1812. COFFEE AND CONVERSATION. — BACHAPIN NAMES. 375 
as a small jar of white glazed earthenware, was not altogether unlike 
ivory : it was the last remaining European article of that nature, 
which I had then left to supply the place of a coffee-cup ; every 
thing else having long been broken to pieces by the unavoidable acci- 
dents of travelling. 
In the evening, as soon as my waggon was closed and the candle 
lighted, Mattivi climbed in and took his seat, accompanied by his 
brothers Mollemmi and Molaali, and attended by Adam the 
Bachapin, whom they brought with them as interpreter : but, as he 
was too little acquainted with the Sichuana language, I was obliged 
to call in the assistance of Muchunka. We were therefore all closely 
crowded together, as my sitting-room, if I may call it so, had been 
made only large enough conveniently for one person. 
The coffee-kettle was still standing more than half full ; and on 
seeing this Mattivi asked for another cup, which was accordingly 
poured out for him, and the same quantity also presented to his 
brothers. This beverage appeared to be highly agreeable to their 
palate, and so much were they pleased with it, that as soon as one 
cup was drunk, they asked for another, and repeated their request 
till the kettle was emptied. 
Among other remarks it was explained to me that the name 
Mollemmi signified ' left-handed a circumstance which first led me 
to conclude that these people do not receive their tiatnes while infants ; 
but that, in all probability, these are given, only when they have 
attained an age at which they begin to exhibit some character of 
their own. This may not be the case on every occasion, since I had 
no opportunity of ascertaining this point clearly ; but it certainly 
is so on many, of which this is an instance ; as Mollemmi was really 
left-handed. He used the knife with that hand, and did with it 
what others usually do only with their right ; being in several things, 
ambidextrous. 
The word moldala signifies, a person who is possessed of little, 
and is used as a common appellative for a servant or inferior attend- 
ant. The name Muchunka has nearlv the same sio;nification, but 
implies a lower rank. The name of the Chief's youngest brother 
