HINDOO TRADITION. 145 



two substances to be met with as food in all the inns: but 

 the opinion of the fattening properties of sugar has given rise 

 to a whimsical law in Cochin China. 



MARY. 



What is that, mamma? 



MRS. F. 



The body guard of the king, selected for purposes of pomp 

 and show, are allowed a sum of money, with which they 

 must buy sugar and sugar-canes, and they are compelled, by 

 law, to eat a certain quantity daily. This is to preserve the 

 fat sleek appearance of those soldiers who are honored by 

 approaching so near the person of the king; and travellers 

 relate that they certainly do honor to their master by their 

 handsome appearance. There are about five hundred of these 

 men, all equally plump and well-looking, who are thus ac- 

 tually fattened upon sugar. 



Now, I believe that I have told you all that occurs to me 

 at present respecting sugar. 



HENRIETTA. 



And we are much obliged to you for it, aunt. 



ESTHER. 



The Hindoos have a curious tradition of the manner in 

 which the sugar-cane came to their country, which proves in 

 what high estimation it is held by them. 



MRS. F. 



I should like to hear it. 



ESTHER. 



They relate that, in very ancient times, a vessel belonging 

 to their country, chanced to leave one of her crew, who was 

 suffering under severe illness, upon a desert island, at a con- 

 siderable distance, in the Indian seas; and that returning by 

 the same route, curiosity prompted them to inquire after the 

 fate of their comrade, when, to their utter astonishment, the 

 man presented himself before them, completely recovered 

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