Some Paraiyans eat carrion, and Mr. Clayton has known them dig up a buffalo which had been buried some hours, and eat its flesh. It is said that even the lowest Paraiyans will not eat the flesh of cows, but leave that to the leather-dressers (Chakkiliyans). Mr. Stuart, however, states [66] that "the Konga Paraiyans and the Vellam Paraiyans, who do scavenging work, will eat cows that have died a natural death, while Tangalans only eat such as have been slaughtered." In time of famine, the Paraiyans dig into ant-hills to rob the ants of their store of grass seed. This is called pillarisi or grass rice. There are many proverbs in Tamil, which refer to Paraiyans, from which the following are selected:-- (1) If a Paraiyan boils rice, will it not reach God? i.e., God will notice all piety, even that of a Paraiyan. (2) When a Paraiya woman eats betel, her ten fingers (will be daubed with) lime. The Paraiya woman is a proverbial slut. (3) Though a Paraiya woman's child be put to school, it will still say Ayye. Ayye is vulgar Tamil for Aiyar, meaning Sir. (4) The palmyra palm has no shadow; the Paraiyan has no decency. A contemptuous reference to Paraiya morality. (5) The gourd flower and the Paraiyan's song have no savour. Paraiyans use this saying about their own singing. (6) Though seventy years of age, a Paraiyan will only do what he is compelled. (7) You may believe a Paraiyan, even in ten ways; you cannot believe a Brahman. Almost the only saying in favour of the Paraiyan. (8) Is the sepoy who massacred a thousand horse now living in disgrace with the dogs of the paracheri? (9) Paraiyan's talk is half-talk. A reference to Paraiya vulgarisms of speech. (10) Like Paraiya and Brahman, i.e., as different as possible. (11) Not even a Paraiyan will plough on a full moon day. (12) Paracheri manure gives a better yield than any other manure. (13) The drum is beaten at weddings, and also at funerals. Said, according to the Rev. H. Jensen, of a double-dealing unreliable person, who is as ready for good as for evil. (14) The harvest of the Paraiya never comes home. The term Paraiya, it may be noted, is applied to the common dog of Indian towns and villages, and to the scavenger kite, Milvus Govinda.