Malays of Ceylon. 173 
is prepared, ’wliicli they chew in great quantities, as Europeans 
use strong drinks, to exhilarate their spirits. Too much of it, 
however, entirely deadens their senses, and reduces them to a 
state of complete stupefaction. I have frequently seen these 
people, after having chewed too large a portion of this noxious 
drug, lying speechless on the ground with their eyes fixed in a 
ghastly stare. Yet, such is the effect of habit, that they get 
completely infatuated with fondness for this drug, and abso- 
lutely cannot do without it. 
The amusements of the Malays are suited to their disposi- 
tions, and are either bold, vigorous, or ferocious. Both the men 
and women are intemperately fond of bathing, and often go 
into the bath several ‘ times in one day. They have a game 
which very nearly resembles our football; only the ball they 
use is made of twisted ratan. But the amusements of which 
they are particularly fond are gaming and cock-fighting. Their 
passion for these is frequently carried to such excess, as to be 
attended with the most dreadful consequences. The poorer 
sort in particular, (like what is told of the ancient Germans) 
after having been stript of every thing else, will sell them- 
selves and their families to procure the means of gratifying 
tlieir passion for play ; and after having lost their last stake, 
1 they often sacrifice themselves and their lucky antagonist to 
their despair. 
The Malays have a great variety of musical instruments which 
are usually employed in a band or concert at their religious 
ceremonies, their marriages, and feasts. On these occasions 
that barbarous and grotesque pomp, in which uncivilized nati- 
ons so much delight, is displayed in great profusion. A vast 
number of flags, streamers, figures of their gods, of men and 
I 
