SURVEY OF THE GANGES. 493 



was ripe, of a dark purple colour, approaching nearly to black. It is smal- 

 ler than the white species, but does not possess an equal flavor, or that 

 acidity which renders the other palatable to the thirsty traveller. 



Our first encampment was under a couple of mango trees, to the south 

 of the town ; but the situation in this low ground was so hot and unpleas- 

 ant, that we struck our tents in the evening, and went to a mango grove, 

 on a ridge, about four hundred paces to the south, where we found a very 

 convenient and much cooler spot, in a field of stubble. We had there 

 the benefit of a freer circulation of air, and sufficient shade for the ac- 

 commodation of all our people. Another advantage we derived by this 

 removal was, that we were less exposed to the curiosity of the natives, 

 who came in such crowds about our tent, that two or three of the Gur- 

 c'hdli ^epn.lu3 were kept in constant employment, in restraining them 

 from bursting in upon us. So anxious were they to see what kind of 

 beings we were, that a messenger was deputed by the body corporate, 

 to request we would take a walk through the city, to gratify the curiosity 

 cf the inhabitants. 



The whole of the road, from Devapraydga, is exceedingly good, 

 and has been lately repaired, by order of Hast! Dhal Chautra, who 

 went by that place to Haridwdr. Excepting in two or three places, on 

 a rocky ledge, where there is nothing to break the view of the precipice, 

 and which could not be remedied, without great labour, the path is wide 

 and even ; in fa6t, almost the only one on which we could travel with, sa- 

 tisfaction, v/ithout fear of being interrupted by obstructions, when it 

 would be necessary to dismount from the Jflw/>MJ«5, 



• At this place we received, and returned, the visits of Hasti Dhal, the 

 .former governor, and of Simst.\ Tapah, son of Bhairo Tapah, wlio 



Be 



