128 
SCENES IN INDIA. 
passing down the Goomty in his state barge, the 
Moah Punkee, of which a faithful representation is 
given in the following page. It was a splendid sight. 
This boat derives its name from the figure orna- 
menting the bow, which is a flying peacock; moah 
signifies a peacock, and punkee wings, indicating the 
swiftness of its progress ; and these boats certainly 
are remarkable for their speed. They are of an 
elegant shape, extremely long and light in form. 
Unlike every other description of boat, the head rises 
greatly above the stern, which latter terminates in a 
low point without the slightest ornament. The head 
of the boat projects forward with a slight curve, and 
is at least ten feet from the surface of the water, end- 
ing in the body of a peacock with the wings ex- 
tended. Near this gay ornament is a pavilion suf- 
ficiently spacious to contain ten or twelve persons. 
The boat is manned with from twenty to forty rowers, 
who use short elliptical paddles, with which they 
propel her forward with amazing swiftness, timing 
their strokes by a measured but not unmusical chant. 
Near the pavilion is a raised platform, upon which a 
man dances for the amusement of the company, flou- 
rishing the while a chowry over his head. He acts as 
a sort of fugleman, for by his movements the action 
of the paddles is governed. In the middle ground of 
the picture appears the palace of Lucknow, which 
is a structure of much beauty. This celebrated 
city is situated on the southern bank of the river 
Goomty, which rises among the Kumaoon hills, whence 
it flows nearly parallel with the Goggra, and after 
passing Lucknow and Juanpoor, debouches into the 
