eruption of the volcano of Bourbon, in July 1831. From the 14th of that month, a flow of lava traversed the great road and interrupted the communication. On the 25th, the current, which in some places was 35 to 40 mètres (115 to 130 feet) wide, fell into the sea by three different branches, of about a yard only in width. Having encountered in its progress a small excavation a few yards deep, and from twenty to twenty-five feet long, and the same width, it soon filled it, taking then a new direction. In one part, it forced a passage through a forest, burning the trees in its progress. In about ten days the surface of the lava was sufficiently hard and cool to walk upon. "It appears certain that it was not by the Dolomieu crater, one of the three principal mouths of the Grand Pays Brulé, nor by Jouvencourt crater, situated a little beyond the ravines of Bois Blanc, that this flow escaped, but from a new crater formed on the flank of the mountain." The current was thirty days in flowing about three miles. Another larger current, on the 15th August, took nearly the same route; and in March 1832, the volcano again threw out flames, and two currents issuing from the same point took their course to the sea, where they were three miles apart.

M. Liénard, sen., E. Liénard, J. Liénard, and Desjardins have described several new species of fishes. The latter member has also described some species of libellulæ.

The exertions of this society in the cause of science are most creditable.

VARIETIES.

A Visit to Hurdwar.-It happened that duty or pleasure, whichever the reader may please to suppose it, called me to the northern parts of the Doab during the month of April 1832. I had hitherto travelled in quietness, and my morning's ride was only enlivened by the occasional call of the black partridge, or the sudden appearance of a herd of antelopes stretching their graceful limbs in all the consciousness of perfect security; but now I fell into the main road to Hurdwar, and the mirthful, but noisy bands of travellers proceeding thither, brought to my recollection that the anniversary of the great fair was now about to be celebrated. Curiosity tempted me to follow the tide, and I soon found myself pitched under a magnificent tope near the village of Kurkul. The site of my encampment was rather too near the main road to be pleasant, but I exchanged my quietness for the enjoyment of the extraordinary scene which presented itself. From the earliest dawn till misty twilight, a constant stream of travellers poured in; the variety of costume, equipage, and even cast of countenance and bearing, created a never-failing scene of amusement; and these, when collected in groups, presented studies worthy of our most celebrated artists. I particularly admired the noble appearance of the Seik tribe, whose most striking features are the eagle eye, the aquiline nose and long curling beard. Their principal sirdars were generally attended by a large band of irregular horsemen, armed with matchlock, tulwar, and shield. They have not the credit of being a courageous tribe; and unskilled as I am in military matters, I should be inclined to think that these straggling bodies were more picturesque in appearance than formidable in reality. The Patans are another curious tribe, differing essentially from the Rajpoots and other nearer neighbours. They seem to be a fine, muscular, hardy race, and their manners are very independent, free from all that servility so disgusting to an Englishman. It may be asked, did none of the softer sex mingle in the crowd? Yes, fair reader, many thousands; but I cannot say much in favour of their accomplishments, or outward appearance. In such an assemblage, and on such an occaAsiat.Jour.N.S.VOL. 12.No.46.

S

sion, I naturally expected to have found the eastern maiden, in all her witchery of youth and simplicity, chaunting in melodious concert her native hymns and madrigals! Conceive my disappointment when I was credibly informed that those atrocious bands of screaming dowagers, which awoke me every morning with their discordant notes, were the only samples of the female community that would bless my eyes whilst at Hurdwar!

Gladly would I turn from these to more pleasing objects. I was struck with the ceaseless strings of camels and bylees (light covered carts drawn by oxen), and in which no doubt all the youth and beauty of these eastern regions lay snugly concealed from the impertinent eyes of the Sahib Log. Mixed with these would arrive, here and there, the noble steeds of the east, viz. Dekhanee, Tunglee, Tazee, Catty war, and other renowned castes, all as quiet as lambs, bold as lions, of the highest blood, and with every other perfection. Some were certainly superb animals, and those most highly prized by their masters were caparisoned in the finest shawls; silver rings and bells adorned their nostrils, whilst they flourished their tails in all the glory of red paint and silk tassels.

