Another very respectful kind of salutation consists in lowering both hands to the feet of the person to be honored, or even in falling-down and embracing them.

Of all the forms of salutation, the most respectful is the shaashtaangkum, or prostration, in which the feet, the knees, the stomach, the head, and the arms, all touch the ground.  In doing this, they throw themselves at their whole length on the ground, and stretch out both arms above their heads.  This is practised before priests, and in the presence of an assembly, when they appear before it to beg pardon for a crime.

Relations, who have long been separated, testify their joy when they meet by chucking each other under the chin, and shedding tears of joy.  I am not aware that grown persons ever kiss each other.  Sometimes mothers, or other individuals, will put their noses to the cheeks of little children, and draw the air through them, just as we do when we smell any thing which is agreeable.  At other times they will apply the thumb and first finger to the cheek of the child, and then apply them to their own noses, and, as it were, smell them.

The women, as a mark of respect, turn their backs, or at least their faces aside, when they are in the presence of those whom they highly esteem.  They are never permitted to sit in the presence of men.  A married woman cannot do this, even in the presence of her husband.

If a person meets another of high rank, he must leave the path, if on foot, or alight, if on horseback, and remain standing until he has passed.  He must at the same time take off his slippers.  He also must take off his slippers when he enters a house.  Should he fail to do this, it would be considered a great impropriety.

In addressing a person of note, they mast keep at a certain distance from him, and cover their mouths with their hands while they are speaking, lest their breath, or a particle of moisture, should escape to trouble him.

When the Hindoos visit a person of distinction for the first time, civility requires them to take some present as a mark of respect, or to show that they come with a friendly intention; especially if they wish to ask some favor in return.  When they have not the means of making large presents, they carry with them sugar, plantains, milk, and other things of this kind.

In case of mourning, visits must always be made, though at a distance of a hundred miles.  Letters of condolence would by no means be received as a substitute.

CHAPTER IV.

MARRIAGE AMONG THE HINDOOS.