otherwise musquitoes, being then on the wing, will, if possible, find
their way to the interior; whence it is not very easy to fan them out.
Besides, by this easy precaution, it is not very practicable for snakes,
or rats, to get under the pillows, or into the bed; situations in which
they have occasionally been found. The rats are often induced to burrow
into the pillows, which are usually stuffed with the silky-cotton called
_seemul_, wherein the seeds are left, and, by their oily nature, attract
this description of vermin in particular. The females sometimes resort
to it when about to bring forth their young: hence, it is not uncommon
to find the old lady in possession of a pillow, or bolster, or,
eventually, of the mattress; especially if no person has slept on them
for a few nights. On board _budjrows_, rats are often very troublesome,
destroying boots, shoes, &c., without mercy: I have frequently felt
them, during the night, attacking the powder and pomatum at the back of
my head. Of this the cock-roach also is very fond, but the sensation it
produces is nothing more than a tickling, as though the fingers of
another person were introduced among the hair; whereas, a rat makes a
more desperate attack, often giving a strong pull, or, occasionally,
knawing at the accumulated grease, which adheres to the head itself.
Though I made it a rule always to have my bed-cloaths stripped off, and
my pillows turned over, before I got into bed, nothing of the serpent
kind was ever discovered, though many rats and mice were at times
dislodged. Other persons have not been so fortunate; my own experience
has made me acquainted with various instances of snakes being found in
beds whereon gentlemen were about to repose. A very curious circumstance
happened many years back, of a lady being called by her servant to see a
snake that lay very contentedly between two of her infants, which slept
on a small cot. It may be readily supposed their perilous situation
produced the most dreadful anxiety. With great fortitude, and presence
of mind, she directed the menial to go to one side of the bed, and to
seize one of the children by a leg and an arm, while she did the same
with the other; and thus to snatch them away. This was a bold measure,
and possibly saved the little ones from injury; but, had the mother
caused a chaffing dish to be brought into the apartment, and set thereon
some milk to boil, the smell of it would instantly have caused the snake
to creep out, for the purpose of partaking of his favorite food. Though
all snakes are peculiarly fond of a certain warm temperature, inclining
to summer heat, they will, in general, take to the water very freely,
especially when pursued. Many persons pretend to distinguish such as are
venomous, by their aversion thereto; but such is very fallacious. I have
repeatedly seen _covra capellas_ dart into puddles, and ponds, with
seeming eagerness. It is extremely dangerous to proceed along path-ways,
leading through grass covers, or _jungles_, at night; as, at that time,
numbers of snakes will quit the heavy grass for the purpose of lying in
the current of air, which necessarily proceeds along those paths whose
sides are confined, perhaps to the height of several feet, by grass and
underwood, and cause them to resemble the vistas cut through coppices,
&c.
From what has been said above, many may be led to suppose, that, in
India, every step is attended with danger; and, that neither the day,
nor the night, offers security. This certainly is not always the case;
but I should strongly advise every person to act throughout with
caution; and to suppose these dangers I have described to be imminent.
This, though it may not be comfortable, will generally insure safety.
With regard to scorpions, centipedes, &c., too much circumspection
cannot be used. In some parts of the country they are very numerous,
capable of inflicting great pain, and of producing very severe local
inflammation. Instances have been known of serious indisposition having
been induced by the stings of scorpions in particular. The young ones
are generally of a yellowish, or dun, or clay color; as they advance in
growth, they gradually become darker, until they acquire a bottle color.
Though very rare, I have seen a few of these which measured nearly eight
inches from the mouth to the point of the sting, which much resembles a
large dark-colored thorn from a rose-bush. There are, however, two kinds
of scorpions, of which that species above described is certainly the
most formidable; fortunately, it is seldom to be seen in places much
frequented: the other kind may often be seen by dozens in the folds of a
tent, &c., laid by in a dark place among old rubbish; and, not
unfrequently, in the cracks of old mud walls. Many a poor servant, in
walking about a house at night, or in rummaging among old stores, gets
stung by the _beeçhu_ (scorpion). The part affected generally swells,
and smarts, or, rather aches, considerably: but the remedy is easy; a
rag moistened with vinegar affording speedy relief. The same application
is equally proper in case of being bitten by a _centipede_, called by
the natives _kaungoojer_; from the opinion entertained that it is apt to
creep into the ear. That such _may_ have taken place, cannot be denied;
but it would, I believe, prove extremely difficult to produce a
well-authenticated instance. The centipede is by no means calculated for
such an insinuation; he being of some breadth, and growing, rather
quickly, to such a size as must preclude the possibility of his getting
into the ear: I have seen several measuring nine and ten inches in
length; and as broad, though not above a third so thick, as a man’s
finger: we may consider half those dimensions to constitute the ordinary
bulk.
