481 



often partook with my Arabs; and sometimes, as a great delicacy, 

 they roast a lamb or kid whole, stuffed with almonds, raisins, and 

 spices; or pistachio nuts only, highly seasoned. 



Many of these Arabs and Scindians had lame deer, ante- 

 lopes, and ichneumons, which followed the byrac, and, with their 

 dogs and horses, shared in all the variety of their wandering life. 

 A tame antelope is a very pleasant companion; I kept one a con- 

 siderable time; as also another beautiful species of deer, which I 

 brought up from a fawn; it became perfectly familiar, and partook 

 of every food congenial to its palate, which had not touched the 

 lips, or been breathed upon by any of the family. The antelopes 

 are said to have an ear for music; I do not assert it from my own 

 experience, but it is generally believed in India: and, in confirma- 

 tion, Sir Charles Malet favoured me with the following account of 

 an entertainment given by the Mahratla sovereign, at one of his 

 parks near Poonah, in 1792. 



" The peshwa having invited me to a novel spectacle, at his 

 riimna, or park, about four miles from Poonah, I proceeded thither 

 about two o'clock in the afternoon, with the gentlemen of my 

 party; where we found a tent pitched for the purpose, and were 

 received at the door by some of the principal nobles. The peshwa 

 arrived soon after; and when we were all conveniently seated on 

 carpets, agreeably to oriental costume, four black buck antelopes, 

 of noble mien and elegant form, made their appearance at some 

 distance, moving gracefully before a party of cavalry, who form- 

 ing a semicircle, gently followed their pace, each horseman hold- 

 ing a long pole, with a red cloth at the end. On approaching the 

 tent, a band of music struck up in loud notes, and three of the 



VOL. II. 3 Q 



