'Transactions of the Bombay Geographical Society, from January 1847 to May 1849. Edited by the Secretary. Volume VIII.' [‎240] (349/496)

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mare had broken loose—he running away. The people, without firearms,
went in a body to assist the man to recover his animal, and she was
found, not far off, uninjured. Hence arose further enquiries about the de
vastations of tigers : they say there are five in this immediate neighbour
hood. This could hardly have been expected to be met with on the banks
of fertile rivers in the very heart of the Punjaub.
The vessel reached Jhang in five hours’ steaming up the Chenab
river, after the junction from the northward of the Jelum: the distance
is fourteen miles by water, and ten miles by land.
Sept, \5th .—Being unwell from an attack of jaundice, and my eyes
being very weak, did not proceed until the 17th. I felt more at ease,
having entered and tested the channel of the Chenab (strictly speaking),
as all experience shows that every river winding through an alluvial
plain, and fed solely by torrents from the hills, improve as you ascend, in
general depth and body of water, until the junction of the feeder first
met with, unless obstructed by rocks in its course.
While at the bunder of Jhang, the authorities pressed me to accept
250 rupees Indian silver coin also widely used in the Persian Gulf. , three horses, and other presents, but I was successful here,
as in every place (except, as mentioned, at Mooltan,) in persuading the
people to keep their presents. I must have had some 1000 rupees Indian silver coin also widely used in the Persian Gulf. offered
me in this way at various times. It seems a very ancient respectful
custom, to come into the presence of one regarded as a superior with
some offering. The present here is placed generally on a white cloth, and
tendered in a stooping posture : the attitude of attention is the same
that prevails in lower India,—namely, the hands are pressed palm and
palm, and held in front of the chest.
“ Jhangsealeh” is the capital of this district: the Sealeh tribes were
lately the lords of the land.
Sept, ITth. —Quitted Jhang, having the principal Natives on board as
passengers for a few miles. The Deputy-Governor is a hearty good-na
tured man, who has travelled much in India. He assures me I shall find
abundance of fuel, and other supplies, ready all the way up. The autho
rities speak nothing hut Punjabi generally, but this man knows Hindoos-
tani and Persian. It was novel to see grey-bearded men shewing all the
delight and excitement of children examining new toys, as the various
wonders of the steamer were pointed out by the moonshee : I found out
afterwards, they were very anxious for the guns to be fired, hut their
politeness prevented them asking for the display.