12 
SCENES IN INDIA. 
tory reason has been yet assigned. Although from the 
beginning of October to the middle of December is 
considered the most dangerous season to remain in 
Madras roads., nevertheless ships frequently do anchor 
there at all seasons, in defiance of the cautions, nay 
even of the most peremptory orders, from the shore ; 
being ready to cut or slip their cables and run out to 
sea on the first intimation of a hurricane. The only 
intercourse from the town with ships in stormy wea- 
ther is by the Massoolah boats, and when the surf is 
too high for them to go off, a flag is hoisted at the 
beach-house, called the foul-weather flag. While this 
continues flying, all communication with the shore is 
interrupted ; yet the catamaran men will at all times 
venture off upon their apparently insecure rafts with 
letters or any small packets. These they continue to 
keep perfectly dry by placing them in their skull-caps, 
— a pointed cap made of matting, over which the folds of 
their turbans are so tightly twisted, as to prevent the 
access of the water.* Medals are awarded to such 
among them as distinguish themselves by saving per- 
sons when the Massoolah boats are upset, or by con- 
veying letters of importance through the surf during 
the violence of the monsoons. They are frequently 
washed off their catamarans by the prodigious impetus 
of the waters ; but, unless a shark happens to seize 
them, they immediately regain their raft by swimming, 
at which they are extremely expert. 
* See Edinburgh Cabinet Library — British India, vol. III. 
chap. xvi. 
