of Sanscrita Manuscripts . 585 
4. Agni Purana . 
This work, feigned to have been delivered by Agni , the god 
of fire, contains a variety of subjects, and seems to have been 
intended as an epitome of Hindu learning. The poem opens 
with a short account of the several incarnations of Vishnu ; 
particularly in the persons of Rama , whose exploits are the 
theme of the Ramayana, and of Crisbna, the material offspring 
of Vasudeva. Then follows a history of the creation ; a tedious 
dissertation on the worship of the gods, with a description of 
their images, and directions for constructing and setting them 
up; a concise description of the earth, and of those places 
which are esteemed holy, with the forms of worship to be ob- 
served at them ; a treatise on astronomy, or rather astrology ; 
a variety of incantations, charms, and spells, for every occa- 
sion ; computation of the periods called Manwantaras ; a de- 
scription of the several religious modes of life, called A'srama , 
and the duties to be performed in each of them respectively ; 
rules for doing penance; feasts and fasts to be observed 
throughout the year; rules for bestowing charity; a disser- 
tation on the great advantages to be derived from the mystic 
character OM ! with a hymn to Vasishta. The next subject 
relates to the office and duties of princes ; under which head 
are given rules for knowing the qualities of men and women ; 
for choosing arms and ensigns of royalty; for the choice of 
precious stones ; which are followed by a treatise on the art of 
war, the greatest part of which is wanting in this copy. The 
next head treats of worldly transactions between man and 
man, in buying and selling, borrowing and lending, giving 
and receiving, &c, and the laws respecting them. Then 
mdccxcviii. 4 F 
