COCHINCHINA. 315 
port of existence. Of this grain they have the art of making a 
kind of vermicelH, usually called Lock-soi/, which is perfectly- 
transparent, and held on that account in high estimation both 
in Japan and China ; to the latter of which it is exported in 
considerable quantity. It communicates to soup a gelatinous 
consistence, but at the same time preserves its form and' 
transparency, qualities which would lead one to doubt 
if rice be the only ingredient in its composition. The 
Chinese Lock-soy is opaque. 
By the natives of warm climates animal food is seldom 
ranked among articles of the first necessitj^ and is sparingly 
used. And though fish is the common sustenance of those 
who inhabit the sea-coasts, yet rice made more gustable by a 
little salt, a pod of capsicum or pepper, or a leaf of some of 
the acidulous maritime vegetables above-mentioned, furnishes 
a grateful meal to the great mass of Oriental nations. All 
beyond this article and ijs accompaniments, even the areca nut 
and betel leaf, as well as opium and spirituous liquors, may be 
considered in the hght of luxuries. Of rice, in Cochinchina, 
they are almost certain of two plentiful crops every year, one 
of which is reaped in April, the other in October. Fruits of 
various kinds, as oranges, bananas, figs, pine apples, guavas, 
pomegranates, and others of inferior note, are abundantly pro- 
duced in all parts of the countr}^ They have very fine j^ams, 
and plenty of sweet potatoes. Their small breed of cattle does 
not appear to furnish them with much milk ; but of this article 
indeed, like the Chinese, they make but a very sparing use, 
not even as food for their young children. These little crea- 
tures were very numerous in Turon, and appeared remarkably 
s s 2 
