Page:Indian Shipping, a history of the sea-borne trade and maritime activity of the Indians from the earliest times.djvu/159

 fee of one masha. A load carried on the head, a load carried on the shoulders, a cow, and a horse had each to pay two mashas. Four mashas were demanded for each camel or buffalo that was transported across the river. Five mashas were levied for a small cart, six mashas for a cart of medium size that was drawn by bulls, and seven mashas for a big cart. Four mashas had to be paid for a load of merchandise whether for sale or not. Again, for big rivers involving greater risks, double the ferry fees above mentioned were charged. Thus conveyances and beasts of burden as well as loads of merchandise were subject to ferry fees.

But besides seeing to the realization and collection of all proper taxes and dues, the Superintendent of Ships was also entrusted with the duty of enforcing many humane harbour regulations. Thus whenever any weather-beaten, tempest-tossed ship arrived at his port, his first duty was to lend her the protecting hand of a father. He was also