SHIHIR, or SHIRE, often corrupted into "Seer," signifies a city, and is usually found appended to the names of the founders or builders of great towns in Persia and India. Thus, Abu-shihir, the city of "Abu;" Buddra-seer, the city of" Buddra." SHIKAR, game, sport. SHIKARGAH, hunting grounds, preserved forests. These are scarcely of any extent excepting in Scinde, and these will doubtless be cleared for building or salubrious purposes under the government of the English. SHIKARPORE, a town in India, in the province of Scinde, situated a little distance to the westward of the river Indus, in Lat. 27 deg. 36 min. N., Long. 69 deg. 18 min. E. It is the most populous town in Scinde, and carries on an extensive commerce with the adjacent countries. The inhabitants are almost all Hindoos, termed Shikarpoorees, and speak a dialect of Hindostanee, distinguished by that name. SHIKARREE, a sportsman or huntsman. The word is Indian. The people employed by European and other sportsmen in the East Indies to mark down or beat up for game, are called Shikarrees.

SHOAK, or SHOKE, Hindostanee, for a "taste" or "fancy," for any thing. "I have," or "I have not a shoke for so and so," is a phrase in every European's mouth in India. SHROFF, money changer. A lucrative office in India, where the people being extremely poor, require to convert the silver coins in which they are paid into copper coin and cowries (small shells), for the purchase of the produce of the bazar. Shroffs are also of great utility in the public offices and banking houses in shroffing (examining) money, of the counterfeit of which there is always a sufficient quantity in India. SHUMAUL, the Persian and Arabic term for a north-west squall. The Arab sailors of the Persian Gulf invariably make for a neighbouring harbour when the aspect of the sky

betokens the advent of a north

wester.

SIAM, a country of Asia, bounded on the north by China; east, by the dominions of Cochin China; south, by the sea, and by the peninsula of Malaya; and west, by the sea, a range of mountains dividing it from the British province of Tenasserim, and the Saluen river separating it from the dominions of Ava. It consists of the following principal divisions:- northward, the Shan Country; central, Siam Proper; eastward, part of Cambodia; southward, part of the Malay peninsula, as far as Lat. 7 deg. N., where at Trang on the western side, and Sungora on the eastern, commence the possessions of the Malay nation; and westward Junk Ceylon (Jan Silan). It has one great river, the Menam, which rises in the Yoonan province of China, and flows southward through Siam into the Gulf of Siam, watering the whole country in its course. Siam Proper may be described as a vast plain, intersected by the river Menam, on the banks of which all the principal towns are situated. The other divisions are hilly and wooded. The productions of Siam are numerous and valuable. The land in the vicinity of the river is remarkably fertile, and yields rice in such abundance that it is probably cheaper here than in any part of the world. It produces also sugar, pepper, tobacco, gum, gamboge, and cardamoms. The Shan districts supply benzoin and sticklac. The fruits are in general the same as in India, as also the domesticated animals, but their horses are of an inferior description. the jungles are tigers, rhinoceroses, and elephants, including those of a white colour, which here, as in Ava, are held in great estimation, and considered a necessary appendage of royalty. The most valuable woods are the teak, rose-wood, eagle, and sapan, of the latter of which large quantities are exported to China. In

In

the interior, to the northward, are mines of iron, tin, copper, and gold. In religion the Siamese are Booddhists, of the same sect as the Cingalese, but all religions are tolerated. Their language is called by Europeans the Siamese, and by themselves the T'hay. It belongs, apparently, to the same general division as the Burmese, and is written from left to right. The names Siam and Siamese, which are given to this country and its inhabitants by Europeans, appear to be corruptions of the word shan, the appellation by which they are known amongst the Burmese. The natives style it the T'hay country, and call themselves T'hay. The Siamese nation, properly so called, consists of two races or tribes of people, the T'hay, and the T'hay J'hay. By the Burmese they are generally called Shans, and sometimes from the name of the ancient capital, Yoodras. In manners and customs they greatly resemble the Burmese, and like them are distinguished by the most inordinate ideas of their national import

ance.

