driving away the mischievous demons. For this reason all the women present at this solemnity take the above vessel in their hands, one after the other, and move it three times backwards and forwards before the face of the _Garbhani_, that is, the pregnant woman, to fright away the evil demons, and to guard against all witchcraft and sorcery which might do hurt to the child or the mother. These women then take another wooden vessel, with a little milk, into which are put several gold and silver medals. This vessel is given to the pregnant woman, who holds it in her hand, and at the same time bends her body forwards; upon which all the women present take in succession a piece of gold or silver from the vessel, and place it between her shoulders. This is done with a view to implore for her the blessing of _Lakshmi_, whom the Indians worship as the goddess of riches, milk, fruit, corn, and every thing produced by the fertility of the earth. Many ceremonies and customs, which have a striking similitude to the above, may be seen represented on some of the Grecian vases; and I am fully convinced, that a satisfactory explanation of them cannot be given till they are compared with the manners of the orientals. A woman for a certain time after her delivery is considered as unclean; but the period prescribed in this respect is different according to the cast to which she belongs. For the cast of the Brahmans ten days are fixed; for that of the _Kschetria_, or _Ràgiaputra_, eleven; and for the lowest cast, or that of the _Vayshya_, fifteen. The wives of the _Shudras_, or artisans, and other people of inferior rank, do not adhere very strictly to this law; but in general they must remain a few days by themselves in a separate apartment, which is sometimes fitted up for the purpose, in order that the other inhabitants of the house may not render themselves impure, contrary to the strict prohibition of their religion. It, indeed, cannot be denied, that this practice is connected with a great deal of superstition; but in so hot a country as India it is useful and proper. The ablutions and bathing, which these women must employ, are attended with equal advantages. They not only promote cleanliness, but they strengthen the body and preserve it from nervous weakness, as well as universal debility, which would undoubtedly be the consequence of too violent perspiration[157].