138 EAST INDIA VADE-MECUM.
it is prudent to have a stout bludgeon, in case of any attempt to seize. When camels are very vicious, it is common to cut off their noses so far as the gristle extends: this privation is supposed to do much good; but I have seen numberless instances wherein it totally failed; while, an the other hand, it greatly depreciated the animal.
A good surwan will always distinguish himself by the order of his cattle, by their freedom from injuries in consequence of galling under the saddle, and especially by the compact manner in which he places whatever burthen is to be carried. This should never exceed six maunds of 821b. each; though the Company require, in all their contracts, that the camels furnished for their service should carry much more. Possibly, on a soil suited to the earners foot, he may, on emergency, carry as far as eight maunds, equal to no less than 656 lb.; but such must not be expected to last. If the soil is boggy, half that weight will be found sufficient,- especially where slippery; for, when overladen, the animal will in such places be very subject to ruin; his hind legs sliding asunder, so as to bring the pelvis to the ground: this, which is termed splitting, renders him unable to rise, or, if raised, to proceed, in consequence of the violent injury sustained. On such an occasion the animal's throat is cut by some good Moossulman, who, as he performs that operation, and during the time the blood is flowing, recites a prayer and benediction, whereby the meat, which is esteemed a great delicacy, is sanctified and may be eaten.
The Su,ee, or groom, attends but one horse, and has attached to him an under-servant, whose business it is to provide grass for fodder, and to perform various services relating to cleanliness, &c. This may be looked upon as the extent of his duty while stationary; but, when marching, the assistant, or, as he is called, the Gaus-kot, (i. e.