I remain,
Honorable Sir,
in all token of respect,
Master’s writer,
BISSONAUT METRE.’
‘P.S. No tranquillity in house since valve adjourn.—I send for carpenter to make re-unite.’
Those unacquainted with the pedantry of Bengallee writers, may suspect me of coining for the occasion; placing the above on a footing with Smollet’s ‘Horse-spittle of anvil-heads,’ &c.; but I assure my readers, that it is a literal transcript from a note of which the original was in my father’s possession for many years; it is by no means so preposterous as many that have, on account of their ridiculous diction, been published in the Calcutta papers.
The dress of a Bengalleecrannyis exactly the same as that of thesircar, of which tribe he may be considered a relative. The Portuguezecranny, assumes the British dress; but the Armenian invariably retains that of his own country, which is truly becoming. They shave their heads, and wear black velvet bonnets, not unlike a mitre in form. Their vests are of white linen, and reach down to their knees, so as not to conceal the knee-bands of their small-cloaths.Their coats, or tunics, are usually made of colored silk, for the most part purple, lilac, crimson, or brown, and flow loosely rather below their vests; the sleeves are loose, and there is no collar. They use also stockings and shoes; and, when within doors, lay aside their black bonnets, wearing in their stead white skull-caps, round like a small bowl, and often neatly tamboured with colored silks. They have pockets both in their vests, and in their small-cloaths: some wear girdles, under their tunics; and some wear silken sashes.
Having disposed of those who pride themselves as appertaining to thenokeron, it remains to detail the services, &c. of such as come under the general designation ofchaukeron.
TheKhedmutgar, or, as he is often termed, thekismutgar, is, with very few exceptions, a Mussulman: his business is to prepare all the apparatus, and to wait at table. For this purpose, he repairs to the house of his employer shortly after day-break; when, after seeing that the breakfast apartment has been swept, and taking care that the bearers have put on a kettle, he lays the cloth, with small plates, knives, forks, spoons, &c. together with bread, butter, sweetmeats, &c. but reserving all the tea-things for a side-table; at which, if there be nokansamah, he officiates, making the tea, coffee, chocolate, cocoa, or whatever is ordered. Where there isan European lady in the family, she may, perhaps, have the cups, &c. set upon the breakfast table; but, on account of the steam arising from the various preparations, this custom is by no means general; and often, after being persevered in for a while, is relinquished in favor of the bachelor’s mode; which is in every respect, the most comfortable.
Every gentleman must have onekhedmutgar; but the majority keep two, or even more; not only adding thereby to their own expence, but considerably incommoding every party in which they may dine. As every gentleman, when at table, is attended by his own servants, it may easily be conceived, that where two or more are posted behind each guest, a living enclosure is formed, tending by its own exhalations, added to those from their masters, and from the viands, to banish comfort, and to render all artificial means of cooling the apartment perfectly abortive. Hence it is usual, at all public entertainments, to admit but one servant for each person invited: on some occasions a better plan is adopted, namely, that of employing only as many servants as may be deemed absolutely necessary: but this, though obviously judicious, rarely gives satisfaction; habit having so strongly confirmed, what luxury so very insagaciously invented. Gentlemen fixed at Calcutta, or at any place, as residents, cause plates, knives,forks, spoons, napkins, and glasses, to be laid for the whole company; but at all military stations, each guest sends his servant with two plates, a soup plate, a small plate for bones, &c. a tumbler, a long glass for claret, and a smaller for Madeira, a table spoon, a dessert spoon, perhaps also a marrow spoon, two or three knives and forks, and a napkin: these are usually taken to the rendezvous by one of hiskhedmutgars, who accompanies theaub-dar; the latter causing a bearer with abangy, or sling, to carry the apparatus for cooling water.
However luxurious the latter custom may seem, yet I do not know any more gratifying, or more conducive to health. A glass of cold water is at times invaluable!
When seated at table, thekhedmutgarstands behind his master, changing his plates, &c. which are cleaned by servants without; and, either keeping him cool by means of a small hand-fan, made of palm-tree; or driving away the flies with a whisk, called achowry, made of the hair from a wild ox’s tail, or of a peacocks’ feathers, or of the roots of grass, calledcuss-cuss, &c. often, however, these offices are left to a bearer, who likewise stands, behind his master’s chair, for that purpose. After dinner thekhedmutgarsretire to their own homes, and, about sun-set, attend their respective masters, if they have remained; but should theysup where they dined, as is customary where suppers are laid, the attendance is repeated, the same as at dinner time; after which thekhedmutgarsgo to their respective houses, without ceremony. The pay of this menial varies from five, to perhaps ten, rupees monthly; but the generality receive from six to eight. Much depends on the rank of the employer, and whether thekhedmutgaris ever expected to officiate askansamah: such is, indeed, the case with the families of single gentlemen, not in possession of large receipts; but the officiatingkhedmutgaris honored, almost invariably, by all the other servants, with the title ofkhansamah.
Nor is such distinction always ill-bestowed; many of those who serve under gentlemen of a liberal disposition, and who take pleasure in keeping a good table, may fairly competite with, at least, half the servants actually entitled to that designation, in all the knowledge requisite to support its character. Few, however, of those who become thus capable of managing all that appertains to domestic economy, refrain from making attempts to enter the superior circle. Nor are there wanting persons ready to seduce such good servants from the employ of their acquaintances. About eight and twenty years ago, when it was the fashion to wear the hair, both of ladies and of gentlemen, full dressed, a good peruquier was an indispensablepart of the establishment: the great difficulty of procuring persons properly qualified, induced several gentlemen to have lads instructed under those who were known to be expert; this often cost from eighty to a hundred rupees (ten or twelve guineas); but, in many instances, so soon as the pupils had learned the business, offers were made clandestinely from other quarters, sometimes by intimate friends of their masters; when some little disagreement was started so as to give pretext for quitting. I must remark, at the same time, that I believe the gentlemen of India are more scrupulous, and more delicate, in matters of this nature, than those in any other quarter: but we must not expect all to be perfect; still less to be disinterested!
Khedmutgarsare, with few exceptions, the sons ofayahs,dhyes, &c. in the service of European, or native, ladies: their first introduction to the table commonly takes place when about eight, or nine, years of age; at which period children in that quarter are usually smart, intelligent, and well-featured. At first they attend only at home; not receiving any wages, or so little as barely to suffice for clothing: by degrees they become useful, and are allowed to attend abroad. From this it may be concluded, that, too often, a kind of compact, or coalition, takes place behind the curtain, not very favorable to either the pocket, or the brows, of the employer.When we consider the various opportunities both for peculation, and for intrigue, possessed bykhedmutgarsso initiated, we cannot refrain from condemning that practice, which is too generally prevalent; and which we should suppose could not fail to produce some inquietude: such, however, is rarely the case.
