136 HOUSEHOLD REQUISITES. 



more of these useful articles, and tlie sovereign 

 himself has nothing better, for neither table 

 nor chair does His Highness possess. The 

 common charpoy is made of the cheapest 

 wood procm^able, the bottom being formed of 

 the worst possible string, or rather twisted 

 grass. The better description is made of wood 

 neatly turned, with lacquered legs and a bottom 

 of tape. A few charpoys and Sutrunjees or 

 cotton carpets, some roughly-made boxes in 

 which to keep wearing apparel, and some 

 baskets of the Kana reed, with a few carpets 

 and cushions, form the sum-total of a Sindhi 

 gentleman's household conveniences. 



The Meer and his sons live in a very patri- 

 archal manner, and their retainers appear much 

 attached to them, always observing that respect 

 which is their Highness' due, though treated by 

 the princes with the greatest familiarity. Of 

 an evening, when at Dejee, a charpoy is placed 

 on the shady side of the house, with a carpet in 

 front of it. The young princes seat themselves 

 on the former, with any of their relations who 

 may be present, their attendants all squatting 

 on the carpet, and joining in the conversation 

 of their superiors without the least ceremony. 



