XIX. MODES OF WORSHIP. 233

many of the worshippers. The females are arrayed in their gayest
attire, their hair being combed back from the forehead and neatly
done up in a knot, fastened with silver pins and small ornamental
combs, in the arrangement of which they display considerable taste.
The usual dress of the men is of white cotton, which the fullers
have beaten upon stones and spread out in the air, until it presents
a purity never seen in climes where the sun has less power. Flags
and streamers, figured handkerchiefs and shawls, float from every
convenient receptacle. At intervals, tomtoms are beat; the rude
trumpet sends forth its screams; and the din of the music, the
murmur of the people's vi)ices, the firing of musketry and jinjalls,
and the glare of the lamps, produce an effect that is not much in
consonance with the place of instruction or an act of worship. Not
unfrequently there are skeleton trees, covered over with silver
tissue, various ornaments resembling gems being pendant from the
branches. They are said to represent the magical kalpa-tree, that
gives whatever is required from it ; but there is this difference, that
they receive rather than give, as their real intention is to receive
offerings from those who come to worship. They have occasionally
been covered with the leaves of tracts given at the festivals ; hung
there in derision, but presenting one of the best modes of publica-
tion that their distributors could desire. In some conspicuous
place there is a large copper-pan, into which the alms of the people
are thrown. The individual offerings are small, but when collected
together they must form a respectable sum.
