1833.] 



Report on the Mackenzie Manuscripts. 



341 



Section 2. Account of the modes of hunting iii the Malayala 

 country. 



There are three modes, one that Arju7ia, one that of Ayyapen^ 

 one that of Cdttala for foresters). The various descriptions of people 

 requisite to hunting specified. Certain hunting phrases explained i 

 and terms which, as signals, designate the nature of the animal to be 

 pursued, and the number. Six other kinds of hunting are afterwards 

 specified. Mythology, and a visit to heaven to fetch down four images 

 thence, mingled with the other matter. 



Remark.— To some this section would be curious, and interesting : 

 it is however of ho further use than to aid in describing manners, 

 and customs. 



Section 3. Account of agriculture in Kerala-desam, 



Invocations to Rama, and Ganesa. The people of the land address- 

 ing Parasu Rama, stated, that though the land was fertile, yet that they 

 knew not how to cultivate it. He in consequence is represented as 

 giving them instructions how to proceed. The first part relates to 

 preparation of the ground,, care of oxen, and qualifications of the cul- 

 tivator, who must not eat flesh, nor use intoxicating liquors, nor al- 

 low himself indulgence in sleep, v/ith various other details. The 

 second part is put into the mouth of a rishi as deputed by Parasu Ra- 

 ma. It relates to choice of seed, and propitious time for sowing in 

 well ploughed ground, by oxen well fed, neiir to places where there 

 are many inhabitants, and where water can be obtained, as without 

 water the best labours will be fruitless. Other connected detail. 



The third part relates to manure by decayed skins, ashes, dung, 

 and the like. The rainy season, when water descends in torrents 

 from the mountains, to be attended to, and the streams collected 

 into reservoirs. The planting and cultivation of rice. The planting 

 of cocoanut-trees, areca-palms, pepper vines, and other trees,, as pro- 

 ductive of great advantages. These and similar matters are given in 

 detail. 



The fourth part refers to the following topics. Times of beginning 

 agricultural labours, on reference to astrological configurations. Time 

 of harvest. Rules as to the choice of horses, bullocks and other 

 cattle, in the purchasing of them 5. and modes of managing, or taking 

 care of them, so as to become most useful for agricultural purposes. 



