NATURALIST IN INUIA. 53 



above water close to the paddle-box of our steamer, take a 

 quick survey, and suddenly disappear. 



The fishermen informed us that they now and then carry 

 off a man ; yet numbers of natives may be seen wading about 

 regardless of their proximity. 



The native mode of crossing the river is somewhat novel. 

 Eolling in the folds of his turban all his goods and chattels, 

 the Scindian inflates a dog-skin. This is fastened across his 

 breast, and supporting his legs by means of- a large chatty 

 (mug of earthenware with a narrow mouth), which he holds 

 firmly between his ankles. If his child has likewise to be 

 conveyed, the. youth seizes his sire round the neck,- crossing 

 his legs over his back, the head only above water, while the 

 swimmer, with his arms free, paddles himself, his child, and 

 property, across the muddy water of the Hydaspes. 



With that bold and majestic flight so characteristic of the 

 tribe, the white-bellied cormorant (Gracuhis carlo) is seen 

 flying across the river, and although not so plentiful, the 

 brown-necked species (Cfraculus sinensis) is not uncommon. 



The stork is often seen in large flocks, distinguishable by 

 their red bills and legs, white plumage, and black wings. 



Wading in the shallows may be seen a solitary heron 

 (Ardea cinerea), and 



" See where yonder stalks, in crimson pride, 

 The tall flamingo, by the river's side ; 

 Stalks in his richest plumage bright array'd, 

 With snowy neck superb, and legs of length'uing shade." 



The pass of Sehwan has a picturesque appearance from the 

 river, with its rocky mountains rising in terraces along the 

 bank, and its old ruined castle, supposed to have belonged to 

 the Alexandrian age. 



For the ■ benefit of sportsmen and naturalists, I would 