The dresses ofkhedmutgarsare generally of the same form; but the quality of the cloth, the length of the skirts, and sleeves, and the trimmings, are matters of great consequence in the eyes of this vain tribe. All endeavor to obtainturbansandcummer-bunds(i.e.waist-cloths) of the same color, and are not the less pleased if a tassel of silver fringe be added to the outer end of the former. During the hot season, acoortah, or vest, reaching at least to the knees, of white calico, or of chintz, is worn; but, during the winter, one of perpet, or other woollen of European manufacture, is held to be more respectable. The long-drawers are ordinarily white, or of striped gingham; though some great favorites, and debauchees, who pride themselves on being favorites among the ladies, often wear a kind of silk stuff, calledgool-budden, such as is used by women above the middle class, and denotes effeminacy, or a disposition to intrigue. The origin of such a type of libertinism may commonly be traced to theharam; probably to that of the fop’s own master.
The office ofMosaulchy, or flambeau-bearer, may be considered another introduction, or rather an apprenticeship, to the foregoing. A lad serving in this capacity should be agile, smart, and careful; having to run for miles as fast as the ordinary rate of a carriage; he will find abundance of work in cleaning boots, shoes, knives, dishes, &c. together with a million of et ceteras, which fit him for the title of ‘Jack of all trades.’ Many valuable articles in glass-ware and crockery, being given to his charge, for the purpose of being washed, it is indispensably necessary that his whole attention be devoted thereto. During the time a lad remains as amosaulchy, he may acquire much experience relating to the duties of akhedmutgar: some are to be seen, in the service of persons in rather low circumstances, acting in both capacities, and carrying the umbrella; which is properly the duty of a bearer: but, where themosaulchyperforms thekhedmutgar’sduties, bearers are rarely kept. Fewmosaulchiesare allowed more than five rupees monthly, and then on the proviso of supplying the flambeaux and the oil, where such are used. The general pay is about four rupees; the master, as is now almost every where prevalent, using a lantern instead of amosaul, (or flambeau,) and supplying ends of wax candles, or whole ones of tallow, for that purpose. Many of this description ofservants begin ascoolies, or laborers, and gradually acquire sufficient insight to be admitted into the services of non-commissioned officers, &c.; whence they take the opportunity of removing into the employ of gentlemen. Others start from the sepoy regiments, in which they have served asgoorgahs, or fags, to some native officer, &c.; but these are more rare; the generality of our sepoys being Hindus, to whom various domestic operations occurring in the families of Europeans are obnoxious, on account of the nature of many aliments in use among us. Themosaul, or flambeau, consists of old rags, wrapped very closely around a small stick; it is generally about two feet in length, and may be two inches and a half in diameter; an iron ring fits on, so as to confine the fire within about an inch at the tip: being refreshed, from time to time, with oil extracted from the sesamum, it burns with great fierceness; as the cloth consumes, the ring is brought back, by means of an old fork, thereby renovating the flame. The oil is either carried in a glass bottle, to the embouchure of which a reed is fitted, to prevent spilling; or it is contained in a brass vessel, made expressly for the purpose, and thence called atale daunny(i.e.oil-pot,) which may hold nearly a quart.
The dress of amosaulchyconsists of a turban, generally colored; a short pair of drawers, reachinghalf way down the thigh, nearly the same as thejangheeahsof the native soldiery; and a cloth, wrapped round the waist. But where this servant is at any time employed to wait at table, he imitates the dress of thekhedmutgar, so far as his pocket may allow. Persons of distinction, among both Europeans and natives, cause theirmosaulchiesto carry what are called branch-lights. These consist of a semi-circular frame of iron, supported on a centre stem, to which the side ribs join; upon the circumference are five or seven spikes, on each of which a smallmosaulis stuck. When they are all lighted, and raised above the head, by means of the stem, they make a great show. Commonly two, or, eventually, three branch-lights, may be seen preceding a great personage, intermixed with his retinue: two or more ordinarymosauls, or lanterns, are also carried near the palanquin, to prevent the bearers from stumbling.
The next upon our list is theHookah-burdar, or preparer of the pipe; a domestic of wondrous consequence with many gentlemen, who give themselves up, almost wholly, to the enjoyment of smoking. Some begin before they have half breakfasted; whiffing away, with little intermission, till they retire to rest: I know not of any custom which becomes so habitual! It is inconceivable how distressed some are, in consequence of theirhookahsnot arriving in timeparticularly when on a march: at such moments, nothing goes right:hookah! hookah! hookah!seem to be the three indispensables towards happiness. Some few may plead in apology, that, without its aid, they would be subject to an irregularity, such as rarely fails to induce severe illness: when this is the case, we cannot censure the practice, provided it be confined to that duration which may produce the salutary stimulus; and which, it is obvious, must be rather weakened, than aided, by the subsequent use of smoke during the rest of the day. To so great an extreme is this carried, that I have known more than one instance of twohookah-burdarsbeing retained; one for the day, the other for the night. Where such prevails, it may be rationally concluded the wages are in proportion: in most services, these may be from ten, to fifteen, rupees per month; occasionally somewhat less, but rarely exceeding; except where excessive partiality for his pipe induces a gentleman to give more, under the common error of expecting satisfaction in proportion to the disbursement. To such an egregious excess has this opinion led some persons, that I have heard of no less than one hundred rupees per month having been given to ahookah-burdar. Yet, many gentlemen, supposed to be judges, were unanimous in declaring, that such high-priced preparations were very inferior to the generality of those obtainedat that moderate expence usually incurred by persons contenting themselves with mediocrity.
In some instances, the whole expence lies with thehookah-burdar, who receives such a sum as may, besides his wages, include tobacco,gools, (or fire-balls,) andchillums, (or sockets for receiving thetowah, or tile,) on which the prepared tobacco is applied. Some even provide thesnakes, or pliable conductors.
With respect to the tobacco used for smoking, ‘tot homines, tot sententiæ;’ in that particular few are to be found of the same opinion: and among those that are, probably more than half are under the grossest deception. The little village of Bilsah, in the Maharrattah country, has been long celebrated, and it should seem not without reason, for the fragrance of the tobacco raised around it. But the quantity of tobacco sold annually throughout Bengal, where it produces from thirty to sixty, and even eighty rupees per maund, (if ascertained to be genuine,) is known to exceed, full an hundred fold, the amount of any crop ever raised at Bilsah. The substitutes are various, but one kind, raised in theBundelcunddistrict, supplies the greater portion; many, indeed, are of opinion that it is not inferior. May not its excellence be owing to the practice, common in that quarter, of sprinkling the plants at harvest time with a solutionof molasses? We know that many fruits yield but little of their flavor, until excited by the saccharine acid: the raspberry may serve to coroborate my position. I have known that very cheap kind of tobacco, theCuggareah, which ordinarily sells for about four rupees per maund, (of 82 lb.) rendered so mellow, and so fragrant, by being worked up with molasses, and kept in close vessels for some months, as absolutely to be admired even by persons who prided themselves on never smoking any but the true Bilsah!
The usual mode of preparing tobacco for thehookah, is by first chopping it very small; then, adding ripe plantains, molasses, or raw sugar, together with some cinnamon, and other aromatics; keeping the mass, which resembles an electuary, in close vessels. When about to be used, it is again worked up well; some, at that time, add a little tincture of musk, or a few grains of that perfume, others prefer pouring a solution of it, or a little rose water, down thesnake, at the moment thehookahis introduced: in either case, the fragrance of the tobacco is effectually superceded; giving ample scope for thehookah-burdarto serve up rankmundungus, (as bad tobacco is termed,) in lieu of the supposed, or perhaps the real,Bilsah.
