INDIAN BLOW-PIPE. 



405 



return. He then mentioned several other sto- 

 ries of the boldness of tigers, which were not 

 particularly agreeable to me, as I was placed 

 on an open platform, on which a tiger could 

 easily spring ; but this did not prevent me 

 from going to sleep soon after. 



Jan. 30th. Rose at daylight, having slept 

 very little, and passed an unpleasant night, 

 from most extraordinary, rapid, and profuse 

 perspiration, which, however, eventually did 

 me great good, as it considerably removed the 

 rheumatism. Found two of my peons unable 

 to stir from severe attacks of intermittent fe- 

 ver. Determined on stopping a few hours, in 

 hopes of the arrival of the post, which was 

 due at this place. 



I asked the owner to show me his blow-pipe 

 and arrows, which he did without hesitation. 

 The pipe was made of two pieces of reed, each 

 forming a half circle; these being placed to- 

 gether left a small hole, just large enough for 

 the admission of the arrow. The reeds, which 

 are about twelve feet long, were bound round 

 with green hide, cut into thongs, and, when dry, 

 covered with a coat of milk from the caucho-tree ; 

 which, dried, prevents any air from entering. 



