A History of Assam c10.59

c10.59

from Tanda. The king is Gentile (Hindu); his name is Suckel Counse (Sukla Koch or Sukladhvaj); his country is set and lieth not far from Cauchin China; for they say they have pepper from thence. The port is called Cacchegate (Chichakot). All the country is set with bamboos or canes made sharp at both ends and driven into the earth, and they can let in the water and drown the ground above knee-deep, so that men nor horses can pass. They poison all the waters if any wars be. Here they have much silk and musk, and cloth made of cotton. The people have ears which he marvelous great, of a span long, which they draw out in length by devices while they be young. There they be all Gentiles, and they will kill nothing. They have hospitals for sheep, goats, dogs, cats, birds and for all living creatures. When they be old and lame they keep them until they die. If a man catch or buy any quick thing in other places and bring it thither, they will give him money for it, or other victuals, and keep it in their hospitals or let it go. They will give meat to the ants. Their small money is almonds, which often times they use to eat.