wo clans. The Vaigal tribe are reckoned the most powerful; this
probably is due to their occupying the largest valley. Each of the
three principal tribes has a dialect different from the other two, but
have several words in common, and as a rule have very little to do with
those inhabiting the other valleys. The entire population is estimated
at over 200,000 souls. Their country is picturesque, densely wooded,
and wild in the extreme; the men of fine appearance, with sharp Aryan
features and keen, penetrating eyes; blue eyes are not common but do
occur, but brown eyes and light hair, even to a golden hue, in
combination are not at all uncommon. The general complexion varies to
two extremes, that of extreme fairness--pink rather than blonde, and
the other of bronze, quite as dark as the ordinary Panjabi. The cast of
features seems common to both these complexions, but the fairer men if
asked will indicate the dark men as having come from the south, and
that they themselves have come from the north and east. They are, as is
always the case with hill tribes, short of stature, daring to a fault,
but lazy, leaving all the agricultural work to their womenkind, and
spending their days, when not at war, principally in hunting. They are
passionately fond of dancing, in which both sexes join, scarcely
letting an evening pass without indulging in it around a blasing fire.

The dancing, which I on several occasions witnessed, was invariably begun
by a single female performer appearing on the scene, and after going
through a few graceful movements, a shrill whistle (caused by inserting
two fingers into the month) given by one of the men is the signal for
a change. Several performers then come forward, advancing and retiring
on either side of a huge bonfire, at one end of which were the
musicians--their instruments, a large drum, two kettle-drums, and a
couple of flutes. To this music, more particularly to the beating of the
drums, good time is kept. The whistle sounds again, when immediately the
performers set to partners, if I may use the expression; after a while
they disengage, and begin circling round the fire singly--men and women
alternately. The tamasha ended by again setting to partners; each couple,
holding a stick between them, their feet firmly planted on the ground and
close together, spin round at a great pace, first from right to left and
then from left to right. None objected to my taking part in this
performance, but,