< 



KnjTfin proper J Tho dominant race in tlna kingdom of 

 (Cambojims) J Caroboja. 



fit A 51 Miurl'li 



Bavhak 

 Ceubay 



South Cochin China, East Camboja, and intervening 

 uplands 



However interesting to the student of ethnology, none of these 

 numerous peoples possess much historic importance or political 

 influence except the three leading; Men golic races— the Burmese of 

 the Irawaddy basin,, the Siamese of the Mc-nam basin, and tho 

 Annnmese of the Song-koi basin ami Cochin China. 



The Bcrmesk and Talaings. 



The Burmese, all of whom since tho close of the year 1385 have 

 become British subjects, betray a curious combination of qualities, 

 in vvhicbj, however, the good seems greatly to outweigh the evil 

 elements. Mr. J* G. Scott, who knows them well,, declares that 

 "their very faults lean to virtue's Bide," and their general indolence, 

 overweening national vanity, and extreme sensitiveness to real or 

 imaginary slights, are certainly more than balanced by a remarkably 

 genial, cheerful, and kindly disposition. These characteristics are 

 shown not only in their somewhat excessive love of pleasure, but 

 nhit in thrir friend lines h and hospitality towards strangers, in their 

 boundless liberality to their Buddhist priests and teachers, and 

 especially in tha gentle treatment of their women, who enjoy a 

 degree of personal freedom scarcely to bo elsewhere paralleled 

 amongst Asiatic peoples, Like all genuine Buddhists, (he Burmans 

 are of course slaves to the strangest superstitions, and like the 

 Chinese, Malays, and other south-eastern Mongol ic races, they are 

 one and all reckless gamblers. But, on tho other hand, they aro 

 generally of sober and frugal habits , their innate kindness, good 

 humour, and consideration for tho feelings of others making them 

 general favourites with all who have any dealings with them. 



Education, at loost to tlie nitwit nf reading the Buddhist tests and 

 writing their own language, i- 1 * widespread amongst tba mm, tao&t of whom, 

 are brought up in the schools attached t<» ib* t.-inpl-.'s. The wortwu also, 

 thanks to their social Frew lorn, betray an uiiiimml dogreo of intelligence 

 and aptitude for business, Hcnf:e it is preamble that, out* for all relieved 

 from the cruelty and exactions of tho osprkinu* and autocratic sovereigns 

 of the native Aloiupra dynasty, tho Burmese nation will readily accept 

 European culture, and soon take a prouunont part in the diffusion of 

 ■western ideas amongst the semi- civilised peoples of tho Indo-Chinese 



