April.] 
AT NEW LATTAKOO. 
113 
I was gratified to observe twenty or thirty 
Matchappees at the prayer-meeting in the even- 
ing, notwithstanding the uproar in the town, 
which was almost frightful during the whole 
time of our meeting. The dancing ended about 
ten at night, after continuing six hours without 
intermission, which was considered a short time. 
Had it been moonlight the dance would probably 
have been protracted till break of day, when the 
women would have proceeded to their work in 
the field as brisk and lively as if they had slept 
the whole night. They are never observed to 
require drink on such occasions, notwithstand- 
ing the perspiration occasioned by their great 
exertion. They can travel long without water, 
and live and look well on a small quantity of 
provisions. They do not regard heat; but all 
work, out of doors, is at an end on the least rain 
falling. This may be owing to its effect on their 
skin dresses, which it hardens, and because it 
washes off the paint that covers their bodies. 
When they have no food they resort to copious 
draughts of water. The expedient of a Hotten- 
tot is very different on such an occasion, he ties 
a cord very tight round his waist if travelling, or 
if at home he endeavours to drive away hunger 
by sleep, which like the dog he seems able to 
command at any time. 
When walking about the town the general 
VOL. I. I 
