1834.] of an Iron and Steel Manufactory. 27 



Chattak is distant from Tyrea Ghat by the way of Pandua about 

 fourteen miles, which is generally performed in from four to eight hours. 



The journey from Dacca to Cbirra, by large accommodation boats, 

 usually occupies about ten or twelve days; the return voyage is perform- 

 ed in five or six days. Ladies and sick people are carried up the hill 

 in light doolies by two Kasyas, for eight annas each ; but the liberality 

 of passengers has of late caused a considerable increase in this charge. 

 Children to the age of eight or ten years are taken up with great secu- 

 rity and comfort in baskets, by a single Kasya porter, for four annas. 

 Bulky articles, which cannot be carried by a single person, often cost a 

 sum for conveyance, which appears out of all proportion ; for instance, a 

 chest, weighing a maund and a half, will be taken by one man for one 

 rupee ; but a square piano forte of the same weight will not be carried 

 for less than ten or twelve. 



The only provisions used by Europeans, which are produced in the 

 hills, are beef and pork: these are abundant, cheap, and good. A cow fit 

 for killing, weighing about 200 lbs., may be purchased for six rupees, 

 and a well and clean fed porker, for the same price ; of late the Kasyas 

 towards Myrung, in the interior of the hills, have got into the way of 

 cultivating potatoes with great success : these at present are sold at ra- 

 ther a high price, but a few years will bring them down. The crop comes 

 in at the most convenient season in the month of September, when Pat- 

 na potatoes become unfit for use, of which advantage might be taken in 

 supplying the Calcutta market. A few other vegetables may also be 

 had in the hills. It must be admitted however that little progress has yet 

 been made in gardening. 



Grain of all kinds is brought from the plains. Rice sells from 35 

 seers to one maund for a rupee ; other grains, in proportion ; but at all 

 times much cheaper than in Calcutta. Eight ducks for a rupee ; large fowls, 

 nine and ten for a rupee ; small fowls, 20 and 22 for a rupee; eggs, 160 

 for a rupee; bread, 12 loaves for a rupee, but competition will make this 

 much cheaper. Sheep must be brought from the plains and fed. Farm- 

 yards answer admirably ; pigeons thrive and increase rapidly ; rabbits 

 require more care than has hitherto been bestowed on them; milk and but- 

 ter abundant, but rather dear. 



- The native fruits are excellent and abundant in the season; that is, 

 from November till the end of February, the finest oranges in India may 

 be had for about one thousand for a rupee. 



The pine-apple plant, which produces the hemp, of which specimens 



are sent herewith, is raised with hardly any care in the culture, in all the 



valleys surrounding Chirra, but chiefly in that of Nanguth, about six 



hours' journey from the Sanatarium,where it flourishes in great luxuriance* 



e 2 



