OF KAMAON. 43 



fourteen to fifteen rupees the maund, but it is usually disposed of by the 

 Bhotias in barter for oil, or other produce. The supply above noticed is 

 almost wholly obtained from the flocks of Hiuniya sheep, which visit 

 Shot, laden with salt, or borax, and are there shorn. 



Shawl Wool-— the produce of the Tibet goat, was temporarily im- 

 ported during three years, with a view to the provision of the Compa- 

 ny's investment : this demand has since ceased. This article may be 

 procured, through the Bhotias, to any extent, deliverable at Bageswar in 

 its rough state, mixed with hair, at from thirty-six to forty rupees the 

 maund. 



Gold-dust — procured from the sands of every river in Hhmdes, and 

 also obtained in small lumps by digging near the surface in various parts 

 of the deserts, is imported in small quantities. The frauds found to be 

 practised by the Hiuniyas or Bhotias, in alloying this metal and in mix- 

 ing copper or brass filings with the dust, have created a general distrust 

 in the purchase of this article : not more than hundred phetangs, or eight 

 hundred rupees worth annually find a sale. 



The remaining articles of import, comprising coarse shawls and 

 pattu, inferior silks, cow- tails, ponies, drugs, dried fruits, haritdl, saffron, 

 cured leather, similar to the Russian, &c. &c, may be assumed at twenty 

 thousand rupees annual value. 



As during some years from 1816 to 1821, the value of the imports 

 greatly exceeded that of the exports, the deficiency on the latter was 

 supplied by coin. Farakhabad new rupees, to a considerable amount, 

 then found their way to Hiundes, of which they became the favorite cur- 

 rency. 



It 



