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ON THE SIKHS.
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flights of steps to the water on the other. In the centre is the Hari Mandir, or Temple of Hari, in which a copy of the Ádi Granth, said to be written by Nának himself, is preserved-a tradition rather at variance with the assertion that the Adi Granth was compiled by Arjunmal. The temple is connected with the embankment on the west side by a bridge. The temple is described by Baron Hügel as a handsome building inlaid with marble, having a golden roof, and a door of gold; and surrounded by small vestibules, the ceilings of which are supported by richly-ornamented pillars. Before the entrance to the bridge are two large banners of red silk, the "Wah! Guru ji ká fatteh" on one, and "Rám Dás" on the other, in white letters. Opposite to the bridge are several small structures, in which the Sikh Udásís and Nirmalas are seated, to receive the gifts and reverences of the people. Fronting this tank was the chief gatheringplace of the Akálís, whose insolence made it dangerous to approach the holy precincts; but they are not noticed by Baron Hügel. The sacred tank and temple of Amritsar were also visited by our noble President*, when Governor-General, in company with Ranjit Sing. Whatever may have been the obstructions heretofore in the way of a personal acquaintance with the observances of the Sikhs in their own country, they seem to have had no objection, when out of the Panjáb, to the presence of European visitors; and one of
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[Lord Auckland.]
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