The amount of their population cannot be correctly stated. It probably does not exceed 3,000,000, including 150,000 Chinese. SICKLEGHUR,

Hindostanee.

A

polisher of steel. Sickleghurs are attached to the artillery and cavalry regiments in India, and are employed to polish the harness, swords, stirrups, &c.

SIDDEES, or SEEDEES, descendants

of Abyssinians, who were formerly much employed under the Moghul government for its naval service, and also in the army. The sailors of the province of Guzerat have always been considered the best in India, especially those of Gogo, and other parts of Kattivad. The Siddees profess the Mahomedan religion, and serve much on board the Arab vessels trading to the gulfs of Persia and Arabia.

SIKKIM, one of the Bengal dependencies, in the province of Bengal,

in India, bounded on the north by the Himalaya mountains, which separate it from the Chinese dominions in Thibet; east, by Bootan, from which it is divided by the river Teesta, and Kooch Bahar; south, by Rungpore and part of Morung; and west, by Morung. In length it may be estimated at sixty miles, from west to east, by an average breadth of forty miles from north to south. It is a mountainous district, but fertile and well cultivated. Its principal productions are rice, madder, or munjeet, bees'-wax, and timber of various kinds. Its towns are few, and none of any importance. The principal are Sikkim, Tasiding, and Bilsee. Sikkim is the capital, and stands in Lat. 27 deg. 16 min. N., Long. 88 deg. 3 min. E., about 110 miles northerly from the town of Purnea. A short distance to the south-eastward of Sikkim, and about 350 miles from Calcutta, is Darjeling, a station in the hills, which is resorted to by the English from the low country for change of air, the climate being cold and healthful. The inhabitants of this district are composed principally of a hill tribe, called Lapches. There are also some Bhootiyas, and the hills are said to contain many of the Limboo tribe. The system of religion most prevalent in Sikkim is that of Thibet or Lama Booddhism. The dialect is believed to be the Bhootiya. SIMALEES, natives of the eastern coast of Africa, employed as seamen on board of Arab ships, or as lightermen and stowers of cargo in the Arabian ports. At Aden, on the Red Sea, they are entertained to coal the steamers. They receive twenty shillings a month wages, and work hard in their grimy vocation; but they will only put forth their strength when excited by music and their national dance. "In consequence of this latter peculiarity," says Mrs. Postans, a pleasant writer on Oriental manners," tambourines are incessantly beaten on the deck of the vessel

which the Simalees accompany, by clapping their hands and treading a grotesque measure in most perfect time. A group of Simalees being

assembled on the deck of the steamer near the open hold, in which are deposited the bags of coal, with a crane and pulley above it, the rope attached is lowered, and the hook fastened to a bag. Meanwhile the Simalees with a loud song, chanted to the tune of the tambourines, run towards the forecastle and return dancing in line in the most grotesque way imaginable, clapping their hands, raising one to the ear, and then with a kind of curtseying movement turning slowly round with one leg bent and raised from the ground, changing the foot at intervals; the movements completed, they with one accord seize the rope and rush merrily back, raising the coal-bag as they go." Such is the wild excitement of this labour, and such its lamentable effect, that it is calculated that, in putting on board every hundred ton of coals, one man at least is sacrificed. The Simalees have short, curly, woolly hair, which the fops of the race are fond of dyeing a bright red. Sometimes they shave their heads, and place on them red wigs formed of the long wool of the Abyssinian sheep.

SIMKIN SHRAUB, a corruption of

66

Champagne Shraub" (wine). The new arrival in India will be surprised to hear gentlemen at a dinnerparty pledge each other in "Simkin," and still more surprised to find the native attendant serve champagne immediately.

