204 
SCENES IN INDIA. 
believe, at Cochin. These boats are sometimes up- 
wards of two hundred tons’ burthen, having high 
stems, with a sort of small poop ; under this is the 
principal cabin, inclining towards the bow, which is 
low and pointed. The cabins, as in the budgerows, 
are lighted by Venetian sashes. 
The buggola is rigged something like a lugger, and 
carries two immense latteen sails. The larger boats 
hoist a jib, when the weather requires a press of 
canvass. They are usually commanded by a lazy 
Arab. He resigns the whole management of the 
vessel to a subordinate, who never even consults 
him, but leaves him to the enjoyment of his siesta 
and the luxuries of eating, drinking, and smoking. 
The sailors look upon him as a father, and treat 
him with an affectionate familiarity which, accord- 
ing to our notions of subordination, would be sub- 
versive of all discipline. This is far from the case 
with them ; for, whenever he exercises his authority, 
he meets with implicit and willing obedience. The 
attachment between these commanders and their men 
is much the same as that which used to exist in 
Scotland between the head of a clan and his inferior 
clansmen ; nor is it^ever to be shaken, except by posi- 
tive tyranny. 
Shortly after our return to Mascat, we were in- 
formed that despatches had arrived over land from 
England, and were ready to be forwarded to the Bom- 
bay government ; but in consequence of the weather, 
which was now rather threatening, none of the bug- 
gola boats would undertake to carry them. We were 
in consequence applied to ; and as it was our ultimate 
