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such acts. The objects of their fear are as numerous
as they are hideous. One form of superstition is observed
by seafaring people; another by those who
live on the coast ; and a third by those inhabiting
agricultural districts.
" In a sequestered spot in the environs of the
city," (Saigon,) says Lieut. White, " at the further
end of a romantic pathway, amid the foliage of various
kinds of beautiful trees, we arrived at the largest
pagoda we had yet seen in the country, situated on a
small mound, apparently artificial. It was of brick,
covered with tile, and in a totally different style from
others in the city. It bore traces of great antiquity,
which, with its immense proportions, and a certain
air of Gothic grandeur and druidical seclusion, were
admirably calculated to inspire involuntary awe, and
to render it a proper retreat for the most rigid
ascetic. An old priest with a grey beard, but not
otherwise distinguishable from the laity, accompanied
by a young aspirant, advanced a few steps to meet us,
and received us with great appearance of cordiality ;
and, when informed by the linguist that our object
was curiosity to see the temple, he readily proceeded
to gratify us. In front of the pile were suspended
four bells of different sizes and tones, and of the form,
and arranged in the manner, heretofore mentioned.
We entered by a door near the eastern angle, and
were ushered into a small apartment, where were
suspended from the walls several articles of clothing,
which appeared to be the vestments of the priests.
From this, by a side door, we entered a spacious ves-
tibule, separated from the nave of the church by a
massy partition of polished wood in pannel work. In
an idol sitting in the interior, and offerings of fruit and cooked
dishes placed before it.
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