bers; large, always white, and a different variety
from what is reared in China.
The seas and rivers of Cochin China appeared
to be well stored with fish, from which the inhabitants
of the coast, at least, to judge from the
number of persons engaged in this branch of industry,
must draw a great share of their subsistence.
Large fleets of boats were seen to issue
every morning from the creeks, bays, and harbours,
which proceeded several miles to sea, for
the purpose of fishing, returning in the evening.
The rivers also were often seen crowded with
stake-nets, and other means of decoying and
catching fish. Cochin Chinese Temple, near Saigun.
C H A PT ER VI.
Personal appearance of the Cochin Chinese. Progress in useful
Arts.—Language.—Dress.—Character.— Government.—
Military Force.—Revenue.—Laws.—Religion.
In their persons, the Annam race, comprehending
under this name both the Cochin Chinese and
Tonquinese, for there is very little difference between
them, are a short, squat, and ill-favoured
people. They are probably lower in stature than
any people of Central Asia. Their limbs are
strong and well formed, and they are altogether
active and hardy. In point of features, they bear
a nearer resemblance to the Malays than to any
other people; but there is no ferocity in their