1 INTRODUCTION. . 17
2 iiid manners, were very like those of Persia. Even the Ifindoot
3 HwnetimeH used the Persiwi idom in speaking Hindodtanee, and the'
4 Dewaim looked and spoke more like a Persian MooUah than « Hin-
5 doo. On the 25th of November, we nuBched tweii^-Mrven miles to
6 two wells in the desart. In the way we saw a most magnificent
7 mirage, whicli looked like an extensive lake, or a very wide river.
8 Tho water seemed clear and beautiful, and the figures of two gentle-
9 men who rode along it, were retlected as distinctly as in water.
10 A small but neat tower was seen in this inarch, and we were told it
11 was a [dace of refuge for travellers, against the predatory hordes who
12 inlest the route ot caravans. There were some stunted bushes ot the
13 IfinKNMi Arabica on the iiiiicliv and at the ground was something that
14 niglit be odled ft tree.
15 On llie anil, we merdied efc day-light, md paiiod over hm end
16 bimyUs efkiose sand, and botlonis of hind clay, till efter tmveUiqg
17 twelve mileB, we perceived loinrtihmg stiefccfaed actott in filonfe of Wk
18 wfaicb aoon after appeared to be tieM. We tiien poAed oil wilii in-
19 creased alacritj, aad.aoon reached a place where the dewrt and the
20 * cultivated country were separated, as if by a line. A hiii||^iow. of treat
21 fan along the edge of the sands ; and, beyond, it, were clumps of trees,
22 green fields, and wells of abundant and clear water, with homes,< 'and
23 every sign of fertility and cultivation. One of the first things we saw
24 was a well, worked by a Persian wheel, which was pouring out water
25 in the jrrpatrst ahundance. The trees, though only low tamarisk,
26 seemed enchanting to us ; and every thing was welcome after our Hve
27 weeks sojourn in the desart. We past for a mile and a half under the
28 wails of Bahawulpore, which, as well as the roati-s, were crowded with
29 spectators, who, in their turn, afforded no uninteresting spectacle to
30 us. A striking dij9b:ence was observable betwera them and the peo>'
31 pie on the east of 4iie desait Thooe we now saw, wste stron^^ daik^
32 handi ftatnred s had their hair and beards long; wore eapa olUner
33 than toibans ; and* tpdte a hnguagB, antird; nninteBigihile to oqr'
34 Hmdoostanny attendants, Ihe better sdrtwicife the diess, and «flbafe>'
35 ad the mannera of Persia. After crossii^ i^amaU Onal, and passing
36 Digitized by Google