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table ; as there are no turkeys in Guzerat, young pea-fowl were an 

 excellent substitute, and often made a principal dish. The gizzard 

 and other parts of the pea-fowl, as is frequently practised with the 

 turkey, were sent from table to be broiled and seasoned with salt, 

 pepper, and kian ; thus improved, the savoury meat was returned 

 hot to table with the additional appellation of the devil; each guest 

 took a small piece to relish a glass of wine, as customary on such 

 occasions, and possibly some cheerful toast was given, and passed 

 round. The novelty of this ceremony in presence of my Dhuboy 

 servants, who were strangers to our manners and customs, who nei- 

 ther understood the English language, nor asked for information 

 from those who did, caused them to put a wrong construction upon 

 an innocent practice; and in a city renowned for sanctity we were 

 enrolled among the worshippers of the devil! 



I have introduced this trifling anecdote as an instance of what 

 a wrong judgment maybe formed, and false conclusions drawn, 

 by superficial observers on their travels, especially when ignorant 

 of the language of those among whom they sojourn. 



In describing Cambay six years before, during the campaign 

 in Guzerat, I deplored its ruinous condition; it now presented a 

 scene of desolation! The Nabob had continued his oppressions, 

 and his subjects sought for protection and comfort under a milder 

 government. Unmindful of the happiness of his people or the in- 

 terest of his successor, the chief study of Mohman Caun was to 

 procure money for the gratification of sensual pleasure, and the 

 maintenance of the shadow of a Mogul court. The means of ac- 

 quiring it gave him no concern. Thus his sovereignty comprised 

 only a dilapidated capital, deserted villages, and a few impove- 



