 #8,it is a well-known circumstance1 that no ,mussulman1 or ,mussulmanee1 ever thinks of dancing for the pleasure of the thing4 ,the meerassen1 7a set of women whose province it is17 are called in on particular occasions3 but1 among people of high rank1 it is usual to have a number of slave-girls1 termed gaeen1#h taught music and dancing1 who are always ready to amuse the family4 ----- ,footnote #h3 ,probably from gownah1 7i4e4 to sing74 ----- #8,europeans may1 on such a subject1 be surprized with the singular sound of #8the wife' so often repeated1 so impressed as they generally are with the idea of a ,mussulman and his seraglio of #8wives4' ,however1 it will be found1 by such as will take the trouble of investigation1 that those travellers1 whose relations have given rise to such erroneous ideas1 have deceived themselves1 by mistaking individual instances for general traits2 thus holding up the picture of one man as the exact portraiture of a nation4 ,we are not to suppose1 that it is common for men to avail themselves of the example of their prophet1 or the option he has allowed to others of having four wives4 ,in fact1 not one man in twenty1 of the class now under consideration1 has more than one wife1 nor one in five hundred more than two4 ,even the permission given by ,mahomed is not free from restriction2 for his words are1 #8,marry1 ,o ye people1 whomsoever pleases you among women1 even to two1 three1 or four3 but1 if ye apprehend that you cannot do them justice1 be content with one4' ,this considerate advice of the prophet however would probably carry but small weight1 if there did not exist other obstacles1 not so easily surmounted2 for it frequently forms a clause in the quballa1#i 7or cabooleat17 in a marriage contract1 that the husband shall not take a second wife3 besides1 no parent1 possessed of a proper regard for his child1 would willingly place her in that degraded situation a second wife is always considered to be2 and subjected1 as she is1 to the entire control of the first2 who1 it may be supposed1 must1 from various motives1 in general prove a harsh and unpleasant mistress4 ,neither ought we to be led away by the idea that any influence of the husband will prevent such consequences2 for the wives of ,hindostan1 however problematical it may sound1 will be found to have1 in reality1 even more power than those of ,europe4 ,it is true1 a husband is allowed by law the privilege of divorcing his wife whenever displeased with her conduct2 and this1 on the first glance1 appears to leave no alternative but implicit obedience in the woman3 but it will be found otherwise1 in fact2 for the relations of the bride take care1 in the marriage-settlement1 that the mahir1 or marriage-portion1 payable in case of separation1 shall be fixed at an amount far exceeding the circumstances of the husband to pay2 which1 of course1 proves an effectual check to a divorcement4 ,in addition to this1 general opinion strongly opposes a separation1 though not a second marriage1 where there exists no sufficient cause to justify the step2 such as barrenness1 chronic disease1 c41 in the woman4 ----- ,footnote #i3 ,agreement and settlement4 ----- #8,wherever there are two or more wives1 an equal distribution of favors is rigidly insisted on1 7unless the secondary one happens to be of inferior rank27 yet1 let it not be inferred that any lady could be so lost to delicacy as to urge her claims in direct terms4 ,the sex have always the command of general signs1 whereby to intimate their expectations in the most delicate manner4 ,but1 though jealous of her rights1 a wife of rank and education would1 during the whole period of her existence1 deem it highly indelicate to neglect1 in the most secluded moments1 a modest reluctance to comply with the solicitations of her husband4 #8,among the slave-girls1 there are always two or three who are considered as the handmaids of the husband1 and with whom1 even by their religion1 an intercourse is permitted3 however1 this must be conducted in a concealed manner4 ,they1 too1 aping the manners of their mistresses1 are not always at the command of the master2 and ,i have been assured1 by men of eminence and affluence among them1 that1 even in the midst of plenty1 they have suffered all the tantalization of want4 #8,it is said1 that ,soojah ,dowlah1 whenever he paid a visit to any other lady1 always imposed on himself a fine of two thousand rupees1 which he sent to his wife4 ,the prophet himself had only five wives1 one of whom he preferred to all the rest2 yet1 though much inclined1 he durst not visit her oftener than the others2 two of whom1 however1 he ventured to divorce1 that the period of his enjoyment might more quickly revolve4 #8,a wife may1 in certain cases1 insist on a divorce1 such as inefficacy in the husband1 c4 under which circumstances she receives the marriage-portion4 ,it must be remarked1 that1 although the mahir is always fixed in the marriage articles1 yet that there does not exist any method of settling it on the wife independently1 as among us2 therefore1 this settlement consists only of terms1 except in cases of divorce4 ,the word mahir means1 literally1 the price paid for any thing4 #8,a wife never brings a dowry to her husband1 except her plentiful stock may be so considered1 such as cloaths1 jewels1 c41 which her parents send with her1 sometimes to so great an extent1 as to preclude for years the necessity of any supply from the husband4 #8,when a divorce occurs1 even on the demand of the wife1 the husband is obliged to support her as long as any possibility remains of her affording nourishment to his offspring2 and1 should she then be pregnant1 the allowance must be continued to her1 agreeably to her rank in life1 until the period of her delivery1 when the child is taken from her2 unless she chooses to support it at her own expence1 and is allowed to do so by the father4 #8,should a man catch his wife in the act of adultery1 and revenge himself by the death of both parties1 the ,mahomedan law would acquit him of murder2 but1 should he take the life of only one of the offenders1 they would sentence him to death4 ,the laws of the ,koran1 relative to trials for adultery1 one would almost think were framed with the sole view of prohibiting such suits2 for1 whereas1 in common cases1 two respectable male witnesses are deemed competent to establish a fact2 in cases of adultery1 four male witnesses must be produced4 ,the testimony of a thousand women would be of no avail1 and that of the men must be clear and circumstantial4 ,the smallest disagreement would invalidate the depositions of the whole4 ,in short1 such are the difficulties1 or rather impossibilities1 the law throws in the way of substantiating the charge1 that causes of the score of adultery1 or of fornication1 are seldom heard of4 #8,they seem not to have distinguished these two crimes by different appellations1 though the punishment is different4 ,for the first1 the criminal is stoned to death2 for the second1 a hundred lashes are deemed an adequate punishment4 ,so the award to a married man and unmarried woman1 convicted of zinnah1 7a general term for unlawful co-habitation17 would be death to the man1 and flagellation to the woman4 ,such is the law2 but custom has left the injured parties to pursue private measures of revenge1 in which the courts never interfere4 #8,mutual intercourse among female friends and relations is kept up by visits2 for which1 however1 previous permission from the husbands must be obtained1 except when the wife intends a visit to her parents4 ,in such a case1 she intimates her intention2 and1 though he may dissuade1 he has not the power to restrain4 ,when first informed of this privilege1 so contrary to received opinion1 it excited my surprize1 which ,i evinced by minute enquiry4 ,the following is the answer ,i received from a person of rank and character3 #8,a wife' 7said he7 #8is not a slave to a husband4 ,he is her guardian1 it is true2 and1 when she pursues a path that would lead to disgrace1 it is his duty to control her1 on common occasions1 by advice3 should that prove ineffectual1 her relatives are informed of her refractoriness1 and they lend their aid4 ,if still untractable1 she may be confined to her room4 ,he may abstain from her bed2 but where is the ,mussulman of character that would lift his hand to the wife of his bosom8 ,is he devoid of all regard to his own honor1 that he should treat the mother of his children with disgrace8 or has he become regardless of the good opinion of his brethren8 or could he1 for a moment1 forget that her relations1 to a man1 would start forward to resent an insult offered to their family8 ,no man' 7continued he7 #8can1 with impunity1 oppose that general opinion which has for its foundation both propriety and justice4 ,a wife must1 therefore1 be permitted to visit her parents whenever she is inclined to do so4' #8,it must appear curious1 however1 that custom has made it indecent for her to return1 without an invitation from her husband6 ,this may produce considerable effect1 when a mutual regard1 or children1 attach them to each other2 but1 while the lady continues young1 if she be any way coquetish and takes a pleasure1 as is sometimes the case1 to teaze her husband1 she will1 under various pretexts1 continue obdurate for months1 until his patience1 and his ample stock of promises of future kindness1 are expended4 ,in short1 the ,hindostanee ladies are possessed of a thousand arts whereby to secure their influence1 and to domineer over the lords of creation4 #8,in the absence of her husband1 a wife1 though she may receive1 pays no visits4 ,when the women travel1 or move from one house to another1 they are concealed with all the precaution generally attributed to an ,eastern journey2 their palanquins are carefully shut up1 and attended1 when the rank of the person demands it1 by guards composed of eunuchs1 and sometimes by armed women1 who are called1 from their countries1 ,toorknees1 ,zillmaknees1 ,oorda-,bignees1 c4 ,this jealous care1 however1 is not taken by all classes4 ,the ,rohillas1 for instance1 are less scrupulous3 among themselves1 their women travel unveiled1 and without ceremony4 ,indeed1 among the northern nations1 we can trace but little of that guarded precaution so conspicuous in the cities of ,hindostan4 #8,no ceremony is observed at the naming of a child4 ,the parents choose a name1 which habit soon confirms4 ,the great are credulous1 and often call in an astrologer1 who is mostly a ,bramin1 to cast the child's nativity1 and to fix on1 or to approve of1 a name2 but this is not usual1 nor is feasting1 nor merry-making1 as at our christenings4 #8,a son is at no age debarred from freely entering the zenanah1 though it may contain numbers of women not at all related to him2 and1 should the encreased bulk of any of the slave-girls shew symptoms of his attention1 it will hardly be deemed a crime in either party4 ,however1 as the parents are solicitous to prevent such an intercourse1 they rarely fail to provide the young gentleman with a wife1 so early as circumstances will admit4 ,should this be delayed1 a slave-girl would be allowed him1 but the intercourse must proceed in such a manner1 as if the parents were ignorant of the affair2 the progeny from this connection would be received into the family on equal terms with those born in wedlock2 being once acknowledged1 they are entitled to every privilege of inheritance4 ,primogeniture1 among the ,mahomedans1 gives no superior claims to their real1 or personal property3 the division of the estate is easy1 for a son gets double the share of a daughter4 #8,the evidence of women of rank is taken by male relations1 or by women properly authorized by the ,cazee#aj for that purpose2 but female testimony is inadmissible in cases of life and death4 ,a woman of rank never suffers public punishment1 for the parents or husbands1 to prevent her disgrace1 would themselves cause her death2 the only kind of punishment1 indeed1 that a woman of this description seems liable to undergo4 ----- ,footnote #aj3 ,cazee is a judge1 or justice4 ----- #8,when they are indisposed1 application is made to the doctor2 who1 upon enquiring into the symptoms1 and examining certain ,,quackish tokens1 prescribes accordingly2 but1 if the disorder be obstinate1 the doctor is permitted to approach the purdah1 7i4e4 curtain1 or screen17 and to put his hand through a small aperture1 purposely made1 in order to feel the patient's pulse4 ,the lady's hand or arm is never exposed to view1 at least not to any male3 on this occasion1 the doctor's hand is guided to the pulse by a female attendant4 #8,widows seldom take a second husband1 though allowed to do so4 ,young widows are sometimes married to the husband's brother1 but even this is not frequent4 ,women of rank sometimes suckle their own children4 ,in the choice of a wet-nurse1 they are extremely particular1 as all her family are by that means considered in the light of relations2 a custom so far adhered to1 as to preclude the possibility of intermarriage between the child thus suckled1 and the children of its nurse4 #8,women in ,india never go to public baths4 ,each house in general is furnished with hot and cold baths4 ,where the former cannot be afforded1 a boiler is always in readiness4 ,bathing is commanded as a necessary purification after most of the common occurrences of life4 ,so much so1 that most married ladies1 under certain circumstances1 are obliged to perform the ablution even in the middle of the night2 and1 as in these ceremonies if the parties are at all particular1 it requires the hair to be wet1 it affords occasion the next morning for their female friends to exercise their wit on the occasion4 #8,the dresses of the single1 and of the married1 ladies1 differ but little4 ,the former never wear ornaments at the nose1 ungeeas1 or supporters to the breast1 no black ointment#aa to fill up the interstices of the teeth1 nor antimony to the eye-lids4 ,it has been erroneously supposed1 that a turban was peculiar to a spinster1 from the similarity of the words cheerna and cheera2 the latter meaning a colored turban1 which would be disgraceful for any modest woman to wear4 ,the word cheerna has a very different etymology1 which will be sufficiently evident to any one acquainted with the ,hindostanee4#ab ----- ,footnote #aa3 ,the missee1 before described4 ,footnote #ab3 ,the hymen of anatomy4 ----- #8,the present fashionable dress of our fair country-women1 having had for its object the imitation of the ,hindostanee1 might be supposed to preclude the necessity of a particular description1 did not the same inconstancy equally pervade their taste4 ,within these few years1 the shoes with the long-turned-up tops have been introduced and abolished1 in consequence 7as the story goes17 of a lady in ,asoph ud ,doulah's haram being thrown down by the entanglement of the string of a kite round the curvature of her shoe4 ,the n'hut1 or large ring1 worn at the nose1 is also going out of fashion3 indeed1 considering the inconvenience that must have been experienced from this ornament1 it is strange it should so long have continued in use4 ,the disuse of it is accounted for in the following manner4 ,on the death of a married woman1 or of her husband1 7for no widows wear it17 this ornament1 according to long-established usage1 becomes the property of the meeraseens1 a particular kind of nautch women4 ,a lady of ,oude1 of a delicate way of thinking1 being in possession of a n'hut of great value and elegance1 thought she observed the longing eye of the meeraseens continually fixed on this jewel2 and1 dreading the effects of their envy on her own life1 or on that of her husband1 took off the n'hut and threw it away2 a circumstance that created much consternation in the family1 and astonishment in the husband1 as it had hitherto been deemed a necessary part of a married woman's dress1 and was guarded with as much superstitious care as the marriage-ring among us4 ,however1 the explanation of her motives set all to rights again2 the husband applauded her prudence1 and the neighbouring families1 taking up the same idea1 the long-established rights of the meeraseens in that part of the country suffered almost total abolishment4 #8,the dress of the ladies of rank has become comparatively simple1 and seems to evince a considerable improvement in the national taste4 ,instead of both ears being weighed down1 as was formerly the case1 they now only wear a slight ornamented ring in the left ear1 in general4 ,the having both ears ornamented they consider as the height of vulgarity4 ,a pearl necklace1 slight golden rings at the wrists and ancles1 termed zewaree ichanjeeree1 include all the ornaments worn by a lady of fashion4 ,for the wrists they prefer silken bracelets1 decorated with jewels4 ,the hair1 which was brought down over the brow in two semi-circles1 so as almost to bear on the eye1 is divided as before1 but not permitted to conceal any part of the forehead4 #8,the pyjama1 or drawers1 were formerly worn so tight1 as to render it a work of some labor to get them on4 ,indeed1 to such a length did this taste go at one time1 that many of the famous courtezans had themselves painted in imitation of keemkab#ac from the waist downwards4 ,in the upper provinces1 they are now made to fit exactly above the knee1 but from thence downwards quite loose1 and so long as to press on the shoe4 ,in the lower provinces1 the exact reverse takes place4 ,in ,bengal1 it is deemed immodest to wear the ungeeas1 or supporters to the breast4 ,in the upper provinces1 a woman would be ashamed to be seen without them4 ----- ,footnote #ac3 ,keemkab is a sort of silken fabric1 in which flowers1 c4 are woven4 ----- #8,the coortee1 or kind of banian1 must be of the thinnest muslin1 so that the tapering waist1 which they so much admire1 and of which our ladies now deny us the view1 may be distinctly seen4 ,the sleeves short1 and the coortee itself so much so1 that the nicfa1 a different colored cloth at the top of the pyjama1 may not be concealed1 the doo-puttah1 or two breadths of muslin1 formed into the shape of a scotch plaid1 and worn nearly in the same manner1 is thrown over the whole4 #8,the paishwaz1 meaning open in front1 is not now in fashion4 ,this is the robe from which our ladies have taken their present dress1 but which they have modestly closed before1 having no painted keemkabs to shew4 ,petticoats1 7called bandanas17 are sometimes worn by ,mahomedan ladies1 especially in the rainy season1 when the diversion of swinging commences1 but never without drawers under them4--,widows should not wear cloaths stained with any but what are termed pukka1 or lasting colors2 nor should these be of the glaring kind4 ,their pyjamas must always be white1 which a married lady never wears4 #8,on the commencement of the seventh1 in ,bengal1 and the ninth month up the country1 of pregnancy1 it is usual to give a great entertainment to the friends of the parties2 on which occasion the mistress of the feast is decked with flowers1 and dressed with new cloaths and ornaments4 ,one of the females1 to whom ,lucinda may have been more propitious than to the rest1 comes forward with a present1 consisting of seven kinds of fruits1 and of the flower of rice1 kneaded into round and oval pieces3 this part of the ceremony is confined to ,bengal4 ,the first is said to be emblematic of girls1 the latter of boys4 ,this offering is poured out into the pregnant lady's lap1 who1 without tasting the fruits herself1 distributes them among the company4 ,this feast1 if practicable1 is given at her father's house1 where the lady is generally delivered4 ,here the midwife attends1 who is seldom1 or can be1 expert in her business4 ,hence1 unlucky births are very frequent4 ,i need not observe1 that males never officiate in this line2 however1 the old ladies sometimes1 in dangerous cases1 venture to perform chirurgical operations4 ,a few lines from the ,koran1 sent by some celebrated religionist1 and placed at the bed-head1 or a little water sanctified by being poured on the ,,koran1 is supposed to be wonderfully efficacious2 but1 in difficult births1 some person1 woman1 boy1 or girl1 who has been fortunate enough to come feet foremost into the world1 is called in to jump seven times over the womb of the person in labor4 ,on these occasions1 all the keys are taken out of the locks1 doors opened1 boxes unlocked1 and a sword hung up in some part of the room1 to frighten away the evil demons4 ,if the danger encreases1 the husband opens his turban1 and spreads it over the patient's womb1 and then makes it up the wrong way4 ,they have a stone called k'ho1 or the power of seals1 which is tied about the neck1 and many other superstitious practices2 the same as in all countries1 among the common people4 ,the child being born1 the rooms are kept as close as possible1 and it is not permitted to get milk for three days4 ,during the first six1 the mother tastes nothing but light caudle4 ,on the night of the sixth1 the child is brought to the door1 that the starlight may shine upon it4 ,pen and ink are placed at the head of the bed1 that the angel of fate may write on its forehead its future destiny4 ,the first ablution is performed by the lady on the fortieth day4 ,when the child is four months old1 a feast called keer chittaee is given1 to which all friends and relations are invited4 ,keer is a preparation of rice and milk1 which the child is now made to taste1 or to lick or lap1 as the term chittaee implies4 #8,smoking the urqu#ad is not so general a practice as is supposed1 at least among the middle ranks4 ,the great1 in this1 as in other luxuries1 indulge themselves more freely4 ,zeebool ,nissa daughter of ,alc ,geer1 and ,noor ,jehan1 invented the present form of the goorgooree snake2#ae and ,khummer ,mahomed ,shah1 the arched snake now in use2 which is said to have been contrived by him for the convenience of smoking as he travelled4 ,zeebool ,nissa appears to have been a lady of great accomplishments1 whose hard fate it was to lead a single life1 as may be gathered from the following lines of which she was the author4 ----- ,footnote #ad3 ,commonly pronounced hookah4 ,footnote #ae3 ,a smaller kind of hookah1 with a short stiff snake4 ----- #8,ill-luck befall that arm that never has encircled the neck of a love6 ,o may the eyes be dim that draw not enjoyment from the glance of a beloved4 ,a hundred seasons have passed away1 and every favorite rose has been plucked to ornament a turban3 #8,but the rose-bud in the garden of my heart has been allowed to decay1 and has not been plucked as a nosegay by any one4'#af ----- ,footnote #af3 ,contrast this simple lamentation with the absurd effusions of ,mirza ,abu ,taalib ,khan1 at a succeeding page4 ----- #8,and yet1 when her father proposed a husband to her1 she replied3 8that learning was only to be found among the lower orders1 and with such she could not wed1 that princes were in general ignorant1 and with such she could not be happy40 #8,in the zenanahs1 the ladies divert themselves by bringing up pets of different kinds1 such as minas1 7a kind of starling17 fowls1 goats1 pigeons1 c4 ,the cat1 in particular1 has an exclusive privilege1 in consequence of the prophet's having had a favorite puss1 which he took much pleasure in feeding3 hence1 that animal is held sacred1 and the murder of it considered as the highest sacrilege4 ,they tell a story1 that ,mahomed1 when ascending into heaven1 happened to take a peep1 en passant1 into hell1 where1 observing an old woman making a sad lamentation1 he asked the angel ,gabriel why she suffered8 ,the angel referred him for information to the old lady herself1 who replied1 that she underwent such torments for having caused the death of a cat6 ,when this holy personage returned to the earth1 he told the story as a warning to his disciples2 but1 notwithstanding such holy interference1 the cat is considered as an envious animal1 wishing the decrease of the family1 that the mistress of it may caress her the more2 whereas1 the dog1 7though deemed an unclean animal17 is thought to pray for encrease1 that he may have more bones to pick6 #8,it is a general custom among the ,soozees#ag1 both men and women1 to choose some holy man to be their guide and instructor1 7not dissimilar to the office of a confessor17 whom they call their peer2#ah designating themselves his mooreed1 or disciple4 ,when a lady of rank has fixed on this holy personage for her peer1 he is invited to the house1 where the following ceremony ensues4 ,standing on the outside of the purdah1 or curtain1 he holds one end of a handkerchief1 the other end of which is held by his intended mooreed within the purdah4 ,in this position he reads aloud select passages from the ,koran1 allusive to the subject1 and finishes with a lecture on morality4 ,thus adopted1 he is thenceforward to her as her ,god and the prophet4 ,in all difficult situations1 she looks to him for relief1 calling on his name in danger2 and the death of the peer does not even dissolve the contract4 ,after the first ceremony1 the peer seldom visits his mooreed2 indeed1 as thousands may choose the same spiritual guide1 such duty would prove too much even for his spirit to bear4 ,however1 there are instances of a peer being chosen from motives very different from what may be supposed in general to operate2 hence1 we sometimes discover1 that1 under the cover of a peer1 the lady indulges herself with a private lecture from a young lover4 ,indeed1 the ,sheeaus give this as a reason for their discontinuance of the practice4 ----- ,footnote #ag3 ,a particular sect4 ,footnote #ah3 ,peer literally means a prophet4 ----- #8,fatima1 the ,prophet's daughter1 is invoked under different appellations4 ,her general name is ,khatoon ul junet1 or ,mistress of ,paradise4 ,there are1 besides1 several male saints1 whose peculiar province is the protection of the fair sex2 but ,peer ,bawhoor1 is the hastener of lovers' return4 ,among the lower ranks1 ,shaik ,saddoo is often invoked4 ,this was a good and great man1 whom the devil tempted in the shape of a beautiful young lady2 and1 as he happened to die before he had time for purification1 he was 7as is usual in such cases17 turned into a kubbeess1 or wandering wicked spirit1 of whom the women are much afraid2 for he is said often to enter them in the shape of the devil1 such as in the times of our forefathers were used to possess the females4 ,they give great feasts in honor of ,shaik ,saddoo1 at which a goat forms part of the sacrifice4 ,hence1 when a woman is in her tantrums1 she is ironically said to require a slice of the ,shaik's goat4 ,at the entertainment given in his honor1 one of the women personates the ,shaik1 being dressed in male habiliments1 and furnished with sword and target4 ,when a woman is said to be possessed1 she undergoes all the agitations of the prophetic beldames of former times2 she foams at the mouth1 and appears in strong convulsions4 ,in this deplorable situation1 true answers are supposed to be received to all questions put to her relating to past1 or to future events4 ,some women affect to be married to this saint1 and1 consequently1 become very1 very devils to their husbands and neighbours4 ,zaen ,khan1 particularly in the upper provinces1 is a saint of a similar complexion and history4 ,one of the bhaguts1 or doctors1 famous for his dexterity in exorcism1 gave me the following detail of his proceedings4 #8,when a woman appears heavy and unwell1 her friends1 suspecting the cause1 call in a bhagut1 who generally1 as may be imagined1 accords with them in opinion4 ,on hearing this sentence from so learned a personage1 the patient's imagination begins to operate1 and1 in a short while1 she feels the spirit move within her4 ,the bhagut loses no time in making up a magic sacrifice1 which he sets on the fire under the woman's nose4 ,the devil being thus smoked out1 loses no time in mounting upon the body of the patient1 and begins 7permit me the use of a vulgar1 though not inapplicable term7 to ride away 8at a devil of a rate40 ,the patient now suffers violent agitation1 tossing her arms1 head1 and legs about1 in a dreadful manner1 in consequence of the kicks and buffetings from the fiend2 who all this while is totally invisible to every one except the bhagut4 ,this is the moment for the display of the doctor's art and dexterity6 ,he springs forward1 and seizes the possessed by the hair2 which he holds fast1 as it gives him an entire command over the spirit1 whom he now interrogates in the following peremptory and bold manner3--8,who art thou8 whence comest thou8 and why disturbest thou this woman80 #8,to these queries1 the fiend1 through the mouth of the possessed1 makes answer1 8,be it known to you1 that ,i inhabit a certain tree10 specifying one in the neighbourhood2 8and that1 being on my rambles1 in passing this female1 ,i espied her body to be pure and undefiled1 and fit for habitation2 therefore ,i entered into it40 ,the fiend now offers to quit his habitation1 if it be the bhagut's pleasure2 which1 after some ceremony1 is done4 ,the doctor now receives his fee1 and1 were it not for the fear of spoiling trade1 before his departure1 probably would advise the husband not to permit his wife to have too long intervals of undefilement in future1 lest the devil should again take possession of her6 #8,when speaking of the ornamental parts of the ladies' dress1 mention was not made of their blackening the eyelids with antimony4 ,this practice is supposed1 besides giving additional brilliancy to the eyes1 to preserve and improve the sight4 ,but1 as in that country there is no antimony to be found1 they employ in its stead a lead ore1 unconscious of the difference2 while such1 as cannot even afford the ore1 use caugull1 or lamp-black4 ,one reason given for this predilection to antimony is1 that1 when ,mount-,sinai was set on fire by lightning from above1 the whole was transfused into that semi-metal2 thence their belief that it is not to be found in any other region of the earth4 ,it will naturally be supposed1 that this is a singular story1 gaining belief only among the ignorant2 but1 though their men of learning1 and science1 cannot be comprized under that appellation1 yet it may once for all be observed1 that all their ridiculous tales1 of which they have abundance1 gain equal credit among people of all ranks4 ,rich and poor1 learned and unlearned1 the cazee and tipstaff1 the peer and mooreed1 are equally credulous1 and very few1 if any1 instances indeed will be found1 wherein they are above the most preposterous prejudices2 still1 many from interest1 and some who choose not to encounter the taunts of ,europeans1 will1 in their presence1 affect to be free from the prejudices of the vulgar4 #8,besides the antimony to the eyes1 the women apply a black stain to the teeth1 called missee3 it is made of the rust of iron and kurra compounded4#ai ,it is1 in fact1 ink-powder3 for the kurra is a nut equally astringent with galls4 ,the powder is rubbed on1 or rather between1 the teeth1 and leaves a black stain1 which is deemed both a preservation and an ornament to them4 ,the use of the plant hinna1#bj has been described by travellers in all ,eastern countries4 ,the leaves are pounded and mixed up into a paste1 which is applied to their nails1 palms1 and soles2 after an adherence of a few hours1 it is shaken off1 and leaves a beautiful red stain1 which lasts many days4 ,it is supposed to have a cooling quality4 ----- ,footnote #ai3 ,likewise a preparation of kino4 ,footnote #bj3 ,called mehendy1 or mindy1 in ,moors4 ----- #8,the dancing-women are of different kinds4 ,the most respectable are the meeraseen1 sometimes called doominca2 though the real doominca exhibit in public before men1 which the meeraseen never do4 ,the word meeras means an inheritance1 and meeraseen an inheritress1 from the custom that has obtained in families of never changing the set4 ,indeed1 custom has so far established it as a right1 that any deviation would be considered an injustice punishable by law4 ,many of the different trades claim similar privileges1 and a barber prepucian1#ba if ,i may use the expression1 for instance wishing to retire from business1 would dispose of his custom to any individual1 in the same manner as he would any part of his private property4 ,as the meeraseem are never accompanied by male minstrels1 they seldom play on other instruments than drums of different kinds1 such as the tubla1#bb dholuk1#bc and munjeera2#bd though the meeraseens never perform before assemblies of men1 yet the husband and his sons may be present4 ,they are modest and chaste in their manners1 and dress2 but1 notwithstanding this1 it sometimes happens1 that a fair meeraseen attracts the attention of the male part of the family2 in such cases1 any intercourse they may have is conducted with secresy4 ----- ,footnote #ba3 ,the barbers in ,india have the sole privilege of performing the operation of circumcising4 ,footnote #bb3 ,the tubla are small drums usually fastened in pairs round the waist1 and much resemble kettle drums4 ,footnote #bc3 ,the dhol1 or dholuk1 is a large sort1 carried horizontally1 and seems to be the original of our ,turkish drum4 ,footnote #bd3 ,the munjeera is sometimes beat with a stick4 ----- #8,the kunchenee are of an opposite stamp2 they dance and sing for the amusement of the male sex1 and in every respect are at their command4 ,they are attended by male minstrels1 to whom they are often married4 ,it is said these women always consider their first lover as their real husband1 during the rest of their lives2 and1 on his death1 though they should be married to another1 they leave off their pursuits for a prescribed period1 and mourn agreeably to the custom of widows4 ,they do not consider any part of their profession as either disgraceful or criminal2 and are not therefore liable to those pangs of conscience which1 at some period or other1 are supposed to oppress females of this description in other countries4 ,their profession is emphatically termed the trade1 and the female a trader2 and ,i must do them the justice to say1 that many a fair trader is to be found among them4 ,there are many other kinds of dancing women1 such as hoorkenees1 bazeegarnees1 dharee1 c4 c4 #8,women do not attend public worship1 though particularly commanded thereto in a verse of the ,koran4 ,it is not1 however1 uncommon for ladies of quality to have their own muzjeed1 or mosque#be1 within the haram1 as is the case with the ,begums of ,fyzabad4 ,at ,mecca there seems to be no distinction kept up2 both sexes there offering up their adoration at the same time and place4 ----- ,footnote #be3 ,these are small buildings answering the purpose of our churches1 and many have large tracts of land attached for the maintanence of the priests4 ----- #8,it is as incumbent on women1 as on men1 to visit ,mecca2 however1 they generally 7,i mean ladies of rank7 leave orders to depute a representative to perform the pilgrimage after their death4 ,the lower classes1 putting on the dress of faqueerens#bf1 or religious mendicants1 frequently undertake the pilgrimage in company with their husbands or other relatives1 after the accomplishment of which they are termed hudjeecau4#bg ,the various ceremonies required in prayer1 demand a long apprenticeship before a proficiency can be acquired4 ,indeed1 so particular are the rules1 prescribed for every inflexion of the body1 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 discipline4 ,one single false motion renders the whole ineffectual1 and a re-commencement becomes absolutely necessary4 ----- ,footnote #bf3 ,faqueer is a male mendicant1 and faqueeren a female4 ,footnote #bg3 ,the designation of hudjee 7commonly pronounced hadjee7 is assumed by all who have visited the shrine of the prophet3 hence the term hudjeecau4 ----- #8,people of respectability seldom have more slave-girls than are absolutely requisite for the common purposes of the house2 viz4 generally two for the cook-room1 one who has charge of the provision1 c41 one for the wardrobe and to attend the mistress's toilette1 c41 and two or three others for general purposes4 ,there are1 besides these1 two or three women hired1 7who are termed asseel1#bh7 at the rate of two or three rupees per month1 exclusive of food2 one of these is always stationed as a kind of running sentry at the door of the zennanah1#bi for the purpose of conveying messages4 ,there may be1 besides these1 one or two ,mogulanees#cj to instruct the rest in the arts of sewing1 c4 ,the above-mentioned number are equal to all the purposes of the house2 where there are more1 confusion generally reigns4 ----- ,footnote #bh3 ,the word asseel literally means perfect1 real1 original1 unadulterated2 and here implies superiority4 ,footnote #bi3 ,zenanah means the haram1 or women's apartments4 ,footnote #cj3 ,mogulanee is a ,mogul woman4 ,the ,moguls are one of the four principal sects of ,mohamedans4 ----- #8,in the houses of some nobles1 where there may be two or three hundred1 or even more1 slave-girls kept for state1 the possessor of them generally has his quiet much disturbed by their endless quarrels and cabals4 ,indeed1 to such lengths do they proceed1 as often to force the master even to inflict death on some of the most refractory4 ,after his demise1 the whole disperse1 like a swarm of bees1 many of them to misery and distress4 ,the handsomest are usually selected by the heir1 for his own use2 while such as may have superior attractions1 though they may even have been the favored mistresses of the father1 will not1 on many occasions1 be the less acceptable to the son4 #8,it is a very extraordinary fact1 and as little known as it is extraordinary1 that1 among all the ,mussulmans who retain slave-girls only for the purposes of the house 7with the exception of those probably originally from ,iran1#ca7 it is an established rule to turn them out when the family retires to bed1 to seek husbands for themselves4 ,these women generally attach themselves to some particular persons2 and whatever progeny arises from this intercourse1 become slaves of course4 ,they are taught to dance1 sew1 and embroider2 and often1 in cases of unlooked for distress1 the family is supported by their labors4 ,thus we see1 that the situation1 in general1 of their slave-girls1 is1 of all others1 that which would meet with their own approbation4 ,however1 the case is altered with those immured in the zenanahs of nabobs1 and men of elevated rank3 there1 they are strictly confined1 and precluded from all possible communication with men4#cb ,in such case1 they wait anxiously for the moment of escape1 or embrace the only means left them to mitigate the natural irritability arising from restraint1 by forming a connection with some individual of their own sex4 ,this kind of attachment1 it is said1 is often carried to the most romantic lengths1 and1 one would think1 must be pretty common1 from the circumstance of an appropriate term1 viz4 moosacqek1 being adopted to distinguish that species of amorous dalliance4 ----- ,footnote #ca3 ,a province of ,persian ,tartary4 ,footnote #cb3 ,there have1 however1 been many instances to the contrary4 ----- #8,it is not allowable1 by the ,mahomedan laws1 to purchase any slaves1 except those taken in battle2 but1 as at present that resource proves not a plentiful one to the true believers1 they have been forced into a method of escaping the law1 by making out1 what they term1 a paper of service2 by which it appears1 that the parents of the child disposed of1 in consequence of extreme distress1 agree to give up its services for seventy years1 the actual age of the child being taken into the account3 a trifling sum is fixed on as a yearly stipend for the child's services1 part of which1 viz4 the real price1 is acknowledged to have been received in advance3 the remainder1 it is supposed1 will be expended in raiment1 food1 c4 #8,children1 thus purchased1 are1 in general1 extremely well used2 there being little distinction made between them and those of the family1 except in the trifling work they have to perform2 when they are married1 and have children1 the little ones always address the master and mistress of the house with the familiar appellation of grandfather and grandmother2 and1 indeed1 are by them always considered in the light of relations4 #8,the following is a detailed account of their marriage ceremonies1 as written out at my request by a ,mussulman friend of considerable abilities and of a most liberal disposition4 #8,when a daughter reaches the age of fourteen1 some youth1 of equal condition1 makes offers of marriage1 by sending letters to the parents1 soliciting their favorable notice1 7in ,bengal the father himself looks out for a proper match17 and begging they will admit him within the chain of relationship4 ,this letter is forwarded to the father in charge of some friend1 and never by the hands of a common messenger4 ,the higher the rank1 and the greater the beauty1 of the fair one1 the more numerous are the solicitors4 #8,the parents1 consulting together1 and having made their selection1 return a favorable answer to the person approved of1 and to the rest such as the occasion demands4 ,this is followed by a ring1 and a dress1 being sent to the intended bridegroom1 which1 though it gives him an assurance of ultimate success does not accelerate the consummation of his wishes2 for he has still a ,jacobian period to toil through in service1 and in attentions to the parents3 nor is it before he has thus evinced his subjection to their commands1 and his devotion to their interests1 that their assent is given for the celebration of the nuptials4 #8,to give publicity to that assent1 and to his own happiness on the occasion the favored youth gives a great entertainment3 the greater the expence he incurs in preparation1 the greater is supposed to be the force of his love4 ,the ordinary ceremonies take up three days 7in ,bengal twenty-one74 ,on the afternoon of the first day1 about sun-set1 a cavalcade of the friends1 male and female1 of the bridegroom1 issue forth to present a dress1 ornaments1 and fruits of all kinds1 to the bride4 ,the bridegroom always furnishes the marriage-dress1 which arises from a refined delicacy on both sides3 on his1 that he takes her for herself alone2 on her's1 or rather her parents1 that she may not appear like a loose woman1 who ornaments herself on going abroad4 #8,the parents of the bride send him1 on the second day1 a dress in return2 which is received about twelve o'clock at night1 together with the hinna1#cc or mehendy1 left from the bride's hands1 which he applies to his own in their presence4 ,this is one criterion by which they judge of his devotion and attachment2 it being considered1 on common occasions1 highly disgraceful to use cast-off mehendy4 ,on the night of the third day1 about eleven o'clock1 the bridegroom1 being arrayed in the nuptial dress1 and accompanied by all his party1 goes in procession1 with drums1 trumpets1 c41 to the bride's house1 making more parade and noise than can easily be conceived by such as may not have been spectator of similar exhibitions4 ----- ,footnote #cc3 ,see note1 page #che4 ----- #8,during three days1 the processions are always met at the court of the house1 where both parties attack each other with slender branches of trees1 on which flowers are fastened4 ,after this kind of sport is finished the party visiting is admitted1 and offered sherbet4 ,each guest1 as the bowl is presented1 throws in money1 according to his circumstances and rank1 which becomes the perquisite of the cup-bearer4 ,when about to depart1 after refreshments being offered1 the visitors are crowned with garlands of flowers4 #8,on the third night1 when the bridegroom arrives to carry home the bride1 he is annoyed by a thousand tricks1 passed on him by the servants and other dependants4 ,for instance1 the darwan1 or porter1 shuts the door on him1 and1 until he supplicates much1 and pays well1 there is no admittance for him4 ,some mount his horse1 others seize his shoes1 c4 none of which are returned till the parties possessing them receive considerable presents1 and have had the pleasure of raising a laugh against the bridegroom4 #8,after conquering these obstacles1 he is introduced to the company that has assembled1 and obtains1 in honor of the day1 the first seat in the assembly4 ,the contract is now drawn up1 as prescribed by the laws4 ,two persons are appointed as the vaqueels1 7or attornies17 of the parties4 ,the questions being now put to the bride1 as she stands concealed behind the curtain1 whether she chooses him as her vaqueel8#cd and whether she is willing to enter into the proposed contract or not8 ,after some little delay1 to give the appearance of consultation to what has been already arranged1 she gives assent to both questions1 uttering1 in a voice scarcely audible1 the final1 ,i had almost said fatal1 8,yes40 7,in ,bengal1 silence gives consent74 ,the two servants who led the vaqueel to the curtain1 certify the circumstance of her assent4 ----- ,footnote #cd3 ,vakeel1 as it is pronounced1 literally means ambassador1 deputy or other locum tenens but here is meant to imply protector1 advocate1 trustee4 ----- #8,the vaqueels and relations1 on both sides1 now proceed to fix on the mahir1 7or portion27 the adjustment of which sometimes occasions much altercation and delay2 nay1 it has even been the cause of much bloodshed1 and of total suspension of the ceremonies2 but1 in general1 an umpire is fixed on to determine on a medium sum1 which is inserted in the cabala1 or marriage contract1 between the extravagant demands on the bridegroom1 and his unwillingness to comply therewith4 #8,the bridegroom is then conducted by the female attendants into the presence of the bride1 who sits veiled1 on a place raised on purpose1 in her own apartment4 ,the meeraseens lead him up1 and seat him near her4 ,the females of the family1 who stand behind a curtain1 send him a present of gold mohurs1 rupees1 c4 ,the ,koran is now placed between the couple1 and a looking-glass is placed immediately opposite the bride1 who1 on modestly refusing to unveil1 is forced thereto by the attendant meeraseens1 so that one ray1 as my author expresses it1 from her fine countenance1 may illumine the mirror1 towards which all the bridegroom's attention is fixed3 however1 this ray1 transient as it is1 cannot be obtained without considerable presents to the meeraseens4 #8,this part of the ceremony being concluded1 permission is given to the bridegroom to convey the bride home3 her parents send with her great quantities of cloaths1 jewels1 bedding1 cooking utensils1 c42 and1 in short1 every thing she can possibly want for years2 nay1 frequently1 as long as she lives4 ,the bridegroom and his female relations lift up the bride in their arms1 and convey her to the palanquin4 ,on their arrival at his house1 the bearers1 or carriers of the palanquin1 refuse to set down their burthen until bribed to do so4 ,the bridegroom takes her out of it1 and conveys her1 in his arms1 into an apartment of the house1 where1 her feet being bathed with rose-water1 the bridegroom repeats a thanksgiving prayer1 in gratitude for her safe arrival1 and for his own deliverance from this scene of harassment1 and trouble1 which his friends and servants force him to submit to1 from the time he quits his own house until he returns to it with his bride3 such1 indeed1 are the effects of his sufferings1 that often the unhappy gentleman cannot hold up his head for some days to come4 #8,on the following morning1 the cloaths in which the bride slept are sent to her parents2 a strange1 indelicate custom1 and highly indicative of a total want of refinement among the people who practise it4 ,in the province of ,bengal1 this is not done2 nay1 so particular are they in avoiding the appearance of any thing of this kind1 that the bridal bed1 with all its appurtenances1 is of a deep red4 ,this day1 being the fourth from the commencement of the ceremonies1 the bride and bridegroom return to her parents' house1 where he has admission into the assembly of the women2 and on this day the bride appears in garments furnished by him4 7,this visit1 in ,bengal1 is not made till the fifth day after consummation74 ,in this assembly1 the bridegroom suffers by a general assault of the ladies1 who unmercifully pelt him with fruit1 flowers1 c4 #8,on every ,friday1 for several weeks1 the bride pays a similar visit to her parents2 receiving1 at each visit1 a new dress4 ,on these occasions1 she never returns home until the husband's relations wait on her1 and entreat her to do so4 ,for a month1 at least1 after the marriage1 she would be considered as deficient in modesty were she to address her husband with her face uncovered3 and a considerable time elapses before she appears unveiled to her other relations4 ,she never speaks of her husband1 in the presence of men1 until she becomes a mother4 ,it is a curious circumstance1 that her own relations1 ever after the marriage1 avoid visiting at her husband's house1 under the fastidious apprehension of being suspected of having bestowed the lady from motives of interest4 #8,should the dispositions of the pair not accord1 and the fault appear on the side of the lady1 her own relations threaten her with their displeasure4 ,should this prove ineffectual1 the husband refrains from her society1 though still leaving the management of the zenanah in her hands2 but if1 on the contrary1 it appears that their unhappiness proceeds from the husband1 her relations procure a common friend to expostulate with him on the impropriety of his conduct4 ,should it1 however1 after this1 continue unaltered1 the wife returns to her parents1 who retain her until the husband has not only made base submission1 but has evinced the strongest contrition4 ,in cases where the wife displays any levity of conduct1 her parents are more ready than the husband to punish her4 #8,from the birth of a child1 until they give it the breast1 it is fed with boiled cassia4 ,on this occasion1 most of the female relations attend1 accompanied by a midwife4#ce ,this description of people are from the lowest casts4 ,on the sixth day from the delivery1 an entertainment is given in the zenanah2 when the child's head is shaved1 and its nails cut2 while money is distributed to the poor4 ,it may be proper to observe1 that the barber will not commence his operations before he has received handsome presents3 sensible that he runs no risk in refusing1 as they could not1 even if so inclined1 prevail on others of the tribe to officiate4--,the barber1 like several other trades in ,hindostan1 possesses a prescriptive right with particular families1 whose custom he considers to be an inheritance1 which cannot1 without injustice1 be taken from him4 ----- ,footnote #ce3 ,the ,chumars1 or shoemakers1 are one of the lowest1 and most degraded sects4 ,their wives are termed chumynes1 and are supposed to inherit a perfect knowledge of midwifery1 in which no other woman is employed4 ----- #8,on the fortieth day1 a grand entertainment is given1 every one1 according to their respective rank and consanguinity1 making presents to the infant4 ,in general1 the children are suckled by hired nurses1 but they never are sent out from the parents' house4 ,in the choice of a nurse they are extremely particular1 as she becomes henceforward considered in the light of relative of the family2#cf she of course is never discharged1 unless at her own request4 ,the protection of her1 and of her family1 is of the greatest consideration2 and when the child grows up1 and has it in its power1 he would be deemed an unnatural being1 did he neglect to pension his nurse comfortably4 ,even the very slave-girls who assisted her are always treated by him with the utmost regard and attention4 ----- ,footnote #cf3 ,the child always calls this foster-brother by the name of #8dood-baiee'1 i4e4 milk-brother4 ----- #8,about the fourth month they allow of light food being given to the child2 on which occasion a great entertainment is made1 and repeated when a twelvemonth old2 when the string which is to mark his future years1 receives the first knot4 ,this custom seems to point out the origin of our metaphorical thread of life4 ,they never wean the child before eighteen months sometimes delaying it till two years and a half2 on which occasion1 great presents1 and new dresses1 are bestowed on the nurse1 and an entertainment is given to the friends4 #8,before the child is put under the direction of a schoolmaster1 the ceremony of circumcision takes place1 which is celebrated with much rejoicing and entertainment4 ,one schoolmaster generally teaches the children of two or three neighbouring families1 but the school is always at the house of one of the parents4 ,after being perfected in the alphabet1 the children are taught to read1 but not to understand1 parts of the ,koran4 ,then1 in succession1 come the ,goolestan1 ,bostan1 ,secundar-,nameh1 and some of the ,persian authors2 in which language1 when the pupil is tolerably well versed1 he is led on to the study of the ,arabic4 #8,all are obliged to be at school a considerable time before sun-rise1 that they may be present at prayers1 which are ordered to be said previous to that period3 from sun-rising to ten o'clock they continue at their book2 thence1 till dinner-time1 at writing4 ,after dinner1 a short respite is given2 when prayers are again said1 and reading re-commenced3 this is continued till an hour before sun-set2 when they are permitted to separate till summoned for the evening-prayers2 after which1 they repeat the day's lesson1 and receive their final dismission4 ,we may reasonably conclude1 that such severity of restraint must be destructive both to mind and body4 #8,when arrived at the age of sixteen1 or seventeen1 the parents in general provide their son with a wife2 after which1 should he continue to reside with them1 his cloaths1 c4 are provided for him1 as if he were still in a state of pupilage3 it is only after marriage that he begins to learn the business of his father1 and the rules of conduct necessary in the world2 nay1 it is often years before he obtains permission1 or