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JOGIS.

usually many kinds of reptiles in their baskets, large rock snakes, and boas, armadillos, and mongooses, which are trained to fight with snakes; the bright eyes are often seen watching the snakes' performace, till their own turn comes; and it is curious to observe with what eagerness and agility these beautiful and graceful little animals avoid every dart of the reptile, until they see an opportunity of attacking in turn. 

The Jogis are frequently, indeed mostly, very handsome men, and their women are equally good looking, with regular, delicate features. They are always dressed in garments  of a peculiar yellow or orange colour, which they dye themselves. They are worshippers of Siva, and his consort Bhowani, and have many secret rites, the particulars of which are unknown. They also make offerings to Shah Madar, the saint of Mukkinpoor, and invoke him in their performances, as well as gods or spirits of their own, whose names are rarely distinguishable, and of whom they strongly object to give any particulars. "We know them," they will say, "and they know us. We dare not tell who they are. If they are not with us, could we play with death as we do, and fear it so little? Do not ask us to violate their secrecy, and become unfaithful else we should die." Whatever these peculiar superstitions may be, therefore, they are implicitly believed.

Jogis are not dependent upon their snakes alone for subsistence. They not unfrequently possess herds of asses, upon which they transport salt from place to place, dye stuffs and other light produce, which can be carried in small loads. In this respect, although a migratory tribe, they are perfectly trustworthy. They also sell drugs and simples, which they collect in the jungles and fields; and occasionally, when settled for a while, prescribe them to persons suffering under chronic complaints. They are believed to have valuable remedies for fevers, dropsy, rheumatism, and consumption; and of ointments for wounds, ulcers, &c.; and their women for the peculiar ailments of women, sterility, &c. 

Jogis have often been suspected, from their entirely unsettled life, of being predatory, and of undertaking Thuggee and dacoity, with other hereditary crimes. But, though they have suffered from suspicion, they have never been convicted of offence against the law, and are, in truth, a very peaceable and well-affected class, and industrious after their fashion. Many of the Jogis appear to be in good circumstances, considering their calling in life, and indeed have the means of being so. Their women, who are not secluded, are often seen with a profusion of gold and silver ornaments, and the men with silver anklets, and wrist and throat rings. None of them are without a necklace of cowries, with a string or two passing over their turbans, and others of large size tied on their legs or wrists, with a peacock's feather or two. These are charms as well as ornaments, and much value is attached to them. They are heirlooms, and pass from father to son as possessed of peculiar virtues.