silver, and none of them can, or at least ought
to have money in their possession. The only
species of manual labour which I ever saw them
perform, was rowing a boat when going in quest
of alms, or performing the same office, or carrying
a litter for an individual of very high rank
of their own order. Even the study of the sciences
and liberal arts is forbidden, as partaking
too much of the profane business of the world.
To betray any curiosity, indeed, respecting most
of these things, would be a matter of scandal.
The prohibition against the use of vinous and
spirituous liquors, and intoxicating drugs, is general
among all the followers of Buddha; and
at Siam the Government feigns to take considerable
pains to enforce it. How the injunction is
obeyed by the Talapoins in particular, I could
not learn; but to judge from our limited experience,
the passion for wine and spirits appeared
to be nowhere stronger than amongst the lay
Siamese. It is certain that the Government
winks at the infringement of the law, and this
too in a manner the most discreditable; for a
duty on the manufacture and sale of ardent spirits
constitutes one of the largest branches of the
public revenue. The Talapoins, while they are
enjoined to abstain from the use of ardent spirits,
wine, and opium, partake freely of tobacco, and
the preparation of betel and areca.
The preservation of animal life is a necessary
and essential maxim arising out of the doctrines
of the metempsychosis; but in their observance
of it, the Talapoins of Siam are inconsistent, if
not hypocritical. They care not to what extent
they are accessary to the death of any animal,
provided they have no immediate hand in it;
and will eat of almost any species of animal food
whatever, whether the animal have died a natural
or a violent death, and this too without
asking any questions respecting it. A t Bangkok,
pork is publicly hawked and cried every
morning about the streets and on the river.
Knox says, that the most reproachful epithet
which the Cingalese applied to the Christians,
was “ beef-eating slaves.” W e found the Siamese
more liberal. Some little difficulty was made
about slaughtering the larger animals; but when
once killed, no troublesome questions were put.
A t the table of the Phraklang, we had abundance
of poultry, pork, and beef, of which the Siamese
chiefs, admitted to sit down with us, partook
heartily. Some one indiscreetly asked how the
beef was obtained. The Phraklang evaded the
question, and requested the person who put it
not to be so curious on such subjects. To this
it may be added, that there is probably no country
in Asia of the same extent, in which so
many wild animals are killed for profit. Fish
also forms a considerable article of the food of
the people. These, they say, they do not kill,