376 
MARRIAGE# 
issuing orders in the absence of their husbands. Many, from the 
other classes, make trading voyages in boats* up the river, both on 
their own account and on that of their husbands; others speculate 
in retailing goods; and the wives of the lowest class, help to cultivate 
the ground, spin cotton, and weave it, and also weave silk from the raw 
material obtained from Laos and China.-—(The Laos silk is believed 
to be coarse.) They carry produce on their shoulders to market; 
or convey it in small carts drawn by oxen. The Burman women ge¬ 
nerally carry loads on their heads. The Siamese women embroider 
and sew. , 
Loubere has observed that the Siamese women do not receive com¬ 
plimentary visits from men. By which, it is supposed, he meant, 
when alone. But, where families are intimate, there is little restric¬ 
tion imposed on their different members, who visit without restraint. 
The females, like those in Ava and Pegu, attend public festivals 
and theatrical exhibitions; where they are open to attentions from 
the men, and where matches are formed. They are believed to be 
chaste, and detection in adultery is often followed by tbe death of the 
offender, or of both man and woman by the hands of the injured hus¬ 
band ; and it is always , if the husband prosecutes, followed by the ut¬ 
most disgrace and by opprobious punishments. Yet considering the 
general liberty they enjoy, and the frequent absence of their husbands 
on the public service, we cannot avoid the conclusion that they have 
received educations fitting them to resist many temptations. Those 
of the higher ranks, being exempted from manual labor, are more 
secluded and are not often seen abroad. But, as Loubere has observed, 
when they do go out, it is on foot, and without ostentation or affec¬ 
tation of concealment. Women are set down in the census of the 
people. The King seldom employs any excepting female servants in 
his Seraglio. No person is allowed to touch his head. And, as Lou¬ 
bere also observes, all his food is weighed. The Queen has her equi¬ 
pages, boats, gardens and slaves, and frequently trade s. She is rare- 
f The boats alluded to are about from 50 to 60 feet long and from 10 
broad, draw about a foot water when empty and about 2 feet when loaded. 
The freight is chiefly salt and petty wares. Siamese women are expert at 
the oar, and excellent swimmers. 
