he selects the largest, and places them in a row outside the diagram at its right hand top corner. They represent the first seven planets, and he does obeisance to them, touching his forehead and the ground three times with both hands. The relative position of the nine planets is then worked out, and illustrated with cowries in the diagram." At the chal (furrow) ceremony in Malabar, on the eve of the new agricultural year, "every Hindu house in the district is visited by the Kanisans of the respective desams, who, for a modest present of rice, vegetables and oils, makes a forecast of the season's prospects, which is engrossed on a cadjan (palm leaf). This is called the Vishu phalam, which is obtained by comparing the nativity with the equinox. Special mention is made therein as to the probable rainfall from the position of the planets--highly prized information in a district where there are no irrigation works or large reservoirs for water." [96] The science of astrology is studied and practiced by other castes, but the Kani house of Pazhur is the most celebrated. Numerous stories are related of the astrological skill of the Pazhur Kaniyans, of which one relates to the planets Mercury and Venus, who, arriving at the house of one of the Kaniyans, were asked by him to wait at the gate. He then jumped into a neighbouring well, to conduct some prayers with a view to keeping them there permanently. In this task he succeeded, and even today a prophecy made at that out-house is believed to be certain of turning out true. In addition to astrology, the Kaniyans practice sorcery and exorcism, which are strictly the occupation of the Tinta Kaniyans. The process by which devils are driven out is known as kolamtullal (a peculiar dance). A troupe of Kaniyans, on being invited to a house where a person is suspected of being possessed by a devil, go there wearing masques representing Gandharva, Yakshi, Bhairava, Raktesvari, and other demons, and dressed up in tender cocoanut leaves. Accompanied by music and songs, they rush towards the affected person, who is seated in the midst of the assembly, and frighten away the evil spirit. For the cure of disease, which is considered as incurable by ordinary methods of treatment, a form of exorcism called kalapasamtikkuka, or the removal of the rope or evil influence, is resorted to. In this, two Kaniyans take the stage, and play the parts of Siva and Yama, while a third recites in song the story of the immortal Markandeya. "The Pannikar's astrology," Mr. F. Fawcett writes, [97] "he will tell you, is divided into three parts:-- (1) Ganita, which treats of the constellations. (2) Sankita, which explains the origin of the constellations, comets, falling stars, and earthquakes. (3) Hora, by which the fate of man is explained.