Thehookah-burdarrarely fails to smoke of the best his master may at any time possess;which, however highly perfumed, will rarely be strong enough for his gratification: the deficiency is supplied by the admixture ofbang; a preparation from the leaves of theganjah, or hemp, (thecannabis sativus,) and is extremely intoxicating. The leaves of that plant, when triturated with water, compose a drink of the same tendency, known by the name ofsubzy, (i.e.green,) which is a constant beverage among the more established sinners, who rarely fail, towards nightfall, to take an ample dose, of eitherbang,subzy, ormajoom: the latter being sweetmeats impregnated with a decoction of theganjah, or hemp plant, much used by all debauchees, and too often admitted within the sacred area of thezenanah, (or haram). The use of any preparation of theganjah, or hemp plant, is attended with much opprobrium: like most intoxicating drugs and spirits, they, in the first instance, excite to gaiety, but ultimately leave their victim in the most deplorable state of stupefaction; the recovery from which is attended with dreadful headache, ill temper, and hypochondria. Somehookah-burdarsindulge freely in the use of musk, which never fails, after a while, to produce considerable derangement of the nerves; and, not unfrequently, that complete debility which is ever attended with the greatest depressure of spirits.
A very common species of debauchery, inwhich I have known only one or two gentlemen to indulge, is the incorporation of opium with the prepared tobacco, previous to its being spread upon thetowah; a custom so repugnant to discretion, as to leave little room for animadversion, the folly being usually of very short duration, and, intermediately, attended with the most abject degradation. Many native princes, and others, who have been hurled from their thrones, or from offices of trust, are said to have been treacherously overcome by means of opium thus administered: it appears to me very practicable, by such a device, to lull a whole guard to sleep; for few can resist the offer of a whiff when thegoorgoory(a small kind ofhookahused by the lower classes) is passing round. Among such trash as is generally sold to the poor, who care not much about the flavor, so long as they can draw abundance of smoke, the opium would probably, if at all tasted, rather give a zest, than prove an objection, to the indulgence. It is asserted, that if a capsicum be put among thegools, or be mixed with the tobacco, fatal consequences will ensue; an instant attack of apoplexy taking place. This I have never known to be done; therefore am incapable of producing any testimony, one way or the other: but it appears rather doubtful whether any reasoning, or analogy, could be adduced in support of the assertion; the acrid stimulus would, in allprobability, be dissipated, rendering the residue as inert as any other raw culinary vegetable. Admitting it to be true, that a capsicum can produce such an effect, a very strong argument against smoking may be adduced: no man would, altogether, relish the idea of being so perpetually in the power of a debauchee, who might, either through resentment, or by a small bribe, be induced to bestow aquietus, without the possibility of a discovery. In such case, thehookah-burdarwould have all the advantages of an inimical cook, without the danger of his narcotic being detected.
However complicated thehookahmay appear, it is, nevertheless, extremely easy of construction. I have been told, that one has been made in England; and I have seen a few in use, that were brought from Bengal. The preparation of the tobacco with apples, in lieu of plantains, is equally simple and approved. Thekaleaun, or small kind ofhookah, used on the west coast of India, is certainly commodious: it has a larger bottom, in general, than the Bengalhookah; though I have seen some very small, with beautiful imitations of flowers, and of coral, shells, &c. within them.
Some of the real Persiankaleaunsexhibit considerable ingenuity, and taste, on the part of their manufacturers. In the centre of the interior, bunches of flowers, beautifully colored, fartoo large, and too delicate, to have been introduced at the embouchures of the vessels, may be seen. Over these, the glass, which is rarely of the best quality, though far superior to any I have seen of Hindostanee formation, has evidently been cast, or blown. Many of these artificial bouquets are, however, made piece-meal, as I discovered by examining their construction, after their exterior cases had been accidentally broken: such were found to consist of a cone of rosin firmly cemented to the bottom of thekaleaun, by heat; it appeared that the several leaves, branches, flowers, birds, &c. were introduced one after the other, in a heated state, and applied to the rosin, in which they buried themselves sufficiently to retain a firm hold. I likewise ascertained that some models of Persian architecture were combined in the same manner; while, on the other hand, others, especially small figures of great personages, seated on thrones, elephants, &c. were never subjected to that device: in the latter instance, some grapes were, however, joined in the manner above described.
Thegoorgooryis a very small kind ofhookah, intended to be conveyed in a palanquin, or to be carried about a house; the person who smokes holding a vase-shaped bottom by its neck, and drawing through a stiff, instead of a pliant, pipe, formed of a reed, arched into such a shape asshould conduct its end conveniently to the mouth. In this, the pipe is rarely more than a yard in length: it is an implement very generally used by the middling classes of natives; and especially among the women inharams.
Theneriaulis nothing more than a cocoa-nut, with the pipe-stem thrust through a hole at its top, and a piece of reed, about a cubit long, applied to another hole rather lower down. The nut-shell, being half filled with water, the air, or rather the smoke, we might suppose would be cooled; but, from observation, I much doubt whether any change takes place in the temperament of either. These littlehookahs, (for, however paltry, their owners do not omit to give them that designation,) are often used without any reed to conduct the smoke; the lips being, in that case, applied to the small lateral aperture into which the reed should be fitted. One of these usually serves half a dozen men, who pass it round with great glee: it often forms an appendage about the feet of a palanquin, if the opportunity offers for securing it there, without master’s knowledge.
The dress of ahookah-burdar, in the service of a gentleman of rank, approaches nearly to that of achobe-dar; ajammabeing generally worn by such, but, in more humble situations, thecourtahof akhedmutgaris common. In the former situation, his office is confined entirelyto thehookah; while, in the latter, he is generally expected to wait at table, at least, on occasion; but wherever the master, of whatever rank, may go, thither thehookah-burdaris expected to proceed, so as to furnish the pipe in due season after dinner, or at any other time it may be required. The ordinary periods for smoking, are, after breakfast, after dinner, after tea, and after supper: such may be deemed regular; and, if no more than two or three charges are used, at each time, are by no means considered extraordinary. I have already stated, that some gentlemen smoke day and night.
In such a climate, water is, during four months, at least, the main spring of existence, both in the animal, and the vegetable, kingdom; consequently, its supply becomes a profession, giving bread to thousands. The person officiating in this capacity, if provided with a bullock for the purpose of conveying two large leather bags, each containing about twenty gallons, is called aPuckaully; but if he carries the water himself, in the skin of a goat, prepared for that purpose, he then receives the designation ofBheesty. The bags for apuckaullyare made of strong hide, sewed very firmly at the front, which is at right angles with the bottom, where the leather doubles, and, consequently, has no seam; the back part, is diagonal, forming a kind of spout behind, opposite the bullock’s knee;while the top is left open, rather in a funnel form, for about a foot that the water may be poured in: the spout is first rolled up, and then tied with a strong strip of leather.
Everypuckaullycarries also a small bag, that he may serve as an ordinary ‘hand-bheesty’, when required. This is made of the skin of a goat, taken off in a particular manner. Being put into a solution of lime, the hair soon quits; when the inside fleshings are carefully scraped off. A tan is then made of the bark ofbaubool, (mimosa),khut, (catechu,) and alum.
