SURV.EY OF THE GANGES; 461 



fiation, he suggested, that the route ta Gangotri by the way of Snnagar 

 would be tery circuitous, and eoitld not be completed in less than a 

 month and a half; whereas, by making Gangotri om first object, we 

 might return by Srinagar in one month. By this arrangement, we had 

 the advantage of comprehending the whole circle of the places wq 

 wished to visit, within the limits of a two month's tour, leaving us one 

 month for the performance of the journey to Bhadri-ndt'h. The ChawtrcL 

 staid but a short time ; when he took his leave, we presented him with 

 a few articles of European manufacture, with which he appeared highly 

 gratified. 



The tenth of April, being the Purbi otldiBi day of bathing, the crowds 

 of people were immense; every avenue to the Glidt was completely 

 choaked up ; and the flight of steps, leading to the water, poured down 

 from the top such a constant succession of fresh comers, that the lower 

 tiers were unable to resist the impetus, and were involuntarily hurried 

 into the stream. The fair, however, concluded without any troubles or 

 disturbance, to the great surprise and satisfaction of numbers, who were 

 accustomed to consider bloodshed and murder inseparable from the 

 Cumb'ha Mela; as, for many ages past, these duodecennial periods have 

 been marked with some fatal catastrophe. A very salutary regulation 

 was enforced by our police ; prohibiting any weapons being worn or 

 carried at the fair. Guards were posted, at the different avenues, to re^ 

 ceive the arms of the passengers ; a ticket was placed on each, and a 

 Corresponding one given to the owner ; the arms were returned on the 

 ticket being produced. 



'' This arrangement had the desired effect ; for the utmost tranquillity 

 prevailed ; and from the content and satisfa6tion that were expressed, by 



S 6 