Such were the scenes and groups that daily, nay hourly, presented themselves. I visited of course the buildings and natural curiosities of the place; explored the faqueer's temple, elbowed my way to the grand bathing ghaut, and climbed to the summit of the Chandnee Pehar, or silver mountain. In the course of my rambles through the various parts of the town, I came one evening to the nunghee bazaar, frequented by swarms of fakeers, and their nearest representative, the grey monkey. The former hideous objects I had often met, covered with ashes, and uttering their plaintive howl, ahoo, ahoo! Here I found them all congregating on their chiboutras (raised platforms), preparing for their evening devotions. Having satisfied my curiosity, I was hurrying through the place, when I found myself oppressed by sudden faintness. I lost no time in making a request for a draught of water to a venerable-looking old man comfortably smoking his kullean at the door of his humble dwelling. "If the sahib," said he "will rest himself on the mat lying on the chiboutra, I will bring him water." He was as good as his word, and being pleased with the manners of the old man, I entered into conversation with him. He commenced with telling me how grateful all the pilgrims and travellers were for the considerate attention shewn to their convenience by the Government, in the formation of a fine broad and level road, extending for. many miles; and that their daily prayers were offered up for the prosperity of the company sahib. We had been engaged on topics of this kind for some time, when my attention was called to the contrasted appearance of two young seiks who passed close to us. One, dressed in the simple finery of his tribe, walked by with a bold fearless step; whilst the neglected apparel and care-worn face of the other denoted a mind ill at ease, and careless of the opinion of the world. They seemed bosom friends, and the latter, as they passed by, lifted · up his sorrowful eyes, and made a graceful salaam to the patriarch with whom I had so lately formed acquaintance, It was evident that they came from the same part of the country, perhaps from the same village, and curiosity prompted me to enquire a few particulars concerning the young man whose appearance had so much interested me. "Ah poor youth," replied the old man, story is a sad one, though in some degree perhaps not uncommon; nevertheless, if the sahib will have patience, I will endeavour to relate it in a few words.

"his

"Your conjecture," he continued, "is right; we come from the same

village and are near neighbours. The name of this young man is Ram Dyal; his father was a wealthy and respected zemindar, and dying a few months ago, left all his property to this his only son. He was formerly the most sprightly of our village youths, and none could surpass him in any feat of strength or agility. Could, then, the heart of our fairest maiden, the lovely Piaree, remain insensible to the external graces and far-famed accomplishments of the best wrestler, the most expert swordsman, and altogether the best looking young man for many miles round? Besides all this, they had been brought up toge ther from infancy, and though the Indian custom detains the ripening beauty a prisoner during the day, she often contrived to meet the playfellow of her childhood, when all but themselves were courting repose on their humble pallets. Both perceived the increasing graces of the other, and in due time the lamp of friendship became supplied by the pure and sacred oil of love. They loved and were beloved, and none envied the well-matched pair. The father of the maiden, by name Cossinauth, had been in former years a rich man and esteemed by his neighbours; of late, a succession of disasters had compelled him to mortgage the greater part of his lands, and had materially soured his disposition. Latterly, his frequent absence from the village had been noticed, and some of those amongst us experienced in the ways of the world began to form suspicions that he did not earn his subsistence altogether by honest means. He had hitherto raised no objection to the intimacy existing between his daughter and Ram Dyal; indeed, he anticipated that the latter would be a fitting instrument in his hands to recover some of his lost wealth. It was one evening, in the hottest season of the year, that these two met under the shade of an extensive mango tope, a short distance from the village. Cossinauth, without waiting for the youthful lover's narrative of his attachment and hopes, commenced the subject himself in the following manner : "The story of your attachment to my daughter, related by every tongue, has found ready credence in my heart. I know how to esteem the beauty and accomplishments of my child, and would gladly embrace you as my son-inlaw. Only swear to aid me in one enterprize I have planned, and ere the moon be a week older, her soft rays shall shine upon your nuptials. The risk is small, and I know you too well to suppose that you would not encounter far greater dangers for the sake of so fair a prize.' After looking carefully around to guard against intrusion, he thus disclosed his views. You might have observed that yesterday evening an old mohajun (merchant) alighted from his poney at the door of my house, and after a short rest started again on his journey. I had received information that he carried valuables to a great amount about his person, and these reports were confirmed by his unwillingness to divest himself of his turban and kumurbund (girdle) when I pressed him to lie down on my bed. The old miser cannot have many days to live, and these his hidden stores would be much better employed in redeeming my paternal fields than in accumulating the heap of his ill-gotten wealth. I have therefore determined, with your assistance, to way-lay him near a certain village, now in ruins; two well-directed strokes of our tulwars will be sufficient for himself and his attendant; a neighbouring well can receive their bodies, and the spoil we will bury in some adjacent spot till the story be forgotten. But-what! you seem agitated!-will you not assist me?' The poor youth, who had listened with amazement to this diabolical speech, and who could scarcely, at the conclusion of it, believe that the other had given utterance to his real feelings, looked up into the face of the tempter if there he might read his innermost thoughts. One glance was sufficient to convince

him that his resolution was fixed; that the stamp of villainy was there deeply branded. Much as his noble and sensitive mind shuddered at the bare supposition of so cold blooded a murder, he summoned all his resolution to venture this brief question: And are these the only terms on which I am to

become the husband of Piaree ?'

"You have said it: these are my conditions.'

"Then, monster, know that deep-rooted as is my love for your daughter, I would sooner behold her a corpse at my feet than become the son-in-law of an assassin. Would my blood-stained clothes be an appropriate nuptial dress? And could you not find some more fitting associate for your infamous designs?'

