cowhide, covered with cloth, and held on by straps, one of which passes
over the instep, the other over the great toe. On entering a house,
these are always left at the door.

Women wear a _temine_, or petticoat, of cotton or silk, lined with
muslin, extending from the arm-pits to the ankles. Over this is
sometimes worn a jacket, open in front with close, long sleeves. Both
sexes wear ornaments in the ears. Men wear mustachios, but pluck out the
beard with tweezers. Women, in order to render their complexions more
fair, rub over the face a delicate yellow powder; and they occasionally
stain the nails of the fingers and toes with a scarlet pigment. All
ranks are exceedingly fond of flowers, and display great taste in
arranging them.

The houses are made of timbers, or bamboos, set in the earth, with
lighter pieces fastened transversely. The sides are covered, some with
mats, more or less substantial and costly, others with thatch, fastened
with split ratans. The roof is very ingeniously made and fastened on,
and is a perfect security against wind and rain. The floor is of split
cane, elevated a few feet from the earth, which secures ventilation and
cleanliness. The windows and doors are of mat, strengthened with a frame
of bamboo, and strongly fastened at the top. When open they are propped
up with a bamboo, and form a shade. Of course, there are no chimneys.
Cooking is done on a shallow box a yard square, filled with earth.

We must not judge of the architectural skill of the people by their
private houses. A Burman conceals his wealth with as much care as we
exhibit ours, for a display of it only subjects him to extortion from
the officers of government. Malcom describes some of their zayats,
pagodas and bridges, especially in and near Ava, as truly noble.

Rice may be said to be the universal food. It is generally eaten with a
nice curry, and sauces of various vegetables are added. Wheat is not
made into bread by the natives, but boiled like rice. Its name in Burmah
is "foreigner's rice," which shows it is not native to the country.

* * * * *

The natural good traits of the Burman character are almost rendered
nugatory by their religion, and the oppressive nature of their
government. The latter is an absolute despotism. The king has a nominal
council with whom he may advise, but whose advice he may, if he chooses,
treat with utter contempt. It is not, however, the direct oppression