INDIAN CUSTOMS. 217 



and gums, which it certainly does. The time of 

 life at which they first begin to use it, is when 

 tartar collects most, and were it used solely for 

 ornament, the young would all have their teeth 

 black, which none of them ever have. This ap- 

 plication is called "Micee" and what it is com- 

 posed of, I cannot say. Whatever it is, it de- 

 stroys the tartar, hardens the gums, and makes 

 the teeth of a jet black, without destroying the 

 enamel. 



The next custom I shall notice, is their chewing 

 pawn, which is a betle leaf enclosing a small 

 quantity of areca nut, Cardamom seeds, a clove, 

 some gum : Rub : Astring : and a small portion 

 of lime. The poorer people use it without spices. 

 This is universally chewed both by men and 

 women, and is offered to all strangers as a com- 

 pliment. It is a fine aromatic, acts as a stimulus 

 to the fauces and stomach, and sweetens the 

 breath. It causes the saliva to flow, and reddens 

 the mouth, giving it an appearance not pleasing 

 to Europeans. 



Another custom is, their sitting always on the 

 ground with their knees up to their chins, which 

 I know not how to account for, unless it is by 