Wasps and hornets are every where abundant during the whole year: the
latter commonly nestle in the ground, or in the hollow of a tree, or
perhaps form a small cell in some corner, or under a thatch, and there
deposit their larvæ. The former are sometimes seen in such numbers as to
occasion considerable uneasiness; they not only make their nests within
the walls of _bungalows_, if, by means of cracks, or of distances
between wood-work, they should find the opportunity, but boldly
construct their combs within the apartments; sometimes attached to a
cornice, but most generally in one of the upper corners of a window
frame, so as to have ready means of retiring. The destruction of these
intruders is not always practicable, without considerable danger. The
best mode is to cover a man well up in a blanket, and to place on his
head a pot of embers, on which a lump of sulphur is laid; so that, by
standing under the comb, the fumes may stupify, or at least expel, the
wasps; after which the comb may be removed without difficulty. The
greatest danger is when the wasps take possession of some spot very near
to the thatch; for instance, if they attach their dwelling to one of the
rafters. When it is considered, that half the thatches are extremely
decayed, and take fire like tinder, it must be obvious how delicately
the operation should be managed: in such case, a slow match, made to
contain a large portion of sulphur, and fastened to the end of a pole,
is, perhaps, the most secure device; for, if a single spark were to fly
into the thatch, it probably would, like Doctor Slop’s wig, be ‘nearly
consumed before it were well kindled!’
Bees are by no means so bold as wasps and hornets, but they frequently
take possession of some bush, or even of several parts of a hedge around
a garden, especially one well stocked with flowers; rendering it unsafe
to approach that quarter. The combs are sometimes large, but may,
perhaps, on the average, when full, weigh from four to ten pounds. No
bees are domesticated in India; at least I never heard of an apiary of
any description; though, from the great abundance of food to be had at
all seasons, it might prove very easy to maintain them properly. The
truth is, that wild honey is so cheap and abundant as to preclude the
necessity for taking any further pains to obtain it, than merely cutting
the combs away from their thorny defences.
Bugs, such as infest our beds in Europe, are beyond imagination numerous
throughout the East. Every _charpoy_, (or bedstead,) of whatever size,
or description, in use among the natives, swarms with them! Hence, it is
next to impossible to prevent their getting among the furniture, and
especially into the boxes, drawers, &c., in which cloaths are kept; and
the most careful, cleanly person, may sometimes find a stray bug
crawling upon his linen, or lying concealed among the plaits. Musquito
curtains are, on this account also, very useful; but they should be
searched daily, lest any stragglers, &c., be on them. Perhaps the best
defence against these nasty tormentors, is that in general use as a
preventive against the visits of ants, centipedes, &c.; viz. causing the
four posts of a bed to stand each upon a stone, perhaps a foot in
diameter, and five or six inches deep, wherein a deep trough is cut,
which, being kept full of water, insulates each post. Some use metal
pans, which certainly have a neater appearance, and secure the carpet,
mat, &c., from being injured by the damp; which sometimes will find its
way, more or less, through stone, however hard.
The natives rarely have posts to their bedsteads; though a few,
occasionally, affix a kind of tester, by means of a staple, at the head;
those who could afford the best furniture, and every convenience, are
more pleased when attended by a slave, or menial, who, with a small
_punkah_, (or fan,) gently agitates the air, and keeps off flies and
musquitoes. It scarcely need be pointed out how offensive such a
practice may occasionally prove, and that when the servant drops asleep
while performing his tedious office, the master generally will be
awaked. Some, of the natives especially, cannot go to sleep without
being lulled thereto, by means of an operation called by Europeans
_shampoing_. This consists in a gentle pressure of the feet and legs, as
also of the arms and hand, or, occasionally, of the body also, between
the hands of the operator, who passes either slowly, or rather rapidly,
according to the fancy of his, or her, master, from one part to another.
That considerable relief is obtained from _shampoing_, cannot be
doubted; I have repeatedly been restored surprizingly from severe
fatigue, as well as from a certain langor and watchfulness, common in
hot climates, and no doubt proceeding from indigestion, or from a
nervous affection, merely by having my feet gently pressed in this
manner. It is curious, that Captain Cook should have found this custom
to be prevalent in the Island of Tongataboo, where it is called
‘_toogey-toogey_,’ in allusion to the beating of a drum with the fists.
