42 



Report on the Maclcenzie Manuscripts, 



[July 



3. Silpi-sastra (GranVha character), No. 96 — Countermark 258. 



This is a very small book, in twelve half sized palm-leaves; complete, 

 and in good order. Its subject is the observation of the nacsketra, and 

 other astrological formula, requisite to be observed, before beginning the 

 architectural construction of fanes, towers, images, cars, and any large 

 buildings. The different aspects of the planets ; the rulers of special 

 times, and seasons ; their friendship, or enmity; these, and similar things, 

 are all to be carefully observed, and compared, before the commencement 

 of any work ; so that bad times may be avoided, and good ones chosen. 



Note. — The foregoing three MSS. are entered in the Des. Catah 

 vol. 1, p. 261 art. I, as Tamil works; but they also seem to have an 

 entry under the head of Sanscrit works in p. 131 and 132. 



4. SUpi-sastra (Telugu character), No. 114 — Countermark 491, 



This is a rather old book, and incomplete ; both in the middle, and 

 at the end. The contents are multifarious ; but all relate to the one 

 leading subject only of the formation of images. These images, whe- 

 ther formed of brass, wood, or clay, have different observations, astrolo- 

 gical, and otherwise, connected with them. Certain tokens are given 

 as to the cutting of wood ; shewing what ought to be rejected, and what 

 chosen. Different kinds of earth, and of different colours, are to be 

 selected for images of different deities, as most suitable. The baking of 

 earthen images in kilns, and the proper time of taking them out, are 

 described. The whole of the details are too minute to be specified in an 

 abstract. The author's name is Peddanachan. The subject is more than 

 a mere matter of curiosity : it is however one on which it is not necessary 

 that I should enlarge. 



Note. — This manuscript is entered in Des. Catal. vol. 1, p. 357, art. 

 v, as a Telugu work : and it also appears as Sanscrit, Telugu character, 

 at p. 132, art vi. 



Conclusion. 



The fifth section of my general report here finishes. 

 Madras: September 30th 1838. 



