82 



RELICS OF POPULAR SUPERSTITIONS. 



of Manse, whose recompense was the pitcher of broad gold pieces, 

 one of which, when it was spent at the tryst, first led to these dis- 

 coveries. The gold mine of Dunduffle is now only the bnrial 

 place of Dougal Caird and Lady Cassilis, still visible perhaps in 

 the Glen of Green Spirits. 



" Let us now talk of the superstitions of other countries," said 

 the Provost, "and see whether their follies have the merit of va- 

 riety." 



The kirk-minister shook his head, and courteously took the priv- 

 ilege of his age and station to offer his narrative first. 



THE PARIAH OF BOMBAY. 



Towards the brilliant hour of sunset, in a spring evening, one 

 of the noblest Brahmins in this island appeared on a parapet of 

 rocks extending into the bay, and began the ceremonies of the 

 cocoa-nut feast by throwing a gilded shell into the sea.'^ In a few 

 moments the waves swarmed with more than a thousand shells 

 launched as tributes to the bountiful element, while the shore re- 

 sounded with the joyous clamours of tom-toms, pipes, trumpets, 

 and the double flutes played by rough boys, resembling the young 

 satyrs in antique bas-reliefs. Booths, gaily festooned with dyed 

 cotton or splendid chintzes, and heaped with toys and sweetmeats, 

 gave amusement to groups composed of every nation, class, and 

 cast, in their best attire. But even the Brahmin who presided at 

 this harmless superstition was not more disposed to good humour 

 than Ibrahim Ahmed, a Dustoor or high priest of the sect called 

 Guebres or Parsees, in India. He was still in the prime of life ; 

 his eminently graceful figure derived every possible advantage from 

 the folds of his long white muslin J amma, and the gay colours of 

 the shawl which twined round his cap of crimson velvet, suited 

 the laughing character of his face, while they contrasted the clear 

 olive of its complexion. Accustomed to the festivities of the best 

 Europeans in Bombay, and to the frank amenity of their opinions, 



* Both the sun and the sea are worshipped by these idolaters, 

 rial-place is a square open repository. 



Their bu- 



