Poisoned a rich
man, his wealth would accrue to the poisoner; that, therefore, the
hospitable custom prevailed amongst them of administering poison to rich
or noble guests; that this poison took no effect for some time, but that
in the course of two or three months it produced a disease akin to
dysentery, ending in certain death." - H.C.]
[1] Mr. E.H. Parker writes (China Review, XXIV. p. 106): "Polo's
Kogatin is Hukoch'ih, who was made King of Yun-nan in 1267,
with military command over Ta-li, Shen-shen, Chagan Chang,
Golden-Teeth, etc." - H.C.
[2] Though the bellowing of certain American crocodiles is often spoken
of, I have nowhere seen allusion to the roaring of the
ghariyal, nor does it seem to be commonly known. I have once
only heard it, whilst on the bank of the Ganges near Rampur Boliah,
waiting for a ferry-boat. It was like a loud prolonged snore; and
though it seemed to come distinctly from a crocodile on the surface of
the river, I made sure by asking a boatman who stood by: "It is the
ghariyal speaking," he answered.
CHAPTER L.
CONCERNING THE PROVINCE OF ZARDANDAN.
When you have left Carajan and have travelled five days westward, you find
a province called ZARDANDAN.
