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.