136 



Notes on Goomsoor. 



suppl}^ of grain, which is put into immense bamboo hampers, many of 

 them from two to three yards square at the top ; the third appears 

 to be the sleeping apartment above is a loft for the reception of 

 arms of all kinds, or instruments of agriculture. Independent of these, 

 each house has a small long narrow apartment in the rear, which ex- 

 tends half the length of the house ; a strong little sallyport opens into 

 this — and another strong door connects it with the enclosures in the 

 rear ; but the use of it we could not find out. Every village is overrun 

 with pigs and poultry, and they are very fond of the flesh of the former. 



The Khonds are a dark race of men, straight, well limbed, and free 

 from obesity, which makes them have a tall appearance. Many of the 

 men have a pleasing expression of countenance. Generally however 

 the nose is flaitish, the face round, and the cheek bones high ; the lips 

 and mouth large and often displaying a fine set of teeth ; the eye is 

 quick and brilliant. They are clean and neat in their appearance, and 

 wear their hair in a manner quite characteristic, and altogether differ- 

 ent from their neighbours, the JVodiahs, who tie it in a knot behind. 

 Having combed it all to the front, they roll it up like a large round 

 of tape, and fix it on the forehead, above the right eye. It is ornament- 

 ed with strips of red cloth, and porcupine quills, or iron needles are 

 stuck into it, which not only ornament and secure it, but likewise pre- 

 vent their being caught by the hair of the head. By way of addition- 

 al ornament a little neat iron comb is added to the head gear ; some 

 wear the knot differently, and a few others wear the hair loose ; but it 

 is principally amongst the young men that the greatest attention is 

 paid to the dressing of the hair. They have little or no beard; per- 

 haps they destroy it withchunam like some of the tribes in the Philli- 

 pine isles, as mentioned in Pritchard's History of Man. They have no 

 covering to the head, and, in fact, are naked with the exception of the 

 loins, round which they wind a long narrow piece of cloth, the extre- 

 mities of which, neatly checquered with red, hang down in front and 

 rear. Some of the headmen wear a red checquered plaid. They are 

 all passionately fond of intoxicating liquors, and they prepare, amongst 

 themselves, a potent description from the buds and flowers of the 

 Cassia lalifolia c'dlled by them Ippee {Mliroanoo tree) which grows 

 abundantly. Their instruments of war are the battle axe and bow, in 

 the use of which they are extremely expert ; clenching the former with 

 both hands, the thumbs supporting the shaft, it is said they can inflict 

 tremendous blows. They have them of all shapes and sizes ; the 

 shaft neatly ornamented with brass wire, the point armed with a sharp 



