the forehead of all mankind at their birth; and from him proceed all the unavoidable events to which they are exposed during their whole lives. A belief in this destiny is the true cause why most of the Indians are real stoics: and their stoicism is evidently seen by their conduct when sick; by the women burning themselves with the bodies of their husbands; by the singular apathy, and in part horrid penances of their philosophers; and, in general, by the wonderful patience with which the Indians endure pain, labour, slavery, and other sufferings. When the days of purification are over, it is then time to give the child a name; and on that occasion the company before mentioned assemble once more at the house of the mother. The latter having washed herself several times with pure water, and put on a complete new dress, appears with the child in her arms; presents it to her female friends; and sits down in the middle of the company, close to her husband. A Brahman then repeats publicly a number of prayers, and kindles the _Hòma_, or burnt-offering, in virtue of which the child is consecrated to _Shiva_, as the symbol of the Sun and of Fire; which, according to the Brahmanic doctrine, is supposed to be an image of the only true God. The substances used for this burnt offering are wood, rice, and butter. The name given to the child is taken immediately either from the elements, planets, and other stars; or from the symbols and figures by which the elements, stars and planets are represented. As soon as it is determined what the name is to be, some boiled rice is poured upon a banana-leaf; a vessel filled with water is placed upon the leaf; some _Vepa_ or _Amargoseira_ leaves are put into the vessel, and a coco-nut is laid over its mouth. The Brahman consecrates the water by a great many prayers; dips the leaves into the consecrated water, and besprinkles with it both the child and every person present. He then splits the coco-nut into two parts, and laying both halves upon a banana leaf, together with some figs, and a little betel and areca, presents the whole as an offering to an image of _Ganesha_. In honour of this deity he also throws incense into the fire, which is carefully kept up during the whole ceremony. The Brahman, at length, tells the father the name of the child; the latter repeats it three times; and the company retire, after some compliments of congratulation.