Bheestiesare, with few exceptions, Mussulmans; it being contrary to the Hindu code to touch either the carcases, or the skins, of animals killed in any way. Hence, a Hindu of this profession is extremely rare, and will seldom be discovered; owing to the necessity for change of name, so as to pass for a Mussulman. Hindus will, nevertheless, drink of the water supplied from themussock, (orbheesty-bag); though they are extremely partial to such as they can draw themselves, by means of a line and metal pot, with which most travellers are provided. Some few are, to be sure, extravagantly scrupulous, and will undergo excessive thirst, rather than partake of thebheesty’ssupply. Dust, heat, and fatigue, however, rarely fail, after a while, to overcome such ill-timed fastidiousness. Thepuckaullies, or, as they areusually called, thebullock-bheesties, replenish their bags by driving their cattle into sometank, or pond, up to their knees, or even deeper, then baling in the water, by means of a small leather bucket, holding about two quarts, or more. Thehand-bheestyusually sinks his bag under water, when it soon fills. When drawing water from the wells, the leather bucket, called adole, is used by both thepuckaullyand thehand-bheesty.
The constant application of a wet skin to the cloaths on the hip, necessarily disposes them to rot: on this account, mostbheestiesprovide themselves with a piece of cloth, calledkarwah, which, being dyed in grain with a composition, whereof the solution of shell-lac forms a large portion, resists the effects of the moisture, better than any other substance in use for apparel. The wages of ahand-bheesty, may be from four to five rupees, according to the agreement, whether he is to furnish his ownmussock, &c. which is the general mode. His duty, during the cold season, and in the rains, is mere pastime; he has then but little to do beyond the supply of water to horses, and filling a few pots for culinary purposes, bathing, drinking, &c. all of which might be done in half an hour. But in the summer months, his labors are severe. Exclusive of the above requisitions, which are multiplied ten-fold, he has to waterthetatties, (or frames filled with grass,) applied to the windward side of every house, for the purpose of cooling the air; at that season not only uncomfortably hot, but absolutely parching the skin of a person not habituated to its influence. By day-break thebheestymust begin to fill the several tubs, or immensenauds, (pans) of earthen-ware, placed near the house; this being done, he brings thetatties, and after wetting each thoroughly, as it lays on the ground, places it against its respective aperture, supporting it with props, and, during the whole day, indeed often till mid-night, sprinkling it in every part; occasionally replenishing the vessels, as their contents may be expended. Though it cannot be said to occur often, yet, in some very dry seasons, it has been found necessary to continue thebheestiesat their labor during the whole night. I recollect an instance, in the year 1793, when the winds were, if any thing, hotter at night than in the day time; rendering it absolutely necessary to keep thetattiesup for a full week, or more; and demanding additionalbheesties, who performed the night duty.
All the houses in India are tarrased, not only on the basements, but on every floor; therefore, previous to sweeping, thebheestysprinkles the tarras slightly; thereby preventing the dust from rising when the sweeper performs his part.He likewise waters the precincts of the house, several times daily, but especially towards sun-set, when gentlemen usually take their tea in the open air. If going any distance, perhaps two or three miles, in their palanquins, during the prevalence of the hot winds, it is common for persons of respectability to be accompanied by theirbheesties, who carry a small quantity of water in theirmussocks; therewith sprinkling thetattiesapplied to the sides of the vehicle; the interior, which but for this would be insufferably hot, is thereby rendered fresh and cool. Those who do not takebheestieswith them, have theirgutta-topes, (or palanquin covers,) which are ordinarily made of thekarwahbefore described, well soaked in water before they set out: this, though not so effectual as the foregoing mode, is no bad substitute.
Water, when dashed out from the end of amussock, orbheesty-bag, would be apt to penetrate into the interior of a palanquin; and as its expenditure, while proceeding any distance, should be economically managed, a very simple device is in use, which effectually answers every purpose; namely, the introduction of a small rose-head, similar to those affixed to the spouts of garden watering-pots, which being firmly secured within the neck of themussock, by means of the leather throng always attached to that part, divides the water more minutely,and checks its too abundant supply; at the same time that it causes the distribution to be more general and equal.
Tattiesare made of the roots of that long grass of which most of the jungles in India consist, and which correspond exactly with the Guinea grass, once so ridiculously sent to the East as a great acquisition; the fibres are of a rusty brown color, devious in their direction, and may be from ten to twenty inches in length: we see among us cloaths brushes, and carpet brooms, made of it. The Hindostanee name iskuss-kuss, and the general price may be about four rupees per maund, (of 82 lb).
The frame, in which this material is to be enclosed, is made of split bamboo, chequered into squares, of about four inches each way, and in the whole sufficiently extensive to overlap the exterior of the door, or window, to which it is to be applied, at least six inches, or perhaps, a foot, at the sides and above. Thekuss-kussis then placed very regularly on the bamboo frame, as it lies on the ground, in the same manner as tiles; each layer being bound down, under a thin slip of bamboo, extending the full breadth of thetatty. The great art is to make thetattyneither too thick, which would exclude the wind; nor too thin, as it would then let the dust pass through, without rendering the interior sufficiently cool. I found, after muchexperiment, that a maund ofkuss-kuss, applied so as to cover about a hundred square feet, answered extremely well. But it is best to have one or twotattiesmade rather thin; so as to apply in case of light winds: when it blows hard, these may be applied double; one at the back of the other. At such times, the interior of a house will be very cool; sometimes rather too much so; for the great evaporation caused by the heated air’s passage through the cold medium, produces perfect refrigeration.
In the western provinces, and other parts of India,tattiesare frequently made of a short, prickly bush, that thrives during the hottest months on sandy plains, especially in places inundated during the rainy season. This shrub is called,jewassah; its leaves are not unlike, but not so numerous, nor of so deep a green, as those of rue. It is extremely prickly, being every where furnished with spines about the size of a pin. When fresh, thejewassahis most pleasing to the eye, and its scent is equally agreeable; but, after the first day, its verdure disappears, and the whole house is filled with its leaves, and its thorns. Hence, thekuss-kuss, which, when fresh, is rather fragrant, though the scent is somewhat terraceous, is usually preferred in making thosetattieswhich roll up, so as to be particularly applicable to palanquins, and are calledcheeks; wherein nothing butkuss-kussisever employed: where this root cannot be procured, or when in the early part of the hot season, little has come to market, common grass, pared from the soil, or even small boughs, straw, &c. are occasionally used to fill between two frames of bamboo: they answer tolerably when well watered; but, on account of their disposition to rot, soon become objectionable:kuss-kusswill keep for years.
Very fewpuckaullies, orbullock-bheesties, are retained in the service of individuals; such are usually attached to the establishments of barrack-masters, and quarter-masters. They answer admirably for the supply of water at the soldiers’ quarters, and at the hospitals; to whichtattiesare allowed, at the public expence, during the hot season. In most cases, the bullocks that carry the water, as well as the leather bags, appertain to the establishment, and the driver receives only the pay of ahand-bheesty; where he supplies the whole, his pay is from ten to twelve rupees per month.
