ote in part while the girl was
here. "On the 17th, a little dancing-girl came to see us. She was
adorned with many jewels, some of which were very beautiful. The jewel
in the top of the ear was a circle, nearly the size of a dollar. It was
set with rubies. Nine pearls were suspended from it. In the middle of
the ear was a jewel of a diamond shape, set with rubies and pearls. The
lowest jewel in the ear was shaped like a bell. It was set with rubies,
and from it hung a row of pearls. Close by the ear, suspended from the
hair, was a jewel which reached below her ear. It consisted of six bells
of gold, one above the other. Around each was a small row of pearls,
which reached nearly to the bell below, thus forming a jewel resembling
very many drops of pearls. It is the most beautiful jewel that I ever
saw. In the right side of her nose was a white stone, set with gold, in
the shape of a star. From it hung a large pearl. There was a hole bored
in the partition between the nostrils. This hole had a jewel in it,
about an inch in length, in the middle of which was a white stone with a
ruby on each side. It also had a ruby on the top. From the white stone
hung another, of a similar color, attached to it by a piece of gold. In
the left side of the nose was a jewel about an inch in diameter. It was
somewhat in the shape of a half-moon, and was set with rubies, pearls,
emeralds, etc. etc. This jewel hung below her mouth. On the back of her
head was a large, round gold piece, three inches in diameter. Another
piece about two inches in diameter, hung below this. Her hair was
braided in one braid, and hung down her back. At the bottom of this were
three large tassels of silk, mounted with gold. Her eyebrows and
eyelashes were painted with black. Her neck was covered with jewels of
such beauty, and of such a variety, that it is impossible for me to
describe them. Around her ankles were large rings which looked like
braided silver. To these were attached very many little bells, which
rung as she walked. I believe all dancing-girls wear these rings. We
felt very sad when we thought that she was dedicated to a life of infamy
and shame."
There is an ornament worn by the followers of the god Siva, on their
arms, or necks, or in their hair. It is called the _lingum_. The nature
of this is so utterly abominable, that I cannot tell you a word about
it.
Married women wear an ornament peculiar to themselves. It is called the
tahly. It is a p
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