282	Measures outside the Bombay Presidency.	[CHAP. IX.
attracting the attention of the authorities. Up to that time the
mortality among monkeys was not specially noticeable, and in two
specimens taken from dead monkeys and sent to Mr. Hankin for
ba teriological examination the plague bacillus was not discovered.
Since then, however, monkeys have died in Kankhal in larger,
though still in moderate, numbers, and in several specimens taken
from their dead bodies, Mr. Hankin has discovered the typical
plague microbe. The matter had therefore assumed a very serious
aspect, for if plague-stricken rats convey and propagate the infec-
tion, so probably do plague stricken monkeys. At all events it would
not be safe to act on any other supposition, while this supposition
invests with risk any expedient, such as deporting the monkeys to
distant jungles or other method of dealing with them, short of
destroying them or trapping and keeping them in confinement. The
destruction of the monkeys is not to be thought of, for this among
other reasons, that they are regarded with a feeling akin to religious
reverence by the people; while the alternative of trapping and
confining many thousands of these creatures is an undertaking of
great magnitude. However, the difficulty had to be faced: it was
only by facing it and making a beginning that a way out of it was to
be found. Accordingly gangs of Kanjars, who are expert at trapping
monkeys, are now at work in Kankhal catching monkeys, especially
those presenting any appearance of illness, and keeping them under
observation in cages in isolated places The latest reports go to
show that the mortality among the monkeys is not increasing,
and that no plague-stricken monkey had been detected for over a
week. A search recently made through the evacuated quarters
did not result in the discovery of any dead bodies. No doubt
the thorough disinfection of the whole town will have its natural
salutary effect in reducing the danger of infection, whether among
human beings, or monkeys, or rats. The Deputy Sanitary Commis-
sioner reported on the 1st instant that over half of the town had been
disinfected; and he hoped to have all the houses, etc., disinfected by
the 21st instant.
Pilgrimage.
Temporary
stoppage of
railway booking.
"On the 25th October the Somváti Amávas fair was held at Har-
dwar, and the 9th November is the elate fixed for the Kartik Puran-
mashi. As it was to the general interests to discourage the influx
of people to Hardwar at a time when plague was prevalent at Kan-
khal, the necessity of temporarily suspending booking to Hardwar
and neighbouring stations was represented to the Government of India,
who have accordingly directed that, with certain exceptions, no
tickets to travel by railway to Roorkee, Landhaura, Lhaksar, Pathri,
Jawalapur, and Hardwar shall be sold between the 23rd day of October
and the 16th day of November. About 300 pilgrims only attended