[173] The Brahman, or priest, is supposed to proceed from the mouth of Bramha, the creating person of the Triad; the Khshatriyas (soldiers) from his arms; the Vaishyas (enterers into business) from his thighs; and the Shudras, ‘who take refuge in the Brahmans,’ from his feet. Only high caste men should assume the thread at the age of puberty.
[174] Soma, the moon, I have said, is masculine in India.
[175] Pluto.
[176] Nothing astonishes Hindus so much as the apparent want of affection between the European parent and child.
[177] A third marriage is held improper and baneful to a Hindu woman. Hence, before the nuptials they betroth the man to a tree, upon which the evil expends itself, and the tree dies.
[178] Kama.
[179] An oath, meaning, ‘From such a falsehood preserve me, Ganges!’
[180] The Indian Neptune.
[181] A highly insulting form of adjuration.
[182] The British Islands—according to Wilford.