THE ISLAND OF CEYLON. 
205 
resorts are daily crowded with diseased votaries, who expect, 
by the prayers which they offer up, to appease the incensed 
gods. Nor do they ever neglect to enforce their prayers 
by a gift, which they devoutly deposit on the altar. The 
priest presents it up with all due ceremony to the god ; 
and after its purpose is thus served, very prudently con- 
verts it to his own use. It is a rule with their priests 
never to quit the temple till replaced by some of their 
own order ; and by this means the. offerings of the devotees 
arc punctually received, while another party of the priests 
are making a tour of the country in search of casual 
contributions. 
The time of sickness is of course the season when the 
priests expect their principal harvest. Besides other 
offerings, it is usual for a Ceylonese when he is apprehen- 
sive of danger from his illness, to devote a cock to the 
devil or evil spirit who he imagines torments him. The 
animal is then left at home to fatten till the Jaddese or 
priest finds it convenient to dedicate him at the Covel or 
temple. When any particular festival or sacrifice is intended, 
it is usual to see the priest going from village to village 
to collect the dedicated cocks for the occasion; and he 
often procures several dozens at a time. 
The days appointed for attendance on the places of reli- 
gious worship, are the Wednesday and Saturday of every 
week : the sick however flock daily to them. There are 
several particular festivals held in honour of their gods. 
