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)

THE JUNGLE-GRASS. 211

others line their mud-huts with them. They
are found useful in constructing accommoda-
tions after the manner of bulk-heads on boats
for the river voyagers, and make a good cover-
ing for loaded waggons. For most of these
purposes the article is well suited, as it resists
moisture and swells as the wet falls on it, so
that the heaviest rain may descend on a frame
of sirrakee without one drop penetrating, if it
be properly placed in a slanting position.

I cannot afford space to enumerate here the
variety of purposes to which this production of
Nature is both adapted for and appropriated to ;
every part of the grass being carefully stored
by the thrifty husbandman, even to the tops of
the reed, which, when the blossom is rubbed
off, is rendered serviceable, and proves an ex-
cellent substitute for that useful invention, a
birch-broom. The coarse parent grass, which
shelters the sirrakee, is the only article yet
found to answer the purposes for thatching the
bungalows of the rich, the huts of the poor, the
sheds for cattle, and roofs for boats. The reli-
gious devotee sets up a chupha-hnt, without