^nOM KANDY TO CALTURA. 411 
Not having room to pitch our tent, we occupied a small 
hut of about six feet square, which stands close to the rock 
that rises within the area. 
During the day, small parties of pilgrims occasionally 
reached the top of the Peak. The pilgrims appeared to be 
chiefly inhabitants of the maritime provinces. Many of the 
parties consisted of individuals of all ages ; some were 
mere children, while others had become decrepit from oM 
age. 
The pilgrims seemed to ascend the Peak in parties* As 
soon as a party entered the area within the wall, the indi- 
viduals immediately approached the rock in the centre, and 
gradually ascended to the Sri pade. The pilgrims do not 
go under the shed ; they stand close to that end of the im- 
pression which is intended to mark the toes. Here they 
make a number of profound salaams, by putting the palms 
of the hands together^ and holding them before the face, or 
raising them above the head. While thus employed, they 
appear to be muttering some words. Each individual then 
presents his offerings which is deposited in the sacred im- 
pression. The presents consist of copper-money^ rice, coco- 
nuts, cotton - cloth, handkerchiefs, betel - leaves, flowers^ 
onions, ornaments for the shed which covers the Sri pade^ 
Si. lock of the hair of the head, or a portion of the beard. 
After depositing the offerings, the pilgrims continue for a 
few minutes upon the rock, making profound reverences to 
the holy impression. The party then descend, and form a 
** Quand les malades etaient gvferis, ils allaient remercier le Dieu et lui 
porter des offrandes. Quelquefois les malades apres leur guerison faisaient 
modeles en ivoire, en or, argent, ou autre metal, le partie qui avait ete le 
siege de Taffection, sorte d'offrande dont on conservait un grand nombre 
dans les temples.'* 
