derived from _a very antient tradition_. This tradition undoubtedly related
to the shepherds, those sons of Chus, who were so long in possession of the
country; and whose history was of the highest antiquity.

The Cuthites in the west occupied only some particular spots: but from
Babylonia eastward the greatest part of that extensive sea-coast seems to
have been in their possession. In the history of these parts, there is
often some allusion to gold, as may be seen in the island Chruse,
above-mentioned; and in the Chersonesus Aurea, which lay beyond the Ganges:
and not only of gold, but sometimes a reference to brass; and this from a
similar mistake. For as Chusus was changed to Chrusus, [Greek: Chrusos],
gold; so was Cal-Chus, the hill, or place of Chus, converted to Chalcus,
[Greek: Chalkos], brass. Colchis was properly Col-Chus; and therefore
called also Cuta, and Cutaia. But what was Colchian being sometimes
rendered Chalcion, [Greek: Kalkion], gave rise to the fable of brazen
bulls; which were only Colchic Tor, or towers. There was a region named
Colchis in [142]India: for where the Cuthites settled, they continually
kept up the memory of their forefathers, and called places by their names.
This being a secret to Philostratus, has led him into a deal of mysterious
error. It is well known that this people were styled Oreitae, and Auritae,
both in Egypt and in other parts. Philostratus says that [143]Apollonius
came to a settlement of the Oreitae upon the Indian Ocean. He also visited
their Pegadae; and, what is remarkable, he met with a people whose very
rocks were brazen; their sand was brazen: the rivers conveyed down their
streams fine filaments of brass: and the natives esteemed their land golden
on account of the plenty of brass. Now what is this detail, but an abuse of
terms, ill understood, and shamefully misapplied? Philostratus had heard of
a region in India; the history of which he would fain render marvellous.
The country, whither Apollonius is supposed to go, was a province of the
Indo-Cuthites, who were to be met with in various parts under the title of
Oreitae. They were worshippers of fire, and came originally from the land of
Ur; and hence had that name. The Pegadae of the country are what we now call
Pagodas; and which are too well known to need describing. There were in
this part of the world several cities, and temples, dedicated to the memory
of Chus. Some of these are famous at this day, though d