oaks, render it extremely dangerous to go down with the stream during
the night: in some strong waters, such impediments are numerous, and
render the navigation very hazardous, even during the day time;
especially should a _goon_, or track rope, give way just after getting a
boat above them; when this misfortune happens, the chances of escape are
comparatively small indeed.
When boats, heavily laden, strike upon a tree, they sometimes go to
pieces, in consequence of the water’s rapidity; but, when so entangled
as to be pierced in several parts, they very generally remain entire,
presenting, as the waters subside, the very curious spectacle of a
vessel, perhaps carrying twelve or fifteen hundred maunds, sitting, as
it were, among the boughs, often ten or twelve feet above the surface of
the stream. It is by no means unusual, in the course of a week’s
travelling, to see one, or more, of these disastrous elevations; more
especially about the month of October. The misfortune is, that, though
the cargo may, perhaps, be saved, if not of a perishable nature, such as
sugar, salt-petre, &c.; yet, that the vessel, however expeditiously
emptied, can never be got off; consequently, she must be broken up.
With respect to the prices of _saul_ timbers, we generally find them to
be nearly the same, year after year, at the same places; provided a
sufficient number, but not a great glut, should arrive within the proper
season. On an average, near Patna, the cubic foot will cost about
sixpence, at Moorshadabad, about a shilling, and, at Calcutta, about two
shillings, or even half-a-crown. An extra price is, of course, put on
timbers of superior dimensions, while the smaller kinds, called
_bautties_, which rarely contain more than eight or ten feet, are, in an
opposite degree, depreciated. The _saul_ is a very solid wood, at least
equally so as elm, but has not its pliancy, nor is it quite so apt to
split: its grain usually runs tolerably even; it is likewise heavy, yet
by no means so ponderous as _teak_: both, like many of our firmer woods,
sink in fresh water.
In the upper provinces, some very fine oak timbers are occasionally to
be seen: these are chiefly of a peculiar kind, nearly approaching to
chocolate color, extremely difficult to cut up, and, consequently, very
heavy: this last characteristic gives them the name of _seesah_, or,
lead-wood. The prices of these trees, which generally measure about the
same as the _saul_, from the same forests, (namely, from the
neighbourhood of _Peelabeet_,) rather exceed those of the latter
description; and would probably be greatly enhanced, if the natives
stood in need of such very substantial wood for any of their buildings,
or manufactures. The fact is, that the carpenters generally endeavor to
dissuade their employers from purchasing oak, by representing it as
subject to many defects; though the true reason is, that its hardness
infallibly causes more grinding of, than working with, their tools;
which are almost always either too much, or too little tempered. At
Futty-Ghur, _saul_ timbers commonly sell for full eighteen-pence the
foot, and oaks for about two shillings. I recollect buying some of the
former, that measured thirty feet in length, with an average squaring of
fourteen inches, for twenty-eight rupees each; and oaks of the same
dimensions, or nearly so, at thirty-five: but wood was then extremely
scarce, and at full twenty per cent. above the ordinary rates.
The great aptness of _saul_-wood to warp, we should suppose, might have
favored the importation of oak, notwithstanding the outcry against its
flinty hardness: and such would doubtless have been the case, had not
another kind of wood, possessing a very fine grain, and rather
handsomely veined, been abundant. This, which is called the _sissoo_,
grows in most of the great forests, intermixed with the _saul_; but, in
lieu of towering up with a straight stem, seems partial to crooked
forms, such as suit it admirably for the knees of ships, and for such
parts as require the grain to follow some particular curve. This wood is
extremely hard, and heavy, of a dark brown, inclining to a purple tint
when polished; after being properly seasoned, it rarely cracks, or
warps; nor is it so subject as _saul_ to be destroyed by either
white-ants, or river-worms. The domestic uses of _sissoo_ are chiefly
confined to the construction of furniture, especially chairs, tables,
tepoys, (or tripods,) bureaus, book-cases, ecritoires, &c. &c. for all
which purposes it is peculiarly appropriate, with the exception of its
being very ponderous. This objection is, however, counter-balanced by
its great durability, and by the extraordinary toughness of the tenons,
dovetails, &c. necessarily made by the cabinet-maker, or joiner.
_Sissoo_ is, of late, more employed than formerly for the frame, ribs,
knees, &c. of ships, especially those of great burthen: for such, it is
found to be fully as tough and as durable as the best oak. When timbers
can be had of this wood long enough for the purpose, it is often applied
for bends, and, indeed, for a portion of the planking, or casing; but it
is very rarely that a plank of ten feet can be had free from curve.
