Meer Hassan Ali, B.: Observations on the Mussulmauns of India: descriptive of their manners, customs, habits, and religious opinions ; made during a twelve years residence in their immediate Society (Band 2) (London, 1832)

18 THE LANCE.

called rooey, the scales of which form an
excellent coat of mail, each being the size
of a crown-piece, and the substance sufficient
to turn the edge of a good sabre. The fish is
produced alive from the river for this purpose ;
however revolting as the practice may appear
to the European, it does not offend the feelings
of the Natives, who consider the fish incapable
of feeling after the first stroke ; but, as regards
the buffalo, I am told the most cruel inflictions
have been made, by men who would try their
blade and their skill on the staked animal
without mercy.

The lance is practised by young men of good
family as an exercise; and by the common
people, as the means of rendering them eligible
to the Native military service of India. It is
surprising to witness the agility of some of the
Natives in the exercise of the lance; they are
generally good horsemen, and at full speed
will throw the lance, dismount to recover it, and
remount, often without stirrups, with a celerity
inconceivable. I have seen them at these exer-