The fine buildings that now meet the eye are the Strand Mills, the
property of the late Mr. Smithson, who erected them for the purpose of
grinding corn by means of steam engines. It is said the speculation
proved a failure, because the natives will not send their wheat to be
ground in a mill in which it is mixed with the wheat of people of
another caste, and with that sent by Europeans. It is the custom in
Hindostan for each family to grind its own corn at home between two
circular stones called _chakkī_, and this work is usually performed by
the women. It was proposed to the King of Oude to erect steam mills for
grinding corn in his dominions; but he refused to comply with the
request, because it would throw the old women with their _chakkīs_ out
of work.
On the right is a _daunā_ or donī, a country vessel, a coaster and
trader, commanded by a _Sarhang_;—the crew are natives; the vessel is
short, thick, clumsy, and marvellously ugly.