\% BHOTIA MEHALS 



property in its foliage forms an object of sale and purchase, distinct 

 from the land. 



While on the mountains, the flocks are secured during the night in 

 folds ; these are situated along the ridges, and being intended for annual 

 resort, are substantially built with layers of dry stone: the wall is raised to 

 nine or ten feet, so as to exclude beasts of prey: only a single door of en- 

 trance is left, and that of the smallest dimensions, with the same view, 

 as the leopards, when the door is high, break it down without difficulty, 

 by leaping against it. In the interior, sloping chhappers are erected along 

 one or more sides, according to the number of animals to be sheltered. 

 Every village has commonly its separate fold at each of the periodical 

 pastures ; the ridges in question, consequently, exhibit the appearance of 

 a chain of fortified posts, the resemblance being increased by the indi- 

 vidual sites of these erections, which, with a view to facility of draining, 

 are placed on the summits of rising grounds. 



The wool is of good quality, and is wholly consumed on the spot, in 

 the manufacture of blankets. 



The sheep carries a burthen of from five to eight seers, and the goat from 

 six to twelve seers : all dry commodities, the weight of which can be equally 

 apportioned on both sides, may be conveyed on these animals. Grain, 

 borax, salt, gur and such articles, are sewn up in small saddle bags, cal- 

 led " Karbik" made of worsted, and cased with leather ; these are laid 

 across the back, and are secured merely by a crupper and a breast-band. 

 Wool and other products of the same description, are formed into similar 

 packages, and loaded in the same mode, but without bags. Laden sheep on 

 short journeys, can accomplish seven or eight miles a day ; but for a continu- 

 ance, cannot keep up a greater rate than five miles ; they travel only for a 



short 