TheBabachy, or cook, is a servant who may fairly claim very considerable approbation, since he prepares most sumptuous dinners, although he never tastes any of the viands while in a state of preparation; and is, besides, often put to his wits to guard against the joint attacks of dust, wind, rain, sun, and birds of prey. In a regular, settled family, it is true he may haveevery convenience afforded him; such as a substantial and spacious kitchen, with fire-place according to the Indian style; a range of stoves, a scullery, apparatus of all sorts, &c. &c. But when on a march, the case is widely different; he must then turn to with his mattock, and dig a number of holes, to receive his fuel; which is usually green wood, or dried cow-dung; he must makechoolahs, or fire places, by placing three lumps of earth, kneaded into a stiff paste, for eachchoolah, so as to support the boiler it is to receive; he must burn his wood to embers, over which his meat is to be roasted, by means of a small spit; perhaps made of slit bamboo, but if of iron, with a crank at one end, whereby to turn it, as it rests upon twodogs, or iron spikes, driven into the ground, a few feet asunder; he must, in all probability, kill and flay a kid, or two or three fowls; some for curry, others for roasting, &c.; and, perhaps, after all, he may have to turn the spit himself; occasionally looking to the contents of the several boilers, &c.
The fixed roasting place in a permanent kitchen is generally made of two inclined bars of iron, about four or five feet in length, set sloping against a wall, at an angle of perhaps forty degrees. Each of these bars is furnished with eight or ten hooks, in any suitable pair of which the spit is turned by a boy: the spaces underthem, that is to say, the triangle on each side, are filled with masonry, so that the heat may be retained, and the embers be kept within certain bounds.
For roasting in this manner, the embers are divided lengthwise, leaving a vacancy, or kind of trough, under the line of the spit, wherein a metal platter is sometimes set, to receive the dripping, which is returned to the meat by a bunch of feathers, (generally those from the wings of the fowls just killed,) tied to the end of a short stick. This little neat,cleanly, and cheap dripping-ladle, answers admirably; it being in the power of thebabachyto baste any part with great precision. I know not any thing in the culinary way, that proves more uncomfortable to delicate stomachs than the sight of this part of the process; unless it be the very common practice of preparing toast, by means of melted butter laid on either with the above implement, or with a piece of old rag! As for straining soup, &c. through dirty clouts, that is considered as a matter of course; therefore, after a full conviction that it is so, and thatthethesoup is well flavored, very few exceptions are made.
Notwithstanding suchunpicturesqueoperations, the dinner, when brought to table, looks well, and tastes well: appetite, at that time, supersedes daintiness, and prevents the imaginationfrom travelling back to the kitchen; though, to be sure, the number of flies at times found in the sauces, will occasion a disposition to enquire how they got there, and whence they came! These obnoxious visitors rarely fail to visit the purlieus of thebalachy’scamp; where they assemble in swarms; not only covering the garbage, which usually lies but a few paces distant, but settling on the meat, or visiting the stew-pots, &c. where they are overcome by the heat, or fixed by the dripping, &c. Flies may, however, be picked out; but those shoals of dust that skim during the middle of the day, often render the whole dinner absolutely unacceptable. I have been in situations where, although a large table cloth was spread over the knives, forks, &c. as laid for dinner, there has been collected near a pound of sand underneath; while the upper cloth was really covered full a quarter of an inch in depth: those who have been stationed at Lucknow, during the hot season, cannot but confirm my assertion. This never can be altogether obviated in moveable camps; but, when fixed for a while, it is usual to set up mats, orkonauts, (which are walls of cloth, kept upright by ropes and sticks,) on the windward side; whereby the inconvenience may be considerably lessened: but sometimes ab’hoot, or whirlwind, comes suddenly, and not only be-grits the whole ofthe cookery, but whisks away the fences, embers, &c. in an instant!
The boilers in general are made in the country, of copper, tinned; in shape not unlike the common cast-iron pots used throughout the North, without feet, and with the addition of a flat rim projecting about an inch outward, serving both to steady a kind of inverted lid, and, as they have no handles, for thebabachyto apply two wet rags, wherewith to put the vessel off, and on, thechoolah. Tinning is performed by persons who make a livelihood thereby; they receiving a certain sum, from one to two rupees per score, for the several pieces, counting boilers, lids, &c., according to their size. Thekully-ghur, or tinman, uses but few utensils; he has the vessels well scoured, and then, by means of powdered rosin, gives the interior a coating, scarcely distinguishable to the sight, or touch. Some use no rosin; others employ borax; but, whatever the medium may be, or whether there be none, the vessel is heated sufficiently, and equally, over embers, when the tin, being thoroughly melted, is kept rubbing round the interior, with a large piece of fine cotton wool, so long as any will adhere: the vessel is then set to cool.
It cannot require pointing out, that the above mode is retained in vogue entirely by the cheapness, and expedition, with which it is done;were it otherwise, its want of durability, could not fail to give the preference to some more permanent, and less soluble, preparation. But it happens, that tinning can be performed in almost every town; and, that there is rarely occasion to have recourse thereto more than once in two or three months; when a score, of good sized pieces, may be done for as little money as would be charged, by one of our artizans, for tinning a very moderate-sized kettle. Some gentlemen use tin boilers, sent from this country; but, though certainly devoid of the inconvenience, and danger, attendant upon a want of tinning, such are highly objectionable, in consequence of their being so soon burnt through, or rusted, when laid by: notwithstanding the generality ofbabachiesadopt the precaution of smearing the bottoms of most vessels, but of these in particular, with fine clay, sufficiently diluted to be laid on thin and smooth. Our cooks at home might, perhaps, not do amiss, were they to adopt that excellent plan.
Thebabachyhas nothing characteristic in his apparel; he is generally more of a sloven than of a beau, and may often be mistaken for amosaulchy. In some families,mates, or assistants, are allowed, who do the drudgery, and whose pay is often included in that of his superior; in which case, four rupees are the common allowance, though the poor mate seldom receivesmore than half that sum; the cook-major adding the residue, as a perquisite, to his own wages, which may be stated at from six to twelve rupees, according to ability. As in the case ofkansamahs, andhookah-burdars, a few instances may be adduced of exorbitant salaries; but we may generally take the single cook at eight rupees, and the mate at four. Where there is much work, as in taverns, &c., from fifteen to twenty rupees are sometimes given monthly to the headbabachy.
TheDurzy, or tailor, however strange it may appear to those who never left England, is an indispensable domestic in every part of India. It is to be recollected, that all such branches of servitude are there filled by males; except for thezenanah, or haram, where there may be from two to four females; all exclusively attached to the lady. These know nothing of needle-work; not so much as to enable their hemming a petticoat. Under such circumstances, the only alternative is to employ a sempster, who understands cutting out, and making, waistcoats, small-cloaths, pantaloons, shirts, &c.: many, indeed, can make a very tolerable coat, if furnished with a pattern. Thedurzyis invariably expected to be proficient in whatever relates to the apparel of native women, as well as to be a competent judge of the value of different kinds of cloths made in the country; nor is it lessnecessary, that he should know the exact quantity of materials requisite for the several parts of dress. All this science is to be had, at the average rate of seven or eight rupees monthly; thedurzyfinding his own needles and threads.Durziescapable of making gowns, &c. for European ladies, being scarce, and, as I have said in speaking ofkansamahs, much in request, double the latter sum may always be earned by one of moderate skill in that branch. The inferior class ofdurzies, calledkeemah-dozes, who do no fine work, but principally are employed in tent-making, rarely earn more than four rupees monthly: or, if paid by the day, not more than three and a half.
