56 



which have ihe thickest foliage contribute to the comfort of the 

 troops, by throwing the water off from certain spots, and rendering 

 them habitable. Sporting parlies are benefited in a similar man- 

 ner; such places are chosen as are well shaded, and near to wells 

 or tanks. It is a general practice when a plantation of mango 

 trees is made, to dig a well on one side of it. The well and the 

 tope are married, a ceremony at which all the village attends, and 

 large sums are often expended. The well is considered as the hus- 

 band; as its waters, which are copiously furnished to the young 

 trees during the first hot season, are supposed to cherish and im- 

 pregnate them. Though vanity and superstition may be the basis 

 of these institutions, yet we cannot help admitting their effects, so 

 beautifully ornamenting a torrid country, and affording such gene- 

 ral convenience." 



The soil of the Jamboseer purgunna is light and fertile, fa- 

 vourable to juarree, bajeree, and other grain. The western plains, 

 of a rich black earth, produce abundant crops of wheat and cot- 

 ton. This district had then been six years in the company's pos- 

 session, under the care of Mr. Callander, a gentleman whose atten- 

 tion to agriculture and the happiness of the peasants, rendered the 

 villages flourishing, wealthy, and populous. The country had the 

 appearance of a garden, and peace and plenty smiled around him. 

 The annual revenue usually amounted to five lacs of rupees. 



The crops, similar to those in the Dhuboy districts, were in ge- 

 neral very abundant ; failure of rain sometimes causes a scarcity, 

 but a real famine is seldom experienced in Guzerat: when it docs 

 happen the consequence is dreadful! Famine is generally sueceeded 

 by pestilence, and ihe paradise of nations becomes a desert! " All 