the proper means1 to separate himself and his wife from their superintendance4 ,should the father die before this separation takes place1 though the son should succeed to his property1 yet the wife could have no interference in household affairs during the life of his mother2 and not till then1 could he effect any change in the interior arrangements4 #8,the general method of passing their time is as follows4 ,they arise a little before day-light4 ,on coming out of the zenanah1 it may be supposed necessary to visit the bath4 ,then the morning-prayers are repeated3 a slight breakfast succeeds1 consisting of fried almonds1 coffee1 c43 after this1 attendance at the ,durbar1#cg and other business of the day4 ,returning home about ten o'clock1 all the male part of the family assemble to partake of a more substantial breakfast than the former4 ,this consists of bread1 mint1 onions1 peas1 limes1 kubabs1 kullia1 and pillaw1#ch c4 ,after passing a short while in conversation1 a nap generally concludes the scene2 arising from which1 ablution and prayers are performed4 ,they then assemble in the hall2 coffee c4 are served up2 and here they continue to enjoy society1 receiving the visits of their friends1 c41 till the approach of the evening2 when the company separate4 ----- ,footnote #cg3 ,durbar1 properly means ,court1 or ,residency4 ,footnote #ch3 ,different modes of dressing meat1 c4 ----- #8,after prayers1 if the master be a young man1 he generally retires to the zenanah1 where1 in company with his wife1 and some of his female relations1 he enjoys his hookah1 and some trifling refreshment of sweetmeat1 c4 till about ten or eleven o'clock1 when the rest of the females retire to their own apartments4 ,the husband and wife always sleep on separate bed-steads1 placed adjoining to each other4 ,from motives of refinement and delicacy1 the wife1 without an adequate motive1 abstains most rigidly from sleeping on the bed appropriated for the husband4 #8,formerly1 a good deal of sociability reigned among them1 and they frequently dined at each other's houses2 but at present1 the practice is in disuse2 owing to frequent acts of treachery having been committed at such meetings3 however1 sometimes1 on sacred days1 they still meet2 but1 if of the higher orders1 never without much caution and suspicion4 #8,when an assembly is convened to communicate an event of grief1 the invited always sends the provisions to the habitation of the inviter2 who is supposed to be too much afflicted to attend to such circumstances4 #8,the hour of audience at the ,durbar1 is generally soon after sun-rising2 when all those in the employment of the great personage1 attend to make their obeisance4 ,a few are admitted to the presence2 the rest wait the great man's coming out3 but1 should he not1 they must retire without enjoying the sun-shine of his countenance4 ,the modes of salutation1 and the different etiquettes1 have been so frequently detailed1 that here it becomes unnecessary4 ,indeed1 it is not their public1 but their private1 manners that we are in search of4 ,when the levee1 or ,durbar1 is over1 the great man diverts himself with his companions1 and intimate friends1 till dinner-time4 ,their amusement consists1 during the first part of the day1 of desultory conversation1 the repetition of poems1 c41 and1 towards the end1 the learned men1 poets1 c41 are introduced to rehearse their works4 ,should the evening not be devoted to the zenanah1 buffoons1 dancing-girls1 c41 are summoned to close the entertainment4 #8,on joyful occasions1 when an entertainment is given1 the males assemble in the outer apartments1 and the females in the zenanah2 the master of the feast exerting himself to the utmost in providing for his guests3 indeed1 the expences incurred on such occasions are excessive to a fault2 even to the utter ruin often of the fortunes of such as give them4 ,first1 pawns1#ci ottah of roses1 flowers of various kinds1 together with fried coffee1 sooparee1#dj cardamoms1 ginger mixed with acids1 are offered to the guests1 and such as may be unprovided with hookahs are supplied with them4 ,after this1 sugar and water1 boiled up together1 forming a kind of sherbet1 is presented4 ,now the taiffa1 or dancing women1 buffoons1 comedians1 c4 exhibit for the amusement of the company4 ,after the repast1 various kinds of musicians are introduced1 fire-works exhibited1 drums1 noise1 and confusion1 continuing not unfrequently for three days successively4 ----- ,footnote #ci3 ,the beetle leaf filled with spices1 c41 universally chewed by all classes of the natives4 ,footnote #dj3 ,the beetle nut4 ----- #8,their burials are performed in the following manner4 ,on the death of a person1 all the friends attend1 the corpse being put into a winding sheet called cuffin4#da ,this being covered with a green canopy1 the corpse is borne on the shoulder to the grave1 in which it is laid1 and the dust thrown1 without any funeral services being read1 as is usual among us4 ,sweet cakes and bread being distributed to the poor1 the whole return to the house of the deceased1 where they partake of some refreshment4 ,after this1 for three days1 no victuals are dressed in the house4 ,on the third day1 the whole again assemble1 offer up prayers for the manes of the deceased2 and a great quantity of victuals being ready1 presents of it are sent round to such as attended the funeral1 who give it to the poor4 ,they meet again on the tenth and fortieth days1 when the apparel of the deceased is given away4 ,on the sixth and twelfth months also1 the last being termed the bursee1#db or annual commemoration2 which is strictly observed by the children of the deceased during the remainder of their lives4 ----- ,footnote #da3 ,may not this be the origin of our coffins8 ,footnote #db3 ,from burress1 i4e4 a year4 ----- #8,it should here be noticed1 that green is the color devoted exclusively to the mourning of a ,mussulman2 thus1 in the great festival of what is commonly called #8,,hossein1 ,,hossan1' all the fictitious messengers1 combatants1 c4 are clothed in green4 ,hence1 we never see a ,mussulman habited in that color1 nor even wearing a green turban1 unless on some funereal occasion2 from this1 however1 we are to except such menials1 in the services of ,european gentlemen1 as occasionally receive from their masters pieces of green perpet1 shalloon1 c4 for the purpose of being made into jammas1 or vests4 ,the whole of the ,mahometan population seem to avoid the use of green1 even in the ornaments of their carriages1 elephants' trappings1 purdahs1 tents1 c4 considering it to be1 in a certain measure1 sacred to the ,prophet4 ,in this they are fastidiously scrupulous on some occasions2 ,i have known a ,mussulman syce1 or groom1 object to the handle of a chowry1 7or whisk1 for keeping flies from horses17 merely because some of the ornaments were of that color4 ,on one occasion1 a refractory zemindar reproached me with insulting not only himself1 7he being a ,seyed1 a superior sect of ,mahomedans17 but the whole of the population1 by pitching a tent1 lined with green perpet1 within sight of a nimauz1 where the pious ,mussulmans of the neighbourhood used daily to offer up their prayers to the ,prophet4 ,when the same hero perceived that the furniture on a little elephant ,i used to ride with a saddle1 was also of that color1 he affected to be perfectly outrageous2 and1 in all probability1 if ,i had not at that time had possession both of his person and of his means of resistance1 under charge of a company of ,sepoys1 would have used his endeavors to rouse all the fanatics1 of the neighbourhood on the occasion4 #8,commonly1 a cherauk1 or lamp1 is kept burning in a little niche1 made in the pillar of masonry usually erected at the head of a ,mussulman's grave4 ,for forty nights after the interment1 and on ,thursdays especially1 the nearest of kin frequently pass many hours in vigils over the grave4 ,some confide this unpleasant duty to a priest2 who1 for a few annas1 performs various ceremonies and does all in his power to keep the deceased from troubling his surviving relatives and friends2 most of whom1 at such times1 are partaking of sweetmeats1 which1 being prepared on ,thursdays1 7joomah-raut17 are called joomah-raut ke metie2 that is to say1 #8,thursday's confectionary4' ,many of the native ladies1 as well as the men1 but especially the ,mahomedans1 are very dexterous in flying kites1 called by them puttungs4 ,the construction of these varies greatly from such as our boys use in their pastimes2 they are made more in imitation of a bird with its wings distended1 though the extremities are short and rounded off4 ,in order to preserve that figure1 they are bordered with bamboo-wire1 on which paper1 of the lightest kind1 but very tough1 is pasted4 ,the loop fastens to a very slight bamboo-rod passing down the centre4 ,these kites have not tails1 like ours1 but are1 nevertheless1 easily managed by persons accustomed from their infancy to raising them2 which they can do to an incredible height4 ,the lines used for this purpose are chiefly of cotton1 well twisted1 thin and strong3 about forty or fifty yards of the upper end1 nearest to the puttung1 the cord is rubbed with a fine size1 in which levigated glass is mixed2 this1 when dry1 gives it something the appearance of very fine sand paper1 such as is used for cleaning grates1 c4 ,sometimes1 in the great cities1 thousands of these kites are to be seen floating in the air1 to the great amusement of their respective owners2 and1 indeed1 of the spectators2 who often take considerable interest in the numerous contests which are perpetually presented1 by the intentional crossing of the several cords2 which1 being armed1 as above described1 are calculated #8to cut the thread of life1' and precipitate their several opponents4 ,no sooner is the crossing of an adverse cord felt1 as may readily be ascertained by the vibrations of that in hand1 than a sawing motion is given to each by the respective operators1 when1 in a very little time1 commonly less than a minute1 one of the kites is seen to give way4 ,on this sometimes considerable wagers are pending4 ,the great art appears to be1 to pass over the adversary's cord1 and then to let the kite lower suddenly1 so as to make1 momentarily1 an angle in the cord thus passed over2 an instantaneous pull sometimes succeeds in severing the opponent's cord2 it acting like a drawing cut1 and presenting a succession of points1 perhaps to the length of three or four yards1 while the under line1 unless managed with similar activity1 presents but one point1 and thus is subject to friction on that point only2 consequently must be considerably injured4 ,the greatest judgment is1 however1 necessary1 to determine whether1 or not1 the operator presents an armed portion of his cord to an unarmed part of that of his opponent4 ,should the former be correct in this instance1 he may generally command success2 but1 if the reverse be the case1 he may lose the day4 ,an unpractised eye would be at a loss in computing the proper distance1 when the length of line let out may perhaps exceed three or four hundred yards2 but the natives in general form a correct estimate1 and display great dexterity in avoiding to cross any cord under unfavorable circumstances4 ,this amusement generally takes place during the cool of the evening1 on the flat tops of houses4 ,the inhabitants of the zenanah1 7or haram17 enjoy it either from their compounds1 7or enclosed areas17 or on the roofs of their chambers1 on tarrasses so built up1 with thin brick walls1 as to prevent their being over-looked by neighbours4 ,this trait of jealousy is every where apparent3 nothing could offend a native more than the erection of an edifice1 that should afford a command over the interior of that enclosure in which his family resided4 ,an instance of this was attended with considerable trouble and disadvantage4 ,the late ,colonel ,watson1 who was ,chief ,engineer under the presidency of ,fort-,william1 had obtained the grant of a large piece of land1 for the purpose of forming a spacious dock for building and repairing ships4 ,it happened1 that1 in enclosing the allotted space1 he overlooked the untoward circumstance of a claim on the part of a very opulent native1 who resided close by1 to a part of the circumscribed area1 which was the sine qu non of the undertaking4 ,the native said nothing2 and1 in all probability1 would have given up his land1 or at least have sold it on equitable terms1 rather than have thwarted the ,colonel's views2 but1 unfortunately1 the latter erected a large wind-mill1 so near to the native's house1 as to annihilate all that privacy his family had formerly enjoyed4 ,the native remonstrated1 but to no effect3 the grant was urged against him2 and1 in lieu of soothing measures1 defiance was proclaimed4 ,the consequence was1 that the matter went into court1 when1 the plantiff gaining his cause1 the wind-mill was stopped in its career1 and1 with the exception of a slip1 on which some vessels have since been built1 the important1 and immense1 fabric1 has been suffered to fall into decay6 ,no woman can be more jealous than those of ,hindostan3 their animosity towards rivals is unparalleled2 and this1 even when they do not care a farthing for the bone of contention4 ,yet1 on the other hand1 when more than two ladies are retained by the same gentleman1 the whole generally become perfectly passive1 at least in exterior1 appearing to associate with tolerable cordiality4 ,the mention of plurality1 may possibly startle many of my readers2 especially those of the fair sex2 but such is common among natives of opulence1 and is not unprecedented among ,europeans4 ,i have known various instances of two ladies being conjointly domesticated2 and one1 of an elderly military character1 who solaced himself with no less than ,,sixteen1 of all sorts and sizes6 ,being interrogated by a friend as to what he did with such a number1 #8,oh6' replied he1 #8,i give them a little rice1 and let them run about6' ,this same gentleman1 when paying his addresses to an elegant young woman lately arrived from ,europe1 but who was informed by the lady at whose house she was residing1 of the state of affairs3 the description closed with1 #8,pray1 my dear1 how should you like to share a sixteenth of ,major ------8' ,the courtship was allowed to proceed1 merely to make sport of the good man's foible3 a term peculiarly appropriate6 ,nine in ten of the women domiciliated by gentlemen1 are ,mussulmans2 the ,hindus being far more scrupulous3 with few exceptions1 the small portion not of the former sect are ,portugueze4 ,these latter prove1 in many instances1 very good house-keepers2 looking after the disbursements with great acuteness1 and1 on a thousand occasions1 shewing more promptness1 and more fitness for such an employment4 ,they are remarkably fond of rearing poultry and swine2 in which they certainly succeed4 ,but there is a certain something about this description of women1 which few are partial to1 and which ,i never could tolerate4 ,i have already spoken of the pride of these miserable descendants of renowned characters2 but it really is beyond my power to describe that fiert1 that vindictive spirit1 that authoritative consequence1 which excite at least contempt1 if not hatred1 in every person towards whom they are exercised4 ,these viragoes have no scruples as to what they are to eat and drink2 many of them1 indeed1 can manage a bottle as well as any man in the kingdom3 they are1 however1 staunch ,catholics1 and1 on calendar days1 dress out in all the finery their kind keepers can be coaxed out of4 ,it is not to be supposed these ladies are more continent than ,mussulmans1 or ,hindus of similar condition3 far otherwise2 but they are extremely crafty1 and carefully lay the scene of action at some place to which they resort to offer up their prayers1 in common with other equally good ,christians3 by this means1 they are tolerably secure from the prying curiosity of ordinary menials1 who are not permitted to enter within the sacred pale6 ,in regard to the expences attendant upon concubinage in the ,east1 they will depend greatly on the circumstances1 and the disposition1 of the gentleman1 generally speaking2 though1 after a while1 the lady commonly gains a kind of ascendancy1 and goes beyond those limits1 which1 in almost every case1 are marked out by previous contract4 ,a certain sum to be paid monthly2 the pay of two1 or three1 female attendants2 an allowance for beetle1 tobacco1 7it is very rarely they chew it17 shoes1 cloaths1 and gynahs1 7i4e4 gold and silver ornaments27 are articles in almost every capitulation6 ,taking a broad outline1 we may put down the whole at about forty rupees monthly2 equal to sixty pounds sterling per annum2 which must certainly be considered no great price for a bosom friend1 when compared with the sums laid out upon some ,british damsels2 who are not always more scrupulous than those ,i have described4 ,but1 when we estimate the ,asiatic chere amie according to her merits as a companion1 then1 indeed1 will my fair country-women1 appear most conspicuously pre-eminent6 ,their agreeable manners1 their polished language1 their highly cultivated minds1 and their pleasing attentions1 are so irresistible1 as to level the barriers of discretion1 and to render every attempt at comparison nugatory2 indeed1 incompatible6 ,in taking the above average1 viz4 forty rupees per month1 ,i have supposed the gentleman to be in easy circumstances2 otherwise1 that sum will be found to exceed the proportion of his other expences considerably3 at the lowest1 we cannot estimate the charges at less than twenty-five rupees monthly2 which1 to say the truth1 must be attended with several deficiencies1 or privations1 by no means creditable4 ,in this particular1 the natives are very scrupulous1 and hold it the highest disgrace1 for a woman to be retained1 without due attendance1 suitable cloathing1 and a participation of the comforts1 if not of the luxuries1 of life4 ,the men1 especially the ,hindus1 are indifferent in regard to their own apparel2 which is often mean to an extreme2 but pride themselves on the splendor1 and profusion1 to be found in their zenanahs4 ,as an instance in point1 ,i must state1 that1 in the year #aghd1 a detachment of six companies was sent out from ,cawnpore1 on the road to ,etayah1 in compliment to the ,b'how-,buxey1 a ,general of some note in the ,maharrattah army1 who was proceeding on an embassy to ,lucknow4 ,we met him about twenty miles to the ,westward of the cantonments2 where we were nearly smothered by the dust raised by his immense retinue1 and absolutely stunned by the unmerciful clangor of cracked trumpets1 and of great bells suspended from the sides of elephants1 whose motion caused the pendulous monotonists to ring #8a sonorous peal'4 ,it was natural to expect that the ,b'how1 who knew we were waiting to receive him1 and1 that an officer of rank was deputed on the occasion1 would have exhibited himself to advantage2 but1 to our great surprize1 when he alighted from his elephant1 which was sumptuously caparisoned1 he appeared the veriest bunyah1 7or petty shop-keeper17 my eyes had ever beheld6 ,his cloaths were absolutely filthy1 and of a fabric such as disgraced the wearer4 ,none of our khedmutgars could have changed apparel with him1 without being considerable losers by the bargain4 ,the ,b'how was1 nevertheless1 attended by a nautch-tuffah1 or set of dancing-girls2 whose equipage announced his liberality1 and whose talents evinced his judgement4 ,let me not be misunderstood in this last expression3 the dancers of ,india can suit only particular tastes1 and those perhaps only from habit3 they are not to be classed with persons of the same profession in ,europe2 but are a distinct genus4 ,it cannot1 however1 be denied1 that some among them possess very superior powers in the vocal part of their profession2 and that certain individuals dance1 in their style1 with peculiar effect2 indeed1 with much graceful delicacy1 and with undeviating regard to the measure4 ,the ,b'how's zenanah was of course secluded2 but the number of the elephants1 r'huts1 palanquins1 doolies and other conveyances1 satisfied me that the ladies were in better plight than their most abominably filthy lord6 ,the ,hindostanee ladies do not wear shoes1 but when walking1 a pair of slippers are put on for the occasion2 so soon as the lady returns to her seat on the satrinje1 or carpet1 they are thrown aside4 ,such as are formed without heels1 and have the back part made to flatten down under the foot1 for that part is seldom1 if ever1 raised1 are known by the name of k'hous2 while those made without any back-piece1 the quarters terminating under the ancles on each side1 and that have raised heels1 to perhaps the height of an inch1 are designated chinauls4 ,in either kind1 as well as in the jooties worn by men1 the toe-part is terminated by a long pointed strip1 usually of leather lined with cloth1 that curls inwards over the toes2 without this1 the shoes would be considered both unfinished1 and vulgar4 ,men commonly wear only embroidered shoes1 but the women have frequently an abundance of various colored foils1 principally purple or green1 fastened down to the body of the vamp1 7which is of some bright colored broad cloth17 and serving1 by the manner in which they are disposed1 to fill up the pattern of the embroidery3 this may be either of gold or silver thread1 or1 perhaps1 very small bugles1 not dissimilar to seed-pearls4 ,those who cannot afford such decorations1 which may raise the price of a pair of shoes to about four or five rupees2 content themselves with silken ornaments4 ,the low price of a pair of shoes ornamented as above described1 cannot fail to strike the reader1 who will be yet more astonished to learn1 that an admirably well-dressed hide may be had in any part of the country for less than five shillings2 such as would sell with us for about thirty shillings1 or even more4 ,those stout shoes worn by our native soldiery1 rarely cost more than from four to eight annas the pair1 7equal to from eight to sixteen pence47 ,neither men nor women use stockings2 though1 during the winter months1 the more opulent sometimes wear a short kind of sock1 called a jooraub1 made of cotton1 or of silk1 perhaps both intermixed1 and of various colored patterns4 ,these are remarkably thick1 but rarely reach above the ancle4 ,persons of the first rank1 have their jooraubs1 as also their dustannahs1 or gloves1 made of shawl2 strange to say1 these are usually of the form in use among us for children2 that is1 they have a receptacle for the thumb1 but the fingers are all contained in the same bag1 or cyst4 ,it is1 however1 very uncommon to see a woman1 of whatever rank1 wear gloves3 this is1 no doubt1 owing to the pride they take in their hands1 which are invariably ornamented with gold or silver rings1 c41 to the utmost extent of their purses4 ,in fact1 the whole attention of a ,hindostanee woman1 retained in the family of an ,european1 is directed towards the accumulation of trinkets1 which may be supposed to be tolerably expensive1 when it is understood that nothing less than solid silver is admissible4 ,gilt1 or plated1 ornaments1 are held to be disreputable1 and unlucky2 hence1 the moolumbah1 or plating trade1 is very little followed in ,india2 though the jewellers will sometimes pass off a coated1 for a solid article2 especially in gold work4 ,the following are the ornaments chiefly worn by the ,hindostanee ladies4 ,the maung-teekah1 meaning the frontal1 ornament1 has usually a star1 or radiated centre1 of about two inches in diameter1 set in gold1 and richly ornamented with small pearls1 of which1 various chains are attached1 aiding to support it in its position2 namely1 on the centre of the forehead4 ,a triple1 or quadruple1 row of pearls1 passes up the centre of the maung1 or front2 the hair being divided1 and kept down very flat4 ,the centre piece1 7and1 occasionally1 each end piece also17 is composed of precious stones1 such as the topaz1 the emerald1 the amethyst1 the ruby1 c43 sometimes the centre is of one color1 and all the rays of some other2 or perhaps the latter are alternate4 ,the maung-teekah1 as may be judged from the above description1 is not a very light ornament1 but is extremely splendid1 and1 being generally set in gold1 often very valuable3 one of a very ordinary description will cost full twelve or fifteen guineas1 though composed of colored glass1 or chrystal1 or foils3 when made of precious stones1 the price may reach to any extent4 ,the kurrum-phool1 is not unlike the centre piece of a maung-teekah1 and may be about the same size1 though usually somewhat less in diameter4 ,this ornament is fastened to the lobe of the ear1 both by the usual mode of piercing1 and by a chain of gold passing over the ear1 so as to bear the weight of the kurrum-phool2 which would else cause the lobe to be greatly extended downward4 ,it is1 however1 to be remarked1 that most of the common women have large holes in that part of the ear1 wide enough to pass a finger through2 and that even the higher orders consider an aperture such as would admit a pea1 rather honorable1 than otherwise2 under the opinion of its indicating the great weight1 and consequent value1 of their jewels4 ,the joomkah is ever of solid gold1 silver being in this absolutely interdicted by the laws of taste2 in framing which1 pride seems to have had no very small share4 ,this ornament consists of a hollow hemisphere1 or bell1 curiously fillagreed1 and about three fourths of an inch in diameter2 the edges suspend small rods1 or pendants of gold1 each furnished with one or more small pearls1 garnets1 c42 perhaps to the number of a dozen pendants being attached to the circumference of each joomkah4 ,the upper part is furnished with a small perforated stud1 sometimes ornamented1 through which a ring1 about the thickness of a fine knitting-needle1 and not less than half an inch in diameter1 is inserted2 it previously passing through the ear in the part usually pierced4 ,this ring1 as well as every other kind of fastening made to pass through the ears1 or nose1 is made of the purest gold1 and so pliant as to allow the little hook made at one end1 by bending the wire1 for the purpose of fixing into a minute loop1 or eye1 formed1 at the other end1 by twisting it1 to be straightened1 at pleasure1 by means of the nail only4 ,european ladies content themselves with one appendage at each ear2 while the females of ,hindostan think it impossible to have too many3 thus1 they affix a number of small rings1 of pure gold1 or1 in case of poverty1 of silver1 or even of tin1 all along the border of the ear2 which is pierced for that purpose in at least a dozen places1 to receive these ornaments1 from which much distress often arises1 owing to the veil 7already described7 frequently hitching upon the small hooked ends of the wire4 ,the nose has its share in the decorations of the ,hindostanee fair1 it usually bearing two ornaments2 one1 called a n'hut1 commonly passed through the left nostril1 consists only