The various pretexts under which thedurzyobtains admission into thezenanah, added to the constancy of his attendance at the house, unless when any purchase is to be made, gives him an admirable opportunity for carrying on intrigue; for which the whole tribe are notorious: hence, if any cause of suspicion appears, thedurzyis the first object of jealousy; when it generally turns out, that, if not the principal, he is accessary, as a go-between.
As a tailor is immediately distinguished among us, so is thedurzyin India instantly ascertained by his gait. Some are personable men, but speedily become emaciated by debauchery; in which their liberal wages enablethem to indulge. Yet they are, on the whole, excellent workmen; finishing apparel of all sorts in a remarkably neat manner, and often fitting with great exactness: but they are devoid of invention; mostly following old patterns, and rarely suggesting the smallest improvement. The dress of adurzymuch resembles that of akhedmutgar; but, in the hot season, the former wear no coortahs, being bare from the waist upwards; sometimes substituting a small cap, (worn only by Mussulmans,) for the turban, which is usually compact and neat.
TheDoby, or washerman, is also exclusively a domestic, washing for only one family; by which it should be understood, that, not only his master’s linen of every description, but thezenanahapparel is given to him to wash, and to iron. Sometimes, however, the latter operation is performed by anIstree-wallah, or ironer; yet this is rare; only taking place in very large families, or in large towns, such as Calcutta, Madras, &c. where proximity of residence renders such a resort convenient: none but box irons are used; and of these a large portion are heated by means of embers shut up in their cavities. Thedobywho washes for a single gentleman, will sometimes, at the risk of severe punishment, or of being discharged, take the linen of low Europeans, or Portugueze, in hand clandestinely: many have, indeed, been detectedin letting out the linen given to their charge. Hence, it is needful to keep a watch over these folks, who commonly take all the foul articles every week, bringing home at that time what they received at the former delivery. The wages vary according to the labor; but from six to ten rupees may be taken as the standard; thedobyfinding soap, and every part of the apparatus, without any demand upon, or reference to, his employer. When an European lady is in the family, some encrease must be made to the pay, on account of the great additional labor; nothing but white being worn at any time. In such case, it is found expedient to have a small apartment appropriated, in which the finer articles may be got up by the lady’s maid.
The usual process of washing in India, is, first to boil all the cloaths in a large earthennaud, mixing plenty of soap, or ley, or sudjee, (fossile alkali,) or wood-ashes, with the water. This operation is called thebutteah; the cloaths are then well rinsed, either in a large tank, or in a running stream, when they are again rubbed with soap, and laid in a heap to soak. After a few hours they are washed again, and, being folded up into whisps, or bundles, of a convenient size, are beaten forcibly on a board, cut into deep transverse grooves, and placed aslant in the water; in which thedobystands immersed up to his knees. After dashing eachbundle several times on the board, he opens and rinses it in the water; repeating the dashing, as though he were beating the board with a flail, until every part of the linen appears to be duly cleansed. If a board is not at hand, (though everydobyhas at least one, of about four feet long, two broad, and four inches thick, with a stout stick wherewith a prop it,) any smooth stone is made to answer. It should seem, that this must be a most destructive method; but experience proves, that the fine calicoes of India will, even under such apparently rough usage, wear longer than our stout linens washed in tubs, &c.
Everydobyhas his drying lines, which are fixed at each end to pins driven into the ground, and then sustained by cross-sticks, on the forks of which the ropes rest. In the rainy season, the cloaths are hung somewhere under shelter, where they soon dry; though not so quick as in the summer months; during which the heaviest articles may be dried in a few minutes. Thedoby’swife, (called thedobin,) usually assists in every part of the process; as do also such of his children as are of an age to be useful. This sect is very peculiar in many instances, it, and that of thecomars, or potters, being the only two privileged to ride, or even to carry burthens, upon asses, without suffering the most ignominious degradation: hence, those animals are jocularlytermed, ’dobies’s palfreys.’ The dress of thedobyis generally very plain, consisting of a turban, adotee, (or waist-cloth,) and achudder, (or sheet,) worn loosely over the body in cold weather. Whendobiesare at work, their lungs aspirate strongly, like those of paviors; which produces a very singular effect; especially if, as is very often the case, several of these board-thrashers are assembled at the same piece of water.
Dobiesare very generally Hindus; and ought, agreeably to the ordinary tenets of that religion, to refrain from touching any animal substance, except leather, when used in the construction of shoes, and implements of war; but a particular exception is made in favor of thiscast, (or sect,) who could not otherwise use soap, when made of suet; though, by far the greater portion of that made in Hindustan, is manufactured with oil expressed from the sesamum.
When on a march, thedobyin each gentleman’s service loads his cloaths, wet or dry, upon his camels, bullocks, cart, &c.: the servant’s own apparatus being conveyed on a donkey; which, in general, is tolerably well burthened with the wife, or some young children, the washing-board, its prop, the drying lines, the sticks, box irons, &c. &c.; forming, in the whole, an abundant accumulation of moveables for so small an animal as an Hindostanee jack-ass; which isseldom to be seen half the size of the common breed we have in England.
AMohoutis a person employed to feed, and to drive, an elephant: most of this profession are Mussulmans, and very dissipated in their conduct. Except at particular periods, on a long march for instance, themohouthas little to do; all the drudgery that relates to bringing in fodder on the elephant, for its own use, as well as taking the animal to water, rubbing it down, oiling its forehead, painting its cheeks with vermilion, or with ochre, putting on the pads, clearing away the dung, with a variety of such matters, being in general done by themate, or deputy, who is often nothing more than acooly, or common laborer, employed for this especial business, but who ultimately succeeds to the charge of an elephant.Mohoutsreceive from three to six rupees monthly: the lowest rates of wages being confined to those countries where elephants are caught; and the highest attainable only in the service of gentlemen of rank; who require this, as well as all other of their domestics, to dress more correctly than such as appertain to persons in less opulent, or less dignified, circumstances.
The duty of amohout, when actively employed, is to sit upon the neck of his elephant, bare-footed, and furnished with an instrument,called ahaunkus, (or driver,) wherewith to guide the animal. This is commonly about twenty, or perhaps twenty-four inches in length, generally made of iron, though some have wooden hafts; the tip is pointed, and, about six inches below it, is a hook, welded on to the stem, forming nearly a semi-circle, whose diameter may be four or five inches. At the butt of the shaft, a ring is let through, for the purpose of fastening thehaunkusto a line; the other end of which is fastened to some soft cord, about half an inch in diameter, passing very loosely eight, or ten, times round the elephant’s neck, and serving, in lieu of stirrups, to keep themohoutfrom falling over to the right or left, on any sudden motion, as well as to retain his feet in their due direction.
When the elephant is to be urged forward, the point of thehaunkusis pressed into the back of his head, while themohout’stoes press under both the animal’s ears: when it is to be stopped, themohoutplaces the hook part against the elephant’s forehead; and, throwing his weight back, occasions considerable pain, which soon induces to obedience: when it is to turn to the left, themohoutpresses the toes of his right foot under the right ear of the elephant, at the same time goading him about the tip of the right ear; thereby causing the animal to turn its head,and to change its direction: to turn to the right,vice versâ. When the elephant is to lie down, in order to be laden, thehaunkusis pressed perpendicularly upon the crown of the head: but most elephants, after a year or two, become very well acquainted with the words of command; obeying them readily, without being mounted, or even approached.
