348 
RAMNAD. 
large pearls. The old lady's designation is Rannie Sudoopuddy 
Munglasoovary Natchiar. The first is a title ; the second designates 
her power over Ramiseram, of which she is paramount ; the third 
is her name; the fourth marks her as eldest daughter. 
After some easy conversation, she rose from her seat, and taking 
her boy by the hand, brought him and placed him in my arms, 
requesting my protection for him. This, of course, was promised ; 
and I was entertained with a list of the child's accomplishments. 
After staying about half an hour we hinted a wish to go. She pre- 
i^ented with her own hands a pair of shawls to me, put a wreath of 
yellow flowers round my neck, and sprinkled rose-water on my 
hands and handkerchief. Mr. Salt had a shawl and flowers. She 
then went with us to the door, where we shook hands and parted. 
January 2,8. — The pleasing and cordial manners of my host had 
made me not in the least regret that I had been obliged to stay here 
an additional day, to have bearers laid part of the way toTanjore, and 
to give Captain Blackburn, the Resident there, time to send some 
from that place to meet me. The Colonel had taken every trouble on 
himself, and the gentlemen of the settlement had kindly lent me 
all their palanquin-boys to expedite my journey; yet with all this 
it was impossible to procure a sufficient number for Mr. Salt to 
accompany me ; he therefore remained a day behind. The coast 
boys do not carry the baggage slung on a bamboo across the 
shoulder, but each man carries only one parcel on his head ; I 
therefore required double the number that I did in Bengal. I had 
also twelve bearers for my palanquin, and eight for my servant's 
dooley. 1 breakfasted with Mr. Browne, the Commercial Resident, 
and at ten took my leave of him, and the excellent Colonel Marting. 
