184 
VOYAGE OF THE POTOMAC. 
[February, 
erally richly emibroidered. with gold thread, according to the taste 
or fancy of the wearer. Also, a pair of loose trowsers, which 
reach to the calf of the leg. Another article of their wardrobe 
is a garment, the name of which we do not recollect, about a yard 
in width, long enough to pass once or twice round the waist, the 
lower edge hanging below the knees ; forcibly reminding one of 
the Highland kilt. A silken belt closely embraces the loins, con- 
cealing the upper edge of the nameless garment just mentioned, 
and also securing the trowsers. A turban, which is usually a 
shawl or handlierchief, embroidered with gold thread, completes 
the dress. 
They also frequently wear another article of dress, formed of 
a piece of cloth fwo yards and a half in width, sewed together at 
the ends. This garment, which we have already alluded to in a 
previous chapter, as the sarong of the Sumatrans, has generally 
a graceful appearance, and is worn by the Achenese as an out- 
side garment, to protect them from the weather, This description 
refers to a dress of the best kind ; but there are few who do not 
wear such as a holyday suit. Their common dress is similar in 
fashion, but made of less costly materials. Sometimes the jacket 
is omitted, leaving the chest naked from the waist up, with only a 
small scuUcap ; the latter, however, is always worn with a turban. 
An Achenese, in full dress, presents a martial and picturesque 
appearance, that would well become the stage; and reminds one 
of the Highland uniform in the British army. We think that a 
regiment in such costume would present a brilliant spectacle. 
But let us not forget the Tiris, which is always worn, and is often 
of great value. Its sheath is sometimes of pure wrought gold, as 
is also the handle. Another indispensable appendage is a hand- 
kerchief of silk, embroidered with gold thread ; and among higher 
classes, with gold ornaments on the corners ; together with a gold 
chenam-box, tweezers, toothpick, &c. This is usually thrown 
over the shoulders, Their feet are never covered. 
In speaking of the beauty of the Achenese dress, we mean 
when it is clean, which is seldom the case, unless it be new. 
Cleanliness of apparel is not considered by these people as one 
of the requisites of a gentleman. They frequently wear a light- 
coloured cotton garment until it is worn out, without having it 
washed ! Fortunately, however, for those who approach them, 
