CHAPTER XVI.

Indigo seed growing.--Seed buying and buyers.--Tricks of sellers.--Tests for good seed.--The threshing-floor.--Seed cleaning and packing.--Staff of servants.--Despatching the bags by boat.--The 'Pooneah' or rent day. --Purneah planters--their hospitality.--The rent day a great festival. --Preparation.--Collection of rents.--Feast to retainers.--The reception in the evening.--Tribute.--Old customs.--Improvisatores and bards. --Nautches.--Dancing and music.--The dance of the Dangurs.--Jugglers and itinerary showmen.--'Bara Roopes,' or actors and mimics.--Their different styles of acting.