CHAPTER X.

Physiological Exterior of the Cochin Chinese.--Costume.--Moral Character.--Religion.--Brutalizing effects of a Despotic Government.--Military Servitude.--Population.--Rains and Inundations.--Costume of the Rainy Season.--Visit to the Tacoon.--Tablets and Boxes ornamented with the Mya Shell.--Letter and Presents for the Governor General.--The Agent declines accepting the Presents for the Governor General.--Regulations respecting Trade.--Extent of Permission retracted.--A Repast: Rotten Eggs and Chickens in the Shell a Chinese Delicacy, and Token of Royal Favour.--The Mandarin of Han.--Letter to the Governor General refused.--Pitiful Spirit of the Cochin Chinese Government.--Chinese Players.-- The King of the Drama bambooed.--Final Interview with the Mandarin of Strangers.--Return to Turon.--Beautiful Country.--Canal.--Salt-water Lake.--Grand Scenery.--Route.-- Botanical Observations.--Palanquins and Bearers.--Granitic Country.--Excellent Roads.--Re-embark 373

A JOURNAL

OF

THE VOYAGE OF THE MISSION

FROM

BENGAL TO SIAM AND COCHIN CHINA.

IN THE YEARS 1821-2.