Though admirably suited for stern and head-work, it is neither long
enough for keels in general, nor sufficiently uniform in its diameter
for the supply of stern-posts. Some _sissoo-trees_ grow to a great
weight; but, unluckily, the devious directions of their boughs render it
necessary to lop them away for minor purposes: if, instead of dividing
into several large branches, at perhaps only ten or twelve feet from the
ground, one large stem were to rise, however crooked, to double that
height, there would be a great encrease of substance; as it is, however,
we may account it an excellent timber indeed that measures a ton (_i.e._
forty cubic feet).
This inconvenience is greatly augmented by the slovenly manner in which
trees are felled throughout India. There, it is common to see the axe
(for no saws are used on such occasions) laid to the stem often at a
yard or more from the soil; while, at the same time, full a cubit in
depth is destroyed in widening the orifice, so as to penetrate into the
heart: this creates considerable loss, which is frequently rendered
still greater by the irregular manner in which the butt rends when in
the act of quitting the root, or stool. If this wood were more scarce,
probably greater pains would be taken to make the most of its length; as
it is, we see, that, even those ship-builders who occasionally send
their agents into the _Morungs_, or great forests to the north of
_Bahar_ and _Purneah_, allow the same loss to take place; thus
disqualifying the timbers from more general, as well as more important,
adaptation. The price of _sissoo_, for the most part, runs about
twenty-five, or even to forty per cent. above that of _saul_; but, in
many places, up the country especially, where naval architecture is not
in view, their values are generally about equal. In such situations, it
is less an object of import; since its utility is greatly circumscribed,
and, in a great variety of instances, superseded, by the _baubool_, (a
species of _mimosa_, generally growing wild,) whose crooked billets are
deservedly in great estimation, and whose bark is considered to be, if
any thing, superior to that of oak for the tanners’ use.
I should have remarked, that, in some parts of the country, especially
along the western frontier, a small kind of _saul_ grows wild: this
rarely exceeds six inches in diameter, and is commonly used entire, in
lieu of bamboos, for enclosures, rafters of _bungalows_, &c. It is very
peculiar that this wood cannot be trusted for any length of time, even
under a thatch; it being subject to the depredations of a very small
insect, called the _g’hoon_, which perforates it in a thousand places,
depositing its eggs, which are very numerous, and absolutely rendering
the rafter a mere honey-comb. During the day, these mischievous little
devils are commonly quiet, but, after night-fall, when all else is
still, may be heard in every quarter! A person unaccustomed to the
sounds, would suppose that a very heavy shower of hail were falling on
the thatch. In the course of two or three seasons, sometimes in much
less, the rafters will be found to give way; on examination, they appear
as though pierced with large awls; and, when struck forcibly with a
hammer, yield a cloud of yellowish powder, resulting no doubt from the
labors of the multitude of inhabitants. The _g’hoon_, which rarely
exceeds the sixth of an inch in length, is of a chocolate color, very
hard about the head, has firm exterior coats over its wings, and
terminates abruptly behind, giving the exact appearance of its rump
having been burnt off. Those timbers which are used immediately after
being felled, as usually happens, are certainly the first to be attacked
by the _g’hoon_; but, so far as my own observations went, and according
to the experience of two years, in a quarter where we used scarcely any
other kind of wood for rafters, even a year’s seasoning did not afford
security against, though it obviously retarded, their attacks. Possibly,
if all of this description of _saul_ trees intended for rafters, were to
be immersed in some of the very numerous puddles every where abounding
in their vicinity, and of which a great majority are strongly
impregnated with minerals, particularly iron, copper, and sulphur, the
_g’hoons_ might be altogether repelled: the immersion should continue
for a year or two; the trees being previously allowed to season
standing, by cutting away a circle of bark, about six inches wide, near
the ground, that the flow of sap might be discontinued. We find no mode
to answer so well as this for our climate; in India, the advantages
would be still more extensive, in consequence of the regularity, and
particular effects of the three great seasons, into which the year is
there naturally divided. It is curious, but true, that the _g’hoon_ acts
less upon such timbers as have been squared, than on such as have only
been deprived of their bark; and, that in the large species of _saul_,
that is, such as is used in most parts of the country for great
buildings, &c., it either is unable, or not disposed, to burrow.
Intermixed with the smaller species of _saul_, though by no means
abundant, we find another tree, bearing, in common with the oak, the
designation of _seesah_; and that, too, owing to the great specific
gravity of its wood: this, however, does not grow to any size, but
appears admirably suited to many of those purposes for which lignum
vitæ, and ebony, are now used.
