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ORIENTAL COMMERCE. [Gulph of Cutrh. 



The GULPH OF CUTCH extends a considerable distance to the E., 

 at the head of which is a low barren track, annually overflowed by the sea 

 during the monsoon, and is said at certain seasons to communicate with 

 the river Ran in the Gulph of Cambay, thereby making what is commonly 

 called the peninsula of Guzerat, an island. The Gulph is formed by the 

 coast of Cutch to the N., and that of Guzerat to the S. ; it contains 

 numerous shoals, and being but little frequented by Europeans, is but im- 

 perfectly known. The principal place of trade is 



MUDDI, or MUSKER MAUNDVEE: this is the great port of 

 Cutch, and is situated in latitude 88° 50 N., and longitude 69° 25 E. The 

 capital, called Bhooj, whence this province is called Cutch-Bhooj, is about 25 

 miles to the N. W. Muddi is large, and strongly fortified ; the houses are 

 indifferent, principally constructed of mats and bamboos. Eight miles to 

 the N. is a pagoda, called Assara, from a town of that name in its vicinity. 

 Off this pagoda, and a small way to the W. of it, there are rocks near 

 the shore above water, which seem to be the termination of the broken and 

 bad ground in that direction. All to the E., and as far to the S. as 22° 40 

 N., is foul ground, and irregular soundings : and the natives in their accounts 

 agree with all the charts extant, in describing the Gulph quite across to the 

 other coast, to be full of shoals both of sand and rocks. A vessel hound 

 to Muddi from any quarter not in the Gulph, should be careful to make 

 the Cutch coast, to the W, of Assara pagoda; and if a leading wind, keep 

 along shore about E., in S fathoms; and if obliged to work, her tacks must 

 be short, always taking care to go about as soon as she shoals on the off-shore 

 tack. Between Muddi and the opposite coast a passage boat goes daily t 



Trade. — A considerable commerce is carried un between this place 

 and the British Settlement of Bombay. The principal article of produce is 

 cotton, which is inferior to most of what is grown in the neighbourhood of 

 Surat and the Gulph of Cambay. Many of the principal Bombay 

 merchants have agents residing here to transact their business. Some trade 

 is likewise carried on with the Persian Gulph. 



Provisions and Refreshments. — No animal food is to be procured, 

 but by stealth ; and rice, &c. only in small quantities, which must be paid 

 for as soon as received. There is tolerable water to be got, brought 

 down by women to the landing-place, at the rate of 2$ silver cowries 

 per leager. 



Coins. — The only coin belonging to the place is of silver, called a cowrie. 

 The exchange varies from 2S5 to 295 cowries per 100 Bombay or Surat 

 rupees. All Indian coins pass current here. Their value fluctuates ac- 

 cording to the quantity in the market 