SIMLA, a station in the province of Sirmoor, in India, on the hills near Subathoo, about 7000 feet above the level of the sea, which has been formed by the English, who resort to it on account of its cool and healthful climate. On the hills of Simla there are upwards of one hundred residences, built after the fashion of English cottages. As the chosen retreat of governors-general

P

and commanders-in-chief, from the burning plains of India, the place has enjoyed for some years past many considerable advantages. The roads to the residences, and for some distance beyond them, are spacious and elegant. Shopkeepers have been induced to establish themselves, and form emporiums of all the creature comforts. There is a readingroom and billiard-table, an amateur theatre, a church, a school, an observatory, and a pretty valley called Annandale, where fancy fairs and races are held, and contribute to the embellishment of existence. As Simla and the neighbouring hills are the property of certain small chieftains, who reside in small townships, a political agent is stationed at the former place to regulate the respective responsibilities and do the honours in behalf of the British Government. The people of the hills are poor, simple, and tractable, subsisting entirely by the produce of their lands; they are Hindoos, and 400,000 in number. Though polygamy prevails in some parts, polyandry is a more common institution, for the insufficiency of the products of the soil renders it advisable to check the increase of the human race. It is by no means uncommon for one woman to reside in the same house with four or five men, and to fulfil the duties of a wife towards all. The women are good-looking and strong; they wear a slight cloth covering for the head, not concealing the face as in the plains, a chemise of coarse cloth, and trousers. The commercial products of these hills are iron, wax, honey, borax, musk, wool, ginger, and opium. The fruits are apricots, walnuts, strawberries, raspberries, quinces, greengages, red and black currants, rhubarb, wheat, gram, barley, rice, &c., and in the kitchengarden may be found peas, beans, potatoes, cabbages, lettuces, parsnips, &c. Access to Simla from the plains is very easy; a palankeen dawk from the stations of Kurnaul or Umballa

brings the traveller to Bhar, at the foot of the hills, which is distant about thirty miles from Simla; there are three stage bungalows, situated at Chumbul, Hurreepore, and Syree, which lead to Simla. The ascent from Bhar to the first of these stages is considerable; the road winds up the face of an immense mountain, and brings the traveller to the summit, where he finds the first bungalow. From Chumbul to the Khutwar river the descent is steep but not dangerous; the course of the traveller is for some miles along its banks, through a well cultivated valley, when, by a sharp turn of the road, he is suddenly brought to a chasm, flanked by perpendicular rocks about 800 or 1000 feet in height, through which the river Gumber rolls. Passing through this gap, along the banks of the Gumber, the traveller at length advances half a mile up a gentle ascent to the Hurreepore bungalow, and thence, continuing gradually the ascent by a barren but good road, he reaches Syree, whence he proceeds to Simla. The roads are excellent and well fenced in. Previous to ascending the hills, the traveller, as is usual, deposits his carriage, palankeen, or tent, &c., in godowns belonging to a Simla firm at Bhar, and proceeds upwards with such indispensable articles of furniture only as are absolutely necessary. The usual mode of travelling is by jampauns, a conveyance not unlike a large clumsy chair, having a top, from which curtains are suspended. They are carried by four men, by means of poles fixed to the sides, and are supplied by the agents of the firm, together with bearers and porters. SINDWA, a fortress in the province

of Candeish, in India, situated in Lat. 21 deg. 34 min. N., Long. 75 deg. 7 min. E., which commands one of the principal passes through the Satpoora mountains, communicating with Malwa.

SINGAPORE, or SINKAPORE, in

Asia, a small island at the southern extremity of Malaya. It belongs to the English, who obtained it by purchase from its native chief in 1819, and on account of its situation commanding the navigation of the straits, and its good harbour, it is considered a place of great commercial importance. It has a mixed population of about 15,000, of whom one-third or more are Chinese, and it is rapidly increasing. When taken possession of by the British there were not more than 150 persons on the island. SINGHEE, the bayonet fish, so called from its having three spines in its dorsal and lateral fins. It is an inhabitant of the Indian seas. SIRCAR, head of affairs. Literally, the state or government. A general division of a province. A head man. This title is now seldom used but by Europeans in Bengal to designate the Hindoo writer and accountant employed by themselves, or in the public offices. This functionary, who, in Bengal, is often denominated baboo, is the chancellor of the exchequer in a household, and it is not unseldom (in the olden time it was always the case) that his master is his debtor, and then the mastership is but a vox. They are a shrewd intelligent race, of most respectable appearance and demeanour, talk English, and manage every thing for you so easily and so delightfully that where you feel you can always meet the day of reckoning, a sircar is the most delightful servant you can have. They rarely abscond with your money, because their great profit is made by commissions and small surcharges upon every thing you buy, and dustooree, or custom (per centage taken from the native seller) upon every payment you have to make. They are a strange compound of easiness and strictness, usuriousness and liberality, honesty and fraudulence, patience and importunity.