Eachmate, orcooly, is generally provided with a cutting bill, called ad’how, for the purpose of lopping off the lesser branches ofbarghuts,peepuls, and other trees, in common use as fodder. An elephant will usually carry as much of these on his back, as he can consume in two days; but it is not customary to load more than will last for one day, when on a march; as it would be superfluous. Boughs, as thick as a man’s arm, are very easily chewed by this stupendous animal; which often uses one, of full a hundred weight, to drive the flies from its body.
Besides thed’how, eachmateis furnished with a spear, about six or seven feet in length, having a long pyramidal blade, ornamented at its point with a tassel, and armed at its other extremity with a blunter’s pike: the former is used to urge the animal to exertion, themategoading his hind quarters; the latter serves to stick the implement upright in the ground, orto press upon the elephant’s arm while the load is putting on, or the rider ascending into the howdah.
The dress of themohoutis, in most points, similar to that of thekhedmutgar; and that of themateis, if any thing, but little better than the ordinary costume of poor laborers, though their pay may be rated from three to four rupees per month: in those provinces where elephants are caught, provisions are extremely cheap; there, fewmatesreceive more than a rupee and a half, or two rupees. The occupation of amohoutis considered by no means conducive to longevity; a premature decrepitude generally disqualifies after a few years of service. This is supposed to arise from the motion of the elephant; but may, perhaps very justly, be attributed to the too great intervals of leisure, which are generally passed in conviviality.
The health of aSurwan, or camel-driver, is yet more subject to early decay, than that of amohout: the motion of this animal being most oppressively severe; causing such a vibration of the loins as is attended with great pain, and often with suppression of urine, together with tenesmus, especially in tender persons not accustomed thereto. It is said to be less severe when trotting, than when walking: the former I never tried; being perfectly satisfied with agentle ambulation, which made every joint of my vertebræ crack at the time, and ache for some hours after. The dress of this class resembles that of amosaulchyof the superior order; the pay may be from four to five rupees, if in charge of only two camels; but, if three, it is usual to allow a rupee more. The duty consists in seeing the camels fed properly, for which purpose thesurwanproceeds, every second or third day, to some village, for chaff of various kinds: the usual quantity ofgram, (a kind of pulse wherewith laboring cattle are fed,) is given, part in the morning, and part in the evening; or perhaps all at the latter time: threeseers, equal to about six pounds, are considered good keep.
Camels being rarely very tractable, especially when lustful, must be approached with great caution: their bite is dreadful, not only from the size of the mouth and the strength of the jaw, as well as the form of the tushes, but because they rarely quit their hold. It often happens that the same camel kills severalsurwans: probably, if there were lords of the manor to claim such beasts as deodands, fewer accidents would happen. The only mode, hitherto ascertained, of governing these vicious animals, is, by boring a hole in the nostril, and passing through it, from within, a piece of tough wood, with a knob about as large as a nutmeg. A strong piece ofline is then fastened to the outer extremity of the wood, that, on being pulled, causes the camel to lie down at pleasure. This contrivance, which is callednaukell, keeps him in tolerable order; though it is prudent to have a stout bludgeon, in case of any attempt to seize. When camels are very vicious, it is common to cut off their noses, so far as the gristle extends: this privation is supposed to do much good; but I have seen numberless instances wherein it totally failed; while, on the other hand,ititgreatly depreciated; since few would like to purchase one bearing so obvious a type of treachery.
A goodsurwanwill always distinguish himself by the order of his cattle, by their freedom from injuries in consequence of galling under the saddle, and especially by the compact manner in which he places whatever burthen is to be carried. This should never exceed six maunds of 82lb each; though the Company require, in all their contracts, that the camels furnished for their service should carry much more. Possibly, on a soil suited to the camel’s foot, he may, on emergency, carry as far as eight maunds, equal to no less than 656lb; but such must not be expected to last. If the soil is boggy, half that weight will be found sufficient; especially where slippery; for, when overladen, the animal will, in such places, be very subject to ruin; his hind legs sliding asunder, so as tobring the pelvis to the ground: this, which is termed ‘splitting,’ renders him unable to rise, or, if raised, to proceed, in consequence of the violent injury sustained. On such an occasion the animal’s throat is cut by some good Mussulman, who, as he performs that operation, and during the time the blood is flowing, recites a prayer and benediction, whereby the meat, which is esteemed a great delicacy, is sanctified, and may be eaten.
TheSyce, or groom, attends but one horse, and has attached to him an under servant, whose business it is to provide grass for fodder, and to do various jobs relating to cleanliness, &c.: this may be looked upon as the extent of duty the latter has to perform while stationary; but, when marching, the assistant, or, as he is called, theGaus-kot, (i.e.grass-cutter,) has to carry the pickets, headstall, head and heel ropes, curry-combs, cloathing, &c. &c. to the next place of encampment. The labor is certainly severe, but is undergone, with tolerable alacrity, under the hope of one day succeeding to the post ofsyce.
In every country a good groom is invaluable; but if any where more particularly enhanced, it certainly is in India: the horses there being invariably high spirited, from want of castration, and often becoming, under the least provocation, or licence, incorrigibly vicious. There we see gentlemen, when mounted, afraid to approacheach other within ten or twelve yards, lest their horses should begin fighting: some few have, indeed, been tempted, by the supposed passiveness of their respective steeds, to ride boot to boot; but rarely without experiencing some dreadful misfortune; many legs having been thus broken! Although much may depend upon the natural temper of a horse, still there will remain much in the power of thesyce. If he be timid, and the animal spirited, the affair is soon over, by the latter gaining such an ascendancy as to render him ungovernable. Being once let loose, and a mare within sight, or scent, away goes the steed, completely disqualified for future saddling.
It is inconceivable what control somesycesobtain over their horses, which will allow the approach of no others. This, though it may be an admirable mode of temporizing with a vicious beast, is often attended with most ludicrous, or rather most distressing, circumstances; it being very common to see persons sitting on horses from which they dare not alight, until their ownsycesmay arrive, and, by securing the head, with abaug-door, (or leading-halter,) grant master leave to quit the saddle. This occurs so frequently as to cause no surprize; though it often excites some merriment, not always pleasing to the sufferer.
When a person falls from his horse, the wholetroop separate, lest the stray animal should attack them: in such case, two or three activesycesmay prevent mischief; but, few will attempt to catch a horse whose character for gentleness is not established. Everysyceis provided with a strong cotton cord, rather thicker than a stout window line, of several yards long, which he fastens to the left cheek of the bit when leading, and does not loosen until his master has mounted; when, by drawing a slip knot, the animal is liberated from the groom’s control.
In general, the line (baug-door) is affixed before dismounting: a neglect of that precaution is frequently attended with unpleasant consequences; for, to say the least, the horse will in all probability gallop away to his stable, which may be some miles distant; leaving his incautious rider to walk after him; not always very cool, either in regard to the weather, or to his own state of mind.
