not be numbered.  The shrubbery, which was drawn on carts or other vehicles, appeared exceedingly beautiful, in consequence of the light reflected from the lamps.  Intermingled with this shrubbery, were to be seen little girls elegantly dressed, and adorned with flowers on their heads.  Many elephants, with their trappings of gold and silver and red, formed a part of the procession.  Fire-works were also added to make the scene more brilliant.

CHAPTER V.

DEATH AND FUNERALS OF THE HINDOOS.

My dear Children—­The death of a Hindoo is followed by many ridiculous ceremonies.  I will give you a description of a few, connected with the death of one who has moved in one of the higher ranks—­of a Brahmin.

[Illustration]

When it is evident that a Brahmin has but a little time to live, a space is prepared with earth, well spread with cow-dung, over which a cloth, that has never been worn, is spread.  The dying man is placed upon this at full length.  Another cloth is wrapped around his loins.  This being done, the ceremony of expiating his sins is performed as follows.  The chief of the funeral brings on one plate some small pieces of silver or copper coin, and on another the punchakaryam, etc.  A little of this punchakaryam is then put into his mouth, and, by virtue of this nauseous draught, the body is perfectly purified.  Besides this, there is a general cleansing, which is accomplished by making the dying man recite within himself, if he cannot speak, the proper muntrums, by which he is delivered from all his sins.  After this, a cow is introduced with her calf.  Her horns are decorated with rings of gold or brass, and her neck with garlands of flowers.  A pure cloth is laid over her body.  Thus decked, she is led up to the sick man, who takes hold of her tail.  Prayers are now offered up that the cow may conduct him, by a blessed path, to the next world.  He then makes a gift of a cow to a Brahmin.  This gift is considered indispensable to enable the soul to go over the river of fire, which it is said all must pass after death.  Those who have made this gift, are met by one of these favored creatures the moment they arrive at the bank of the stream, and by her help, they are enabled to pass without injury from the flames.

As soon as the breath has left his body, all who are present must weep for a reasonable time, and join in lamentations together.

After various ceremonies, the body is washed, and a barber is called to shave his head.  He is then clad with his finest clothes and adorned with jewels.  He is rubbed with sandal-wood where the body is uncovered, and the accustomed mark is put upon his forehead.  Thus dressed he is placed on a kind of state bed, where he remains until he is carried to the pile.

After every preparation is made to bear away the corpse, the person who is to conduct the funeral, with the assistance of some relative or friend, strips it of its clothing and jewels, and covers it with a handkerchief provided for the occasion.  The corpse is then placed on a litter.  Those who die in a state of marriage, have their faces left uncovered.  The litter, adorned with flowers and foliage, and sometimes decked with valuable stuffs, is borne by four Brahmins.  The procession is arranged as follows.