COCHINCHINA. 303 
of it is placed, and the consideration in which the female 
character is held among them, I shall be more particular in 
describing the situation here assigned to them, in so far at 
least as our limited means afforded us the opportunity of ob- 
serving, than on other points. 
In some of the provinces of China women are condemned 
to the degrading and laborious task of dragging the plough, 
and otherwise employed in various kinds of heavy drudgery. 
In Cochinchina it would appear likewise to be the fate of the 
weaker sex to be doomed to those occupations which require, 
if not the greatest exertions of bodily strength, at least the 
most persevering industry. We observed them day after day, 
and from morning till night, standing in the midst of pools of 
water, up to the knees, occupied in the transplanting of rice. 
In fact, all the labours of tillage, and the various emploj'- 
ments connected with agriculture, seem to fall to the share of 
the female peasantry; whilst those in Turon, to the manage- 
ment of domestic concerns, add the superintendance of all 
the details of commerce. They even assist in constructing 
and keeping in repair their mud-built cottages ; they conduct 
the manufacture of coarse earthen Avare vessels ; they manage 
the boats on rivers and in harbours ; they bear their articles . 
of produce to market ; they dra w the cotton wool from the 
pod, free it from the seeds, spin it into thread, weave it into 
cloth, dye it of its proper colour, and make it up into dresses 
for themselves and their famihes. Almost all the vouneer 
part of the males are compelled to enrol themselves in the 
army ; and such as are exempt from military service employ 
