io Sport and Life in the Further Himalaya 



This song and dance is reserved for receptions of 

 the Chi trali chief. The rest of the crowd, lined up 

 on either side of the dancers, discharged their 

 matchlocks in the air, holding their pieces at 

 the "port." Further on we found the road 

 thronged with sightseers, the country-side being 

 evidently en Jdte. Near the entrance of the 

 village a company of old dames blocked the 

 road, each one carrying a bowl of milk and 

 sugar. As we approached, the leading lady ad- 

 vanced, stirring vigorously with a big wooden 

 spoon, apparently wishing to feed her royal 

 master; but she was repulsed, not unkindly, 

 and retired. The crowd now closed round, our 

 bridles were seized, and we were taken to the 

 polo-ground. Here, opposite the dais, a tall pole 

 had been erected, to the top of which was attached 

 a small silver gourd filled with sand. To the 

 thunder of the drums horseman after horseman 

 darted past at full speed now a noble in rustling 

 silk and glittering silver accoutrements, now a 

 retainer in modest homespun, each discharging his 

 piece at the mark. As the matchlocks frequently 

 hung or missed fire, and were, after passing the 

 pole, indiscriminately whirled round the rider's 

 head, a prudent man will, when the pastime is 

 indulged in, get behind the nearest tree or even 

 behind a stout friend. Four or five had passed 