of a piece of gold wire1 as thick as a small knitting-needle1 with the usual hook and eye1 and having the centre1 or nearly so1 furnished with several garnets1 pearls1 c4 perhaps to the number of five or six1 each parted from its neighbour by a thin plate of gold1 usually having serrated1 or escaloped edges1 and being fixed transversely upon the wire1 which passes through their centres1 as well as through the garnets1 pearls1 c4 ,the diameter of the circle of a n'hut may be1 ordinarily1 about two inches and a half4 ,on the coast of ,coromandel1 a similar ornament is worn by men of respectability1 in each ear4 ,the other nasal trinket is called a bolauk2 it is flat1 something in the form of that article of furniture called a footman1 and has a small ring1 with hook and eye1 at its narrowest part1 for the purpose of appending it to the middle of the nose1 by means of a gold ring passing through the septum1 or division between the nostrils2 the ornament lying flat upon the upper lip1 and having its broad end furnished with pendants1 similar to those on a joomkah4 ,it is inconceivable what some women undergo for the sake of displaying their riches in this way6 ,not only does the bolauk interfere with the operations of the lips during meals1 but sores of the most unsightly description are often created1 in that very tender part to which the ornament attaches1 by those innumerable accidents1 which not even the most constant vigilance can prevent4 ,the neck is not forgotten among those lavish decorations of which the sable ladies are so fond2 it is furnished with various kinds of necklace1 of which ,i shall describe only the chumpauk-gully4 ,this is made of separate rays1 each intended to represent a petal of the chumpauk1 7a flower indigenous throughout ,asia17 and having a fixed ring1 or staple1 at its butt1 so that the whole may be strung close together1 perhaps to the number of forty pieces1 or more4 ,this ornament is usually worn rather loose1 that it may reach half way down the bosom4 ,the mounting is gold1 or silver1 according to the means of the wearer2 and the rays1 or petals1 are1 in imitation of the maung-teekah2 either chrystals1 set on foils1 chiefly white2 or they are precious stones1 of one color1 throughout the ornament4 ,the haunseah is a solid collar of gold1 or silver1 weighing from perhaps1 four ounces to near a pound4 ,i have seen several that approached the latter weight1 and must have been highly oppressive to the wearer2 especially as they only came into use on high days and holidays3 the general standard may be computed at about six or seven ounces4 ,being made of pure metal1 they are easily bent1 so as to be put on and off4 ,haunseahs are commonly square in front1 under the chin1 for several inches1 and taper off gradually to not more than half their greatest diameter2 terminating at each end with a small knob1 cut into a polygonal form3 this ornament is sometimes carved in the ,oriental style1 either for its whole length1 or on the front part only4 ,most of the ,hindostanee women wear tabeejes1 strung upon an assemblage of black silk threads1 passing round their necks1 and reaching to their middles3 these tabeejes are silver cases1 enclosing either quotations from the ,koran1 or some mystical writings1 or some rubbish from the animal or vegetable kingdom1 but1 ,i believe1 never any camphor 7as lately used by a celebrated ,english lady74 ,whatever the contents may be1 great reliance is placed on their efficacy in repelling disease1 and in averting the influence of witch-craft1 7j'haddoo17 of which the people of ,india1 of every sect1 entertain the most unlimited dread4 ,hence1 it is not uncommon to see half a dozen1 or more1 of these charms strung upon the same threads4 ,the upper parts of the arms are adorned with semi-circular ornaments1 made hollow1 but filled up with melted rosin2 the ends are furnished with loops of the same metal1 generally silver1 which admit silken skeans1 whereby they are secured to their places4 ,the above trinket is called a baujoo-bund4 ,the wrists are always profusely decorated3 the more ordinary classes wear rings made of kaunch1 or chank2 7i4e4 the common sea-conch1 cut out1 by means of very fine saws1 into narrow slips which1 when joined very accurately1 give the whole an appearance of being formed from the most circular part of each shell4 ,this is1 indeed1 sometimes done2 but such entire rings are very scarce1 and are usually preserved in their original pure whiteness with much assiduity4 ,the city of ,dacca1 so famous for its muslins1 carries on a large intercourse with ,chittagong1 and the coast of ,aracan1 for conchs1 which are used for beetling the finer cloths1 manufactured in that populous and rich emporium of cotton fabrics4 ,the noise made by chanking the cloths1 which1 being laid many folds thick upon a large board1 are beat with conchs1 wherein handles are inserted1 is peculiarly distressing to an unaccustomed ear2 especially as the operation continues night and day1 without intermission3 to those interested in the trade1 it may perhaps be highly agreeable6 ,the small process1 or button1 at the base of each shell1 is sawn off1 and1 after being ground to a shape resembling that of a flat turnip1 is perforated1 for the purpose of being strung4 ,when so prepared1 these receive the name of kuntahs2 of which1 two rows1 each containing from thirty to forty1 are worn round the neck of every ,sepoy in the ,company's service1 as a part of his uniform4 ,this simple ornament affords a pleasant relief to the sable countenance of a native1 and serves to fill up a space1 that would otherwise appear extremely naked1 between the collar-bones and the chin4 ,the rings made from the sea-conch1 are called kaunch ke t'choory1 or t'choories made of conch2 in contra-distinction to a common kind of t'choories1 made1 by persons who follow that profession only1 from a species of silicious clay1 which speedily vitrifies1 forming a semi-transparent mass1 that is worked into rings of about a line in diameter2 but having rather quadrangular than circular surfaces2 so that the inner circumference may be rather easy to the wrist1 and the upper part1 7or outer circumference17 be sufficiently flat to exhibit various embellishments1 given by aid of gold leaf1 and little enamelled1 or lacquered specks1 c41 applied thereto1 and afterwards burnt in4 ,it is inconceivable how expert the women who vend the t'choories1 and who are thence called t'chooraens1 are in applying these ornaments2 which1 after being once passed over the hand1 often are found to fit the wrist admirably3 persons unacquainted with the dexterity of these women1 would1 on seeing the rings before they were on1 consider it impossible to get the hand through2 yet1 by means of a little oil1 or even of water1 and compressing the very flexible member into a suitable form1 the rings are successively made to glide over the joints with tolerable facility2 very few1 in proportion1 being broken during the operation4 ,it is to be remarked1 that1 as probably forty or fifty t'choories are to be worn upon each wrist1 those appropriated to the thicker part of the arm1 being1 of course1 the first to pass1 the hand becomes gradually suppled1 and disposed to receive each succeeding ring1 which is imperceptibly of less diameter than its predecessor4 ,to say the most of t'choories1 they have a very heavy appearance1 and are always highly uncomfortable to ,madam's most intimate acquaintances1 in consequence of their being peculiarly brittle4 ,some ladies wear a massy ring of solid silver on each wrist1 weighing1 perhaps1 from three to five ounces3 these are commonly hexagonal1 or octagonal1 of an equal thickness throughout1 and terminated by a knob at each end1 the same as in the haunseah4 ,being of pure silver1 this ornament1 which is called a kurrah1 may be opened sufficiently to be put on1 or off1 at pleasure2 the ends being brought together by an easy pressure of the other hand4 ,a bracelet1 formed of small pointed prisms of solid silver1 each about the size of a very large barley-corn1 and having a ring soldered to one of its sides is in very common use4 ,these prisms are strung upon black silk1 as close as their pointed1 or perhaps rounded1 ends will admit1 in three or four parallel rows1 and then fastened1 the same as the baujoo-bund4 ,some of the bracelets1 which bear the general name of poanhies1 are of gold1 intermixed with pearls2 affording a very rich appearance3 they are certainly more ornamental than t'choories1 which are1 in the end1 very expensive1 on account of the immense numbers that give way in the wearing4 ,the thumb of each hand is generally destined to bear an ornament called inah1 7or looking-glass17 formed of a ring fitting upon the thumb1 and having a small mirror1 about the size of a half-penny1 fixed upon it by the centre1 so as to accord with the back of the thumb4 ,each finger is provided with its quota of angooties1 or rings1 of various sorts and sizes1 generally of gold2 those of silver being considered mean4 ,the inah should correspond in this particular2 but1 on account of the quantity of gold required wherein to set the glass1 many content themselves with silver mounting4 ,that a small looking-glass may1 at times1 be commodiously situated at the back of the thumb1 we will not dispute2 but what shall we say to that preposterous custom1 which ,i have absolutely witnessed1 of wearing a similar ornament on each great toe666 ,a lady1 at all priding herself on the splendor of her dress1 must have a pair of very substantial kurrahs1 or rings of silver1 not weighing less than half a pound each1 upon her ancles4 ,she must also have a pair of paum-jebs1 made flexible1 and ornamented with little spherical bells1 all of which tinkle at every motion of the limb4 ,the ordinary pattern of the paum-jeb1 is mural1 each piece being kept in its place by wires1 passing through its two ends vertically4 ,the toes have likewise their rings1 called chellahs1 usually of about the fifth of an inch in breadth and very thin2 these have1 for the most part1 beaded edges4 ,the women of ,portugueze extraction1 wear their hair in a large top knot1 secured by an immense silver pin1 or rather a skewer2 the broad part of which is either fillagreed1 enamelled1 or engraved4 ,the ,hindostanee ladies wear no ornament of that description2 they comb down their frontal hair1 while abundantly moistened with tissy1 that is1 the mucilage obtained by steeping linseed in a small quantity of water2 and causing it to part from the centre in two diverging sweeps1 or crescents1 that come down to the exterior corners of the eye-brows1 falling in immediately above the ears1 they thus render the whole smooth1 compact1 and glossy4 ,all the hair appertaining to the hinder part of the head1 is braided together for its whole length1 and ultimately blended with black ribbon2 which continues the braid for many inches1 or even for a foot or more1 so as to render it doubtful1 at a certain distance1 whether the hair does not occupy the whole length4 ,this is a point of the utmost importance with a native lady1 who values her locks beyond even her virtue4 ,whether it were the cause1 or the effect1 is difficult to say2 but certain it is1 that1 one of the greatest punishments a judge can inflict on a woman1 is to have her head shaved4 ,query1 ,did their high estimation of the hair1 induce to making its privation a punishment8 or1 did that estimation take place1 in consequence of the want of hair being considered disgraceful8 ,i am inclined to favor the first opinion4 ,it is very common for a native to cause the hair of his baundy1 or female slave1 to be taken off1 for any trifling offence4 ,coral beads are in high estimation throughout ,hindostan1 as applicable to the construction of necklaces and bracelets for women4 ,notwithstanding they are manufactured from the red coral1 fished up in various parts of ,asia1 these beads are very costly1 especially when they run to any size4 ,they are generally sold by the sicca-weight1 or tolah2 that is1 by their weight in silver1 two and a half rupees weighing about one ounce2 or eighty to the seer of nearly two pounds avoirdupoise4 ,a tolah of high colored1 sound beads1 as large as a marrow-fat pea1 may commonly be had for about three1 or four1 rupees2 sometimes cheaper3 consequently1 an ounce of coral beads1 called moongahs1 will cost near a guinea4 ,this1 which is four times the value of silver1 appears to be a high price1 considering the low wages of laborers1 and proves that coral cannot be advantageously imported from ,india to ,england4 ,the ladies of ,asia are very particular in often steeping their moongahs in pigeon's blood2 under the firm belief of their color being heightened by such immersions6 ,this recipe may1 however1 be matched by many1 of equal efficacy1 highly valued among ourselves4 ,the lowest1 and most poverty-struck woman in ,bengal1 would consider herself truly wretched if she could not1 now and then1 anoint her head with oil1 of some kind4 ,the ladies of affluence invariably use scented oils1 of which those impregnated with the bale1 the jasmine1 and sandal1 are most in use4 ,doubtless1 custom reconciles #8the rancid fragrance' to the nostrils of an ,asiatic2 but1 to an ,european1 nothing can be more offensive4 ,a full dressed ,hindostanee lady is the living type of that sarcastic couplet of ,swift4 #8,enrich'd with all the gay perfume1 ,she wafts a stench around the room4' ,the sale of these oils1 as also of the missy1 which is applied by both sexes to their teeth1 and1 by forming a black coating1 or varnish1 is supposed to preserve their enamel from the action of the lime contained in the pawn1 or beetle1 they generally chew1 as also of the soormah1 or levigated antimony1 used for blackening the edges of the eye-lids1 together with a variety of rubbish1 is confined to a class of men called gundies1 who carry their ware about in small baskets4 ,the oils1 and especially the utr1 or ottah of roses1 are very carefully packed in cotton-wool1 and every pretence is made of their being of great value4 ,it is wonderful what deceptions this class of hawkers practise6 ,they are most consummate in the arts of flattery and intrigue2 from the exercise of one or the other1 not unfrequently of both conjoined1 they could not fail to become very rich1 did they not generally lead most dissipated lives1 and often take payment in kind for their wares4 ,with respect to the perfumed oils in common use among the ,hindostanee ladies1 their preparation is very easy2 being1 for the most part1 merely sweet oils of any kind2 such as that extracted from linseed1 or from the cocoa-nut1 or from any plant coming under the denomination of metah1 7i4e4 sweet17 perfumed by means of a small quantity of the essential oil of any fragrant flower1 particularly the rose1 the jasmine1 the bale1 c4 ,all these oils are extremely common1 rarely selling for more than two or three rupees per seer2 which corresponds with about seven shillings for an ,english quart4 ,that highly fragrant oil extracted from the rose1 called attar1 or by us ottah1 is by no means so common as might be expected1 at least not in perfection3 as to reputed attar1 that may be had of every gundy1 and at even a few annas per tolah 7or half ounce weight74 ,genuine attar can only be had of particular persons1 and then at a very high price2 commonly about four guineas1 7i4e4 two gold mohurs7 per ounce4 ,the natives1 for many years1 pretended to make a great secret of the process whereby this valuable oil was extracted2 whence they not only retained the whole profit to themselves1 but were enabled to practise various deceptions of great advantage to themselves but extremely injurious to the extract4 ,although many gentlemen had occasionally endeavored to ascertain the proportions used by the venders of attar1 it was not until about the year #agha1 or #aghb1 that any attempt was made1 on an extensive scale1 to competite with that class of distillers4 ,the late ,lieutenant-,colonel ,anthony ,polier1 who resided for many years at his beautiful villa1 some miles from ,lucknow1 was1 ,i believe1 the first whose researches included the distillation of attar1 in which pursuit he was remarkably successful2 considering how much intrigue1 corruption1 and ignorance he had to contend with1 ,i have heard that gentleman declare1 that1 in almost every train of experiments he undertook1 some latent opposition was sure to prevail2 often baffling every effort1 and sometimes compelling him to abandon his design4 ,this resulted from the jealousy entertained by the natives of distinction at the court of the ,nabob ,vizier of ,oude1 ,,azoph ,,ul ,,dowlah1 with whom his extreme urbanity1 suavity of manners1 ingenuity1 and incorruptible integrity1 rendered him a great favorite4 ,the courtiers apprehended1 that1 through the united intelligence of ,colonel ,polier1 and of ,colonel ,claude ,martine1 whose genius in every mechanical art was on a par with that of the former in the polite arts1 as well as in most branches of useful science1 the several expensive establishments supported by the ,nabob would ultimately be set aside1 as useless1 and as devouring a revenue1 which might be turned towards purposes in which they should have no concern2 or1 at least1 no profit4 ,therefore1 notwithstanding his highness's positive orders1 most of the indispensables were either withheld1 or1 when furnished at all1 proved of the worst quality3 any man less mild than ,polier1 would have insisted on a due attention to his requisitions2 but he forbore from remonstrance1 except when so closely pressed as to render representation inevitable4 ,whenever1 in spite of all direct hostility1 and of underhand resistance1 the ,colonel fulfilled his wishes1 displaying the complete success of his ingenuity and learning2 then1 all was cried down as j'haddoo1 as witch-craft2 and the whole body of ,mahomedan ecclesiastics joined to crush the growth of science4 ,being provided with an ample still1 and having very extensive plantations of roses1 in which ,i have often passed a leisure hour1 admiring equally their fragrance1 and the amiable qualities of their planter1 the ,colonel made a shift to carry on his operations1 but not with invariable success2 the native distillers having frequently influenced his servants1 by means of bribes1 to mix various ingredients1 which either tainted1 or otherwise deteriorated1 the produce of his still4 ,at length1 after a great variety of experiments1 in which he1 of course1 experienced many most mortifying1 and equally unaccountable disappointments1 he hit upon the just proportions1 and the most favorable process4 ,his method was as follows4 ,to a maund 7i4e4 #hblb47 of roses1 he put about a maund and a half of water3 the roses being entire1 and having their stems cut away close under the chalices4 ,these being all duly mixed1 by hand1 in the still1 a gentle fire was made under it2 the head not being applied until the water began to throw off a vapor3 after that1 it was put on1 and carefully luted down4 ,the fire was1 throughout the distillation1 kept rather slow than fierce2 especially after about a tenth part of the water had come over into the receiver3 in about five hours1 half the water had come over tolerably clear4 ,the rose-water thus obtained1 was again put to another maund of roses1 which were subjected to the same operation1 until about half its quantity had passed into the receiver4 ,as the former was called #8single rose-water1' so was this designated #8double rose-water2' but it is evident that the term #8quadruple' would be more appropriate1 since double the quantity of perfume was brought into half the former space4 ,the produce of the last distillation was put into broad pans1 either of earthen ware1 or of tinned metal1 and left exposed1 during the night1 to the cold air4 ,here1 ,i should remark1 that the roses generally bloom early in the year1 and that1 during the month of ,january1 sometimes1 also1 in ,february1 ice is produced by pouring hot water into shallow pans of porous crockery2 which1 being placed on beds of loose sand1 in exposed situations1 during the whole night1 generally yield a substantial pellicle1 and1 in very favorable instances1 sometimes cause the whole of the water to be congealed4 ,the colonel's object1 in exposing the rose-water1 as above shewn1 was to congeal the essential oil1 called attar1 which has the peculiar property of becoming compact1 and flaky1 when exposed to a degree of cold far above freezing point2 in this instance1 bearing some affinity to animal oils in general4 ,now1 it is evident1 that such an exposure subjected the attar1 which floated on the surface as it became cold1 to the access of dust1 at least1 if not of other grosser rubbish2 therefore the plan was certainly injudicious3 this the colonel soon perceived1 for the quantity of1 what he considered to be1 fces1 proved that there was some mismanagement4 ,accordingly1 he took a hint1 and1 while the rose-water was yet lukewarm1 poured it into a large caraboy1 or glass bottle2 so as to fill it completely4 ,the caraboy was then subjected to a refrigerating process2 by which the attar was condensed on its surface in its neck1 whence it was easily removed into a large-mouthed phial1 furnished with a ground stopper4 ,what little adhered to the neck of the caraboy1 did not come away with the rose-water1 as it was poured off1 but1 on the vessel being reversed1 and subjected to a considerable degree of heat1 dropped slowly into a phial placed below it1 but protected from the action of the fire4 ,the products in attar have been widely different4 ,the natives rarely obtain more than a drachm and a half from a maund of roses2 whereas ,colonel ,polier obtained full two drachms from a hundred pounds troy4 ,in ,europe1 we find that some continental chymists have extracted half an ounce3 ,hamberg succeeded so far as to draw a whole ounce1 and ,hoffman was rewarded with no less than two ounces4 ,all these persons1 however1 rejected the chalices2 using only the petals2 which necessarily made a great difference1 the perfume being1 principally1 if not wholly1 confined to them4 ,the rose-water1 even after the attar has been completely separated1 is rich in fragrance1 but is far more so1 when the attar is suffered to remain united with it1 as may be effected by the addition of various menstrua1 which keep it suspended in the fluid4 ,the general price of such rose-water as is ordinarily sold under the designation of #8double1' and1 of course1 passes for the very best1 may be from twenty1 to forty1 rupees per maund1 according as the season may have been productive1 or as the purchase may be made from the distiller himself1 or through a second or a third hand4 ,colonel ,polier states that the quantity of attar obtained from nearly fifty-five maunds of roses1 which grew upon about eleven acres of good soil1 highly manured1 amounted to sixteen tolahs1 or about half a pound avoirdupoise4 ,this gives us some insight into the value of the attar2 for1 if we allow the land to have been worth a guinea per acre1 and that the cultivation1 together with the expences of distillation1 should amount to as much more1 the following would be the state of the concern4 4 s4 d4 4 s4 d4 ,rent of #aa acres1 7or #cc bigahs17 #aa #aa #j #bc #b #j ,expences of cultivation1 c4 #aa #aa #j ,against which we have ,sixteen tolahs of attar1 say at two guineas1 #cc #ab #j ,about thirteen and a half maunds of rose-water1 say at only #bj rupees1 or #b4 #ajs4 per maund #cc #aj #j ,giving a total of receipts equal to #fg #b #j ,and a nett produce on #aa acres1 of #dd #j #j ,equal per acre1 to the yearly sum of #d #j #j ,in the above1 ,i have taken the attar at far less than the price it at present bears1 and the rose-water at the rate usually charged at ,juanpore1 ,lucknow1 c4 for a maund of the best rose-water1 at the time ,colonel ,polier's experiment1 above detailed1 was dated1 namely1 in #aghg4 ,if my information is correct1 the best attar now sells at ,calcutta for near six guineas the ounce2 and the best rose-water at ,juanpore1 where a large quantity is distilled1 for thirty-five and forty rupees per maund4 ,the expence of the cultivation is taken at about seven rupees monthly1 on an average2 there being no work of consequence performed1 except hoeing1 for full eight months in the year4 ,the rent of the land is rated at the ordinary medium at which ,i compute soils suited to the growth of tobacco1 cotton1 sugar1 opium1 c4 to be of late1 that is1 at about #b rupees1 or eight shillings per bigah4 ,in ,doctor ,willich's ,encyclopdia1 ,i observe it is stated1 that genuine attar sells1 even in the ,east ,indies1 at twenty guineas the ounce2 but ,i apprehend this to be a great error2 at least1 it is far beyond what the experience of more than twenty years allows me to credit4 ,if1 indeed1 the ,doctor means that which the gundies retail1 by mixing only one drop of genuine attar among pint of oil of sandal-wood1 as is often practised1 he is far short of the mark2 for1 in such case1 the ounce may be said to sell for nearer fifty1 than twenty guineas4 ,the color of attar1 is remarked by ,colonel ,polier1 #8to be no criterion of its goodness1 its quality1 or its country4' ,that gentleman states1 that he had1 in the same year1 and from the same rose-bushes1 attar of a fine emerald green1 of a bright yellow1 and of a reddish hue1 all obtained by the same process1 only that the roses were collected on different days4 ,here ,i am disposed to suspect1 that the old trick1 so peremptorily detected by ,doctor and ,professor ,gilchrist1 of mixing a solution of verdigris1 or other coloring matter1 in the still1 or in the receiver1 must have been practised by some of the ,colonel's attendants4 ,it has been sufficiently proved1 that1 when no such adulteration takes place1 attar very nearly limpid3 but1 though a color may be thus imparted1 it does not appear that the perfume is debased2 its fragrance being unimpaired3 on the other hand1 the admixture of any other oil is readily discovered1 by its causing the disposition to liquescence1 even when exposed to severe cold1 which distinguishes every other known perfume from genuine attar4 ,some ladies anoint their bodies with scented oils1 but1 for the most part1 a predilection exists in favor of that extracted from the sesamum1 or mustard seed2 which is likewise in very general use throughout every branch of culinary preparation1 among the natives of every sect4 ,when the oil is applied to the body1 7over every part of which it is smeared1 the gratified individual generally exposing himself to the influence of the sun while the unction is performing17 it is in its raw state2 but when intended for sauce1 it is1 on account of the peculiar rankness of its flavor1 subjected to the following simple operation1 whereby it is very considerably sweetened2 though not divested of a certain flavor by which its presence may always be detected4 ,the oil is put into a deep vessel1 either earthen or of metal1 having some kind of lid1 such as a flat pan1 c4 to retain the heat while the oil is preparing3 when it boils1 