On the birth and management of children in Hindoostaun.--Increase of joy on the birth of a Son.--Preference generally shown to male children.--Treatment of Infants.--Day of Purification.--Offerings presented on this occasion to the child.--The anniversary of the birthday celebrated.--Visit of the father to the Durgah.--Pastimes of boys.--Kites.--Pigeons.--The Mhogdhur.--Sword-exercise.--The Bow and Arrows.--The Pellet-bow.--Crows.--Sports of Native gentlemen.--Cock-fighting.--Remarks upon horses, elephants, tigers, and leopards.--Pigeon-shooting.--Birds released from captivity on particular occasions.--Reasons for the extension of the royal clemency in Native Courts.--Influence of the Prime Minister in the administration of justice...Page 210 LETTER XVI Remarks on the trades and professions of Hindoostaun.--The Bazaars.--Naunbye (Bazaar cook).--The Butcher, and other trades.--Shroffs (Money-changers).--Popular cries in Native cities.--The articles enumerated and the venders of them described.--The Cuppers.--Leechwomen.--Ear-cleaners.--Old silver.--Pickles.--Confectionery.--Toys.--Fans.--Vegetables and fruit.--Mangoes.--Melons.--Melon-cyder.--Fish.--Bird-catcher.--The Butcher-bird, the Coel, and Lollah.--Fireworks.--Parched corn.--Wonder-workers.--Snakes.--Anecdote of the Moonshie and the Snake-catcher.--The Cutler.--Sour curds.--Clotted cream.--Butter.--Singular process of the Natives in making butter.--Ice.--How procured in India.--Ink.--All writing dedicated to God by the Mussulmauns.--The reverence for the name of God.--The Mayndhie and Sulmah...Page 228 LETTER XVII Seclusion of Females.--Paadshah Begum.--The Suwaarree.--Female Bearers.--Eunuchs.--Rutts.--Partiality of the Ladies to Large retinues.--Female Companions.--Telling the Khaunie.--Games of the Zeenahnah.--Shampooing.--The Punkah.--Slaves and slavery.--Anecdote.--The Persian Poets.--Fierdowsee.--Saadie, his 'Goolistaun'.--Haafiz.--Mahumud Baarkur.--'Hyaatool Kaaloob'.--Different manner of pronouncing Scripture names...Page 248 LETTER XVIII Evils attending a residence in India.--Frogs.--Flies.--Blains.-- Musquitoes.--The White Ant.--The Red Ant.--Their destructive habits.--A Tarantula.--Black Ants.--Locusts.--Superstition of the Natives upon their appearance.--The Tufaun, or Haundhie (tempest).--The rainy season.--Thunder and lightning.--Meteors.-- Earthquakes.--A city ruined by them.--Reverence of the Mussulmauns for saints.--Prickly heat.--Cholera Morbus.--Mode of Treatment.--Temperance the best remedy.--Recipe...Page 258 LETTER XIX