SIRDAR, Hindostanee. A chieftain, captain, head-man.

SIRDAR-BEARER, the chief of the palankeen bearers, and generally his master's valet-de-chambre. The sirdar-bearer, called sirdar in brevity, prepares (he and his mate, if a mate be kept) the evening lights, a duty which naturally involves the furbishment of the candlesticks, glass-shades, and snuffers. He also polishes shoes, boots, straps, and so forth, rubs tables into brightness with cocoa-nut shell and wax-cloth, makes the beds (for housemaids are things unknown), and performs a variety of little nameless items which need not to be enumerated. He carries an immense bunch of keys at his girdle, and whether his master have boxes enough to demand a large bunch or not, such bunch there is sure to be for the dignity of the office.

SIRMOOR, a province of Hindostan,

bounded on the north by the Himalaya mountains; east, the river Jumna, separating it from Gurwal; south, Delhi; and west, the Sutlej, separating it from Lahore. It has no divisions of any note. The rivers

are, the Sutlej, Paber, Tonse, or Tonsa, and Jumna. With the exception of a small portion called the Karda Doon, the whole of this province consists of ranges of mountains, with narrow valleys and ravines. The Karda Doon is a valley in the south-eastern part, bordering upon the river Jumna, consisting principally of marsh and low jungle, but capable of being rendered very fruitful. Coal is found near Nahan. The towns are Simla, Subathon, and Nahan. The inhabitants, usually called Sirmoorees, are Hindoos, including a large proportion of Rajpoots. The religion of the province is the Brahminical, and the language is the Khasiya dialect. SIR SHIKUN, Hindostanee. Literally, broken-headed, land broken or separated from the capital or head, granted in charity by zumeendars, chowdries, and canoongoes. It is, however, a grant of parcels or por

tions of land to some public functionary of the village; the priest, or perhaps the village washerman or plough-maker, to induce him to reside there. It is taken a little and little from each zumeendar or head; i.e., breaking a little off each head to give for the above purpose: so called head-breaking.

SISSOO, a kind of Indian wood, pos

sessing a very fine grain, and rather handsomely veined, grows in most of the great forests, intermixed with the saul; but, in lieu of towering up, with a straight stem, seems partial to crooked forms, such as suit it admirably for the knees of ships, and for such parts as require the grain to follow some particular curve. This wood is extremely hard and heavy, of a dark brown, inclining to a purple tint, when polished; after being properly seasoned, it rarely cracks or warps; nor is it so subject as saul to be destroyed by either white ants, or river worms. The domestic uses of sissoo are chiefly confined to the construction of furniture, especially chairs, tables, tepoys (or tripods) bureaus, book-cases, escritoires, &c., &c., for all which purposes it is peculiarly appropriate, with the exception of its being very ponderous. This objection is, however, counterbalanced by its great durability, and by the extraordinary toughness of the tenons, dovetails, &c., necessarily made by the cabinetmaker or joiner. Sissoo is, of late, more employed than formerly for the frame, ribs, knees, &c., of ships, especially those of great burden: for such, it is found to be fully as tough and as durable as the best oak. When timbers can be had of this wood long enough for the purpose, it is often applied for bends, and, indeed, for a portion of the planking, or casing; but it is very rarely that a plank of ten feet can be had free from curve. SITAR, a kind of guitar, with only three strings, used in India and Persia.