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2 the right person at the bazaar — the director of police, he having
3 probably been pointed out to her as the superior judge, to whom
4 she should apply. At Lahore, I had the opportunity of seeing
5 several hermaphrodites, who enjoyed the privilege of being
6 admitted at all births and nuptial festivals, to congratulate the
7 parties and get presents, this being, in fact, their sole means
8 of subsistence. The birth solemnities, however, only take place
9 when the child is of the male sex, never, on any occasion, at the
10 birth of a female. They go so far in this matter as to conceal
11 the latter event ; and the greatest part of the inhabitants of the
12 Punjab, whether Musselmen, Sikhs, or Hindoos, are all quite
13 happy when a new-born female departs this life. They would
14 consider it an insult, should any one congratulate the parents on
15 the birth of a female. I am sorry to have to relate a fact which
16 is so very uncomplimentary to the ladies, but the first duty of
17 an historian is to tell the truth. If the fair sex in Europe are
18 desirous of knowing why such little regard is paid to their charms,
19 they need only ask the first Hindoo they may meet with, and
20 he will give them the ungallant answer, that a son brings money
21 into the house, whilst a daughter carries it away.
22 One of the before-mentioned lunatics, whom I cured, was a
23 brother-in-law of the Maharajah Runjeet Sing, namely, Mirza,
24 brother of the famous Goolbegum. He was fond of smoking
25 churrus, and used to quarrel, when intoxicated, with his brother
26 and sister (Nobab and Goolbegum), about the estates which
27 Runjeet Sing gave them. He again became insane, and they com-
28 mitted him once more to my care, where he remained until he
29 promised them in writing never thenceforth to smoke churrus, or
30 quarrel with them. On account of this, Goolbegum took him
31 to her abode in the fortress, so that he might be properly watched.
32 I met him there several months afterwards in perfect health.
33 Having mentioned the habit of smoking churrus, I will make
34 the reader acquainted with some other intoxicating materials
35 that are used by the natives. An agreeable intoxicating beverage
36 is prepared by the inhabitants of the Punjab from the hemp
37 plant. It is especially indulged in by the Nahungs, faqueers,