302 " THE ZOOLOGIST. 



the people tell how the little Squirrels helped in the building of 

 the bridge to Lanka, bringing stones and shells and broken nuts 

 to make it smooth. And for this, when the work was done 

 Eama took one of the smallest workmen in his hand, and 

 stroked him, blessing him from head to tail. And because of 

 this blessing of Eama, it is that the Indian Squirrel wears three 

 white stripes on his dark fur ; they are the finger-marks of the 

 Messing of the Lord of the Universe." • 



All Monkeys are sacred because of the monkey-god Hanuman. 

 A maid called Angavadevi was one day doing penance and wish- 

 ing for a son, when Vayu, the god of wind, visited her and 

 granted her request, Hanuman being born to her. He is the 

 type of strength and energy. Just after he was born he thought 

 the sun was a fruit. It was the day of an eclipse, and the sun 

 was just about to be swallowed by Eahu and Ketu, when Hanu- 

 man interfered. Eahu complained to Indra that he was being 

 interrupted in his work by Hanuman. Indra then came with 

 his club in his hand, and struck Hanuman a blow on the cheek, 

 leaving a permanent depression there, which gave him his name, 

 for Hanuman signifies having had something done to the cheek. 

 Vayu, when he saw his son lying senseless, concentrated himself, 

 so that all the atmosphere was withdrawn from the world, to the 

 great dismay and annoyance of all the earth-dwellers, who com- 

 plained to the great Hindu trinity, imploring them to restore 

 matters. The gods all granted boons to Hanuman when Vayu 

 had dissipated himself once more. Vayu made his son as swift 

 as himself, Agni promised he would never be burnt or destroyed 

 by fire, while Eama said he would withhold his arrow from him. 



Wherever and whenever the Ramayana is read, there and 

 then Hanuman is the unseen listener present to enjoy the tale. 

 Hanuman is the favourite god of all the Eaos and of conjurers. 

 If his worship is not strictly attended to, then swift punishment 

 falls on the offender. 



