'Transactions of the Bombay Geographical Society, from January 1847 to May 1849. Edited by the Secretary. Volume VIII.' [‎243] (352/496)

which makes local pilots so essential in the navigation of the Indus also.
During this ascent of the Chenab for the first time, the man Dumuna
(Flotilla pilot of Sukkur) was seldom wrong in his judgment, when the
river was divided, as to where the greatest body of water was coming
down, or, in other words, where the best channel would be found for
onward progress ; he also seldom erred in his opinion of the actual depth of
water where the river was shallow, so that the vessel hardly ever grounded
at full power. This proves that an experienced eye is the main necessary
for efficient pilotage ; indeed, I think in this (as in all others in the
world of the same nature) it must be allowed that, practically speaking,
a chart or plan can be no permanent guide ; yet it is found, from con
tinued experience on the Indus, that difficult reaches of that river retain
their character year after year,—the bad places, as they were emphatically
called, not varying very much: this remark has of course no reference to
a rocky neighbourhood. From Itamnuggur I determined to cross over
to Lahore, being in correspondence with the Resident, and anticipating
that after a few days’ delay the steamer would be able to reach the
large town of Yizerabad, where fuel had been prepared.
Being invited by Mr. Lawrence to attend Durbar A public or private audience held by a high-ranking British colonial representative (e.g. Viceroy, Governor-General, or member of the British royal family). , I was presented
with the usual provision money, namely 250 Nanakshai rupees Indian silver coin also widely used in the Persian Gulf. , sweet
meats, &c.: the Resident told me I could not object, as it was customary.
From this sum, as at Mooltan, presents were given to the servants, and
the remainder will be paid into the treasury as I may be ordered to carry
it to its account. The Durbar A public or private audience held by a high-ranking British colonial representative (e.g. Viceroy, Governor-General, or member of the British royal family). were restrained from visiting the
steamer by understanding that one would come up the Ravee next sea
son, and be close to the walls ; they all appeared desirous of accompa
nying me over to see her.
Sept. 28th .—The cutting of the new channel during the last few days
has caused the banks to fall in with a loud noise, which, in the stillness of
the night, is incessant, somewhat like the reports of cannon in the distance.
During a rainy day, the 25th September, the river rose ten inches, and
the waters were quite red in color in this neighbourhood : in certain
places, where the channel was confined by high banks, the rise was twen
ty inches, as the natives assured me; this was the case at the northern
bunder of this town (Ramnuggur) : the steamer is in a more extended
part of the bed of the river, and the rise is less. The Ramnuggur traders
came down to the steamer (about two miles) offering their goods, and
wishing to make purchases.
Passed early up to the northern ghaut yesterday (27th,) and to-day