174 
Malays of Ceylon. 
beasts, wliicli seem to delight in proportion to the liideoiisness 
of their appearance, are carried along in great pomp. The 
gong gong is one of their j)rincipal instruments. It consists of 
a large lioilow plate of a compound metal, so contiived in 
substance and shape as to return a very loud noise when struck. 
The tom tom, is a drum of a peculiar fashion ; and other in- 
struments are formed of bamboes bound together with iron 
wire, something in the sliape of a dulcimer. By means of this 
variety of instruments, wiiich are made of all sizes from the 
most unwieldy bulk to the smallest, an effect not unpleasing 
is produced from the contrariety of sounds. 
The Malays universally profess the Mahometan religion, al- 
though, as to some inferior points and duties, the several classes 
differ among themselves. They have temples and mosques dedi- 
cated to their saints and their dead ; and at these they punctu- 
ally attend with great devotion. 
.,A skill in medicinal herbs is almost universal among this race; 
and they have a variety of prescriptions for curing diseases by 
their application. This knowledge is owing to their peculiar 
fondness for gardening, and rearing all sorts of plants, an em- 
ployment in which they are engaged from their infancy ; and it 
is from among them that the European gentlemen are anxious 
I to procure their gardeners. 
They are uncommonly ingenious in all sorts of cane-work, 
and in ratanning couches and chairs ; and are accounted capital 
builders of bungaloes, or houses of the cocoa- tree. 
In other respects, such as the manner of eating their victuals, 
and their modes of salutation, they very much resemble the na- 
tives of the Malabar and Coromandel coasts. They are, how- 
ever, sufficiently distinguished from them, and indeed from all 
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