Mower County transcript., 1869-12-16
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,,1ntsres&ing scenes and Incidents.
From the Overland Monthly.
On overy side nature seemed teemine
with life aud motion, as we journeyed on
ward past clusters of the qlo-
rtrsa s,tper5a, orchids, and climbing
plants, which hung in festoons from the
underground. Insects of the MOST bril-.
liant lustre hung on the leaves, or lowered
about the trees, while birds Of varied plu.
mage fitted across our path. We stopped
at different villages, where refreshments
rice-cskes, and the delicious king cocoanut,
the water Of which medicsted witha dash
ofcognac, thought quite equal to cham.
payne. .,--v~As=~ws~.p proceeded, "A lazy
rattlesnake might be observed drag
2ing his weary length across the road,
or climbing the side of some native hut,
under no apprehension of violence, as the
natives are forbidden by their religion to
take life in any shape. This code is not,
however, always adhered to, since they are
readily reused to anger, and revenge them
selves in cruel manner on anything that
has injured them. Thus, on one occasion,
while was riding in the jungle near Rance,
on the south coast, I observed wounded
alligator bound by ropes to a tree. It ap-
pears he had committed sundry depredations
on cattle; and altho' pierced by half dozen
bullets while In the water, he exhibited suf-
ficient vitality to make extraordinary efforts
to escape, after being dragged ashore, A
batch Of natives were amusing themselves
by indiciing prodigious whacks on his car
>kr >E
parently but little effect. One agRrieved
party wss in the Get Of making . furious
onslaught, when the monster, by o sudden
flank movement, caught him right amid.
ships, and sent him bowling . distance of
several yards. 1t was manifest that the de-
stroyer of cattle was not to be done 10 death
by any amount Of hammering; so he was
left attached 70 the tree, and for q month
afterward his mortal remains dilfused IN
odor over the neighboring district that
did not SAVIOR of ''gales from Araby the
BEST"
At Bentotte, the halfway house, the
midday meal is taken, and certain degree
of rest afforded. which by this time has
become necessary. In the cool and COM
Portable rest house We found no difficulty
in satisfying the cravings Of hunger, and
the more importunate demands Of thirst.
The river 10 here crossed by y bridge Of
boats. which is occasionally swept away Or
injured by heavy freshets, which bring
down heavy pieces Of timber, and some
times small islands, against the bridge
Ten miles further on We arrived ct Caltura,
fort, and in the vicinity. Of which are the
the famous edible birds nests, 20 much
valued a. o table luxury by the Chi
nese. Tho village is distinguished for it's
extensive arrack distllleries. In the vast
topes of cocoanut palms from whence these
distilleries are supplied may be seen the
opeEations Of the toddy-drawer, as he rap
idly ascends, descends. or runs along the
numerous lines that connect one tree with
another. Within eight miles of Colombo,
the road runs through the cinnamon gar
| dens. The aroma 60 much lauded BY Voy.
ayers as emanating from this famous laurel
ia, when close to it. anything but agreeable
to the olfactory nerves. and the vaunted
plant itself is by no means An imposing
shrub. Its cultivation has deteriorated con-
siderably Of late years, owing to the monop-
oily at one time exercised by The govermett,
and, subsequently, to the heavy impost
levied on the trade. Driving across the
Galleface, and entering the fort by the
south gate, We arrived about four o'clock
in Colombo, the seat of government. The
English society here is not such that
stranger will appreciate, unless he possesses
introductions Of certain character; but he
can find ample sndinteresting employment
for his time In rides and drives about Co.
lombo ard its neighborhood. 3asi H.
Shortly after my arrival accompanied .
friend on visit TO his estate, few miles
hav0n6 Nao0mh0 The heat waa intansa
and the lowering Of the dark, leaden
clouds portended the setting In of the
monsoon. After q pleasant ride of several
miles, We reached his bungalow, which
drops drops Of Of rain gave notice Of Il tho impendinS @ @
storm. An avah. or native nurse
was carrying his child in the veranda as
We entered; but We had scarcely been
seated before lash of liQhtnine. followed
by terrific crash of Thunder. struck the
honaa. We heard scr,,am. and tha father
rushed into the veranda. Thera v.s The
avaA lyine stone dead. and the infsnt on
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