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JOURNAL, R.A.S. (CEYLON). [VOL. XI. 



remained impressed. The Emperor is said to preserve in 

 Candy an impression of it of extraordinary size. 



In former times (as they often relate with all circumstance) 

 the tooth of a white monkey was to be seen in the pagoda of 

 Adam's Mount; it was considered the holiest relic of the 

 Cingalese, and people came to look at it with the greatest 

 zeal. The pagoda received many beautiful presents, revenues, 

 and honours, all given with the object of obtaining some 

 spiritual benefit from this godly monkey's tooth. Strange 

 miracles have been worked by this holy thing, until it was 

 stolen by the Portuguese, who had expected to find a great 

 treasure, and they burnt the monkey's tooth, although the 

 heathen offered a large sum of money for it. In Vintane 

 there is also a pagoda fairly large and high, in shape of a 

 pyramid, which boasts of giltwork and an image. Likewise, 

 between the Caljettis and Batacalo, at Trinquenemale, and 

 other places. 



Some of the images stand upright, with uplifted arm, and 

 sword in hand, to deal heavy blows. Others are made differ- 

 ently, some monstrously. The natives ornament the images 

 often with flowers and rose wreaths ; they put together in a 

 basket what they offer to the monster, whilst they pray for 

 ready help in case of sickness or other difficulties. As a rule 

 they prostrate themselves before the image, and, whilst 

 praying, they lift their hands above the head. 



The Cingalese have also here and there monasteries with 

 cloisters and rooms, in which their monks dwell. These 

 monks wear yellow robes, have their heads shaved, and carry 

 an umbrella. At times they walk in procession. The chief 

 priest parades in procession on a elephant, with beautiful 

 trappings, amid a lively escort of musicians and dancers of 

 both sexes. Young girls clad in a light cloth round the loins 

 exhibit their best skill along the road. 



There are many other oddities, which they practise in their 

 religion and their services. Some worship crocodiles, snakes, 

 tigers, monkeys, and other monsters. However, in the matter 

 of worship, everybody follows his own bent and pleasure, so 



