30 On the Inhabitants of 



two fplit bamboos are bent into an arch, with the ends in the ground, f© 

 as to form a covering; under this, a fmall mound is raifed, and a littile 

 thatched building erected over it, open at the fides, under which fome 

 boiled rice is placed. When thus much is prepared, the prieft approaches 

 •the little pit ; and the people affembled ftand behind him. He then mut- 

 ters fomething to himfelf $ when the animai intended to be facrificed is 

 brought, and the head cut off by the prieft over the pit, fome holding 

 •the head by a rope ; and others the body : if the head is not taken off at 

 one blow, it is reckoned uniucky. The blood is collected in a pan, car- 

 ried to the covered arch, with the head of the animal, and put by the fide 

 of the mound. A lighted lamp is then brought, and put near the animal'^ 

 head, when the whole company bow to the ground, and a white cloth is 

 drawn over the arch, it being fuppofed their God will then come, and take 

 what he wants ; a fire is alfo kept burning during the ceremony between 

 the altar and arch. An hour after, the covering is taken off ; the provifions 

 therein placed, with the animal, are drefled for the company ; and they 

 make merry* 



When a large animal is to be facrificed, two ftaves are put by the fide of 

 the pit, fo as to place the animal's neck between them : a bamboo is 

 tied under his neck to the ftaves, to prevent his head from falling to the 

 ground: he is then ftretched out by ropes, fixed to his legs ; and his head 

 is fevered by the ftrongeft man among them. 



Their mode of fweariog at Gbofegong is very folemn: the oath is taken 

 upon a ftone, which they firft falute, then with their hands joined and 

 uplifted, their eyes fteadfaftly fixed to the hills, they call on Mahade'va 

 in the moft folemn manner, telling him to witnefs what they declare, and 



