194 
THE ORIENTAL ANNUAL. 
the gushing wells a thousand quivering streams dash 
down the variegated cliffs, formed and transformed into 
ten thousand clustering globules of countless hues, like 
Amrit’s luscious fruits, when shaken from the rolling- 
car of Suria : thousands of eager birds warble forth 
rapturous lays among the branches, which stretch to 
bathe in the delicious waters.” Here the poet displays 
at least a full appreciation of nature’s beauty, and 
if there were no response in the minds of his readers 
we should not so continually find his words in their 
mouths. 
I have transcribed the above passage not only to 
corroborate my opinion, but also for the purpose of 
rendering unnecessary any farther eulogiums upon 
the charms of the spot to which I am desirous of 
introducing the reader. 
Just where the Ganges, struggling through the Si- 
valic mountains, pours her stream upon the plains of 
Hindostan, is situated the holy town of Hurdwar, a 
place of unequalled sanctity among the Hindoos. To 
its temples pilgrims resort from every corner of the 
East where Hindooism is known; and of such excel- 
lent virtue is the holy water at this particular spot, 
that however impure, however sinful, or deeply dyed 
with crime, a single ablution will purge from all ; pro- 
vided only that sufficient gold be given to the gods. 
This gold — no baser metal has sufficient virtue — must 
be dropped in the river at the time of prayer, and the 
Brahmins are the only people who have the privilege 
