THE SACRED RIVER GANGES 293
true Ganges; if its situation does not correspond, at
least its name does. From this river comes that excel-
lent wood called Calamba (aloes-wood), which is be-
lieved to come from the Earthly Paradise. It is very
dear throughout India, and more esteemed than any
other, being more rare and odoriferous; very little of
it is found, and then it comes floating to the seashore,
or the banks of the river; it is also found on the shores
of the Maldives, and I have met with it there many a
time.
This river breeds also a' large number of crocodiles,
and is marvellously rich in fish; in short, it is the
wealthiest in all produce in the East Indies, and after
it comes the Indus, the river of Surate and Cambaye.
The Indians regard the Ganges as holy, and believe
that when they have washed therein they are absolved
of all their sins; and Mohammedans as well as Gentiles
deem the water to be blessed, and to wash away all
offences, just as we regard confession. They, however,
believe that, after bathing there, they are altogether
sanctified, even saints. And they come from afar to
wash them there, as do the Mohammedans at the sepul-
chre of Mohammed at Mecca. This is all I was able to
observe of this kingdom during the short time I was
there.'
