2-32 History of the Ramoossies. [July 



towns and small districts for the purpose. These men 

 continue to enjoy all the rights and perquisites to which 

 they formerly were entitled, but owing to the influence 

 they possessed, end having become deeply involved in 

 the system of corruption and embezzlement, their ser- 

 vices have been dispensed with in the fiscal department; 

 however, i am disposed to think, that their influence 

 might prove extremely useful, either in supporting the 

 Patell's* authority when he needed such aid, or in 

 communicating to the Government district agents, in- 

 formation respecting any outrages which may have been 

 committed, or which may apparently be in contempla- 

 tion ; for Desmooks being in general persons of consi- 

 derable intelligence, have the means of gaining informa- 

 tion, respecting the conduct and habits of the inhabitants 

 of the various villages with which they are connected. 

 It would be necessary to grant these men but very^ limited 

 authority, for there is the greatest risk of authority in- 

 trusted to natives being abused, unless they are aware 

 that their proceedings are closely watched by an indepen- 

 dent and vigilant superior authority. 



The very irregular and singular manner in which the 

 boundary line of the various pergunnahs (districts) of a 

 coilectorship are defined, is very objectionable and in- 

 convenient on account of revenue, as well as police du- 

 ties ; it only requires to inspect the map of any of the 



* Unfortunately the Patellship is not such an enviable ciHce as it used to 

 tte ; the Koolkuinies supported by the Mamlutdars and Shaikdars have, in 

 many instances, contrived to deprive the Patells of a great share of their in- 

 fu-nce ard authority, particularly in the small villages, and as their respon- 

 sibility in raany respects remains the same, and they do not experience the 

 same consideration, it renders them rather discontented. The interests of 

 the Ryuts are much safer in the hands of the Patells than in those of the 

 Koolkurny. The former AviU ocGafjionally impose on them, but in general 

 his feelings and interests arc too cloocly linked with theirs, to injure them ; 

 be is one of themselves, v.hile the Brahmun Koolkurny is quite distinct' 

 aHf' poGse^sos less syirpathv of fpe];ri<x ^yilh them. 



