28 MURSHIDABAD. differing circumstances of the two halves of the country tend to modify the intensity of either calamity. In addition, the means of communication and the activity of local trade are sufficiently ample to prevent a local scarcity from developing into famine. In 1866, in 1874, and again in 1885, Murshidábád lay on the border-land of distress, but in neither year was a large system of Government relief required. The population mainly depends for its food supply upon the áman rice crop; and if the price of rice were to rise in January to 6s. iod. per cwt., that should be regarded as a sign of approaching scarcity. Manufactures, etc. The manufactures of Murshidabad are not in a flourishing state. The winding of silk is still the staple industry, but it has steadily declined since the day when the Company closed their great factory at Jangipur in 1835. At present, sericulture is most common in the south-east of the District, and a considerable quantity of cocoons are imported from neighbouring Districts to be wound off there. There were in 1872, 45 filatures under the management of Europeans; and the number of basins, including those belonging to natives, was about 5000, employing 10,000 persons. The out-turn of raw silk in 1872 was estimated to be 246,000 lbs., worth £168,000 valued at the low price of 145. per lb. In 1881 there were only 23 silk filatures under European management, besides 73 in the hands of natives; es; giving employment to an average of 3904 persons, and yielding an out-turn of 155,308 lbs. of raw silk, of an estimated value of £118,716. The weaving of silk cloth is also conducted in several villages, the annual production being about 100,000 pieces, valued at 4,60,000. The material condition of the weavers is very low. Indigo cultivation has never recovered from the unfortunate disturbances of 1860. At the present time, the annual out-turn from twelve concerns averages about 2200 cwts., valued at £70,000. In 1881, the out-turn of indigo was only 1047 cwts., valued at £38,471. At Murshidabad city and Barhampur there are special industries of ivory-carving, bellmetal work, and gold and silver embroidery. The skilled artisans thus employed are in comfortable circumstances. Murshidábád occupies a favourable position for trade, both by river and rail; and some of the Jain merchants of Azimganj take rank among the richest men in Bengal. There is also a brisk road traffic between the different parts of the District. Owing to the gradual silting up of the river bed, despite the constant attention of the engineering staff, the through trade on the Bhagirathi has greatly fallen off in recent years. During the ten years from 1840 to 1850, the traffic registered at Jangipur amounted to an annual average of nearly 400,000 tons; for the ten years ending 1881–82, the registered traffic at Jangipur toll averaged only 170,000 tons. In 1881 the traffic was only 151,000 tons, the lowest since 1874. The tolls paid at Jangipur for the ten years ending
