382 
EDUCATION, 
alphabet, anil to read and write in that language, which is a far more 
reasonable mode of instrution than that in use amongst the Malays, 
where boys are taught to read Arabic without being instructed in the 
meaning of the words. 
A short Bali course succeeds, which, should parents choose, is pro- 
longed, and, as it is ordained in the Bali moral code, the Priest is 
obliged to instruct his pupil in whatever knowledge he is himself 
possessed of, provided the parents allow their children to continue 
long enough under his care. However, it seldom happens that pa¬ 
rents can spare their children for a sufficiently long period. The ex¬ 
tent of a Priests knowledge may, with a few exceptions, be consider¬ 
ed as confined to a pedantic acquaintance with the Bali language, 
neither extensive nor well grounded, to a very respectable proficiency 
in figures, a smattering of astronomy, confusedly blended with astro¬ 
logical mummeries, and poly-demonolatry, if I may use tbe expres¬ 
sion, and to a superficial acquaintance with physic. 
In these seminaries the elder boys instruct the younger, 'lhey all 
read aloud at the same time. 
Priests are not permitted to become teachers to the female sex. 
Girls are therefore instructed by their parents and brothers. Altho 1 
they have no access to the Bali,, yet as the moral precepts and dis¬ 
courses are translated from that dead language into the T,hai langu¬ 
age, and as numerous poetical and other works are common in the 
country, females have many facilities for gaining instruction. It is 
supposed, however, that not more than one. in twenty are so educated. 
The Siamese and Barman inodes of instruction agree very closely. 
The Princes and Princesses are educated both in the T,hai and 
Bali languages. 
The former are either instructed by Priests, or, what is most gene¬ 
rally the case, by Laymen of sanctity and learning. 
The Princesses are also taught by the same persons, but are sooner 
withdrawn from school or tuition. 
The women are generally taught to spin thread, to weave and dye 
cloth. They are neat embroiderers, and sempstresses. The art ot 
cookery is one, of which no good housewife, even amongst the highest 
