74 THE ALLIGATOE TANK. 



by pipes to Keymaree Point, whereby the 

 shi^^ping would have been at once supplied with 

 excellent water. The facility of executing this 

 great work was ascertained, but though the esti- 

 mated cost did not exceed one thousand pounds 

 a mile, the Government would not sanction 

 such expenditure. 



About eight miles from Kurrachee is the 

 Muggiir Talao, or Alligator Tank, the sight of 

 which is well worth the trouble of a morning's 

 canter, though the sterile aspect of the plain 

 through which the track lies is not particularly 

 inviting. The tank, which is concealed in a 

 thick grove, is of no great size, and at first sight 

 there was nothing to denote the presence of its 

 inhabitants. An old Faquir, who resides on the 

 spot, does the honours of the Muggur Talao for a 

 trifling consideration. On this worthy shouting 

 '' Ao ! Ao !" " Come ! Come !" the sm-face of the 

 pool became alive with alligators of all sizes, 

 which hastened out on the bank to be fed. The 

 Faquir then called out '' Baetho," " Sit down;" 

 and, obedient to the order, down the monsters 

 lay, with extended jaws awaiting their expected 

 reward, and a sheep having been killed in readi- 

 ness, large pieces of flesh were thrown to them, 



