1839.] Capt. Pemberton's Mission to Bootan, 1837-38. 283 



are very inferior to the Ghoonts of Simla, in size, strength, and ap- 

 pearance. Like all such creatures they are spirited, and sufficiently 

 headstrong: they understand their duties perfectly, and are orderly 

 enough on a line of march, unless the road is particularly easy. Very 

 few first class ponies are to be found in Bootan, and none are to be 

 obtained except, perhaps, at most exorbitant prices. The Booteas 

 patronise nothing but stallions, the mares being almost exclusively 

 used for breeding or for carrying loads; in such cases they are not 

 led, but follow their leader quietly. Ridden ponies are always led ; in 

 difficult ascents they are assisted by pushing up, and in descents they 

 are equally assisted by vigorous pulling at the tail. They form a part 

 of all out of door ceremonials, and are dressed out with gay trappings ; 

 their switch tails are then converted into regular cock-tails, and or- 

 namented with chowrys. Three or four ponies were selected as 

 presents to the Mission, but as the hour approached for presenting 

 them, the liberality of the Deb rapidly fell, and one alone was given 

 to the Governor General. This creature never reached the Plains, for 

 after falling twice, once a height of 15 to 20 feet, it expired above Buxa : 

 we heard afterward that it had been very ill for a long time, so that 

 the Deb thought it a capital opportunity of getting rid of him. 



The mules are fine, and of much more reasonable price than the 

 ponies : they are chiefly kept for riding, and are mostly of good size. 



Both ponies and mules are stabled and provided with litters, not as 

 may be supposed of the cleanest description. Their food varies a good 

 deal; on some rare occasions they partake of Indian corn and wild 

 tares ; still better off are those which have participated in some religi- 

 ous ceremonies — for these, the green corn of the poor ryot is not consi- 

 dered too good ; generally, however, they are fed on the worm wood, 

 which is so common throughout Bootan below 5500 feet, and which 

 is cut up, and then boiled ; and in some places they are fed on the 

 young boiled leaves of an oak, not unlike the celebrated English tree. 

 We saw few in good condition. It is probable enough that the ponies 

 of the Deb and his chief ministers are occasionally treated to paddy 

 husks, as the Deb very graciously sent us a handful or two of this nu- 

 tritious material, in compliance with our requests for some grain for 

 our ponies. Of grass they are deprived except during the rains, al- 

 though Doab grass is to be found about Punukka in sufficience to feed 

 six or seven ponies a day. 



The ordinary dog appears to have been brought from the Plains, 

 but its pariah qualities are not improved, neither is its condition. Of 

 this, one was so convinced, that he took advantage of our escort, and 

 returned to his native country with us, evidently highly pleased at 



rp 



