THE INDIA-EUBBEE PUNT. 
J99 
hundred and eighty souls. The fishermen I estimated as numbering 
about the same— a family of twenty usually possess one canoe. 
September Zrd . — One of the trained bullocks,, too weak to proceed, 
was slaughtered for the negro porters last evening. Two donkeys 
were reported ill, so they were given to the villagers, who, if the 
animals died, would eat them. At nine a.m. yesterday left Neot 
for the lagoon, where seventeen canoes awaited us. Speedily dis- 
patched a portion of the luggage — the larger canoes carried ten 
negro loads, the smaller four. Six soldiers, to guard, embarked ; 
they were to proceed to an island, reported by the negroes to be 
in the centre of the lagoon, and the boats were to return for the 
remainder of our party. At 3.30 p.m. this day the canoes were 
brought back, but a storm commencing, we could not proceed. 
Made preparations to bivouac for the night ; the large tent having 
been sent forward, fixed a small one for my wife, who is feverish 
and ill. 
September Mh . — Declaring herself able to travel, we made ready 
to embark, my wife and self in the punt, in which were stowed 
sextants, books, and firearms. The punt was attached by a cord to 
the canoe of a negro who was to pole us through the water, covered 
as it was with herbage. I assisted with the aid of a paddle ; the 
labour was fatiguing, and the sun being directly over us made the 
exercise trying in the extreme. At times the reeds closed over us, 
then becoming scant, luxuriant lilies were disclosed, ‘^‘^a creamy 
white tipped with delicate lilac.^^ On reeds three feet above the 
water many nests of the yellow linnet were attached. Magnificent 
golden- crested royal cranes, or Abboo Meea, gazed wonderingly at 
us. I was sorely tempted to bring one down, but refrained, as the 
discharge might have caused consternation amongst our divided 
