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)

210 THE JUNGLE-GRASS.

when plucked the separated blossoms have
many varieties of hue from brown and yellow,
to purple.

The head or blossom is too light to weigh
down the firm but flexible stalk; but as the
wind presses against each patch of grass, it is
moved in a mass, and returns to its erect posi-
tion with a dignity and grace not to be de-
scribed.

I have watched for the approaching season
of the blooming sirrakee with an anxiety
almost childish ; my attention never tired with
observing the progressive advances from the
first show of blossom, to the period of its
arriving at full perfection; at which time, the
rude sickle of the industrious labourer levels
the majestic grass to the earth for domestic
purposes. The benefits it then produces would
take me very long to describe.

The sirrakee and sainturh are stripped from
the outward sheltering blades, and wove toge-
ther at the ends ; in this way they are used for
bordering tatties, or thatched roofs; some-
times they are formed into screens for doors,