e priests have vast monasteries, some of which are as large as small
cities, and several of them contain about two thousand monks, or persons
devoted to the service of the idols, all of whom shave their beards and
heads, and wear particular garments, to denote that they are set apart from
the laity, for the service of their gods; yet some of them may marry. In
their solemnities, these men sing the praises of their idols, and carry
lights in their processions. Some of them, called Sensim, or Santoms, lead
an austere life, eating nothing but meal mingled with water, and when all
the flour is expended, they content themselves with the bran, without any
savoury addition. These men worship the fire, and those who follow other
rules, allege that these austere Santoms are heretics against the religious
law, because they refuse to worship idols, and never marry. These Santoms
shave their heads and beards, wear coarse hempen garments of a black, or
bright yellow colour, sleep on coarse thick mats, and live the severest
life imaginable, amid every conceivable deprivation and austerity[11].

[1] Erigrinul, Eriginul, Erdschi-nur; and this ought to be read _fifty_
days south-west, instead of five days east.--Forst. This may probably
be some district in the country of the Eluts of Kokonor, not mentioned
in our modern maps.--E.

[2] Singui, Sigan, or Singan-fou, in the Chinese province of Shensee.
--Forst.

[3] In the edition of Harris, it is said likewise to have two similar tusks
in the lower jaw, but this error must have been put in by some
ignorant editor.--E.

[4] According to Forster, this passage is corrupted, and ought to be thus
read: "After eight days journey _west_ from Ergimul or Erdschi-nur, we
come to Erigaia, Eggaya Organum, or Irganekon." And he names the chief
town Calacia, Cailac, Gailak, or Golka.--Forst.

[5] Perhaps, the chamois are here meant, and copied camels by mistake.
--Forst.

[6] Tenduc, Tenduch, Teuduch.--Forst

[7] This foolish story of Prester John has been explained in a former
note.--E

[8] Cianga-nor, Cianganior, Cyangamor, or Tsahan-nor, in lat. 45 deg.. 30. N.
long. 117 deg.. E. Marco, in these accounts of the different districts of
Tangut, seems to have followed no regular order, but goes from one to
another, as fancy or memory served.--Forst.

[9] Cyandi, Xandu, or Tshangtu.--Forst.

[10] In Harris, the elevation is said to be _