1845.] SUPERIOR CLASSES. 349 



to that of the people of Loo-Choo ; those within cities 

 being covered with red tiles, and otherwise ornamented, 

 but they affirm that these tiles are brought from the 

 continent. The houses of the lower orders are thatched, 

 and very nearly resemble those of the Meia-co-shima ; the 

 sides are occasionally built of stone, they are in a similar 

 manner surrounded by stone walls about six feet in height, 

 completely concealing all within ; but in this poor region, 

 where soil is possibly in some measure dependent on 

 climate, very few trees or even shrubs are to be noticed. 

 The people themselves appear to be composed of several 

 races; the superior class is entirely distinct, of the 

 small Tartar mould, and very beautifully formed. Al- 

 though active, and from their general dress, liable to 

 constant exposure, they still exhibit great effeminacy 

 when at ease, being invariably attended by a species of 

 page, carrying boots, slippers, fan, &c. ; but these again 

 are far more effeminate than their masters ; pale, slovenly, 

 and disgusting, with loose wavy hair, creating almost 

 a doubt as to their sex. These are invariably the 

 military chiefs and their attendants. The second class 

 Officers are robust powerful men, ranging between the 

 height of five feet seven and nine. Their dress is coarse, 

 and their manners in character with their subordinate 

 situations. The soldiers are of the Tartar feature and 

 build, sturdy compact men, of broader features, and 

 probably averaging five feet six to eight. Their dress 

 consists of the simple blueish coarse grass-cloth tunic, 

 confined at the waist with very loose unbleached trowsers, 

 reaching to the knee, and straw sandals, the hat is generally 

 of a dirty brown felt. The civilians are of a superior 



