OF SIAM 55 



making. In the small settlements these sacred 

 spires are less elaborate, and at the edges they 

 cease to exist in the common type and become little 

 altars, built of bamboo and rattan and cane or other 

 material immediately at hand. Many a time, jour- 

 neying inland, did I come to one of these simple 

 little structures, built in religious fervor, with an 

 ear-ring, or an amulet made of bamboo, or perhaps 

 only a piece of fruit or a bit of root, or a small rag, 

 offered in all contrition and faith and humility, 

 with the mark of the devotee, so that all the pass- 

 ing world might know that Lim Kay Thai, or Low 

 Poh Jim, or other wandering child of Buddha had 

 left here the token of his merit making. And 

 these little altars stand so long as the elements 

 permit, for none would dare or even think of dis- 

 turbing them. Another of the commendable traits 

 of this simple people. Where such credulity 

 abounds, it is natural to find a plenty of priests; 

 if they were fewer the poor Siamese would be 

 better off, for among these yellow-robed holy men 

 of Buddha are many that have been attracted to 

 the cloth because of the easy living it assures. 

 Everywhere you meet him, the priest, swathed in 

 yellow cotton, making his daily calls for contribu- 

 tions of food; or at the wats in groups you see 

 them standing silently with bronze bowl held out 

 for rice, and a netted bag at girdle for fruit offer- 



