JOURNEY TO MYSORE, 115 



a number of nondescript packages, containing cooking 

 utensils, a small supply of provisions to still the 

 cravings of an empty stomach en route, and his own 

 kit. The oxen driver either sits on the shaft, or else 

 runs alongside, using his whip freely, and applying any 

 number of not very savoury epithets to the quadrupeds 

 under his charge. This most comfortless and primi- 

 tive conveyance is supposed to rest upon springs — the 

 latter, however, seldom last out an entire jouruey, but 

 have a knack of snapping whilst the worn-out traveller 

 is wrapt in deep slumber, making him jump up 

 suddenly, thus bringing his head into contact with the 

 low roof, from the sensation of which he does not soon 

 recover. The interior is divided horizontally by 

 boards, below for the luggage, and above, covered w^ith 

 a thin mattrass, its owner reclines full length, with 

 barely room for the necessary articles of his toilet ; 

 but as he cannot easily turn round within, he has to 

 slip out as best he can, feet foremost. There are small 

 shiftino- boards on each side to admit air and — dust. 

 These transit-carts have to be ordered several days in 

 advance, as oxen have to be laid on at certain stages, 

 about six miles apart ; and since one travels during the 

 night only, the progress within the twenty-four hours 

 seldom exceeds fifty miles. The hire for the cart is three 

 rupees per day until its return, and a pair of bullocks are 



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