690 



Tour through parts of Baloochisthan y in [No. 153. 



Animals. 



Bhatya, of the port of Gwadur, who trades with a capital of 3,000 

 rupees. The mass of the inhabitants of Dezak are either weavers or 

 small traders. From Dezak to Surbad is a 6 days' journey 

 for laden camels, over a good road. A taxis levied of two Com- 

 Duties. pany's seers per load on merchandize, unless the merchant 

 puts up with Mulla Haroon, when he is exempted. 



The animals of Dezak are the same as those of Panjgoor, and so are 

 the fruits and birds of the latter. The konk, partridge, 

 however is more plentiful. I saw two cypress trees at 

 Dezak and one at Kahoo; they are not to be seen at Panjgoor. The 

 Dezakees build with the date's stem, and use it as well as the kauboon, 

 as firewood. 



On arriving at Dezak, I proceeded direct to the village of Mulla 

 Haroon, and introduced myself as a merchant from Panjgoor, who 

 Saint. was desirous of becoming a disciple. The saint himself soon 

 made his appearance, and at the first glance I recognised him as one 

 of those " man poachers," so common in Arabia, Persia, and Hindus- 

 tan. He appointed the second day for my initiation, and explained 

 to his disciples, that I had seen a vision of him while in Hindusthan, 

 and had then believed on him. I of course corroborated his statement. 

 On reaching my lodgings, I found an entertainment awaiting me, 

 which consisted of some bread and a mess of pottage, called 

 peegash, the receipt for making it is as follows. To one 

 ounce of sheep tail fat, add a gallon of water ; boil and 

 throw in |th of bruised pomegranate seeds, ^ a handful of flour 

 and a little turmeric, and when this soup is on the groaning board be- 

 fore you in bowls, you may contemplate the little globules of fat floating 

 on the surface, and compare them to eight stars in the azure firma- 

 ment. 



On the day appointed for the initiation, I repaired to the akhund's 

 house, who after receiving me kindly, enquired whether 

 I had performed my ablutions. In the fear of being ordered 

 to do so in cold water, I replied in the affirmative. He then sat him- 

 self on the ground, and ordered me to do the same immediately in 

 front of him ; spreading over my head and his own a thick quilt, he 

 ordered me to sink my head on my chest, and shutting my eyes, to 

 look with my inward eyes into my heart, and repeat aloud the name 



Peegash. 



Initiation. 



