NATURALIST IN INDIA. 55 



the banks of the river, for some distance below the town, are 

 densely clad with date and cocoa-nut groves. Opposite is 

 Eoree, looking like some stronghold, with its houses built one 

 above another on a prominence overlooking the river. 



The ancient fortress of Bukur is situated on an island op- 

 posite Eoree. Here the river is considerably narrowed, and 

 the stream powerful. The heat of Suckur is intense, and its 

 climate unhealthy. The pulla or tamarind-fish is caught in 

 abundance and by various methods, sometimes by fishermen 

 perched on a narrow-necked earthenware mug, which serves 

 the double purpose of support and a reservoir for his fish 

 and tackle ; others buoy themselves up by means of dog- 

 skins kept inflated from a mouthpiece. Some ten or fifteen 

 fishermen were dropping slowly down with the current. 



A squall is a most exciting spectacle. From twenty to 

 thirty boats may be seen tracking slowly up the river, each 

 dragged by its own crew. Suddenly a breeze springs up, and 

 all jump on board, and unfurl the large square sails, when 

 away they speed ; sometimes bumping up on sandbanks, or 

 running into one another amid the yelling and screaming of 

 the boatmen. 



None earn their bread by the sweat of their brows 

 more honestly than these simple boatmen of the Indus. 

 From daylight to sundown they may be seen dragging a 

 heavily-laden boat along the muddy river, often half the day 

 knee-deep in water. When about to enter upon the da/s 

 toil, by way of wishing " God speed" to his little craft, her 

 owner throws a handful of water on her bow, says his prayer, 

 and then, arranging his toilette (composed only of a turban 

 and waistband), he shoulders his rope, and singing some 

 simple chaunt sets cheerily forth on his way. 



As simple as his song are his modes of life. At night he 



