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jesty, to speak the same language as his subjects have adopted, the above-mentioned Moor-man's office consists in moulding the simplest expressions into nonsensical bombast, in order that the speech addressed to so mighty a ruler may be equal to the eulogiums bestowed upon Budha. Yet by beingmade the medium of speech, this Moor has it in his power to represent matters according to his own interest, and he never fails to make ample use of this prerogative. Hence no individual is so much hated or feared by the nobles, and scarcely any one wields so imperious a sway over the royal resolutions. Being averse to an extensive trade with Europeans, he avails himself of every opportunity to shakle it, and to promote intercourse with his own countrymen, whom he nevertheless squeezes whenever it is in his power. All the other Moor-men are either his vassals or in his immediate employ, and may be said to be an organized body of wily constituents. They do not wear the turban, and they dispense with the wide oriental dress: nor do they scruple even to attend at pagan festivals and rites, merely to conciliate the favour of their masters, and to indulge in the unrestrained habits of the Siamese.

In the capacity of missionary and physician, I came in contact with the Laos or Chans, a nation scarcely known to Europeans. I learnt their language, which is very similar to Siamese, though the written character, used in their common as well as sacred books, differs from that of the Siamese. This nation, which occupies a great part of the eastern peninsula, from the northern frontiers of Siam, along Camboja and Cochinchina on the one side, and Burmah on the other, up to the borders of China and Tonquin, is divided by the Laos into Lau-pimg-kau (white Laos), and Lau-pung-dam (black or dark Laos), owing partly to the colour of their skin. These people inhabit mostly mountainous regions; cultivate the ground, or hunt; and live under the government of many petty princes, who are depend-