PROCESSION FOR RAIN 21 
taken to the Rev. G. Cockburn’s hospital for treatment, 
where his wounds were dressed, but they were so severe 
that he died in a few days. No one was punished for 
this, the mandarin declining to take any action in the 
case as the injured man’s friends had no money and, 
therefore, he could not squeeze them. 
In February the ground was covered with snow, 
the river very low, and looking as black asink. It was 
difficult to realise that in August the heat had been so 
intense. 
Various kinds of vegetables are grown in the vicinity 
of the town, also cotton; and women may be seen 
spinning and weaving the latter into yarn and cloth 
while sitting outside the doors of their houses. 
In times of unusual drought long processions headed 
by a magistrate may be seen. The men composing 
them are decorated with wreaths of small green branches 
of trees intermingled with lotus leaves, and many carry 
gongs or brass cymbals, as considerable noise seems to 
be considered necessary to attract the deity’s attention. 
Thus they perambulate the town and the droughty fields 
until the rain comes, which is then attributed to their 
efforts or entreaties. 
On the opposite side of the river to the English 
settlement there is a conspicuous pyramidal hill. For 
some reason or another the natives took it into their 