Now, the common small drums used in India, which are suspended in front
of the body, are called ‘_doog-doogies_,’ and, in some places, the
natives of India, _shampo_, by beating with the fists, calling the
operation, not by the common term _debounah_, (or pressing,) but
_doogaunah_. It is a question whether the latter term be a corruption,
or a derivative from the _doog-doogy_. A similar practice obtains in
Egypt, and, indeed, throughout the Turkish empire; especially at the
baths, where _shampoing_ is considered a matter of course. If my memory
be correct, Captain Cook was relieved from a severe rheumatic complaint
by an operation of this description; with this difference, that, in lieu
of soothing pressure, the parts affected were not beat gently, but
squeezed forcibly, between the hands. I have somewhere read, that
_gouty_ pains were in like manner removed; but should conclude, that
such could only be flying pains; for the tenderness of parts locally
attacked by the gout, could not, I apprehend, be invaded, without
subjecting the party to excruciating torture.
Setting apart the benefits which may occasionally be derived from
_shampoing_, we may consider it as one of those luxuries which, like the
_hookah_, the snuff-box, the brandy-bottle, &c., become so habitual as
to plunge us into indescribable uneasiness whenever they may be out of
our reach; of course, it is prudent to avoid being _shampoed_, except
when a kind of restlessness, or watchfulness, is induced by excess, of
any description. In such case, immediate relief is often of great
importance; but it may be proper not to have recourse to the indulgence
except on emergency, since its effects are gradually lessened by
repetition, and the want of a menial to perform the operation may cause
much irritation and disquietude.
The greatest attention is requisite to aërate every apartment in a
proper manner daily; without that precaution, all the aids of
_champoing_, of musquito-curtains, water-pots, bathing, &c., will be of
little avail, as fevers and obstructions of the liver invariably follow,
whenever the atmosphere within a chamber is allowed to become foul: I
know not, indeed, any thing more weakening, or more destructive to the
constitution, than sleeping in one that is deficient in point of
ventilation; and to continue in such, after being, in any degree,
indisposed, is little less than absolute insanity! Nothing will be found
to contribute more to health than sleeping cool; adverting, at the same
time, to the precautions already laid down, not to place the cot so that
any forcible current of air should pass over it, lest perspiration be
obstructed, and the worst consequences be induced. The winter months
will often dictate the use of one, or perhaps two, good thick blankets;
while the summer heats will cause the rejection of all bed-cloathing
above the body; occasioning the general use of long drawers, which, for
the most part, are made of thin silk, or of fine calico: some have them
made with feet, thereby effectually preventing musquitoes from biting in
that quarter, but, to me, such were always extremely unpleasant.
During the hottest part of the year, many dispense with their shirts,
but retain their _banians_, or under-shirts, the skirts of which are
confined by the long drawers, which are usually fastened by a drawing
cord of silk. Early rising is particularly to be recommended, for the
purpose of taking exercise before breakfast. Among military persons this
salutary practice is generally inculcated _malgré lui_; and, among
civilians, ought to be so, by the additional motive of having the
forenoon devoted to office attendance, or to whatever duties may demand
notice.
The amusements offered to Europeans in India are by no means numerous,
nor are they of any continuance; the climate, the localities, and the
occupations, of all, rendering it impossible to partake of such variety,
or in such comfort, as we enjoy in Europe. Calcutta can boast of a very
tolerable theatre, centrically situated, and spacious enough to contain
as many spectators as are generally to be found within the town. This
was built about fifty years ago, by subscription, in shares of one
thousand rupees each; but, owing to the very heavy expences incurred in
getting up plays, which formerly depended entirely on the _penchant_ of
gentlemen, who performed all the characters, both male and female, the
debts became so very heavy, that the concern fell into disrepute, and
the shares were sold for half their original value.
It may seem strange, that, while no performers of any description were
employed, the house should get into debt; and, that since hirelings have
been engaged, it should have been in a more flourishing state. The
enigma is, however, easy of solution. Gentlemen of property, fashion,
and consequence, were not easily controlled; they would have new dresses
for every character, and were to be kept in humour by good suppers after
each rehearsal, some tickets for their friends, &c., &c., &c.; so that,
when all was reckoned up, the receipts were invariably less than the
disbursements. It is true that a gold-mohur (2 guineas) was the price of
a box admission, that the pit was half a mohur, and the gallery a
quarter of a mohur; but the house was rarely full, and there were rarely
more than ten pieces performed during the whole year, and those
generally in December, January, and February. The house had cost a lac
of rupees (_i.e._ 100,000, equal to £12,500.) in building, and fitting
up; therefore, there was a constant demand for interest, _at twelve per
cent._, equal to £1,500. yearly; that, however, was commuted into silver
tickets, which necessarily diminished the receipts; causing the shares
to sink from money speculations into mere family conveniences.
