to an end. The money for the expenses thereof is, if necessary, taken from the funds of the temple, but a special collection is generally made for the occasion, and is, it is said, responded to with alacrity. The Anjivittu Nattamaikkaran is theoretically invested with full powers over the caste, and all members thereof are expected to obey his orders. He is the final adjudicator of civil and matrimonial causes. The divisional heads have power to decide such causes, and they report their decisions to the Anjivittu Nattamaikkaran, who generally confirms them. If, for any reason, the parties concerned do not agree to abide by the decision, they are advised to take their cause to one of the established courts. The Anjivittu Nattamaikkaran has at times to nominate, and always the right to confirm or not, the selection of the divisional heads. In conjunction with the Karyasthan and the local heads, he may appoint Nattamaikkarans and Karyasthans to particular places, and delegate his powers to them. This is done in places where the caste is represented in considerable numbers, as at Sholavandan and Vattalagundu in the Madura district. In this connection, a quaint custom may be noted. The Pallans, who are known as "the sons of the caste" in villages of the Madura and Tinnevelly districts, are called together, and informed that a particular village is about to be converted into a local Anjivittu Nattanmai, and that they must possess a Nattamaikkaran and Karyasthan for themselves. These are nominated in practice by the Pallans, and the nomination is confirmed by the Anjivittu Nattamaikkaran. From that day, they have a right to get new ploughs from the Kallans free of charge, and give them in return a portion of the produce of the land. The local Nattamaikkarans are practically under the control of the Karyasthan of the Anjivittu Nattamaikkaran, and, as the phrase goes, they are "bound down to" the words of this official, who possesses great power and influence with the community. The local officials may be removed from office by the Anjivittu Nattamaikkaran or his Karyasthan, but this is rarely done, and only when, for any valid reason, the sub-divisions insist on it. The mode of resigning office is for the Nattamaikkaran or Karyasthan to bring betel leaf and areca nut, lay them before the Anjivittu Nattamaikkaran, or his Karyasthan, and prostrate himself in front of him. There is a tendency for the various offices to become hereditary, provided those succeeding to them are rich and respected by the community. The Anjivittu Nattamaikkaran is entitled to the first betel at caste weddings, even outside his own jurisdiction. His powers are in striking contrast with those of the caste Guru, who resides in Tinnevelly, and occasionally travels northwards. He purifies, it is said, those who are charged with drinking intoxicating liquor, eating flesh, or crossing the sea, if such persons subject themselves to his jurisdiction.