and crackles1 one side of the lid is lifted1 and a small quantity of cold water thrown in1 the lid being shut down as quickly as possible1 lest the oil1 which flies immediately when touched by the water1 should scald the operator4 ,this is repeated three or four times1 at short intervals1 and the oil is thus nearly divested of its unpleasant and acrimonious flavor4 ,both sexes anoint their bodies with the oil of sesamum1 commonly called by ,europeans #8mosaul oil1' from its being invariably used by the mosaulchies to feed the flames of their links1 or mosauls3 by the natives it is designated kurwah-tale1 or #8bitter oil4' ,in some instances1 we see turmeric mixed with it1 for the purpose of excitement to perspiration6 this absurd practice is not very general1 but one would suppose the fallacy of such an opinion must long ago have been discovered1 and that the turmeric would have been found rather to add to that obstruction1 inevitably created by the oil1 than to promote diaphoresis4 ,the only intention that seems truly to be answered by the unction1 is that of stopping the pores3 hence1 we see all the poor people1 throughout ,india1 avail themselves1 whenever the means offer1 of a handful or two of kurwah-tale1 to rub over their skins1 during the winter season especially2 thereby to resist the cold air3 many1 who can afford but a light kind of cloathing1 and are not competent to purchase quilted jackets1 would be almost frozen1 were it not for this device4 ,this practice1 so extremely common1 ,i might say1 universal1 throughout ,india1 seems to be at variance with the opinions of our physicians1 who consider it highly dangerous to close too many of the pores at one time4 ,that it is done with impunity in ,india1 is too well known to require any evidence being here adduced3 nay1 more1 such unctions are recommended in high fevers1 by the native doctors1 7generally ,bramins17 who likewise prescribe a thick plaistering of pounded herbs to be in such cases applied all over the body4 ,this1 which rarely fails to produce relief1 is evidently the basis of that refrigerant course adopted1 of late years1 by some of our most celebrated medical characters4 ,as a perfume1 the more delicate ladies of ,india rub themselves with various drugs1 not very gratifying to the olfactory nerves of our ,europeans2 the same is also used for the hair4 ,a few use a kind of pomade1 made extemporaneously of orange peels1 ground fine upon a stone1 and mixed with flour1 made from peas1 called basin4 ,this is really fragrant1 as well as cleansing2 but ,i cannot so much admire the sandal some substitute for the citric aroma2 it being of a peculiarly sickly scent1 which does not easily wash out of linen4 ,with respect to religious ablutions1 the natures of every sect1 but especially the ,bramins1 are very particular2 even fastidiously so3 all bathe at least once daily before their dinner hour1 whatever may be the state of the weather1 repairing either to some neighbouring river1 or to a pond1 7or tank17 for that purpose4 ,there they walk up to their waists in the water2 and1 placing their thumbs in their ears1 and their fore-fingers pressing their nostrils1 immerse themselves1 by squatting suddenly upon their haunches1 several times in succession2 generally repeating various prayers on these occasions4 ,all take this opportunity to wash their doties1 and other parts of their apparel2 having in readiness dry cloaths to put on1 but which are1 of course1 left upon the shore4 ,it is curious to see1 as may often be done at some ghauts1 or wharfs1 hundreds of persons bathing in this manner at the same time2 the water is often thronged for the whole day2 especially at ,benares1 ,allahabad1 ,betoor1 and other sacred cities1 to which pilgrims resort from immense distances for that purpose4 ,at particular times1 it is supposed that nearly a million of persons assemble to bathe in the ,ganges2 whence it must appear extremely curious to the ,european reader1 that scarce an instance is known of any person losing his cloaths while bathing3 perhaps it may be in some measure owing to that astonishing concourse of barbers1 who officate previous to each person entering the sacred stream2 and who usually take charge of1 or at least have an eye to1 the vestments left for his use on returning from the water4 ,at all the bathing-places the sexes intermix promiscuously2 each being in their usual cloathing3 this does not1 however1 relate to women of a superior class1 who are not suffered to go abroad except in close vehicles1 and who1 were they voluntarily to shew their faces to any male1 except their husbands1 would be in danger of losing their heads3 such never bathe in the river but under ample precautions4 ,a spot is selected1 where the water shoals gradually1 and where the bather cannot be overlooked from any height1 c4 ,there1 an area is enclosed1 by means of kanauts1 supported to the height of perhaps eight feet1 or more1 by means of bamboo poles1 kept in their places by ropes fastened to stakes1 or to poles driven into the sand4 ,the lady is carried to an overlap1 or opening1 in the kanauts1 mostly in a covered carriage1 of which the driver retires1 taking with him the oxen1 and leaving the machine enclosed within the area1 where it serves the purpose of a dressing-room4 ,the female servants attend the interior1 while the exterior is guarded by centinels1 or perhaps by eunuchs1 on the land side2 and1 towards any navigable channel a boat is stationed1 to prevent the approach of strangers4 ,but few ,mahomedan women bathe in this manner2 they1 as well as their husbands1 generally content themselves with having five or six large pots of water thrown over their heads2 the generality of ,europeans ordinarily bathe in this way daily during the hot season2 and1 on some occasions1 even the pious ,hindu resorts to the same domestic ablution2 though it is held far inferior to immersion in the ,ganges1 or in such stream as should1 by being within a reasonable distance1 preclude all pleas of inconvenience4 ,bigots will often travel several miles to be laved by the holy fluid2 while others will scarcely go as many yards to enjoy that reputed blessing4 ,all1 however1 must conform1 to a certain extent1 to the law2 and it is but justice to say1 that1 whether owing to habit1 or to veneration1 the number of trespasses is very1 very limitted4 ,we may suppose1 that1 in so hot a climate1 bathing must be a luxury2 this should be taken cum grano salis2 for1 at some seasons1 the waters are by no means inviting3 ,i have often gone into a bath in ,december and ,january1 when the sensations were truly painful4 ,mahomedans1 in opulent circumstances1 and especially those of rank1 generally have baths lined with marble1 or with masonry1 in some private apartments1 to which their families can have immediate access4 ,these baths are sometimes furnished with the means of having water heated to any temperature2 as is invariably the case with all the public baths to be seen at ,calcutta1 and the several great cities throughout the ,east4 ,these baths1 which are called hummums1 7whence we have derived the term17 are extremely convenient2 and1 if properly used1 no less conducive to health4 ,it is necessary1 after quitting them1 to be extremely cautious in allowing access to the atmospheric temperature1 on account of the perfect cleansing given to the skin1 by the attendants1 who by means of hautties1 7a kind of glove1 made of hair1 or very coarse wool17 bring off such a quantity of scurf as astonishes those who consider themselves to be very cleanly in their persons4 ,these men cause every joint in the bather's whole frame to crack2 thereby giving1 sometimes1 no inconsiderable pain3 to this1 however1 the natives are so fully accustomed1 as to consider it absolutely a luxury4 ,although the hummums are much frequented by ,mahomedans1 yet1 ,i believe1 they are chiefly supported by the resort of ,armenians1 ,greeks1 ,portugueze1 and ,english gentlemen4 ,the waters throughout the ,east are infested by alligators of an enormous size2 of which1 some are most sanguinary depredators4 ,it often happens that a bather is carried off daily from a ghaut1 perhaps for a fortnight in succession2 when the evil is put a stop to by some lucky shot1 which either kills the alligator1 or causes him to quit the vicinity4 ,such is the faith entertained by all the natives1 whether ,mussulmans or ,hindus1 regarding predestination1 that1 although1 on such occasions1 they proceed to the ghaut with obvious apprehension1 they allow no intermission to take place in the ablutionary duties1 on account of those depredations they may have daily witnessed for some time before4 ,this species of absurdity may be discovered1 in a thousand shapes1 in the conduct of predestinarians1 who affect to believe in that previous arrangement which renders all human precaution unavailing4 ,these persons1 at the same time1 shew great anxiety to have the alligator killed2 consequently1 may be fairly considered as aiming to subvert the ordinations of fate6 ,though the native women retained by ,european gentlemen very rarely proceed to the rivers to bathe1 but content themselves with either the use of a small bath of masonry1 or with pots of water1 they are1 nevertheless1 extremely fond of going abroad in a palanquin1 or a r'hut1 attended by their dhyes1 and with the guttah-tope1 or cover1 of the vehicle1 brought down close on all sides4 ,it certainly would be uncharitable to annex a bad motive1 as inseparable from all such excursions1 yet it may probably be considered as a general rule1 that such ladies either take the air with the intention of meeting some established gallant1 or that they ultimately give way to the flattery and whisperings of their menials1 who are rarely proof against a very moderate bribe1 and are frequently known to throw an admirer1 as though accidentally1 in the way of ,madam's notice4 ,however recluse we may suppose the ,hindostanee ladies to be1 some allowance must be made for certain amusements peculiar to ,india1 in which they indulge4 ,the acceptance and transmission of compliments and civilities1 afford no small gratification2 the arrival1 or despatch1 of a complimentary pawn1 7beetle17 or of an elauhee1 7cardamom17 being matters of considerable importance1 among a race whose whole time may be said to be devoted to whatever is childish or insignificant4 ,when visits are paid1 much ceremony is used1 and every endeavor is exerted1 on either part1 to appear well-bred and affable2 on such occasions1 a profusion of compliments are exchanged1 while each narrowly observes the dress1 the equipage1 and the conduct of the other1 but reserves her observations until a free vent may be given to envy and jealousy2 not forgetting a little scandal4 ,some ladies affect to possess a musical ear1 and exercise not only their own lungs1 but those of their attendants also1 in vociferating various common-place songs1 accompanying their captivating strains with tremendous thumps on a large long drum1 called a dhole2 or perhaps shewing the agility of their fingers in playing upon a very small kind of tambourine1 called a coonjerry4 ,woe be to that kind-keeper who should dissent from the fair one's opinion1 regarding either the excellence of her performance1 or the pleasing tones of the instruments6 ,where this infatuation exists1 the whole neighbourhood is compelled to submit to the nuisance4 ,there would be no use in remonstrating with the lady1 through the medium of her servants3 and as to parleying with the gentleman on such a subject1 that would give great offence2 or1 at all events1 would be unavailing4 ,the man who submits to such an uproar1 #8for the sake of a quiet life'1 may be considered a living illustration of ,shakespeare's ludicrous1 but most wholesome lesson1--#8,the ewe that will not hear its lamb when it bleats1 will never attend to a calf when it baes4' ,in truth1 some of these ladies ride upon very high horses1 and keep the whip-hand most manfully6 a circumstance we should by no means expect1 after hearing1 perhaps1 that their respective names were #8,chembayly'1 7jasmine17 #8,golaub'1 7rose-water17 #8,miscery'1 7sugar17 #8,gool-beegum'1 7queen of roses17 #8,meevah-,jehan'1 7the fruit of life37 though1 perhaps1 those known by the name of #8,soorooj'1 7i4e4 the sun17 might lay claim to some authority1 without acting so grossly in opposition to their nomenclature4 ,when we consider the very severe privation experienced by females in general1 7for our country-women often affect to adopt the recluse severities of the haram27 it cannot appear surprizing1 that young girls so immured1 in such a climate1 so indulged occasionally1 and so beset with bawds1 should allow themselves to be led astray from what ,i must1 perhaps erroneously1 call #8the ways of chastity4' ,i am aware1 that the term may offend many1 who consider the female as being already in a state of prostitution2 but due allowance must be made for the usages of the country4 ,in ,india1 a woman #8under the protection' of an ,european gentleman1 is accounted1 not only among the natives1 but even by his countrymen1 to be equally sacred1 as though she were married to him2 and the woman herself1 values her reputation1 exactly in proportion as she may have refrained from indulging in variety3 some are said to have passed twenty years1 or more1 without the possibility for scandal to attach to their conduct4 ,we might further take into consideration1 that1 even according to the ,mahomedan law1 there are various degrees of connubial attachment1 from the strictest1 and most formal1 union1 down to what we should call a very loose kind of left-handed marriage4 ,these are1 however1 sanctioned by that law1 if performed according to enjoined ceremonies4 ,now1 the greater part1 we may say nine in ten1 of those who domiciliate with ,europeans1 being ,mussulmans1 and1 in many cases1 very scrupulous in the observance of whatever forms are ordained respecting viands1 contact1 ablution1 c41 it may be reasonably concluded1 that they rather deem themselves to be united according to a tolerated extension of the foregoing licences1 than as retained prostitutes4 ,therefore1 when we consider received opinions1 and local peculiarities1 we may admit1 that1 even in what we term concubinage1 there may be some traits exempting individuals from being confounded among that mass of prostitution1 of which we are apt to form our judgments by what we see of that depravity1 from which it appears to be1 among ,europeans1 nearly inseparable6 ,without at all entering upon the defence of whatever may be inhibited by the ,christian religion1 or be inimical to that superiority so justly yielded by society at large1 as well as by the legislature1 to married women1 it may be permitted me to state a few matters which will1 in the minds of the liberal1 appear to be some excuse for what might else be deemed libidinous1 or licentious4 ,the number of ,european women to be found in ,bengal1 and its dependencies1 cannot amount to two hundred and fifty1 while the ,european male inhabitants of respectability1 including military officers1 may be taken at about four thousand4 ,the case speaks for itself2 for1 even if disposed to marry1 the latter have not the means4 ,it is easy enough to say1 that if marriages were more frequent in ,india1 more ladies would adventure thither2 but the impediments that stand in the way of #8a consummation devoutly to be wished1' will not be found to yield so readily to our desires4 ,it should be understood1 that the generality of young ladies1 though they may certainly comply with the will of their parents1 are by no means partial to visiting ,india4 ,the out-fit is not a trifle3 no lady can be landed there1 under respectable circumstances throughout1 for less than five hundred pounds4 ,then1 again1 she should have friends to receive her2 for she cannot else obtain even a lodging1 or the means of procuring subsistence4 ,it is not like a trip1 per hoy1 to ,margate1 where nothing but a well-lined purse is requisite2 and where1 if you do not meet with friends1 you may easily form acquaintances4 ,further1 some allowance must be made for the climate2 which by no means suits every constitution1 and invariably oppresses all whose minds are ill at ease1 or who have not the means of withstanding that influence1 so particularly hostile to persons newly importing from ,europe4 ,let us1 however1 suppose all these things to be done2 and that some worthy dame welcomes the fair adventurer to her house1 with the friendly intention of affording an asylum1 until some stray bachelor may bear away the prize4 ,we have known some instances of this1 and1 in particular1 of a lady making it1 in a manner1 her study to replenish her hospitable mansion with objects of this description2 thereby acquiring the invidious1 or sarcastic1 designation of #8,mother ,coupler'4 ,but such characters are rare2 and it generally happens1 that those who have the will1 do not possess the means1 of thus rendering the most essential of services to young women1 who1 we may fairly say1 are1 in this case1 transported to ,india1 there to take their chance6 ,that several have been thus sent1 or1 have thus adventured1 round the ,cape1 cannot be denied2 in any other country they would have experienced the most poignant distress1 both of body and of mind2 but1 such has ever been the liberality evinced towards this class of unfortunate persons1 that1 in most instances1 prompt1 and effectual1 relief1 has been administered4 ,it would be easy to adduce cases1 wherein the most bountiful subscriptions have been made in behalf of ladies2 who1 by obeying the summons of husbands1 or of parents1 have1 on arriving in the river1 found themselves to be widows1 or orphans6 ,surely1 where these distressing events are by no means uncommon1 there will ever exist a certain reluctance1 even among such as may have relatives in ,india3 a reluctance which will rarely be decreased by the additional consideration1 that1 when the vessel may arrive1 the parent1 c41 though alive1 may be full a thousand miles distant from the metropolis1 and be unable to reach it under two or three months6 ,here we see formidable objections against a lady's proceeding to ,india2 but one1 not less powerful1 remains to be stated1 namely1 the immense expence ever attendant upon wedlock in that quarter4 ,such is the encrease of domestics1 of cloathing1 of accommodation and1 particularly1 in keeping a carriage1 without which no comfort can be expected1 that it is utterly beyond the means of full four persons in five to receive an ,european lady into their houses4 ,even on a penurious scale1 the difference will amount to full three hundred pounds yearly2 but if1 as is certainly desirable1 it be conducted on a more appropriate footing1 double that sum must be allowed4 ,add to this1 the peremptory necessity that exists1 for sending every child to ,europe at a very early age2 the expence of which is never to be computed under a hundred and fifty pounds4 ,to complete the difficulties attendant on the occasion1 it is a thousand to one1 but1 that1 at the end of a few years1 the mother is compelled1 by those peculiar infirmities inseparable from her situation in that climate1 to accompany her infants to ,europe2 there to seek the restoration of health1 and to console herself among her little offspring1 until the father may1 notwithstanding those heavy demands created by the wants of his family1 be able to save sufficient money to repair to the objects of his affection4 ,this is no exaggeration3 it is to be witnessed annually2 and may be seen attended with the most distressing effects to most meritorious individuals1 who unfortunately allow love to walk in at the door1 without observing that poverty is treading upon her train4 ,i trust this detail will convince1 even the sceptic1 that matrimony is not so practicable in ,india as in ,europe2 and that1 7unless1 indeed1 among those platonic few whose passions are unnaturally obedient17 is impossible for the generality of ,european inhabitants to act in exact conformity with those excellent doctrines1 which teach us to avoid #8fornication1 and all other deadly sins4' ,there are certain situations1 and times1 in which the law must be suffered to sleep2 since its enforcement would neither be easy nor wise3 such is the instance now before us4 ,should it be argued1 that1 rather than retain a concubine1 it were more proper to marry a native of ,india1 ,i must then adduce the great discouragement wisely held out by government against such a practice2 observing1 that the ,court of ,directors long ago set their faces against the transmission of native orphans1 7i4e4 those born of native mothers17 and1 that they allow no native of ,india to be taken as a passenger on board any vessel proceeding to ,england1 without a deposit of #ejj sicca rupees1 or security to that amount1 lest the party should become a burthen to the ,company4 ,further1 no lady1 native of ,india1 even though her father should have been of the highest rank in the ,king's or ,company's service1 and though she be married to a person of that description1 is ever invited to those assemblies given by the governor on public occasions4 ,hence1 such women1 whatever may be their merits1 come under the censure of public characters1 and1 of course1 are in a manner proscribed4 ,this1 however1 does not extend to the ,european soldiery1 who are allowed to marry native women2 many of whom conduct themselves1 when thus situated1 in the most unexceptionable manner4 ,whether married1 or not1 each soldier is generally provided with a companion1 who takes care of his linen1 aids in cleaning his accoutrements1 dresses his hair1 and sometimes proves no bad hand at a beard6 ,these doxies do1 certainly1 now and then1 kick up a famous row in the barracks2 but1 on the whole1 may be considered highly serviceable2 especially during illness1 at which time their attendance is invaluable4 ,very few ,european women are to be seen with the regiments in ,india2 such as adventure thither1 soon fall victims to the climate1 which nothing but the most vigorous constitutions1 backed by temperance and uncommon prudence1 can enable the sex to resist4 ,hence1 the few that survive1 though they present rather a masculine appearance1 find it expedient to confine themselves much within the barracks2 keeping out of the sun1 and avoiding the use of strong liquors4 ,the children of such women usually prove remarkably hardy2 whereas1 the issue of an ,european father by a native woman1 is usually of an effeminate1 weakly constitution1 and of a disposition by no means entitled to commendation4 ,it is peculiarly unfortunate1 that a very great portion of these creoles1 mestees1 or what not1 cannot be provided for in some manner serviceable to the state4 ,their numbers are considerable1 especially of females1 who are allowed to remain with the orphan institution1 often to a very mature age3 some are1 to be sure1 disposed of in services1 where they become attendants1 or ladies' maids1 in respectable families2 but1 for the most part1 no certain provision is made for them4 ,probably it is owing to reflection1 as much as to their arriving at puberty1 that so many of these unfortunate girls become insane4 ,this does not occur among the boys2 who are either apprenticed to some good business1 if of the upper school1 7in which only the children of officers are admitted17 or1 if of the lower school1 7wherein the children of the non-commissioned and privates are brought up17 are draughted1 at a proper age1 to the several regiments1 both native and ,european1 there to serve as drummers and fifers4 ,while upon the subject1 ,i shall offer to my readers the outline of the ,orphan ,institution1 now so intimately blended with the military establishments throughout ,india1 that the ,company make it a part of their regulations1 for all persons admitted into their military service1 to become1 ipso facto1 subscribers to the orphan fund4 ,this charitable institution1 which does singular honor to the ,company's army1 owes its origin to the assiduity of a few officers1 who1 in #aghb1 framed a code1 founded upon the result of voluntary subscription1 for making due provision for the children of such officers as might demise1 without leaving sufficient property to provide for their children1 whether legitimate or otherwise4 ,among the gentlemen who suggested this undertaking1 the present ,colonel ,william ,kirkpatrick was conspicuous3 he was at that time secretary to the late ,general ,giles ,stibbert1 who then commanded the ,bengal army1 and aided the institution by every public means1 as well as by his private influence and bounty4 ,the following were among the preliminary articles4 #8#ast4 ,that each subaltern1 and assistant surgeon1 contribute monthly the sum of three rupees2 each captain1 and surgeon1 six rupees2 and each major1 nine rupees4' #8#b;dly4 ,that1 to prevent difficulty and expence in the collections1 as well as to secure their amount against all accidents1 the officers do consent1 irrevocably1 to the deduction of the specified contributions from their monthly pay4' #8#dth4 ,that a governor1 deputy-governor1 and twelve managers1 be appointed to conduct the business of the society4' #8#abth4 ,that no orphan be admitted on the foundation1 who shall be possessed by inheritance1 bequest1 or otherwise1 of a sum exceeding #e1jjj sicca rupees4' 7#dbe47 #8l#cth4 ,that the trustees1 or guardians1 of all orphans making application for their admission on the foundation1 be required to make affidavit1 before a justice of the peace1 touching the true amount or value of the monies1 or estate1 which they hold in trust for such orphans2 to the end1 that the management1 besides being satisfied that they are proper objects for the institution1 may be enabled to judge what assistance they will need from the society1 when1 their education being completed1 the period shall arrive for settling them in the world3 these affidavits to be transmitted to the management1 along with the application for admission4' #8#aeth4 ,that all orphans now in the country1 coming under the description set forth1 be admitted on the foundation1 so soon as the management may judge the state of the fund equal to their maintenance4' #8#aith4 ,that the orphans be assembled together at the presidency1 either in one or more houses1 as the management shall find necessary2 and1 that proper servants be appointed to attend them4' #8#beth4 ,that1 on the female orphans attaining the age of twelve1 they be placed apprentices to creditable milliners1 mantua-makers1 stay-makers or otherwise1 as the management1 or their agents1 shall determine2 and1 that1 after serving their time1 they shall obtain from the society the necessary help towards enabling them to set up in business4 ,that should they1 at the period of their engaging in business1 be disposed to enter into the matrimonial state1 they shall be further entitled to receive such marriage portions1 or dowries1 as the management1 or their agents in ,england1 7whose approbation of the connexion shall be previously yielded17 may think proper to