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'No,' replied the calculating villain, who could ill conceal his disappoint ment in this sarcastic answer. 'I selected you as possessing the most enterprizing spirit amongst your compeers: but it seems I have been mistaken!that virtuous indignation, truly, is well assumed to conceal the apprehensions of a boasting coward.' It was with difficulty that the young man could restrain himself from taking hasty vengeance for this ill-merited and opprobrious language; he succeeded, however, in tearing himself away from the spot without uttering another word. His first impulse was to follow the unsuspecting traveller, and advise him to adopt some other route than that he intended. This he effected without incurring suspicion as to the cause of this disinterested act, and then came to relate his sorrows to me and request my counsel. I need not tell you that the door of intercourse between the two families was immediately closed: the effect you have already seen on one of the parties. These occurrences took place a few months ago; the betrothed girl has accompanied her father hither to bathe in the Holy River, on the auspicious day. My young friend followed them in disguise through a tedious march, and has discovered their present residence. The companion whom you saw walking with him to-day is my son, and I have reasons for believing that they will contrive some plan, by which the despairing lovers may obtain an interview."

The old man told this story with much simple pathos, and I returned to my tent but to dream of Seik lovers, bags of rupees, dacoity, and bloodshed!

A few days after this, I was seated on an elephant, in the middle of the river, facing the grand ghat, waiting till the first sound of the gong should announce that the propitious hour for bathing had arrived. The moment came, and the first rush to the sacred stream was the most tremendous thing I ever witnessed; men, women, and even children, were seen battling their way down the flight of steps with the most headlong precipitation; none could delay for a moment, and so hopeless was the attempt to return by the same road, that the bathers were obliged to make the best of their way to the opposite bank of the river, and recross lower down the stream. From the horrible din raised by such a mass of people collected in one narrow road, a spectator might have been led to suppose that many would have lost their lives; but from the excellent arrangements made no accident of any kind occurred. In the evening of this eventful day, I sought out my old friend who communicated the short narrative I have already given; I found him preparing for his departure from the busy scene, having accomplished the object of his pilgrimage. My first question naturally enough related to the young man, whose story had so much interested me. "I was right," said he, whilst a benevolent smile lighted up his withered features; "I knew some plan was hatching, and to-day it has been fully developed. Ram Dyal, together

with my son and other trusty companions, posted themselves, at an early hour this morning, near the corner of a street leading to the bathing-place. Being protected from the pressure of the crowd by the corner of a friendly wall, they kept their ground most patiently, till Cossinauth and his family were seen passing by to the ghat; with the rapidity of lightning the former was seized, and thrust into a small chamber cut out of the solid rock and lately occupied by a faqueer; whilst the remaining associates, collecting around the affrighted girl, carried her safely through the crowd to the other bank of the river: once there, the spirited lover threw off his disguise, and little eloquence was wanting to convince his recovered mistress that he had acted for the happiness of both. A favourite horse was waiting impatiently for his precious burden, and by this time the re-united couple are beyond all reach of pursuit." And what," enquired I, "is to become of the newly-made father-in-law? How was it that nobody rescued him from the violence offered to him this morning; and is he to be starved to death in his unexpected prison ?" "Oh, no," replied he, "my son tells me he is to be released this evening, when all danger from his liberation is at an end; and as for his rescue this morning, the noise was too great to allow the voice of any one man to be heard above the noise of the surrounding thousands." "But where," I asked, " are the young couple to take up their residence? they cannot return to their native village! “Every requisite preparation has been made, you may be certain; they are on their way to a distant bustee (village) where I have friends and relations: in the mean time I have taken the bridegroom's land on a lease, and will give him due notice when his villain of a father-in-law shall either be gathered to his fathers, or otherwise disposed of!"

Ah, I perceive you had a greater share in the plot than I at first suspected; but nevertheless, my good friend, it appears to me a somewhat duburdusty (forcible) way of making love! I do not know what the fair ladies of my country would say to it!"

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I have very little doubt," he rejoined, "but that women have the same hearts and ideas on this subject in all parts of the world! I'll be bound that the young bride is by this time perfectly contented with her lot-like most others, she is satisfied with the result, without caring by what means it might have been effected !"-Calcutta Lit. Gaz.

PARLIAMENTARY PAPERS.

DECCAN PRIZE MONEY.*

Leller from the TRUSTEES of the DECCAN PRIZE MONEY, to GEORGE HARRISON, Esq. London, 18th July 1825.

SIR: SINCE our report to their lordships of the 22d June, we have reviewed the accounts on which we founded our recommendation to their lordships on the 14th January 1825, in which we recommended that certain sums therein mentioned should be claimed by their lordships from the East-India Company as booty. The result of this review is as follows:

The East-India Company have, in the account of the 8th December 1824, given credit for 1,21,241 rupees on account of the Katty war tribute. It appears by the political letter from Bombay, dated the 20th March 1824, that the sum actually received was 3,91,241. The difference, or the sum of 2,70,000, remains due from the EastIndia Company to the Crown, and in our opinion ought to be claimed by the Crown; * Returns to several orders of the House of Commons, ordered to be printed 29th July and 20th August.