OF KAMAON. 219 



soon ceased, and all classes are now equally conspicuous for their order and 

 submission to public authority. The mountaineers are of a lively disposition, 

 much inclined to singing, dancing, and sports ; they are also fond of hearing 

 and relating tales, and of puzzling one another with riddles ; games of ball are 

 prevented by the nature of the country, but sports of other kinds are nu- 

 merous ; and among them the Englishman will recognize Hocky, and many 

 other games familiar to his youth. The most common sedentary amusements 

 are Bag,h Bakri, fox and geese, Ramchur, drafts and chowper ; chess and 

 cards (Ganjifa,) are played by the higher classes at Almora and Srinagar^ 

 among whom, more particularly the Brahmins, an inclination for gambling is 

 generally prevalent. The style of dancing has been noticed among the religi- 

 ous ceremonies. The singing is of three kinds, each, with its peculiar time 

 and measure. 1st. — The Bharao, a species of dramatic recitation, in which 

 two or more characters are brought forward, the measures varying with the 

 subject. In this class are also comprised the hymns, in honor of the local 

 gods and demigo. 2d. — The Josa ballads, composed on popular and pass- 

 ing events, the time of which is quick and lively, more particularly in the 

 chorus. 3d. — The Bj/ri, or Bhagnaol, a species of duet, sung commonly 

 by a male and a female, who respond to each other in extemporary stanzas 

 alternately. The subject has commonly reference to the situation or actual 

 occupation of the parties, clothed in numerous metaphors and simihes, 

 drawn chiefly from vegetable products : v/here the parties are skilful, the Bijrl 

 is made the vehicle of personal praise or satire : this style of singing is high- 

 ly popular in the Kamaon pergunnahs, and it is there a common saying, that 

 no female heart can withstand the seductions of an accomplished Byri singer. 

 The measure is slow and plaintive. 



The only musical instruments in common use, are drums of various kinds, 

 as in the plains, and the shepherd's pipe ; this latter is rude and simple, formed 

 from the small hill bambu : its power, as well as that of the performers, appears 



