When several of these teachers come together at a meeting, they dispute with each other in a vain boasting way as to which of them possesses most grace and power.

In this rivalry they sometimes give each other lusty blows on the ear, and he who bears the blows most patiently, turning the other cheek to the smiter, acquires the reputation of having most holiness." Another sect belonging to this category is the Jumpers, among whom the erotic element is disagreeably prominent.

Here is a description of their religious meetings, which are held during summer in the forest, and during winter in some out-house or barn: "After due preparation prayers are read by the chief teacher, dressed in a white robe and standing in the midst of the congregation.

At first he reads in an ordinary tone of voice, and then passes gradually into a merry chant.

When he remarks that the chanting has sufficiently acted on the hearers, he begins to jump.