\ ' 
thG Clnglese from the Candiatu, 241 
serve both the purposes^ of a sliirt and waistcoat ; the butto!5s 
are always of gold or precious stones. Instead_ of breeches ** 
they wear a piece of white or coloured calico wrapped I'ound 
the M^aist and drawn together between the legs like loose trow- 
sers. Across their shoulders they wear a broad belt of gold 
or silver lace or embroidery work, to which is attached a short 
curved sword oi' dagger, with a handle and scabbard various- 
ly ornamented according to the fancy of the wearer. On their 
feet they have a kind of sandal, but commonly go bare legged. 
They wear their hair fastened up in a bunch with several tor- 
toise-shell combs ; sometimes they chuse to go bare-headed ; 
at other times they have on a cap or hat, of the same ma- 
terials as those worn by us, and only dilfering in shape ; the 
brim with them is turned up before and behind, and is entirely 
removed at the sides which are generally embroidered. The 
Malia Moodelier occasionally appears in a coat of ciimson cloth 
or velvet, and his dress in other respects corresponds to the 
numerous retinue which alwa,ys attends him. 
The Mahondrews are fond of magnificence, and seem an- 
xious to make a figure in the eyes of Europeans. It is at 
their wedding-feasts that they seem particularly anxious to 
exhibit their splendour, and the Europeans are often invited to 
these parties. I have frequently been present at such feasts, 
which were indeed prepared without any regard to expence. 
A ball and supper given by the Maha Moodelier to celebrate 
liis daughter’s marriage with a noble of the same class parti- 
cularly attracted my notice by the grand and expensive style 
in which it was conducted. The Governor and most of the 
otficers of the garrison were present, as well as a great num- 
ber of Dutch ladies and gentlemen ; and as the company 
1 1 