In the same jungles with the foregoing, a most remarkable tree is
sometimes found, of which the interior is of a very dark color, nearly
approaching to black: hence, the natives call it the ‘_cowah_’ (or
‘crow-tree’); but, from the hardness of its wood, it certainly might,
with propriety, be termed the ‘_iron-tree_.’ The carpenters seem to view
it much in the same light with the black-oak of _Peelabeet_; and,
doubtless, tremble for their tools, whenever the _cowah_ is to become
subject to their labors.
Although such _bungalows_ as are built with a view to duration, are
sometimes built of the best materials, and have every part of their
roofs sustained by rafters of the best _saul_, by far the majority of
such buildings, and nearly all at the military stations, are constructed
on a much cheaper scale, having only _mango-wood_ rafters, door-plates,
&c. The great abundance of _mango_ trees, added to their being easily
worked, and their growing in general with stems sufficiently straight to
furnish beams, of perhaps two feet square, and from fifteen to thirty
feet long, give them a decided preference over every other kind of wood
brought from any distance. Formerly, a gentleman could send out his
servant, with wood-cutters, sawyers, &c., to fell whatever trees might
be found suitable to his intentions, without any questions being asked;
but of late, and especially since the introduction of the _Mocurrery_
settlement, (which will be hereafter explained,) the _zemindars_, (or
land-holders,) and the _raiuts_, (or peasants,) have set a value upon
every twig that grows, and invariably demand from one to four rupees,
for such _mango_ trees as may be felled for the use of any European;
especially in the military. As to a Company’s civil servant, either the
hope of his favor, or the fear of his resentment, generally is found to
seal the mouth of the pretended proprietor of the soil; who even is
assiduous in furnishing workmen and conveyance on most occasions of this
description. I must caution my readers against entertaining any
sentiment unfavorable to the gentlemen alluded to: the adulation in
question results entirely from that servile, abject, and crafty
disposition, for which the _zemindars_ are notorious where their
interests are any way implicated. They judge of our collectors,
magistrates, &c., as they would of their own; at least, so far as to
suppose that courtesy will secure their good-will; but, they are, at the
same time, thoroughly sensible, that in all public, as well as in all
private, intercourse, the Company’s servants act with the most
conscientious propriety, and with the most undeviating attention to
justice. It matters not that this character may be repugnant to some
proofs existing of former rapacity, and extortion; which may now be
deemed obsolete, or, at the utmost, only existing to such extent as must
be expected under every form of government, and among every race of
people, in spite of the utmost vigilance.
The wood of the _mango_ is much like that of the _plane-tree_, but
rather more tough, and its fibres rather coarser: nevertheless, it is in
very general use for rafters, door and wall-plates, frames for windows
and doors, especially of out-offices, pannelled and plain doors,
floorings of factories, and drying-rooms; likewise for wine chests,
indigo boxes, roofs of _budjrows_, and a thousand other purposes, both
of individual convenience, and of mercantile service. It is, however,
particularly subject to the _white-ant_; and, unless carefully preserved
from damp, will speedily decay: its being very light, and easy to work,
are points much in its favor. Though we consider a _mango-plank_ to be
at least at par, when it measures twenty inches, or two feet, in width,
yet great numbers may be had, by research, of double that breadth. My
carpenters once felled a tree, which proved too large for any saw I
could obtain in that quarter.
Sometimes we see very old tables made of _mango-wood_, which exhibit
some beautiful veins, and acquire a substantial polish; but, such can
only attend a very careful choice of planks, which must likewise be
seasoned, and be worked to great advantage: otherwise, a _mango-wood_
table will appear singularly coarse and mean.
As to the tree itself, much may be said in its favor, though, owing to
the stiffness of the leaves, it cannot be termed graceful: its deep
green, contrasted with the white spindling blossoms, (much resembling
those of the horse-chesnut,) and its abundant foliage, give it a
richness, and render it peculiarly gratifying to the eye; especially as
it is in its greatest beauty during the early part of the hot season,
when the grass begins to parch, and the surface of the soil changes from
that agreeable verdure produced by the rains, and, in some degree,
cherished by the succeeding cold months, to a very sombre russet! The
fruit does not run much risque after the blossoms have once fairly set;
though, sometimes, severe blights occur, which render the whole
abortive; when about the size of a very large gooseberry, the young
_mangoes_ make excellent pies; not unlike those containing apples, but
with a certain terebinthinic flavor, which does not always please in the
first instance, but soon becomes palatable. When about half grown, that
is, beyond the size of a large walnut, they are in good order for
pickling. This fruit is also preserved in common _mosaul-oil_; in this
instance, they are allowed to remain about a month in the vinegar
pickle, before they are immersed in the oil. Many persons are very
partial to the pickle thus made; but, in my humble opinion, nothing can
be more rank; especially when the rinds are not pared off. _Mangoes_
likewise make a very rich preserve, provided they are prepared before
the stones are suffered to harden; else they will be very fibrous, and
cut with peculiar harshness. With respect to the ripe fruit, it is
impossible to describe the flavor; since, even on the same tree, various
kinds will often be found. A stranger would conclude, on seeing
_mangoes_ of different colors, different scents, and different shapes,
ripening on the same tree, that they had been grafted; but such is not
the fact: there seems to be some very peculiar property, that causes it
to shoot out with such different bearings, which remain on distinct
boughs; as though the tree were composed of various twigs, all
proceeding from the same stem. What can be said of a fruit varying in
flavor, from the finest apricot, down to a very bad carrot? Such,
however, is known to be common: it is true, that, for the most part, the
whole crop of a tree will be pretty similar, both in shape, and flavor;
but such is not always the case. As for the produce of trees resulting
from the kernels of the same kind of _mango_, that is quite a lottery;
for, like potatoes raised from seed, there will generally be found a
great variety.