The heavy incumbrances brought on by the above inconsiderate measures,
occasioned a necessity for letting out the theatre to any person who
would conduct the amusements in such manner as might prevent matters
from growing worse. This accordingly was done, and a spirit of
enterprize was created in the manager thus appointed by a majority of
the proprietors, whereby a great encrease took place in the
performances, which became chiefly dependant on professional persons
engaged at liberal salaries; while, at the same time, few gentlemen in
the Company’s service contributed the aid of their talents. This
secession was occasioned by the marked displeasure evinced by Marquis
Cornwallis towards all who took parts in the dramas: it threatened to
close the doors of the theatre. A competition arising about the same
time, produced an effect which accidentally sustained the speculation,
by causing an interest, indeed, a spirited party, to be formed, in favor
of the old house, which, in a very short time, triumphed, and caused the
opposition to give up.
With respect to the merits of the gentlemen performers, much may be
said: there certainly were among them some who might have appeared
before a London audience without any fear of disapprobation. The names
of Fleetwood, Messink, Norfor, Golding, Bigger, Call, Keasberry,
Robinson, &c., &c., will long be remembered by the lovers of the drama;
nor will they be easily effaced from the memory of those in whose hearts
their merits, as members of society, were deeply impressed. The scenery
was originally furnished from England, under the auspices of Garrick,
who sent out Mr. Messink for the purpose of regulating the theatre at
its out-set. Since that time, various additions have been made by
different artists of acknowledged ability, among whom, Mr. Battle may be
noticed as possessing superior talents, both in that important branch,
and in the representation of various interesting characters. It is,
however, to be expected, that, notwithstanding the great encrease of the
European population, by whom it is almost wholly supported, the theatre
must be sold off. This, though a severe privation, where every item in
the catalogue of public amusements is highly appreciated, will not fall
heavy on the proprietors. The facility with which the edifice might be
converted into a superb suite of offices, or into a magnificent
dwelling, would insure them the re-payment of their money; especially as
the quantity of land reserved around it, for the accommodation of
_palanquins_, &c., is extremely valuable: indeed, that alone must be
worth full the aggregate amount of the shares at their ordinary value;
which has generally been about forty or fifty per cent. under par.
The temporary theatres that have at various times been erected at the
several military stations, have always offered considerable
gratification to their several audiences. In these cheap ‘epitomes of
Roman greatness’ many a good play has been performed in an excellent
style, such as put us in mind of the mother-country, and occasioned many
a comparison by no means derogatory to the Asiatic boards. Exclusive of
the exertions of those officers who indulged themselves in this
recreation, many of the noncommissioned and privates of the European
regiments contributed richly to the catalogue of histrionic characters.
Some, though perhaps not gifted with grace, nor enriched by erudition,
nevertheless displayed an accurate discrimination of the authors’
intentions, and commanded the applause of their audiences; among whom, a
very large portion were competent judges of dramatic excellence.
The Calcutta race-course is situate about a mile and a half to the
southward of the town; it is by no means duly preserved, being
occasionally much injured by the carriages of gentlemen who frequent it
as a ride. It is true there is a clerk of the course; but he has no
power to enforce the observance of the rules laid down by the
Jockey-Club; he cannot, in fact, prevent the course from being miserably
defaced, and cut up; nor can he, even when the horses are running, keep
it clear from obstructions. This evil arises from a want of disposition
in the majority of those who frequent the place, to join in the sports,
or even to encourage them; hence, a want of courtesy is prevalent, and
the horses run under great disadvantages. It may be said, that, as they
run only during the cold months, when the turf is tolerably firm, little
injury is done by the carriages which travel over it; but, in answer to
this, it may be urged, that a rut, or track, made at that time, speedily
hardens, and becomes dangerous both to the horses and to their riders.
But, where few are interested, few will be considerate.
Many horses that have started at Calcutta would make no contemptible
figure even at Newmarket: according to the distance, and the time in
which the course has been run over, I have reason to believe, that a
few, which could be mentioned, might competite with the best of the
second class of British racers. Taking into consideration, that such are
entirely the result of chance purchases, and not from any care in
breeding, it may be fairly argued that the horses of India, by which I
mean those brought from Candahar, Lahore, the Maharrattah states, &c.,
possess considerable speed. Many, indeed, of that small indigenous
breed, which is usually held in contempt, especially on the turf, have
displayed very great powers, and distanced horses not only of
considerable value, but of high reputation. The race-grounds in other
parts of the country are not better preserved than that at the
Presidency; however, there is ample room for toleration, both because
there are few horses kept for running; the races, in those quarters,
being merely desultory, and the course generally marked out, _pro
tempore_, from some uncultivated spot; which, having a tolerable
surface, may answer the purpose of amusement for two or three days at
Christmas.