MYSORE, CANARY, AND MALABAR. 
this, the stems are tied up in large bundles, about two fathoms in CHAPTER 
circumference, and are preserved in stacks, or under sheds. The 
bundles are taken out as wanted, and put in the water, at which time 
their bands are cut, and the stems being opened out, are kept 
down to the bottom by stones or mud. According to circumstances, 
they require to be kept in the water from six to eight days. They 
are known to be ready, when the bark separates easily from the 
pith. It is then taken out of the water, and a man, taking it up by 
handfuls, beats them on the ground, and occasionally washes them 
until they be clean; and at the same time picks out with his hand 
the remainder of the pith, until nothing except the bark be left. 
This is then dried, and being taken up by handfuls, is beaten with a 
stick to separate and clean the fibres. The hemp is then completely 
ready, and is spun into thread on a spindle, both by the men and 
women. The men alone weave it, and perform this labour in the 
open air with a very rude loom. 
Leather is tanned here by a class of people esteemed of very low 
% 
cast, and called Madigaru. 
To dress the raw hides of sheep or goats, the Madigaru in the Goat and 
first place wash them clean, and then rub each with the fourth part 
of a kind of soft paste, made of 6 Dudus weight of the milky juice 
of the Yecada (Asclepias gigantea), about 6 Dudus weight (2-ArVo 
ounces) of salt (muriate of soda), and twelve Dudus weight of Ragy 
Sanguty, or pudding of the Cynosurus coracanus , with a sufficient 
quantity of water. This paste is rubbed on the hairy side, and the 
skins are then exposed for three days to the sun; after which they 
are washed with water, beating them well on a stone, as is usual in 
this country. This takes off the hair. Then powder 2 Seers (1——- lb.) 
of Arulay Myrobalans , and put them and one skin into a pot with 
3 or 4 Seers measure of hot water, where it is to remain, for three 
days. The skin is then to be washed and dried. 
This tanned skin is dyed black as follows : take of old iron, and Black skins, 
of the dross of iron forges, each a handful; of plantain and ]ime» 
IV. 
June 22, &c. 
Leather. 
