160 HINDOO CUSTOMS. 



and dress have always remained the same, 

 and in consequence of its simplicity, a deform- 

 ed person is seldom seen amongst them. 



Zealous Christians may blame me for dis- 

 approving of our interfering- with their reli- 

 gion, with the view of converting- them to 

 Christian ity, but I believe there are very few 

 who have been long in India who do not on 

 that point agree with me; and also think w ith 

 me, that the natives known by the appellation 

 of Kalla Feringees [Black Christians] are 

 the worst race of people inhabiting that part 

 of the world. 



It is, however, the duty of every Christian 

 who has it in his power, mildly to dissuade 

 Hindoo Widows from burning themselves, 

 Parents from destroying their offspring, and 

 others from inflicting on themselves horrid 

 penances and self destruction; but I hope 

 no coercive measures will be resorted to, even 

 for this, being well convinced that it will have 

 an effect directly opposite to the one intended, 



