50 MUTTRA. The total number of deaths from starvation was reported at about 2500. The last famine occurred in 1877–78, in which Muttra and Agra suffered more and for a longer period than the other Districts of the Division, the mortality in Muttra for 1878 being higher than in any other District of the North-Western Provinces, reaching the enormous proportion of 71.56 per thousand. The rainfall from June to September 1877 was only 4'30 inches, as against 18:28 inches in the preceding year, and even that was below the average. The deficiency in the rains affected the main food crops, which are mostly raised on unirrigated lands, the irrigated tracts being chiefly reserved for the more lucrative cultivation of sugar, indigo, and cotton. Thus, in consequence of short sowings, prices rose from early in July; and in September 1877 positive distress began to be manifested. The autumn crop, on which the poorer people depend, failed absolutely, and common grains were not procurable. The local distress was aggravated by crowds of refugees from the adjoining Native States, who were attracted by the fame of the many charitable institutions existing both in the city itself and in Bhartpur. Relief works were started at different places all over the District in October ; but the climax of the famine was not reached till July and August 1878, when the average daily attendance at the relief works was 20,483. The poorhouse for the relief of those unable to work was not closed till June 1879, having afforded relief to 395,824 paupers. Commerce and Trade, etc.—The District, being mainly agricultural, has little external trade, and no manufactures of importance. The East Indian Railway traverses the extreme eastern border of the Doab parganás, and has a course of 7.1 miles within the District, with I station, Mánikpur or Jalesar Road. The light railway on the metre gauge system, now connecting the East Indian line with Bhartpur, runs from Hathras road station on the main line, through Háthras, to Muttra city, a distance of 29 miles. It has 3 stations within Muttra District, at Barahna, Ráya, and Muttra. A continuation of this line has also been constructed from Muttra to Achnera in Agra District, a distance of 23 miles, with stations at Bhainsa and Parkham within Muttra District. Total length of railway communication, 40 miles. Ten metalled roads within the District have an aggregate length of 176 miles; the chief are the Agra and Delhi, Muttra and Bhartpur, and Hathras roads. The unmetalled lines comprise 115 miles of 'first-class,' and 414 miles of second-class' roads. Administration. The District of Muttra, as an administrative unit, dates only from the year 1832, when it was formed out of Agra and Sádábád. The District staff usually consists of a Collector-Magistrate, Joint Magistrate, and Assistant Magistrate -- all Europeans; together
