453 A JOURNEY TO LAKE 



In which, along wr£b rows of fmalt turquoifes, the never failing orn&» 

 ment of this part, was a large irregular pearl, fuch as are in high re- 

 qneft in this country;, on account of their fize, Thefe I understand: 

 are brought to Calcutta, in considerable numbers during the rainy fea- 

 fon, from the Lackadive iflands, and fold at a very eafy rate. The. 

 Nerba's outer garment was woollen, of green, red,, blue, and yellow nar- 

 row {tripes rr.anufaclured at Guinak, under this were four other gar- 

 ments ; and both men and women constantly load themfelves with? 

 feverai veils to prevent I'ufferirig from the cold. 



On the back of thi* habit, and on the right moulder were Tewed the 

 faw, adze, chiflel, rule, and all the inhgnia of Free Mafonry in iron ; the- 

 fymbols of a fraternity, of which he faid he was a member. I purchased 

 from him fome gold duft at the rate of 43 Sir inagar e Iimafkas forthe Fitauk 

 of 7 Majhas. The Nerba appeared to have gold duft to the amount of 

 about 5000 rupees; and it was understood, that every 'perfon, willing 

 to become an adventurer in the gold mines, pays to the chief of the 

 diftricl; one Fiiauk as an entrance fee, and all lumps above a certain 

 weight. This occupation is more profitable here, than in molt other 

 places; as though the gold digger works only three months, he 'expects-. 

 lhat the refult of his labour fhould k ep him the whole of the year. 

 Leave Mifar&t ten A.M. having, loaded our wool upon' the yaks which, 

 brought it, and for the^hire of which the Nerba would receive no gra- 

 tification; the fir ft infcance of difintereitednefs I have wkneflid ; hi 

 this country. At 4500 paces enter Tiitqpdri. At 4525, pafs feverai 

 piles of (tones inferibed as is ufual, and fome figures carved in {tone and 

 .painted, Reach the fummit of the height at 4575 paces and encamp. 



Tirtapuri -is the refidence of a'Lainaahd ^vtvklGelums, who live- 

 In feparate houfes made of rough: fiones 5 and follow a paltoral life* 



