206 THE COOLIES. 



For many miles we rode between cotton-fields, and be 

 . ncath a blazing sun. Scarcely a tree of any size was to 

 be seen. But after we had entered the province of Baroda, 

 there was a most agreeable change. The roads were lined 

 with trees of various kinds. The villages gave every evi- 

 dence of prosperity, and generally presented a strangely 

 beautiful appearance, being surrounded with mango-topes 

 and verdant tamarind trees. We observed that cotton, 

 sugar-cane, tobacco, corn, opium, hemp, and flax were 

 grown, the fields being divided by high green hedges. The 

 inhabitants were called Coolies. They wore a singular 

 costume, made up of a petticoat, a quilted kirtle, which 

 in time of war was covered with armor, and a cotton cloth 

 over the head and shoulders. Mr. Barrill informed me 

 that the English government considered these people very 

 turbulent ; but we found them quiet, friendly, and hospi- 

 table. Perhaps, they have the spirit to resist the extor- 

 tions of their conquerors, and this is the reason of their 

 ill-esteem with the government. Such a spirit is a noble 

 quality in the eyes of an American citizen, who from his 

 cradle, is taught, " Resistance to tyrants is obedience to 

 God." After journeying till noon in delightful scenery, we 

 halted at a neat-looking farm-house, and obtained an ex- 

 llent meal of venison, hare, and quail the best by far we 

 had eaten since leaving Bombay. Quitting this farm-house, 

 we rode on, the country assuming a wilder appearance as 



