n or twelve feet in length, tied together
with a rope so as to make in the centre a little hollow; they sit upon
their knees in the centre, and have a long flat piece of wood, about
five feet in length and five inches in width, which they hold in the
centre, and keep continually in motion, first on one side and then on
the other, and in that manner they force the kattamaran swiftly
through the water.

It is very remarkable that these poor creatures risk themselves
through the surf for a mere trifle, to carry letters for the different
commanders to their respective vessels, at a time when the surf is at
a dreadful height. When these poor fellows lay themselves flat on the
kattamaran, and then trust themselves to the mercy of the surf, they
are often driven back with great force, and they as often venture
again, till they effect their purpose. They generally get their living
by fishing, which is done by hook and line, and they offer them
alongside the different ships for sale.

For two days the surf being so violent no boats could come off; but
early on the third morning there were several came off with debashees
(merchants) on board. They brought such things as might be wanted by
the ship's company and officers. Their boats are made to carry
passengers and cargo. There is not a vestige of a nail to be seen in
them, their seams, instead of being nailed, are sewed together with
coir rope; and they are generally manned with six or eight men.

SECTION II.

THE AUTHOR'S DEPARTURE FROM MADRAS AND ARRIVAL AT
BENGAL--DEPARTURE THEREFROM--HIS VESSEL RUNS ASHORE ON THE
PULICAT SHOALS, AND GETS SAFE AFLOAT AGAIN, AFTER BEATING
SIX HOURS AND FORTY MINUTES--HIS SAFE ARRIVAL AT MADRAS, AND
DESCRIPTION OF THE DIVERS--ARRIVAL AT BOMBAY--THE SHIP BEING
DOCKED, THE AUTHOR IS SENT TO BUTCHER'S ISLAND WITH THE
SHIP'S COMPANY--A DESCRIPTION OF THE ISLAND OF
ELEPHANTA--HIS JOINING THE SHIP AFTER HER LEAVING THE
DOCK--HIS WORDS WITH HIS COMMANDER, AND BEING TURNED BEFORE
THE MAST IN CONSEQUENCE--HIS DEPARTURE FROM BOMBAY, AND
AFTER A SHORT PERIOD HE IS REPLACED IN HIS FORMER
SITUATION--AND ARRIVES AT MADRAS.

We sailed from Madras, August 23d, and arrived at Bengal on the 30th.
The scenery on the entrance up the river was indeed sublime, and
inspired us with a sensation of gratitude to the Giver of all good. I
went up to Calcutta with a craft of cargo; but having been s