THE STEAM MILLS.
The fine buildings that now meet the eye are the Strand Mills, the property of the late Mr. Smithson, who erected them for the purpose of grinding corn by means of steam engines. It is said the speculation proved a failure, because the natives will not send their wheat to be ground in a mill in which it is mixed with the wheat of people of another caste, and with that sent by Europeans. It is the custom in Hindostan for each family to grind its own corn at home between two circular stones called chakkī, and this work is usually performed by the women. It was proposed to the King of Oude to erect steam mills for grinding corn in his dominions; but he refused to comply with the request, because it would throw the old women with their chakkīs out of work.
On the right is a daunā or donī, a country vessel, a coaster and trader, commanded by a Sarhang;—the crew are natives; the vessel is short, thick, clumsy, and marvellously ugly.