May 1861.] 



Notes on the Karens. 



61 



menced to set in, the rice is sown. This is done by putting half a 

 dozen grains in small spud-holes about a foot apart ; the hole is 

 not filled up ; successive showers cause the grain to be covered 

 and to germinate. Of course there is great waste, and much seed 

 never comes up ; but at present it would be as profitable to argue 

 with the winds of heaven, as with a Karen on these points. Dur- 

 ing the rains the ground is kept constantly weeded, and in No- 

 vember the corn is reaped. It is forthwith threshed out by hand, 

 and hidden in granaries near the Toung-Ya. 



The Areca Palm is much cultivated by the Karens ; it is always 

 grown in a sheltered dale, through which a stream of water runs. 

 It does not thrive beyond an elevation of 2,000 feet. These Betel 

 gardens are very picturesque, and are usually kept very tidy ; the 

 produce of a tree in full bearing is worth about one rupee and a 

 quarter per annum. The demand for this article amongst the 

 neighbouring nations is quite enormous, in fact unlimited. The 

 nut is used both green and dry ; but of course it is only at parti- 

 cular seasons that the former can be procured. 



Amongst their domestic ceremonies, that connected with the 

 dead stands first in importance. 



When a Karen dies, the whole neighbourhood repair to the spot. 

 The corpse is placed in a separate house, round which young men 

 and maidens continually dance. Eating, drinking and festivity 

 are the order of the day. After the body has been burnt, the 

 ashes are collected and again placed in the house, when the same 

 convivial scene is re-enacted. The festivity lasts for several days 

 according to the means of the deceased's family ; for at this time 

 open house is kept. At length the ashes are carried to the " Ayo- 

 Toung," — literally the Hiil of bones, — and there left in a basket 

 with a few offerings. 



During the celebration of these rites, both sexes partake freely 

 of a fermented liquor, and much drunkenness consequently pre- 

 vails. At marriages, similar festivities take place, but on a 

 smaller scale. The match is brought about by the parents of both 

 parties. The open courting which exists amongst the Burmese 



