68 ON THE INHABITANTS OF THE 



hog or goat being sacrificed, to sprinkle the blood 

 over him. Being thus purified, it is believed this ce- 

 remony expiates divine vengeance, which would 

 sooner or later alight on him or some of his family, 

 for this sin. 



Witchcraft and sorcery are most firmly be- 

 lieved ; and accidents or diseases, which elude their 

 little skill in medicine, are attributed to some person 

 supposed to be skilled in these arts, who has be- 

 witched them. When such a conviction is admitted, 

 the Cherreen is consulted, and again the Satane, both 

 repeatedly, till some person be named. To confirm 

 this ideal proof, which is received as infallible, an or- 

 deal is undertaken -> and on the part of such person 

 (supposed to be bewitched) five men are employed 

 who are qualified and acquainted with this mode of 

 trial. Such as are born immaturely cannot be en- 

 gaged in it. These five proceed to a retired place on 

 the banks of a river, before day-light, taking with 

 them wood of a particular kind, and make a fire to 

 heat an iron : one of these is to touch the iron when 

 red hot with his tongue, but is first to bathe. While 

 he is performing his ablution, the others heat the 

 iron : when red hot, a little rice is thrown on it, in 

 the name of the person accused of witchcraft, and 

 Birmah, the God of Fire, exhorted to do justice. 

 If it consumes, he is considered guilty ; if not, not : 

 The Tdtoo, or person who touches the iron, keeping 

 one foot in the water, puts the iron to his tongue, and 

 must repeat it as often as nine times, if the first and 

 second touch does not burn ; which however cannot 



happen. 



