In taking a view of it, Bob was much gratified with its splendid decorations, and without being acquainted with their forms, had _doffd his castor_,{1} but was presently informed by his Cousin that he must keep his hat on.

The readers appeared to him to be singers; but the whole of the service being Hebrew, it was of little consequence to him, whether read or sung.

He perceived, during the performances of these prayers, which were every now and then joined in by almost every one present, that many of the congregation appeared to be in close conversation, which, however, was taken no notice of by the persons officiating.

He was well pleased with the singing of a youth and the accompaniment of a gentleman in a cock'd hat; for although he could not discover that he actually produced words, he produced sounds in many instances bearing a strong similarity to those of a bassoon.

The venerable appearance and devotion of the High Priest, who was habited in a robe of white, also attracted his attention; while the frequent bursts of the congregation, joining in the exercises of the morning, in some instances almost provoked his risibility.
"The religious ceremonies of these people," said Tom, as they left the synagogue, "though somewhat imposing as to form and appearance, do not seem to be strongly interesting, for many of them are engaged during the whole of the service in some species of traffic; buying and 1 Doff'd his castor--Taken off his hat.
~312~~ selling, or estimating the value of goods for sale.