The Chinese have produced considerable amelioration in _mangoes_, by a
very simple process. They select some healthy branches on a good tree,
and, having pricked the bark through with a sharp awl, surround the part
with a lump of wet clay, or loam; which they secure by means of a piece
of canvas, bound lightly with hempen bands. Above each part thus
treated, a large pot of water is suspended, having in its bottom a small
hole; which, being partially stopped with a piece of rag, allows the
water to drip, whereby the clay is kept constantly moist. In about three
months, small fibres shoot out through the punctured bark; which, on the
branch being cut off, and the canvas being removed, strike into the
soil, and become roots. It is highly curious, that the fruit produced by
branches thus treated, becomes more fleshy, while the stone diminishes
considerably; it being more flat, and rarely so firm as that of the
common _mango_. By persevering in the operation, that is, by repeating
it on the branches of a tree thus cultivated, for some generations, the
kernel becomes so reduced as scarcely to be noticeable, while the skin
also loses much of that highly acrid quality, arising from the abundance
of turpentine it contains.
_Mangoes_ are peculiarly stimulant, rarely failing to cause those who
eat of them freely to break out with boils of considerable size, and
often very tedious in their cure. It is absolutely necessary to treat
these as critical abscesses; for, were any repellent to be applied,
serious consequences would inevitably follow. Persons lately arrived in
the country, often devour this luscious fruit, until checked either by a
dozen or two of these most distressing companions, or, perhaps, in
consequence of that kind of bowel-complaint prevalent in all hot
climates, and which, though generally not very difficult to remedy when
properly treated in its first stage, soon turns to dysentery, carrying
off a large portion of those whose constitutions are not remarkably
sound. When eaten in moderation, _mangoes_ are gently aperient; but if,
notwithstanding its acrid taste and effects, the rind should be
incautiously swallowed, the stomach will be considerably disordered. The
_gland_, or kernel, which in shape is something like a very large, flat,
Windsor-bean, is unpleasant to the palate, its flavor being very similar
to that of the acorn. Swine, especially of the wild tribes, which often
take shelter, during the season, in _topes_, or forests, of wild
_mangoes_, eat the entire fruit, as it falls from the trees, with great
avidity, and thrive amazingly.
The generality of _mango-topes_ owe their origin to religious
institutions, or to bequests, or to charitable donations. To plant one,
it is necessary that the land should be purchased in fee-simple; when,
the trees being set out, perhaps thirty feet, or more, asunder, in rows,
so as to form regular square intervals, the whole are fenced by means of
a deep ditch; from which the excavated soil is thrown inwards, and
either planted with _baubool_, (_mimosa_,) or sown with that tall kind
of grass which bears a very large tassel, and is known by the name of
_surput_: of this grass notice has already been taken in describing the
_seerky_ used in thatching _bungalows_. Some _topes_ are endowed with
small sums for the purpose of maintaining a priest, for whom a
_comfortable_ residence, and a substantial _durgaw_, (or temple,) are
erected. The sale of the fruit, (which generally proves a full crop in
four or five years, the trees being then as large as a well-grown
walnut-tree,) furnishes the means of sinking a well, cased with masonry.
But it is more common for the person who causes the _tope_ to be
planted, to sink the well also; and to celebrate the marriage of the
former with the latter, in a manner suitable to his rank or property. On
such occasions, the well, being supposed to possess the fecundatory
powers, is considered the husband; the _tope_ being typified as
feminine, by the fruit it produces. However much we may be disposed to
smile at a custom generally attended with much ceremony, and expence, we
cannot but admire its effects; which, in a tropical climate, are highly
beneficial, both to the weary traveller, and to the thirsty soil. Hence,
the sight of a _mango-tope_ is generally attended with the most pleasing
anticipations!