In consequence of the immense number of gad-flies to be seen at all times of the year, eachsycecarries a whisk, made by fastening horse-hair to a short stick, commonly lacquered in rings of alternate colors. This implement, with which the flies are driven away, is called achowry, and may cost about sixpence, or eight-pence. A small sheet ofkarwah, either double, or single, is usually thrown over thesyce’sshoulder, or fastened around his waist, before he sets off to accompany his master: this is carried to lay over the horse’s back, so soon as given in charge to the groom, to prevent the accession of dry-gripes; to which the animal would be subjected, if much heated, but for that precaution, added to walking him about gently until perfectly cool. Hence it will be seen, that no gentleman ever rides unless accompanied by his groom; many of whom run remarkably fast, keeping up for many miles with a gig going at a smart pace: by habit, they become long-winded, and capable of enduring great fatigue. The dress of asyce, taken generally, is a medium between thekhedmutgarand themosaulchy; while that of thegaus-kotis rarely better than that of a common laborer. The former receives from four to six rupees per month; five being the general rate: the latter usually has three, when paid independently of thesyce; but when through his hands, a small deduction is often made; to resist which would lead to discharge, either peremptorily, or by the imputation of some neglect, &c.
The grass-cutter is always expected to provide a net for carrying a large bundle of fodder, and a kind of paring instrument, called akoorpah, wherewith to cut the grass, about half an inch under the surface of the soil: the upper part of the root being considered extremely nourishing.No hay is ever seen in India; nor would it answer that purpose nearly so well as the common expedient of paring it for daily consumption. The Maharrattahs, it is true, make a coarse kind of hay, wherewith to feed their large bodies of horse at certain seasons; but the condition of their cattle in general by no means recommends such a measure in private studs. Nevertheless, that practice has its advantages, for while our cavalry horses would starve for want of green, or succulent fodder, the less delicate Maharrattah charger plucks at any old thatch with great readiness; and even on such diet will perform wonders. I have always thought that our public cattle were too highly pampered; at least, that the mode of feeding them by no means corresponded with that ready adoption of any kind of coarse foraging, which might become necessary under the most ordinary circumstances of a campaign: a pig will gradually become dainty, and rather starve than return to its former coarse provision. The practice of soakinggramfor cavalry horses, is peculiarly objectionable; as not only causing them to expect it at all times, even when water (much less soaking-pots) cannot be had in any quantity; but inducing most horses to swallow the grains whole, without mastication. In my humble opinion, the whole of the grain supplied to cavalry horses ought to be reduced to a coarsemeal, mixed with hay, and straw, in equal quantities, cut very fine in a chaff-trough.
It may be readily supposed, that when a camp has been settled for a few days, on even the most luxuriant verdure, the whole must disappear: it, however, speedily springs again after the first fall of rain, presenting a beautiful light-colored blade, very small, and of rapid growth. The kind of grass prepared for horses, is thedoob, orsun-grass, nearly corresponding with our fine creeping-bent. This should be well beat with a stick, and be washed before used; if kept for a day or two in an airy place, it is supposed to be more wholesome, than when given immediately after being cut, as is generally done. Thedoobis not to be found every where; but, in the low countries about Dacca, Mahomedpoor, &c. where the inundation is general during near three months every year, this grass abounds; attaining to a prodigious luxuriance! I have often seen it full two feet and a half high, absolutely matting the ground. Cattle are turned into it promiscuously, and never fail to thrive. It appears curious, that in a part where, during the rains, nothing is to be seen of the soil; the little villages built on eminences being the only discernible objects, if we except the tops of large trees staring out of the water; no provision should be made for the maintenance of the cattle; which, at such times,depend entirely on what can be drawn up by means of forked poles, from, perhaps, a depth of twenty feet. This green food, highly impregnated with moisture, surely cannot be wholesome at such a season for these poor animals, which are then cooped up in the hundreds of boats that surround every village! Whereas, if thedoob, such as I have described, were to be cut, and stacked in the month of February, when it is in high perfection, and the atmosphere moderately warm, there might certainly be provided a more appropriate, and less hazardous, species of fodder. But the truth is, that cattle are, in every part of India, left, so long as possible, to shift for themselves: and this, notwithstanding that a load of the finest hay in the world might be made in the low countries for about half-a-crown; even admitting that labor were paid for!
It gives me very great pleasure to observe, in the Gentleman’s Magazine, for February, 1809, that a grass has been discovered in Ireland, called thefiorin, which perfectly corresponds with thedoobof Hindustan. This invaluable plant stands the severest cold of Iceland, as well as it does the scorching heats of tropical summers. In the latter instance, the verdure certainly disappears; but the root remains unimpaired, and abounds with succulence. I feel no hesitation in asserting, that if thefiorinbewhat it is described, namely, thedoobof Hindostan, it will prove an invaluable acquisition to the British agriculturist. A rich grass that will stand either heat or cold, or immersion for many successive months, cannot fail to abridge our catalogue of Georgic desiderata. Thedoobis rarely sown in India; but, after being cut below the surface by the tool in common use among grass-cutters, called akoorpah, is chopped with a hatchet into pieces about two or three inches in length, when, being mixed with mud, it is plastered on the surface of the plot where it is intended to remain; the plot being previously saturated with water. In a very few days, thedoobwill be seen to vegetate, especially if care be taken to keep the mud moist for a short time. This grass is likewise well suited for transplanting, by which operation very large plots are sometimes turfed. The stems all throw out roots at every joint that is suffered to touch the ground; but when very thick, and abundant, it is disposed to tower and spindle, not unlike our pink and carnation plants. If set in small tufts, at a foot asunder, they will soon cover the surface.
TheMauly, or gardener, next claims attention. The dress of this servant, unless he be at the head of a large establishment, is scarcely better than that of a common laborer; nor are the wages much higher; four rupees being avery common rate, though sometimes as much as six, or seven, are given to men of superior ability, that understand some particular culture of moment to the employer. Those who act under themaullyare, for the most part,bildars, hired by the day, probably at five or six pice, equal to about two rupees and a half monthly. Thesebildarswork with a kind of mattock, called aphourah, consisting of a blade, about as large as that of a common garden-spade, furnished with a very strong eye at the top, rivetted to the blade, and set on so as to give the handle a direction of about 70° from the plane of the blade, which is slightly curved inwards. The handle may be about thirty inches in length, and is driven nearly through the eye, where it is occasionally wedged, to keep the blade from turning upon it; as would be the case, on account of the eye being round, were it not made very tight. While working with aphourah, thebildarstands in the same position as if using a pick-axe: throwing up whatever soil may accumulate at each stroke. When the tool is new, much may be lifted in this manner; but when worn down nearly to the eye, the most active laborer cannot effect much more than might be done by an ordinary bean-hoe. Thosemaullieswho serve gentlemen, are usually provided with rakes and hoes; but, in any other situation, they content themselves with using short ironspuds, set into wooden handles, the stem being cranked, and the whole rarely exceeding eighteen inches in length: with these they beat the clods to pieces, and level the surface admirably: but, of course, not so quickly as our gardeners. With the same kind of tool, though of a smaller size, they dig up weeds; keeping the garden remarkably clean; and, under proper observation, raising an immense quantity of vegetables.