142 HINDOO CUSTOMS. 



The cattle with which they plough the ground 

 are in general small, yet they are strong enough 

 for the purpose ; the earth being only turned up 

 a few inches deep. The larger cattle are selected 

 for carriage, or for drawing hackeries (carts). 

 They are first yoked ,to an experienced bullock ; 

 and as most of them are of an obstinate, restive 

 disposition, they soon lie down. To make them 

 rise, the men twist their tails, and if that does not 

 succeed, a man throws a tiger's or leopard's skin 

 over his head, and runs towards the bullock, 

 which never fails of making him get up imme- 

 diately. After three or four repetitions of this, 

 they seldom attempt to lie down again. It has the 

 same effect on bullocks which have never been 

 in a country inhabited by tigers or leopards, and 

 therefore they could- never have seen a skin of the 

 kind before. 



It is remarkable that horses which are bold in 

 disposition, and quiet in management, when first 

 they come into the hilly country, should soon 

 become timid, and frequently start at trifling ob- 

 jects. I can account for it in no other way, than 

 their having at some time or other smelt a tiger 

 or leopard, and natural instinct causes that 

 fear. 