grant4' ,in the year #aghi1 it was resolved1 that #8when the orphan daughters of officers1 under the protection of the society1 are addressed by persons in independent circumstances1 such persons be required to make a settlement1 as a condition2 without which the managers' consent is not to be given1 even if the offer should be1 in other respects1 unexceptionable4' ,notwithstanding the institution was placed under the guidance and control of men highly respectable1 and perfectly qualified for the charge1 and that the whole of the officers1 7with the exception of1 ,i believe1 not more than six17 subscribed towards its support1 the object would have been defeated1 had not the ,company contributed liberally towards its efficiency2 and1 after all1 it would most certainly have been subject1 either to diminution1 or1 eventually1 to bankruptcy1 about the year #agif1 had not the army been newly modelled1 and an immense addition been made to the funds1 by an unprecedented promotion and the ascent of the superior ranks to subscribe in proportion to their pay3 otherwise1 all above the rank of major would have been exempt4 ,the ,company had1 in former times1 allowed for each child born to an ,european soldier1 the sum of five rupees monthly2 but that indulgence was1 at one period1 wholly done away3 afterwards1 when the institution was extended to the non-commissioned and privates1 three rupees were allowed monthly for every child retained with the parents1 according to the liberty granted of retaining them until completing their third year2 after which1 they were peremptorily taken to the lower school1 where they were at first allowed for by the ,company at the rate of three rupees1 but subsequently at five rupees each1 per mensem4 ,it is not easy to describe those affecting scenes which present themselves1 when the children are taken from their parents1 in order to be sent to the foundation6 ,it is true1 the latter know full well that every justice will be done to their offspring1 and they cannot but express their sense of the kind intention of their benefactors2 but1 to part from a child1 whatever may be its complexion1 is a most painful struggle between duty and nature6 ,i have repeatedly witnessed the distress of mothers1 on such occasions1 and lamented that the case admitted of neither consolation nor relief6 ,the good policy of making some provision for the children of the soldiery1 is indisputably good2 they could not1 with propriety1 be sent to ,europe1 both because the expence would be disproportionate to the means of their parents2 and1 that1 in time1 a very extensive importation of persons of color would take place among us4 ,the boys are now amply provided for2 but the situation of the girls is truly lamentable4 ,it is wonderful1 that the ,society have never established any factory1 in which their minds1 as well as their hands1 could be employed1 while their maintenance would be paid for by the produce of their industry4 ,the only argument ,i ever could hear urged against such a measure1 was1 that the price of labor being so cheap throughout ,india1 there could arise but little profit from the exertions of the orphans4 ,my opponents forgot1 that where labor is cheap1 provisions must be cheap also2 consequently1 that1 under proper guidance1 enough might be earned to defray the expence of provision for the whole establishment4 ,i am confident1 that1 if the refuse1 or ferret cloths1 manufactured for the ,company1 were to be handed over1 in such quantities as might be in demand1 to the female orphans1 for the purpose of being worked up into wearing apparel1 such as shirts1 under-shirts1 drawers1 pocket-handkerchiefs1 neck ditto1 upper and under waistcoats1 small-cloaths1 c4 there would always be so extensive a sale1 especially among the lower classes of inhabitants1 the sea-faring people1 and the fresh arrivals from ,europe1 that no stock would remain on hand4 ,it is a notorious fact1 that if raw silk1 after being wound off from the cocoons1 or pods1 were to be given to the orphans to finish1 and to reel properly for the ,europe market1 there would be an immense saving both of the article itself1 and of the expences in every part of the adventure2 while the institution could not fail to derive the most solid advantages4 ,to prove this1 look at the number of mills established in various parts of ,england1 for preparing raw silk for the throwster1 c43 in all these1 a portion of refuse is found2 on which1 however1 as well as on the perfect quantity1 a very heavy duty has been paid1 whereby the commodity is considerably enhanced in price1 without being a benefit to the merchant2 who is1 indeed1 rather injured1 by the necessity he is under of demanding more for his fabrics1 and thus1 either deterring purchasers altogether1 of enabling the traders of other countries to under-sell him4 ,but1 in ,calcutta1 a city carrying on so large a trade1 surely there must be an infinite variety of speculations open to the choice of the management3 the lighter classes of sails for the shipping and small craft1 the making of hammocks1 beddings1 c41 dresses for patients in the hospitals1 sheets1 pillow-cases1 book-binding to a certain extent1 and a number of other employments1 might be peremptorily claimed1 as exclusive privileges for the orphans4 ,let it not be said1 that such would interfere with the natives following similar professions2 on the contrary1 let us endeavor to have our whole establishment1 of every description1 exempted from their aid1 or interference4 ,i would have every cartridge-case1 and the greater part of the army cloathing1 together with all1 excepting the leather1 and heavy canvas-work of tents1 performed at the orphan school2 the ,company making due remuneration for the work thus performed4 ,the fact lies in a nut-shell6 ,if1 with such extensive concerns1 requiring so much manual labor1 the ,company do not give employ to five or six hundred girls1 from three to twenty years of age1 the fault must assuredly lie rather among the management than with ,government2 to which the making some provision for the maintenance of that portion of the establishment dependant entirely upon the ,company for support1 must be a desideratum3 it can only require to be pointed out1 to insure both acquiescence and encouragement4 ,the ,court of ,directors very prudently objected to some of the original articles1 wherein the founders appear to have been rather too sanguine1 and to have waived several considerations of a political nature4 ,thus1 the ,company declined to warrant admission into their service of such boys as might appear eligible as cadets2 the measure was incompatible with the patronage of the ,court2 and1 being indefinitely expressed1 would have subjected the ,company to a pledge1 that even the sons of the native women might be considered eligible4 ,it was1 therefore1 prudently resolved1 that #8the children to be sent to ,europe for education1 should be the legitimate offspring of ,european parents only4' ,the salaries of the several persons employed in the charge of those on the foundation1 are munificent4 ,the house at ,kidderpore1 about a mile and a half from ,fort-,william1 is paid for at the rate of #fge4 per annum1 and the monthly disbursements for school-masters and mistresses1 with their assistants1 and the several servants employed about the premises1 in various capacities1 amount to full l#b1jjj4 yearly4 ,the children are boarded at the following rates3 ,the sons of officers at about #ad4 yearly1 on average2 the daughters of officers at about the same rate2 the master and mistress having1 respectively1 always a certain number daily at their own tables4 ,the children of non-commissioned officers and soldiers are maintained at an average expence1 for diet1 of about #e4 each4 ,the secretary is allowed #dej4 for salary1 house-rent1 candles1 and1 other petty charges4 ,with respect to making provision for the sons of officers1 there seems but little doubt3 the great encrease of mercantile establishments in ,calcutta1 and in general throughout the country1 has opened a wide field for the employment of numbers conversant with the ,hindui and ,bengallee languages1 7which the orphans acquire habitually17 and with common accounts4 ,it is to be lamented1 that so few1 if any1 are sent on board the pilot-schooners1 according to a clause in the original institution1 or as mates on board the country-traders4 ,they certainly would be far better qualified1 for such situations1 than ,europeans1 who are totally ignorant of the vernacular tongue1 and whose constitutions are by no means so well adapted to the climate4 ,with respect to placing creoles of any description in authority1 whether civil or military1 there can be but one opinion2 since their admission1 into either the one or the other1 could not fail to lessen that respect1 and deference1 which ought most studiously to be exacted1 on every occasion1 from the natives of every rank4 ,the expences attendant upon sending children from ,india to ,europe1 are very considerable3 few commanders of ,indiamen will take a child for less than #hjj sicca rupees1 equal to #ajj42 and1 even then1 some attendant must be provided1 whose passage will probably amount to as much more4 ,the best mode is1 for several parents to hire a small cabin between decks1 and to send a woman in charge of their united families1 to the number1 perhaps1 of five or six little ones2 all of whom may be thus duly attended1 at far less expence than if each were sent under a separate charge4 ,few ,europeans' children are kept in ,india beyond their third or fourth year2 and it is generally an object that the small-pox1 or vaccination1 the measles1 and the hooping-cough1 should have been passed previous to embarkation2 lest infection should take place on board1 in consequence of the seamen1 c41 having been among persons laboring under those complaints4 ,it is1 indeed1 likewise a matter of policy1 considering the heavy expence1 and the trouble attendant1 to have all those dangerous diseases out of the way1 previous to shipping the children for ,england2 where they might else1 on landing1 be carried off by them1 thus rendering all their parents' anxiety1 and possibly their ill-spared disbursements1 of no avail4 ,vaccination was expected to have made a very powerful impression on the ,hindus1 who1 it was supposed1 would eagerly embrace a preventive arising from that animal1 held so sacred by their whole sect4 ,it was1 nevertheless1 found extremely difficult to induce the ,bramins to adopt a practice obviously so beneficial to mankind1 although the latitude was thereby given them of augmenting the attributes of their idol1 and to claim a preference in its behalf1 even over the whole of the ,christian world4 ,those who were sanguine in their expectations1 of vaccination being instantly adopted among the ,hindus at large1 had entirely forgot1 that the people did not possess the smallest liberty1 either of conscience1 or of conduct3 they forgot that the priesthood had become possessed of the most arbitrary power1 over the minds of their peaceful and timid communicants2 and1 that the practice of inoculation was prescriptively confined to that priesthood3 further1 that1 notwithstanding the veneration in which the cow was held among them1 a serious objection existed1 on account of the matter being taken from any but a ,hindu of the highest cast4 ,the vaccine inoculation was effected with great difficulty in ,india2 an immense number of experiments failed1 chiefly owing to the virus having been destroyed on the way from ,constantinople1 whence matter was repeatedly forwarded by ,lord ,elgin to ,dr4 ,short1 at ,bagdad4 ,a whole year was passed under the most mortifying disappointments2 but in ,june1 #ahjb1 a successful inoculation was made at ,bombay1 on a healthy child1 about three years of age2 which furnished a supply for every port of ,india4 ,by shipping several children1 who had never experienced the variolous inoculation1 a succession of subjects was happily secured1 which enabled ,dr4 ,anderson to transmit the blessings afforded by this mitigated disease1 even to ,port ,jackson4 ,the greatest apprehensions entertained1 arose from the danger of not being always provided with a succession of infective matter2 for it was soon discovered1 that the virus was highly volatile1 and often made its escape in conveying the pus from one house to another4 ,this1 added to the necessity1 which soon became apparent1 for the formation of some dept1 and for the establishment of certain principles necessary towards the desired success1 caused the ,governor-,general to nominate ,mr4 ,william ,russell1 of the ,bengal ,medical ,list1 whose abilities and zeal peculiarly qualified him1 to the important situation of ,superintendant of the ,vaccine ,institution4 ,a series of ill health1 which ultimately compelled that gentleman to return to ,europe1 caused the records of the first months to be somewhat inaccurate1 notwithstanding every exertion on his part4 ,his assiduity1 however1 enabled him to register almost every child1 born of ,european parents1 at that time in the settlement1 among those who received this benign and inoffensive substitute for the most malignant1 loathsome1 and fatal disease that ever afflicted the human race4 ,in aid of what was doing at the ,presidency1 several of the surgeons attached to the civil stations1 and to divisions of the army serving at great distances1 and in various directions1 were interested to promulgate the happy issue of what had been attempted by ,mr4 ,russell1 and by his successor1 ,mr4 ,shoolbred1 ,surgeon to the ,native ,hospital4 ,nevertheless1 notwithstanding such excellent precautions1 the matter was at times very nearly extinct2 more than once the establishments at the several country stations were completely destitute1 and were obliged to obtain a fresh supply from the ,presidency3 however1 during the first eighteen months1 no less than #aa1aff persons were vaccinated2 a matter of great importance1 when it is considered1 that1 in ,india1 at least one in sixty dies of those inoculated with the small-pox4 ,about the year #aghg1 an order had been issued1 that all the ,european soldiers in the ,company's service1 who bore no marks of having had the disease1 should be inoculated1 and be lodged in the ,artillery ,hospital at ,dum ,dum4 ,a few years after1 7the former operation having proved highly successful17 the order was repeated2 the result was1 however1 very unfavorable2 as full one-sixth of the patients were carried off4 ,it is to be hoped1 that1 in due time1 when the natives at large may be thoroughly convinced of the security afforded by vaccination1 the small-pox will be but little known4 ,its communication by insertion being now very strictly prohibited in ,calcutta1 and its neighbourhood1 will1 no doubt1 pave the way for the progress of vaccination1 and weaken the influence of the ,bramins1 who are interested in variolous inoculation4 ,it is singular1 that1 at the very moment when this crafty tribe were endeavoring to depreciate1 or rather to explode1 vaccination1 there started up among them a claim to the knowledge1 and practice1 of the latter at ,bareilly1 where inoculation was almost unknown4 ,an attempt was made to prove1 on the authority of a very ancient ,sanscrit book1 entitled1 #8,sud'has ,angraha1' and written by a physician1 whose name was ,mahadeva1 that vaccination was practised in ,india many centuries back4 ,on examining other copies of the work1 it was found1 that the passage quoted from that produced at ,bareilly was wanting2 this1 added to other circumstances1 rendered the tale rather doubtful1 and led to such an investigation as proved fatal to the imposition4 ,it is a great pity the deception was ever discovered2 since nothing could have aided the views of government better1 than the testimony of such an ancient authority1 of the practice having been formerly common in ,hindostan6 ,we were certainly wrong in publishing that refutation1 which deprived us of the best weapon we could have employed for the extension of our pursuit4 ,in lieu of decrying the work in question1 as #8an impudent forgery1 interpolated into a ,sanscrit-book1 by one of those frauds so commonly1 and so dexterously1 committed by the ,hindu literati1 for the purpose of supporting the claims of the ,bramins to the prior possession of all kinds of science1' we ought to have assented fully to that imposition2 allowing the priests to enjoy the supposed antiquity of their knowledge1 and contenting ourselves with the contemplation of those immense benefits produced by the concurrence in1 or adoption of1 our practice1 by those infatuated foster-fathers4 ,but the struggle for reputation caused us to quit our hold1 in the most impolitic1 and thoughtless manner6 ,it may not be unpleasing to my readers1 to be informed as to the manner in which the ,bramins1 or ,hindu priests1 who are the only persons of that sect allowed to inoculate1 perform the operation3 the following extract from ,mr4 ,shoolbred's treatise shews1 that no alteration has taken place since ,mr4 ,holwell1 from whom ,mr4 ,s4 quotes1 gave the public an account of their practice1 viz4 #8,inoculation is performed in ,hindostan by a particular tribe of ,bramins1 who are delegated annually for this service1 from the different colleges of ,bindoobund1 ,allahabas1 ,benares1 c41 over all the distant provinces4 ,dividing themselves into small parties1 of three or four each1 they plan their travelling circuits in such wise1 as to arrive at the places of their respective destinations some weeks before the usual return of the disease4 ,they arrive commonly in the ,bengal provinces early in ,february2 although1 in some years1 they do not begin to inoculate before ,march1 deferring it until they consider the state of the season1 and acquire information of the state of the distemper4 ,the inhabitants of ,bengal1 knowing the usual time when the inoculating ,bramins annually return1 observe strictly the regimen enjoined1 whether they determine to be inoculated or not3 this precaution consists only in abstaining for a month from fish1 milk1 and ghee 7a kind of butter1 made generally from buffalo's milk74 ,the prohibition of fish relates only to the native ,portugueze and ,mahomedans1 who abound in every province of the empire4 ,when the ,bramins begin to inoculate1 they pass from house to house1 and operate at the door1 refusing to inoculate any who have not1 on a strict scrutiny1 duly observed the preparatory course enjoined them4 ,it is no uncommon thing for them to ask the parent how many pocks they choose the children should have4 ,they inoculate indifferently on any part1 but1 if left to their choice1 they prefer the outside of the arm1 midway between the wrist and the elbow1 and the shoulders of females4 ,previous to the operation1 the ,bramin takes a piece of cloth in his hand1 7which1 if the family is opulent1 becomes his perquisite17 and with it gives a dry friction on the part intended for inoculation1 for the space of eight or ten minutes2 then1 with a small instrument1 he wounds by many slight touches1 about the compass of a silver groat1 just causing the smallest appearance of blood4 ,then opening a double linen rag1 which he always keeps in a cloth round his waist1 he thence takes a small pledget of cotton1 charged with the variolous matter1 which he moistens with two or three drops of the ,ganges water1 and applies to the wound2 fixing it on with a slight bandage1 and ordering it to remain on for six hours without being moved3 the bandage is after that time taken off1 but the pledget remains until it falls off of itself4 ,the cotton1 which he preserves in a double calico rag1 is saturated with matter from the inoculated pustules of the preceding year2 for they never inoculate with fresh matter1 nor with matter from the disease caught in the natural way1 however distinct and mild the species4 ,early in the morning succeeding the operation1 four pots1 containing about two gallons each1 of cold water1 are ordered to be thrown over the patient from the head downwards1 and to be repeated every morning and evening1 until the fever comes on1 which usually is about the close of the sixth day from the inoculation1 then to desist until the appearance of the eruption1 7about three days17 and afterwards to pursue the cold bathing1 as before1 through the course of the disease1 and until the scabs of the pustules drop off4 ,they are ordered to open all the pustules with a sharp-pointed thorn1 so soon as they begin to change their color1 and whilst the matter continues in a fluid state4 ,confinement to the house is absolutely forbidden2 and the inoculated are to be exposed to every air that blows2 the utmost indulgence they are allowed1 when the fever comes on1 is1 to be laid on a mat at the door4 ,their regimen is to consist of all the refrigerating things the climate and the season produce2 as plantains1 sugar-canes1 water-melons1 rice1 gruel made of white poppy seeds1 and cold water1 or thin rice gruel1 for their ordinary drink4 ,these instructions being given1 and an injunction laid on the patients to make a thanksgiving1 7poojah17 or offering to the goddess1 on their recovery1 the operator takes his fee1 which1 from a poor person1 is a punn of cowries1 7in number eighty1 and in value about a half-penny17 and goes on to another door1 down one side of the street1 and up the other2 and is thus employed from morning till night1 inoculating sometimes eight or ten in a house4' ,mr4 ,shoolbred observes1 on the authority of ,mr4 ,glass1 the surgeon at ,boglepore1 that1 in that district1 inoculation is performed by the lowest casts4 ,this is certainly true among the ,pahariahs1 or ,hill people1 inhabiting that mountainous country lying between ,boglepore and ,nagpore4 ,there1 inoculation is performed in a very rough manner1 merely by means of a blunt instrument1 which1 with some labor to the operator1 and abundance of pain to the patient1 is made to draw blood3 the matter is then rubbed in with the finger6 ,these same ,pahariahs perform other surgical operations in the rudest way1 but with most extraordinary success2 thus1 they cut capons with a blunt clasp knife1 made of iron2 which1 having a ring passed through the butt of the haft1 or sheath1 is always suspended by a cord passing round the waist4 ,with this instrument1 they make the necessary incision1 so as to introduce a finger2 when1 having extracted the testes1 the wound is rubbed with a little ghee and turmeric1 and almost invariably heals in a very few days4 ,it may be considered curious1 that among the ,d'hangahs1 7as the people who appear to be the aborigines of ,tamar1 ,chittrah1 ,puchate1 are designated17 very few instances1 in proportion to the bulk of their population1 are to be found1 of persons marked with the small pox2 ,i should be disposed to attribute this entirely to the simplicity of their manner of living2 in which plain rice1 with a few vegetables1 stewed1 much the same as for a curry1 but without its catalogue of spices1 compose the ordinary bill of fare4 ,it cannot be owing to any thing favorable in the climate1 which is peculiarly unhealthy4 ,the hospital for the reception of natives requiring surgical assistance1 now supported in ,calcutta by voluntary contribution1 was founded about the year #agic2 before which time1 those unfortunate persons who met with accidents had no asylum1 wherein they could find either solace or remedy4 ,the establishment is1 as yet1 rather limitted2 but1 it is to be hoped1 will1 in the course of a few years1 rise superior to the disadvantages under which it labors1 in consequence of the great expence incurred in lodging the patients1 many of whom labor under complaints purely clinical2 contrary to the first intention1 and indeed1 to the first proposal for such a charity1 which was started about #agia1 in a letter published in #8the ,world1' 7a ,calcutta weekly paper17 addressed to the ,reverend ------ ,owen1 one of the chaplains at the ,presidency4 ,in that letter was suggested the expediency of causing all those deformed persons who infest the streets of ,calcutta1 in quest of eleemosynary aid1 to be sent to some hospital1 which should likewise accommodate such natives as might be injured by accidents within the city4 ,the proposal was founded on the peremptory necessity for conducting all upon the cheapest plan2 and contained a calculation of the expences incident to the construction of thatched ranges of huts1 similar to barracks1 to be erected on a piece of ground to be granted by government for that purpose4 ,the whole expence1 it appeared1 would not have amounted to more than #a1ejj41 or #b1jjj4 yearly1 yet full accommodation1 and subsistence1 would have been afforded for three hundred patients4 ,the idea of permanence1 which is usually supposed to carry with it cheapness1 was1 ,i understand1 the plea for deviating from the proposed economical estimate3 the consequence has been1 that the number of patients is extremely limitted4 ,that original expence will1 in most countries1 be found far cheaper than a flimsy beginning attended with constant demands for repair1 cannot be doubted2 but1 where there is no capital1 at least a very small one1 it is absurd to act upon the former scale2 since it must1 of necessity1 counteract the whole intention4 ,further1 we should consider local circumstances3 thus1 in ,calcutta1 the same money that will cover in accommodations for a thousand persons1 under a substantial thatch1 laid over mud1 or mat walls1 adequate to the ordinary purposes of the inhabitants at large1 and similar to at least ninety-nine in the hundred1 of those habitations which shelter the bulk of the population2 would not suffice to provide fifty1 of the same description1 with apartments formed of masonry1 timber1 c41 according to the scale on which ,europeans build houses for their own residence1 within that city4 ,it is likewise a well-known fact1 that1 what is called a puckah-house1 that is1 one built of bricks1 lime1 and timber1 will1 at the end of ten years1 cost as much in repairs1 as the thatched edifices built for an equal number of inhabitants4 ,this being the case1 it will forcibly strike the reader1 that1 in departing from the original suggestion1 the managers likewise departed from the best principle4 ,it has been vain-gloriously asserted1 within my hearing1 by many natives1 that1 although the institution in question was founded by ,europeans1 yet1 that it has been principally upheld by the liberality of opulent natives4 ,this may1 perhaps1 be in some measure correct2 allowing it1 however1 to be so to the fullest extent1 ,i cannot see that the natives have done more than an ordinary duty1 in affording assistance to their own countrymen1 and that too1 after being urged1 or guided1 to the measure2 while1 on the other hand1 the ,european inhabitants may certainly claim the palm1 both as original founders1 and subsequent benefactors1 in a case1 where their own countrymen were not to be benefitted4 ,the present state of the funds is not the most flourishing2 and its utility is too great to allow its falling from deficiency of means4 ,would it not be advisable1 to collect a very small assessment at every house inhabited by a native within the ,maharrattah ,ditch1 7which limits the jurisdiction of the police17 either according to extent1 or to its rent8 ,this assessment should be paid into the hands of the magistrates1 to be by them disbursed1 according to proper regulations1 through the medium of native agents1 to be elected annually by all who should contribute either a certain gross sum1 or by regular yearly donation1 towards the support of the institution4 ,this would produce a stabile1 and adequate1 revenue2 while it would likewise induce many natives1 some from pride1 others from hope1 and a few from fear1 to add their mites to such as should result from that spontaneous flow of genuine humanity1 with which the ,hindu code is replete2 and1 of which the ,hindus at large make so great a boast4 ,possibly the day is not far off1 when1 in lieu of building immense houses1 richly endowed1 for the maintenance of an idle1 haughty1 ignorant1 and insolent1 gang of priests1 some rich natives1 reflecting on the want of their more industrious1 and more meritorious1 poor1 may bequeath liberally towards the formation of such establishments1 as may rescue them from that variety of sufferings1 to which they become subjected1 by the accumulation of years1 the visitations of disease1 and the pressure of misfortune6 ,the style of building in use among the natives1 is very different from what we should expect to find adopted in so hot a climate2 experience is1 however1 in its favor1 and sanctions that which1 no doubt1 resulted from observation1 more than from experiment4 ,the walls of such edifices as are intended to be permanent1 are usually constructed of mud2 which1 being laid in strata1 of perhaps #ah or #bj inches in depth1 each being suffered to dry before another stratum is added above1 becomes extremely firm1 and far more durable1 though not quite so neat1 as unburnt bricks laid in mud cement4 ,the thickness of the wall is proportioned to the intended height2 probably about #bf1 to #cj1 inches at the base1 may be considered a fair average2 tapering above to about three fourths of the breadth below4 ,i have seen some bungalows run up with mud walls1 which1 after being chipped down to an uniform thickness1 and properly plastered with fine sand1 mixed with chaff1 were neat enough3 but all mud walls invariably crack considerably while drying2 consequently1 are apt to harbor centipedes1 scorpions1 and even snakes1 within their fissures4 ,this is a most serious defect2 completely counter-balancing the advantages obtained1 by that facility and cheapness with which they can be run up to a great height1 provided due attention be paid to the perpendicular4 ,few of the peasantry1 even though possessing some property1 carry their walls higher than #h or #aj feet2 indeed1 the generality of huts may be set down at #g feet exteriorly1 though they will rise near a cubit more inwardly1 when filled up to the under part of the thatch4 ,it is rare to see any window in the front2 and1 in such as have enclosed areas1 7by us called #8compounds1' but by the natives designated #8ungnahs'17 the cricky1 or door1 which is always very low1 obliging even short persons to stoop considerably1 is commonly in some part of the environing wall1 and partly concealed by an angle1 so as to preclude the possibility of seeing any thing of the interior when the door is thrown open4 ,every door has a frame1 composed of strong wood1 of which the side pieces1 or uprights1 are tenoned into mortices1 made in the threshold and the upper limb4 ,the superincumbent part of the edifice is supported by a strong plank1 or by several pieces of timber1 laid parallel1 and secured by thorough-pins1 for the whole breadth of the wall4 ,no arch is turned to keep off the dead pressure of the enormous weight1 that1 in many instances1 is thus borne up entirely by the door-plate4 ,on the top of the wall1 a stout piece of timber is laid1 whenever the rafters are fastened1 each by one or more nails1 but projecting at least a foot beyond the exterior1 for the purpose of sustaining the thatch1 which is made to hang over1 with the intention to throw off the rain1 that1 falling in torrents during many months1 would else wash away the mud1 and endanqer the building4 ,the thatches are usually made of the kuss1 or common wild grass1 whose roots furnish that fibrous substance called kuss-kuss1 already spoken of while describing the formation of tatties4 ,immense plains are covered with this kind of grass1 glowing commonly about two or three feet high3 though1 in some places1 it may be seen full five feet2 serving as an asylum for every species of game2 causing many gentlemen1 on first entering the country1 to admire1 what they at first take to be #8the prodigious fine crops of hay4' ,it is commonly burnt down every year during the hot season1 when perfectly dry3 the ashes thus tendered to the soil1 being washed in by the succeeding rains1 occasion the grass to shoot forth1 from the apparent ruin1 with incredible freshness and vigor6 ,at such times1 nothing can be more acceptable to the herds1 which1 during the preceding months1 are often obliged to be sent to great distances1 where a little herbage may be found2 or they are1 perhaps1 subsisted upon chaff made from straw1 millet-stalks1 and the refuse of the thrashing floor4 ,for several months1 the grass in question is relished by every description of cattle2 but1 after the sun has crossed the ,line1 on his return to the opposite tropic1 it becomes harsh and dry1 proving so injurious to their mouths as to cause their rejecting it1 except when severely oppressed by hunger4 ,from the end of ,february1 probably to the setting in of the rains in ,june1 great numbers of persons are employed in cutting the kuss1 or khur1 as it is indiscriminately called1 with a kind of sickle1 and tying it up into haunties1 7or handfuls17 usually about six inches thick4 ,these are conveyed on hackeries to the several markets1 and especially to the military cantonments1 where they sell at various prices1 according to the distance they may have been conveyed1 the scarcity or abundance of the article1 the time of the year1 and the pressure of the demand4 ,from #ajjj to #abjj bundles for a rupee1 may be taken as a fair medium2 though1 during the rains1 when thatches must often be made1 or replaced1 cost what they may1 ,i have often known them sold at a rupee for every hundred3 on the contrary1 they are often so cheap as #cjjj1 or even #djjj1 for that sum4 ,the manner of constructing a thatch according to the best principle1 both for neatness and durability1 is as follows4 ,the whole side of the building1 intended to be covered in1 is measured1 and that measurement is exactly represented on some level spot1 by means of four cords1 fastened to as many stakes2 which thus exhibit the form and extent of the thatch to be constructed4 ,each side of a quadrangular1 or other building1 must be thus laid down4 ,all hands set to work in placing either whole bamboos of the large kind1 or bundles of three and four of the small kind1 parallel1 and about a foot asunder2 all directed by the base line1 towards which they stand at right angles2 so that1 when ready1 they would be in the same line with the fall of the #8chupper1' 7or thatch74 ,these being duly prepared1 are crossed at about five1 or six inches asunder1 by battens of split bamboo1 which are fastened down1 at every intersection1 with strong twine made of a finer kind of grass1 called the moonje2 which is very strong1 especially when wetted4 ,each frame being thus formed1 is raised into its place by the joint efforts of perhaps fifty or sixty men2 some laying hold of the frame1 others pushing upwards with forked poles of various lengths1 thereby to facilitate the ascent1 and to prevent that friction which must attend upon any continued contact between the frame1 and the several ready-laid rafters on which it is to lie1 and to which it is to be firmly lashed4 ,the several frames being duly fitted at the corners1 are properly secured in their places1 and to each other2 after which1 a slender kind of scaffolding is made under the eaves of the respective frames1 to enable the grammies1 or thatchers1 to commence their operations in laying on the coating of grass4 ,the eaves are first brought to the thickness of at least a foot1 by placing very large bundles1 previously well compacted1 and squared at their ends1 in a line between the frame1 and a succession of very strong bamboo laths3 each bundle is pressed as close as possible to its neighbour1 and thus the whole of the lower tier is completed4 ,the rest of the thatch is laid on in small portions1 the several bundles being spread open1 and having their butts1 or lower ends1 compressed between two bamboo laths1 which are tied in several places1 so as to secure their contents perfectly4 ,each parcel is then handed up1 and laid with the butt downwards1 at about two or three inches above its lower neighbour2 causing the whole thatch to appear in over-laps from bottom to top1 like so many ridges1 of about an inch high1 and running parallel for the whole breadth of the work4 ,the several corners are now covered with immense trusses of refuse grass1 bound very firmly together1 reaching the whole extent of the angle1 or gore1 and full two feet in diameter4 ,these trusses being bound down very firmly to their adjacent sides1 are ultimately covered with layers of seerky1 placed so as to over-lap about a foot above each other1 and1 in their turn1 duly tied to the trusses3 a similar truss is laid along the ridge pole4 ,this seerky is composed of the stems of the surput1 or tassel grass1 which grows to the height of ten feet1 or more3 it is found to be a larger species of the celebrated ,guinea grass1 formerly introduced as a supposed novelty into the ,east1 but which proved to be nothing more than the common bainseah1 or buffalo grass1 that grows wild1 in the greatest luxuriance1 all over ,bengal4 ,the stems of the surput1 when arrived at their full size1 are as thick as a swan's quill1 and bear a remarkable gloss3 in the dry season they are cut1 and1 after being stripped of the parched remains of their leaves1 are laid parallel on a board1 their ends being previously brought even to a line2 a long wire needle is then passed through the several stems1 as they lie contiguous1 leading after it a piece of packthread1 which is afterwards knotted at both ends1 to prevent its withdrawing either way4 ,four or five of these stitches are made in the same parcel of seerky2 after which1 it is rolled up breadthwise1 for sale4 ,each parcel may be from two feet to a yard in breadth1 and the stems composing it may be about four feet in length4 ,the ordinary mode of selling this commodity is by the hundred pieces1 for which from three to ten rupees are given1 according to circumstances4 ,it is perhaps singular that ,i should have seen seerky in use among a groupe of gypsies in ,essex3 in ,india1 those itinerants1 whose habits and characters correspond with this intolerable species of banditti1 invariably shelter themselves under seerky2 which1 being remarkably light1 and1 when doubled or trebled1 completely water-proof1 enables them to construct a very comfortable cabin in a few minutes4 ,it often happens1 during the rainy season1 that part of a thatch sinks1 or rots1 and admits the passage of water to the interior2 in such case1 a piece of seerky1 properly placed1 causes the water to flow over the defect3 when that article cannot be had1 it is found expedient to throw a few pecks of chaff1 or straw cut very small1 upon those parts requiring relief2 the chaff is drawn in by the percolating fluid1 but1 being obstructed in its passage1 swells in consequence of the continued moisture1 and thus1 in a short time1 usually stops the leaks4 ,the mode of putting on a thatch above described1 is confined to certain parts of the country2 in other places1 they put the grass on in a reversed position1 as we do our wheat stubble thatches1 the part which grew uppermost being placed lowest4 ,but throughout the country1 all thatching is done horizontally1 and not vertically1 as among us3 the ,indian thatcher begins at the bottom2 whereas we commence at the side of a thatch3 we thatch with skewers and rods of hazel1 c42 they with bamboo laths and twine made of grass2 the latter being passed to and fro by means of long needles1 made extemporaneously of bamboo1 c4 ,the doors used by the natives are generally made of such wood as the neighbouring country may afford1 and consist of a few vertical planks1 kept together by two1 or more1 horizontal battens2 the fastenings are1 for the most part1 made by staples and hooks1 into which strong wooden bars slip1 and unslip1 with ease4 ,the windows are always very small1 perhaps not more than two feet square1 and are closed by means of wooden shutters1 having exteriorly a jaump1 made of bamboo battens and mats2 which1 being firmly put together1 and suspended at their upper borders by hooks1 or rings1 fastened into the wall1 or into the wooden plate covering the aperture1 may be raised1 as though on hinges1 to any desired elevation1 and preserved therein1 by bamboo stilts1 made either with forked ends1 or having small blocks of wood nailed to them1 to prevent their points from passing through the mats4 ,the same kind of defence is used for doors in general1 but of a much larger size than for windows2 when raised1 they certainly are extremely useful in keeping off the sun and rain2 when lowered1 so as to lie parallel with1 and close to1 the wall1 they are an admirable defence against wind and dust2 though both will find their way through the several small apertures in sufficient quantity to prove highly unpleasant at certain times4 ,in houses constructed by the natives1 the windows are placed very high up2 sometimes scarcely allowing a person to look out4 ,this is done for the sake both of privacy1 and of coolness2 as the rarefied air is better enabled to make its escape1 than when the apertures are low4 ,thus1 most of the houses built by the ,french at ,chandernagore1 c4 are far cooler than those formerly built in ,calcutta2 owing to the windows of the former being carried nearly to the tops of the rooms1 while the latter have often seven or eight feet of wall above them4 ,it has several times happened1 that persons sent up to work at the timbers supporting the flat roof above1 have fallen from their ladders1 or scaffolds1 in consequence of the air in the upper part of the room being unfit for respiration4 ,as to chimnies1 they are utterly unknown among the natives3 though1 in some cottages1 an aperture is left for the escape of smoke1 but rather by neglect than by design4 ,the smoke must escape when and how it can2 but1 it does not incommode a native a thousandth part so much as it does an ,european1 who must suffer some inconvenience at the best of times1 when a fire is lighted within the sitting room2 but1 when green wood is put on1 the latter cannot stand its effects4 ,the former will1 even at such moments1 often be seen smoking his goorgoory1 as though the atmosphere were not sufficiently burthened with fuliginous particles to amuse his lungs4 ,victuals are rarely cooked within the house1 when the weather permits of that operation being performed in the open air2 indeed1 few persons1 who are not extremely poor1 are without some little shed1 under which it may be carried on at all times4 ,the exterior surface of the wall is rarely plastered1 even with mud2 it being an object to preserve it rough1 in order that the large cakes of cow-dung1 intended for fuel1 may be stuck up against them1 and there be thoroughly dried by the sun2 which is generally effected1 in exposed situations1 and in fair weather1 in one1 or two1 days1 at the utmost4 ,these cakes1 called gutties1 burn admirably well2 making a fire not unlike that resulting from good peat4 ,the interior is usually smoothed all the way up1 or at least for about three feet from the floor1 and smeared with a solution of cow-dung1 as is the floor itself1 which is rarely made of any thing but clay1 well rammed down1 or perhaps of tarras2 but1 the latter is too costly for most individuals1 and1 though indicating riches1 does not give so much satisfaction to the proprietor4 ,in some houses1 a few joists of rough wood are thrown across from the top of one1 to that of the other1 wall2 perhaps at a yard or more asunder3 some few instances may be adduced1 perhaps1 in each village of note1 of a slight kind of flooring1 either of rough planks1 not fitted together1 or of bamboo laths1 being made above the joists1 for the accommodation of luggage1 or for the dormitory of some of the family2 but1 with such exceptions1 the only use made of the upper part is for the lodgement of brush-wood1 bamboo poles1 ladders1 farming utensils1 mats1 nets1 c4 c41 according to the occupant's profession4 ,the private apartments are commonly separate from what we should call the #8keeping room1' and have a separate entrance1 if under the same roof2 it is1 however1 very common to allot some detached building1 having a compound divided off1 and perfectly sequestered from the other accommodations1 set apart for the zenanah1 or female part of the family4 ,the horses1 oxen1 cows1 c41 are commonly picketted out in the open air when the weather permits2 having a large trough of mud to receive their chaff4 ,during great heats1 or heavy rains1 they are sheltered under sheds made for that purpose1 and for the preservation of the palanquin1 dooly1 r'hut1 or other vehicle the occupant may possess4 ,sometimes the kine are kept under the same roof with the major-domo1 and all his family4 ,candles are not used in the houses of the natives1 especially of the ,hindus1 who would consider the presence of a lump of tallow within their areas1 as sufficient to pollute whatever they might contain4 ,all use oil1 which1 being poured into a small earthen vessel1 nearly in the shape of a heart1 or of a peepul leaf1 called a churraug1 is placed in one of the numerous niches made in every wall1 at perhaps four feet above the floor3 the wicks are chiefly made of slips of rag1 about a foot long1 rolled up to the thickness of a goose-quill4 ,for more immediate use1 the churraug is often placed on a stem of wood1 having a broad base1 or a cross1 to support it1 and a small block at its summit1 hollowed out to receive the bottom of the lamp4 ,some use brass apparatus1 and1 in a very few instances1 the stems1 or pillars1 are made with a slide1 so as to vary the height of the churraug2 which1 in such case1 assumes the more dignified appellation of pilsoze3 the ordinary height of the lamp from the floor1 including the plinth1 pillar1 and capital1 may be from twenty to twenty-six inches4 ,snuffers are unknown2 their place is sometimes supplied by the fingers1 but more generally by a pair of scissors1 or a pair of duspannahs1 7i4e4 tongs17 such as are used by hookah-burdars4 ,the oil in use for lamps is that already spoken of1 extracted from the sesamum1 of which the refuse cake is given to favorite oxen1 c4 ,although charpoys1 or small beds1 are in use among all classes1 the generality prefer sleeping on mats1 which are infinitely cooler than any beddings4 ,the whole of the apparatus for a dormitory may be comprised in a very short catalogue2 namely1 a durmah-mat1 made from coarse reeds split open and laid flat1 with the glossy surface uppermost2 perhaps a satrinje1 or small cotton carpet1 a chudder1 or sheet1 to wrap round the body1 and a tuckeah1 or pillow1 stuffed very hard4 ,in cold weather1 a goodry1 or quilt2 perhaps1 indeed1 two1 may be added4 ,curtains are out of the question1 as are all those paraphernalia which luxury has introduced among us4 ,a peek-daun1 or spitting pot1 made generally of phool1 which is a very tolerable kind of tutenagne1 is always placed at the bed side1 and is ever resorted to when chewing the pawn1 or beetle4 ,the vine bearing the aromatic leaf so called1 is most carefully cultivated in many parts of the country2 the whole being supported on trellisses made of reeds1 and small bamboos1 to the height of about five feet4 ,the situation must be very dry2 hence1 the banks of old tanks1 and other such elevated sites1 are chosen for cultivating the pawn1 of which it is said a bigah will produce1 in the vicinity of any populous city1 full two hundred rupees yearly2 provided the vines be of the sunhah1 or true sort2 which is easily known by the yellowness of the borders1 and ramifications1 of the leaf4 ,this species is far more pleasant to the palate than the common green kind2 which is1 besides1 tough1 and possesses a certain acrid quality4 ,beetle1 or pawn1 is prepared by carefully picking out any defects in the leaves1 and by removing the stalks up to their very centres2 four or five leaves are then laid one above the other1 when the upper one is smeared with shell-lime1 a little moistened with water4 ,the seeds of the elatchee1 or cardamom1 are added1 together with about the fourth part of a beetle-nut1 7that is1 of the areca17 and1 the whole being lapped up by folding the leaves over their contents1 the little packet is kept together in its due form1 which is usually triangular1 by means of a slice of beetle-nut1 cut into a thin wedge1 so as to transfix it completely4 ,it is common to see a whole family partaking of pawns1 the chewing of which occasions the saliva to be tinctured as red as blood3 they certainly are fragrant1 and excellent stomachics2 but their too frequent use produces costiveness1 which1 in that climate1 ever induces serious illness4 ,the saliva will not be tinctured1 if the chunam1 7i4e4 the lime17 be omitted2 hence1 it is evident that the alkali produces the color from the juices contained in the pawn4 ,the color thus obtained does not stain linen4 ,some use the k'hut1 which is the same as our ,terra ,japonica1 and is procured by bleeding various kinds of trees1 principally the mimosa1 abounding in most of the jungles 7or wildernesses73 a small quantity1 about the size of a pea1 broken into several pieces1 is mixed with the other ingredients1 before the leaves are lapped over1 and transfixed with the spike of beetle1 or1 perhaps1 with a clove4 ,the k'hut is not1 in my opinion1 any thing in favor of the pawn1 and certainly adds to that noxious quality above mentioned4 ,some persons attribute the blackness of the teeth1 in both males and females1 throughout ,india1 to the use of pawn2 under the opinion1 that the discoloration is effected by the lime blended therein4 ,such is1 however1 wide of the fact3 pawn is found to be highly favorable to the gums1 when the lime is omitted2 and so sensible are those who chew it of the bad effects produced by the alkali upon the enamel of the teeth1 that1 in order to preserve them from corrosion1 they rub them frequently with the preparation called missy2 thereby coating them with that black substance which does not readily give way1 even to the most powerful dentifrice4 ,i strongly suspect1 however1 that1 in thus shielding the teeth from the alkali1 some injury is done to the enamel by the supposed preservative2 though by no means to that extent the former would speedily effect1 but for the use of missy4 ,the natives only chew the pawn1 rejecting the masticated ingredients when their flavor has been extracted2 some reject even the saliva tinctured by the pawn1 spitting it out into the peek-daun4 ,a few1 not content with the compound already described1 absolutely mix tobacco1 previously reduced to a coarse powder1 by rubbing the dried leaves with the thumb in the hollow of the other hand6 ,one would think that #8potent weed' must supersede all its companions1 and cause them to be as little tasted1 as though they had not been crowded into the jumble of flavors4 ,i have already explained1 that earthen pipes1 such as those we call #8,dutch pipes'1 are not known in ,india2 but that the hookah1 kaleaun1 and goorgoory1 are in general use1 among the several classes respectively4 ,the lowest classes of ,europeans1 as also of the natives1 and1 indeed1 most of the officers of country-ships1 frequently smoke cheroots1 exactly corresponding with the ,spanish segar1 though usually made rather more bulky4 ,however fragrant the smokers themselves may consider cheroots1 those who use hookahs1 hold them to be not only vulgar1 but intolerable6 ,hence1 we sometimes see a whole congregation of the latter put to the route by some one unlucky visitor1 who1 either from ignorance1 of from disregard to the feelings of his more delicate participators in #8the cloudy regale'1 mounts his cheroot2 thus abrogating all distinctions of musk1 cinnamon1 rose-water1 c4 in a trice4 ,the natives smoke cheroots without any precaution whatever to guard the lips and teeth from the highly acidulated fumes derived from the burning tobacco1 but when1 as has sometimes been the case1 cheroots were brought into fashion1 though but for a while1 it was found expedient to have small silver or earthen sockets made1 to receive the end of the cheroot2 thereby avoiding contact with the tobacco4 ,the natives1 whether male or female1 never use any sort of dentifrice1 nor have they any idea of hair-brushes2 which could not1 indeed1 according to their tenets1 be admitted within the mouth4 ,the only apparatus employed for cleaning the teeth1 is a short piece of stick1 commonly the branch of some bush1 pulled at the moment for the occasion3 this is either beat or chewed1 for a short time1 until the fibres1 for about half an inch at the end1 separate1 and form a kind of stiff brush1 which is applied at right angles to the teeth4 ,this is not a very delicate implement1 but1 when aided by a plentiful supply of water1 answers tolerably well2 though it certainly can never prevent the accumulation of tartar within the teeth4 ,necessity has made me sometimes use the dauntwun1 as it is called1 but not without leaving considerable soreness about my gums4 ,the ladies of ,hindostan smoke their goorgoories in very high stile2 as do those of inferior rank their nereauls1 or cocoa-nuts1 with no less glee4 ,it would1 perhaps1 be difficult to decide which of the sexes were most addicted to this habit3 they both begin at a very early age1 and are never so happy as when engaged in its practice4 ,after a while1 we become reconciled to seeing females smoking2 though ,i must confess1 that1 however delicate the preparation of the tobacco may be1 and however elegant the apparatus1 still a certain idea1 not very conformable to feminine propriety1 creeps into our minds1 when we see an ,european lady thus employed4 ,we revolt at a habit not authorized by what we have been accustomed to in our early youth1 and consider it an intrusion upon masculine characteristics4 ,several ladies have gone yet further1 by adopting the entire costume of the natives2 a circumstance which1 however gratifying it may have been to themselves1 by no means raised them in the estimation of those whom they imitated2 while1 at the same time1 it gave birth to opinions1 and occasionally to experiments1 by no means favorable to their