30 



RIFLE AND SPEAR WITH THE RAJPOOTS. 



thinking that he has accepted a bribe from another 

 boatman and wishes to make us employ him. 



All the boats are the same, long broadish punts with 

 square ends sloping slightly upwards. They are undecked, 

 but, amidship, a few poles and sticks, tied together and 

 roofed with reeds, form a sort of hut or cabin. The 

 sides are closed in with reed mats made to roll up 

 when wanted. Everything is very rough, and there is 



BOATS AT IlARAMl'LA. 



no attempt at varnish or paint. We dine at one end. 

 and sleep at the other. There is just room for two little 

 camp beds side by side. 



After the sun went down it was bitterly cold. But 

 this journey is generally made in summer, when you are 

 glad to sleep out of doors. At half-past nine we turn 

 in. I have piled all my clothes on the bed. 



Sunday, October 16th. — We had rather a lively night. 



