THE ISLAND OF CEYLON. 
153 
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 un- 
civilized nations so much delight, is displayed in great profu- 
sion. A vast number of flags, streamers, figures of their gods, 
of men and beasts, which seem to delight in proportion to 
the hideousness of their appearance, are carried along in great 
pomp. The Gong gong is one of their principal instruments. 
It consists of a large hollow plate of a compound metal, so 
contrived 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 instruments are formed of bamboes bound 
together with iron wire, something in the shape of a dulcimer. 
By moans of this variety of instruments, which 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, 
although, as to some inferior points and duties, the several 
classes differ among themselves. They have temples and mosques 
dedicated to their saints and their dead ; and at these they 
punctually attend with great devotion. 
A skill in medicinal herbs is almost universal among this 
race ; and they have a variety of prescriptions for curing dis- 
eases by their application. This knowledge is owing to their 
peculiar fondness for gardening, and rearing all sorts of plants, 
an employment in which they are engaged from their infancy ; 
X 