reputation4 ,the same kind of ridicule attaches equally to gentlemen1 who at times allow their whiskers to grow1 and who wear turbans1 c41 in imitation of the ,mussulmans of distinction4 ,their countrymen1 though perhaps tacitly1 censure such imitations1 when arising from caprice2 and the ,mussulmans regard these renegadoes in costume much the same as we do such of the natives1 as1 being smitten with our general character1 and partaking of our pastimes1 lay aside their appropriate garments in favor of jackets1 jockey-caps1 boots1 and leather inexpressibles6 ,some1 indeed1 do more2 they sit at table1 and devour1 with no small degree of eagerness1 the viands prepared according to ,english fashion2 washing them down with copious libations of ,claret and ,madeira1 to the utter degradation of their persons1 and reputation1 in the eyes both of their new1 and of their old1 companions4 ,but there is a certain happiness apparently attendant upon this species of infatuation2 what is lost in public opinion being invariably gained in self-sufficiency2 while every little ironical compliment is construed into superlative eulogium4 ,the present ,nabob ,vizier of ,oude1 ,saadut ,ali1 many years ago1 when compelled to reside at the ,presidency1 under serveillance of the ,bengal government1 in consequence of the jealousy entertained by his brother1 the late ,asoph ul ,dowlah1 affected to enter upon this kind of apostacy4 ,i believe1 every one saw through the veil1 though he hunted with fox-hounds in our style1 and assimilated in many other points2 but the essentials were carefully preserved from metamorphosis4 ,many characters1 such as ,i have described1 could be quoted1 but the most particularly appropriate to my subject is that of ,mirza ,abu ,taleb ,khan1 who embarked in the same ship with me1 for the purpose of proceeding from ,bengal to ,england1 where he was at first received as a general and prince2 merely owing to an empty title conferred on him at the ,nabob ,vizier's court1 about as important as that of a ,windsor ,knight4 ,this hero did not1 it is true1 adopt our costume altogether1 though he became a kind of #8half and half1 like the sea-calf at ,sir ,ashton's2' but he had the impudence to assert1 that his paltry lodgings in ,gresse-,street1 7above all places under the sun17 were graced by the nocturnal visits of several ,peeresses of the most exalted character2 many of whose names he most scandalously1 and ungratefully1 disclosed6 ,i say1 ungratefully1 because it was impossible for me to believe that ladies of such character could have stooped to such conduct2 although1 in consequence of suitable introductions1 they had received him at their houses in that hospitable manner ever adopted in favor of respectable foreigners4 ,the ,mirza1 very probably1 may have been imposed upon by some low women1 who made him the ,falstaff of their drama2 and1 by assuming the titles of our nobility1 flattered his vanity to an extreme6 ,yet1 supposing this to have been the fact1 how are we to find an apology for that open boast he made of the supposed intimacy6 ,but vanity was his motto2 he studied singularity in many instances2 he studied also celebrity2 and would willingly have impressed us with an opinion1 that1 from ,hafiz down to the ,plenipo'1 his abilities were triumphant4 ,let us compare him with the former1 whose poetry charmed his countrymen6 ,,ode ,,by ,,hafiz4 ,sweet maid1 if thou wouldst charm my sight1 ,and bid these arms thy neck infold2 ,that rosy cheek1 that lily hand ,would give thy poet more delight ,than all ,boara's vaunted gold1 ,than all the gems of ,samarcand4 ,boy1 let yon,a liquid ruby flow1 ,and bid thy pensive heart be glad1 ,whate'er the frowning zealots say3 ,tell them their ,eden cannot show ,a stream so clear as ,rocnabad1 ,a bow'r so sweet as ,moselly4 ,oh6 when these fair1 perfidious maids1 ,whose eyes our secret haunts infest1 ,their dear destructive charms display1 ,each glance my tender breast invades1 ,and robs my wounded soul of rest1 ,as ,tartars seize their destin'd prey4 ,in vain with love our bosoms glow2 ,can all our tears1 can all our sighs ,new lustre to those charms impart8 ,can cheeks1 where living roses blow1 ,where nature spreads her richest dies1 ,require the borrow'd gloss of art8 ,speak not of fate--ah6 change the theme1 ,and talk of odours1 talk of wine1 ,talk of the flow'rs that round us bloom3 ',tis all a cloud1 'tis all a dream2 ,to love and joy thy thoughts confine1 ,nor hope to pierce the sacred gloom4 ,beauty has such resistless pow'r1 ,that ev'n the chaste ,egyptian dame ,b ,sigh'd for the blooming ,hebrew boy3 ,for her how fatal was the hour1 ,when to the banks of ,nilus came ,c ,a youth so lovely and so coy6 ,but ah6 sweet maid1 my counsel hear1 7,youth shall attend when those advise ,whom long experience renders sage72 ,while music charms the ravish'd ear1 ,while sparkling cups delight our eyes ,be gay2 and scorn the frowns of age4 ,what cruel answer ,i have heard6 ,and yet1 by heav'n1 ,i love thee still3 ,can aught be cruel from thy lip8 ,yet say1 how fell that bitter word ,from lips which streams of sweetness fill1 ,which nought but drops of honey sip8 ,go boldly forth1 my simple lay1 ,whose accents flow with artless ease1 ,like orient pearls at random strung2 ,thy notes are sweet1 the damsels say1 ,but oh1 far sweeter1 if they please ,the nymph for whom these notes are sung6 ----- ,footnote ,a3 ,a melted ruby is a common periphrasis for wine in the ,persian poetry4 ,see ,hafiz1 ode #bb4 ,footnote ,b3 ,zoleikha1 ,potiphar's wife4 ,footnote ,c3 ,joseph4 ----- ,now for my friend1 the ,mirza2 who while in ,england1 published a small collection of poetry he had addressed1 in the ,persian language1 7most ably translated by ,george ,swinton1 ,esq47 to a young lady1 of whom we are to suppose he was deeply enamoured4 ,in this rhodomontade1 which conforms exactly with ,indian hyperbole1 there are certainly some figures which cannot fail to strike an ,european2 yet are they mere common-place expressions1 familiar to every native who has been introduced to that labyrinth of poetical absurdity1 so delectable among ,asiatics4 ,take the following extracts from the poems at large1 as a specimen of the author's talents4 ,praise of her ,ornaments #8,upon this ear hangs a cloud surcharg'd with lightning2 ,or is it ,venus sits enthroned in her ear-ring8 ,on that ear1 behold ,jupiter augments her beauty2 ,in one morning who ever saw both constellations8 ,since the lobe of the ear is the polar-star of the world of elegance1 ,her ear-rings are the ,greater and ,lesser ,bears which revolve around6' ,here we have fustian for metaphor1 and a most un-astronomical dissertation on ,jupiters1 ,venuses1 ,polar-,stars of elegance1 together with big and little ,bears revolving around them6 ,how will ,herschell stare when he reads of this new system6 ,praise of her gait and stature4 #8,from the extreme fineness of her waist1 ,the shadow of her ringlets is a burthen to her stature4 ,her stature is a cypress when she walks1 ,but it bears1 however1 the fruit of seedless pomegranates4 ,she moves more gracefully than the water of life4 ,like me1 the pheasant and partridge are lost in astonishment4 ,although she should tread on the pismire at her feet1 ,its smallest hair would receive no injury4 ,yes1 it is for this that she treads so lightly1 ,under every step lie a hundred souls6' ,the following may be considered the very acm of absurdity6 #8,when they wash'd pearls and the moon pure ,with ,,birds' ,,milk1 they have modell'd the globes of her breast6' ,and again1 #8,her chin is not an apple of the garden1 ,it is a ,,well full of the water of life6' ,and1 once more1 again1 #8,her lip demands tribute from sugar-candy1 ,the ,,blood ,,of ,,wine is its only nourishment6' ,why1 really1 if some other parts of the work did not assure us that the object of adoration possessed every virtue1 and every agreeable quality1 the world might be induced1 by the foregoing lines1 to consider her a most incorrigible toper6 ,let not these samples serve for all the poets of ,hindostan1 though they may suffice to exhibit that fantastic illusion which characterizes them in general3 some authors1 natives of ,india1 have afforded proofs of genius1 such as leave us to lament that their talents were not duly cultivated and patronized4 ,the following little canzonet1 translated from the poems of ,yuqueen1 a celebrated ,hindostanee author1 happens to lie open before me1 seeming to offer itself for quotation4 ,i think my readers will admit1 that1 though it does not indicate inspiration1 yet that it breathes the spirit of pathetic numbers4 ,,the ,,daffodil4 ,one day among the tombs ,i stray'd1 ,where many slighted lovers lay3 ,a daffodil ,i there survey'd1 ,which seem'd in grief to pine away6 ,enquiring why it hung its head8 ,and why in grief it seem'd to pine8 #8,i am the eyes of him1' it said1 #8,who lies beneath this lowly shrine6' ,like me1 sad emblems of despair1 ,still seek they to behold again ,that cruel1 that relentless fair1 ,who wrought his death by her disdain6 ,it does1 alas6 from this appear1 ,that ,love admits of no release2 ,torments its vot'ries while they're here1 ,nor can the grave afford them peace6 ,without upholding this little production as a prodigy1 it may1 perhaps1 be safely adduced as a contrast to those beauties ,i have selected from the ,mirza's little book of great wonders4 ,the frequency of fires1 occasioned by the common practice of thatching houses1 has caused many regulations to be adopted1 in regard to what ,europeans commonly call the #8,black ,town' at ,calcutta4 ,about twenty years ago1 the principal streets were considerably widened1 and the whole of the new tenements were ordered to be tiled4 ,this created some dissatisfaction at the time1 yet has not only been of great advantage to the inhabitants at large1 but is now confessed1 by the natives1 to have been highly beneficial1 both to their health1 and to their convenience4 ,formerly1 it was common to see immense piles of grass all along the banks of the river1 brought thither for the purpose of supplying persons who might have occasion to thatch2 of late years1 however1 the quantity has been considerably reduced2 there being not a twentieth part of the former demand4 ,many of these stacks doubtless contained full #bj1jjj1 or #be1jjj cubic feet1 and would have formed a diminutive representation of the infernal regions1 had they taken fire2 to which accident they were subject equally with any part of the town4 ,owing to the cheapness of bamboos and mats1 as well as to the immense value of land at ,calcutta1 most of the natives build their huts chiefly of those materials2 the whole of the uprights1 rafters1 c41 being of bamboo1 and the walls1 partitions1 c41 being of mats1 supported by bamboo laths4 ,the roofs are first covered with mats1 or seerky1 and then tiled1 generally with that kind called nullies1 which are about eight inches in length1 representing the half of a truncated hollow cone1 whose base may be about four inches in diameter4 ,these nullies are commonly laid upon roofs1 at an angle of about #cj of elevation from the horizon2 but the chuppers1 or grass-thatches1 usually are constructed at full #dj4 ,at the military stations1 where grass is invariably in use for the covering in of the cabins of the sepoys1 c4 it is usual to order the surfaces of all thatches to be smeared with mud2 from about ,november1 to the setting in of the rains4 ,many very extensive lines owe their safety to this precaution2 whereby not only are sparks prevented from communicating with the grass1 which usually is as prompt as tinder in taking fire1 but even when the thatch is partially kindled1 the flames are greatly impeded1 and more easily subdued4 ,the walls of huts being very frequently made of grass1 tied in between bamboo laths2 7like those fences we sometimes see put to folds in yeaning time1 to keep the lambs warm during the night27 require to be well coated with mud3 otherwise1 they would be constantly subject to accension1 in consequence of the too common practice of making the choolah1 or fire-place1 very near thereto2 thus endangering both from the flame1 and from the embers4 ,as to putting out a fire that has once got firm hold of a plain thatch1 it is a hopeless business3 the only chance of saving the street1 is to pull down all the neighbouring huts4 ,this is not attended with that loss to which our ,european towns would be subjected by such a preventive2 since1 generally speaking1 a very tolerable hut1 fit for the accommodation of a moderate family1 may be built1 complete1 for about the value of a guinea1 or even much less4 ,although water is generally at hand1 there being abundance of wells1 or tanks1 or puddles1 in the vicinity of every village1 still it is deemed necessary1 by gentlemen whose bungalows1 c41 are contiguous to bazars1 7or markets17 or to the lines of native troops1 c4 where thatches are numerous1 to have large vessels fastened along the ridge-poles of their stables1 and other out-offices4 ,these being constantly kept full of water1 prove an immense aid towards the preservation of those buildings on which they are placed3 since1 in case of any neighbouring conflagration1 it is easy for one or more persons to wet the thatch very thoroughly2 or they may reserve the water until the moment of exigency1 to be thrown upon any part that may be in immediate danger4 ,if the thatch should have taken fire1 so as to render it imprudent for persons to ascend to the pots1 they1 being rather brittle1 may always be broken to pieces by throwing bricks1 or clods1 c4 at them4 ,some gentlemen adopt the precaution1 above described1 of plastering the thatches of their out-offices with mud2 but1 such a procedure is highly impolitic1 in respect to edifices intended to be durable2 as the white-ants never fail to visit such plastered thatches1 and to destroy the grass entirely3 sometimes they even eat the timbers4 ,tiles certainly offer greater security than thatches1 but they are insufferably hot2 causing every thing placed under them to warp1 crack1 and otherwise to perish3 tiled stables are found to be very injurious to the health of cattle4 ,the best plan ,i ever saw1 was to have a coating of tiles1 laid in mortar on a thatch2 but1 for such a mode of construction1 very substantial timbers were requisite4 ,this not only insured from fire1 but from leaks also2 and rendered the interior remarkably cool during the hot season4 ,the long continuance of the periodical rains1 which often fall in torrents for whole days1 and frequently keep drizzling for near a week1 with little or no intermission1 renders it necessary to protect all exterior walls by copings1 either of tiles1 or of thatch4 ,the former mode is effected by small tiles1 laid in the usual manner1 but cemented with lime mortar2 or by immense large ones1 nearly semi-cylindrical1 whose curve may measure full a yard1 and whose breadth may be from fifteen to twenty inches2 the thickness1 perhaps1 an inch and a half4 ,these last are merely slung over the top of the wall1 which is formed so as to retain them firmly1 and are overlapped about two or three inches4 ,the thatches are generally made with a double pent1 each face being about a yard in depth3 they are secured by being fastened together at their junction above1 and by means of stakes passing through the wall2 to these their eaves are tied with grass1 or coarse hempen twine4 ,nothing can be more uncomfortable than a leaky bungalow6 ,the water trickles down the walls1 dissolving the coat of mud1 or sand plaster1 and greatly disfiguring the interior4 ,it often happens1 that the outer walls are so far damaged by heavy rains1 accompanied by a driving wind1 as to be rendered unserviceable in the course of a night2 the whole being completely sapped through4 ,after such weather1 the damages are frequently extensive2 the walls surrounding gardens1 c4 though substantially built1 and duly coped1 are seen to give way for scores of yards2 falling with a tremendous crash4 ,this is usually occasioned by some ditch near their bases1 which1 being filled by the heavy rains1 that soak into the banks1 in a few hours yield to the great weight on their borders4 ,fortunately1 such damages are speedily repaired at no very great expence2 a rod of wall about eight feet high1 and averaging two feet in thickness1 being generally built for about ten shillings3 in some places for half that sum4 ,most of the bungalows built by ,europeans are run up with sun-dried bricks2 usually of a large size1 eight of them making a cubic foot2 each being a foot long1 six inches broad1 and three inches thick4 ,with these1 in a proper state for building1 work proceeds at a great rate1 but much care must be taken that the mortar1 that is1 the slime used for cement1 be of a proper consistence1 and be well filled in4 ,bricks are generally made in wooden moulds1 which1 being laid on some level spot1 previously swept1 so as to remove stones1 c41 are filled with mud2 the surface is then levelled1 either with the hand1 or with a strike1 when the mould is raised1 by means of handles1 and washed in a large pan of water1 and then placed on a fresh spot1 contiguous to the brick already formed4 ,an expert laborer in this avocation1 will1 if duly supplied with mud1 and water1 make from #bjjj to #bejj bricks daily of the above dimensions3 it will usually require one laborer to mix the soil1 one to supply water1 and two hand-barrow men1 to keep one brick-maker in constant work3 the whole expence may be about sixteen or eighteen pence3 the same quantity of work done in ,england would cost full as many shillings4 ,some of the rauz1 or bricklayers1 in ,india1 are very clever1 so far as relates to mere practical operations2 but they have not the smallest idea of planning from paper1 or on paper2 or of computing the quantities of materials1 or the amount of labor4 ,they work with a small trowel1 much the same as that in use with us1 and chip their bricks1 whether sun-dried or burnt1 with a small hammer1 having either one1 or both1 its face1 of a wedge form1 and about three or four inches long from the insertion of the handle4 ,they preserve the perpendiculars by means of a bell-shaped weight1 commonly of free-stone1 or of lead1 or iron1 to which a long cotton cord is attached1 having on it a piece of wood exactly as long as the diameter of the weight's base4 ,this being pierced in the centre1 and applied endwise to any part1 preserving it1 at the same time1 as nearly horizontal as possible1 points out the exact spot which is perpendicular to the corresponding edge of the weight4 ,supposing a wall to be run up to any height1 if the stick be applied to the upper tier of bricks1 and the weight swings so as just to come in contact with the ground tier1 the wall will be perpendicular4 ,the method is simple1 and the apparatus portable2 therefore ,i may safely recommend their adoption to our workmen2 especially when a large plumb-bevil is not at hand4 ,it is true1 that many of the bricklayers1 employed under regular architects1 may be seen to use our tools of every description2 but this takes place only under such guidance3 in all other instances1 the native bricklayer resorts to the practices of his ancestors2 though1 to say the truth1 they are by no means so unwilling to change for better1 as the opinionated ,british mechanic2 who1 ,i am obliged to confess1 must yield the palm for sobriety1 cheapness1 ingenuity1 and docility1 to the unlettered artisan of the ,east4 ,nevertheless1 ,i am sensible that one ,english workman will #8knock off' more work than two1 or perhaps three1 ,asiatics of the same profession1 and finish that work in higher style2 but1 if we take into consideration1 that the latter employs tools such as the former would pronounce to be useless1 and1 that he learns all by rote1 without the smallest idea of figures1 proportions1 or computations1 we must1 however unwillingly1 give a verdict by no means partial to our countrymen4 ,another point greatly in favor of the poor ,hindu1 is1 that he exercises not only the profession of bricklayer1 but of plasterer1 tarras-maker1 c4 ,in like manner1 we find the two professions of looaur 7blacksmith7 and burrye 7carpenter7 often exercised by the same individual4 ,i once built a phaeton at ,cawnpore1 solely with the aid of a reputed blacksmith1 who wrought every part of the iron work in a very superior manner1 and constructed the whole of the wood-work in an excellent style4 ,nay1 he made the head1 and lined it with woollen very neatly2 and1 after all1 lent a hand towards the painting4 ,his wages were only eight rupees 7twenty shillings7 monthly1 and he never had been concerned in constructing any kind of vehicle1 except the hackery in common use2 which has already been described4 ,the natives are extremely negligent regarding the strength of their floors2 they seem to be fully satisfied when the places where they lie down on their mats are tolerably dry2 though it is by no means uncommon to see the whole interior so extremely damp1 that1 if any seeds1 such as wheat1 peas1 rice1 c41 happen to fall1 and to be swept to the skirts of the apartments1 such are sure to vegetate2 frequently exhibiting a very promising blade1 before they fall1 rather in consequence of accident1 than of design on the part of the tenants4 ,whatever the flooring may consist of1 whether clay1 or tarras1 that of the eating apartment is1 almost invariably1 smeared with a solution of cow-dung2 which certainly gives a freshness1 and may probably tend to salubrity2 nor is it so devoid of neatness as an ,european would imagine2 but the scent is by no means agreeable4 ,some ornament both the interior1 and the exterior1 of their houses1 by dipping the palms of their hands1 horizontally1 into solutions of ochre1 chiefly red1 and then imprinting the walls with their hands thus colored4 ,these prints are put on irregularly1 by no means proving the taste of the operators1 who1 nevertheless1 consider their huts to be1 7in the language of church-wardens17 #8beautified2' the great consideration is1 however1 to typify the infinite power of the ,creator1 whose hands are supposed to be innumerable1 and perpetually in action4 ,even horses1 especially if white or dun colored1 are very frequently marked in the same manner1 by means of mindy1 7or hinnah27 which1 being reduced to a pulp1 is applied to the part in such form as it may be intended to appear4 ,this plaster1 for ,i know not what else to call it1 is allowed to remain until perfectly dry2 when it commonly cracks and falls off1 leaving a rich barr color2 though1 if not allowed1 either by the animal's restlessness1 or from want of time1 to impart its coloring matter duly1 the stain will shew much fainter2 perhaps not unlike a light mahogany color4 ,the natives rarely omit to tinge about ten inches1 or a foot1 of the extremity of the tail of every light-colored horse with mindy3 sometimes1 also1 at about two inches asunder1 one or two rings are stained in the same manner4 ,nor is this herb restricted solely to the ornamenting1 or1 rather1 the disguising of horses1 oxen c42 the ,hindostanee ladies generally stain the whole of the interior of their hands1 including the fingers1 as well as the soles of their feet1 with mindy2 the tips of all the nails are sure to undergo the operation2 which often compels the party sustaining this gratifying penance1 to sit motionless for hours2 in order that the dye may take a firm hold of the skin4 ,when properly managed1 the stain will remain for at least a month2 resisting every endeavor to wash it out1 and seeming only to yield to the constant growth of the outer skin4 ,it has often occurred to me1 that1 possibly1 an excellent dye for woollens might be obtained from the hinnah1 which1 being inspissated1 or reduced to an extract1 could be imported among our dyers with peculiar advantage4 ,the plant1 which is not unlike myrtle1 is indigenous throughout ,hindostan1 where it is principally employed in making garden hedges1 much the same as yew1 box1 c41 are among us2 but1 owing to its not proving a defence against cattle1 and being of slow growth1 the exterior hedges1 in lieu of being formed of hinnah1 are usually made of baubool1 a species of mimosa1 yielding some gum1 and otherwise extremely serviceable2 both from the excellence of its wood1 for all circular or angular work1 requiring great strength1 durability1 and toughness2 and for its bark1 which is at least equal to that of the oak for tanning4 ,the natives consider the application of mindy to be attended with good effects2 they say it is cooling1 but ,i should rather apprehend it were the reverse1 it being certainly an astringent1 and contributing to check perspiration3 hence1 the hands of such as apply it commonly have a harsh1 dry feel4 ,that it may be a corrective of that scent sometimes attendant upon an habitual discharge from the feet1 may be true2 but1 it remains still to be questioned1 whether the obstruction of such a discharge can be reconciled to prudence3 it is1 however1 a complaint very rarely to be met with in ,india2 doubtless owing to frequent washing1 and to that abundant and general perspiration which shews itself very conspicuously4 ,,end ,,of ,,the ,,first ,,volume ---------------------------------------- -------------------------------- ,transcriber's ,note ,an extended quotation on the private lives of women1 beginning on p4 #cdg1 is continued with each paragraph with an opening single quotation mark1 which convention ends ambiguously1 without comment1 on p4 #djh4 ,the succeeding paragraph begins a section on kite flying4 ,this is the only portion of the book to employ footnotes1 save for those used to annotate a poem beginning on p4 #ejd4 ,those footnotes are moved to follow the paragraph within which they are references1 and a sequenced numerically for uniqueness4 ,notes #c and #g are referenced twice each in the text4 ,the three notes on the poem beginning on p4 #ejd are lettered ,a1 ,b1 and ,c4 ,keeping in mind the vintage of the text1 spelling has generally been followed4 ,in a discussion of language learning1 on p4 #agh1 the phrase 8he added five words each month0 seems an error1 but it is impossible to determine what the author must have meant4 ,hyphenation of compound words can be variable4 ,where it occurs on a line break1 the most commonly used form is assumed4 ,errors deemed most likely to be the printer's have been corrected1 and are noted here4 ,the references are to the page and line in the original4 ,the following issues should be noted1 along with the resolutions4 #aag4a large quantities of good fish ,added4 #afh4c resentment at the villia_/ain's audacity ,transposed4 #afh4ae founded on per_/rejudice ,transposed4 #agh4ai five words sic4 #bcc4be and that the soup is well flavored ,added4 #bec4aa while1 on the other hand1 it is greatly ,added4 depreciated2 #cjd4ab that the ,ooreeahs are ,added4 #cec4bi whenever ,soonees and and ,sheeaus ,removed4 intermarry #cgh4bh ,contrast this simple lamentation ,added4 #chj4bf upon enquiring into the symptoms ,added4 #dda4h roses were collected on different days4' ,removed4