[Illustration: {Town on the Ganges}]

12. There is a town by the side of the Ganges which the Indians say is
the holiest place on earth. It is full of temples. Millions of Indians
visit these temples every year.

13. All along the river bank there are stone steps leading down to the
water. Standing in the stream are men and women and children who have
come from all parts of India. They wash themselves in the stream, and
pour the holy water over their heads as they pray.

14. People who are very ill are carried to this place, that they may die
by the side of "Mother Ganges." They die happy if they can see her or
hear the sound of her waters during their last moments.

15. When they die their bodies are taken to the steps. There they are
washed in the river water, and are placed on piles of wood. Friends set
fire to the wood, and soon the bodies are burnt to ashes. These ashes
are thrown into the stream, which bears them to the distant ocean.

* * * * *

14. INDIAN BOYS AND GIRLS.


1. I am very fond of going about the streets with your uncle. The Indian
children always amuse me.

2. When Indians grow up they are rather grave and sad. The children,
however, are always bright and merry. Indian fathers and mothers are