In general, the character of the Birmans forms a striking contrast with that of the nativesof India, from whom they are separated only by a narrow range of mountains ; and yet, notwithstanding the small extent of the barrier, the physical difference between them could scarcely have been greater if they had been si tuated at the opposite extremities of the globe. The Birmans are a lively, inquisitive, intelligent race ; and, at the same time, active, irascible; and impatient. In some respects they display the ferocity of barbarians, and in others all the softness, humanity, and tender ness of polished society. They inflict the most sa vage vengeance on their enemies ; as invaders, deso lation marks their steps, for they spare neither age nor sex : but in their own they assume a dif ferent character ; then they the spirit of be nevolence, and extend their aid to the sick, the in firm, and the aged. In this country beggars are ne ver seen ; for i? any individual is unable to procure sustenance by his own labour, it is provided for him by others. Filial piety is inculcated as a sacred du ty, and its precepts are religiously observed.
The- private houses of the Birmans are constructed of very simple and cheap materials. The use of brick, or stone, is prohibited by government, so that they are constructed of wood ; but, in other respects, they are built with sufficient attention to convenien cy, and are all raised from the ground, either on wooden posts, or bamboos, according to the size of the building. In consequence, however, of the houses being constructed of such combustible materials, the inhabitants are under continual apprehension of fire, against which they take every precaution. The roofs are lightly covered ; and, at every door, there is a long bamboo, with an iron hook at the end of it, to pull down the thatch. There is also another pole, with an iron grating at the extremity, to suppress the flames by pressure ; and almost every house has earthen pots filled with water, standing ready upon the roof ; and a number of firemen patrole the streets during the night, to put out all fires and lights af ter a certain hour. The art of masonry has not, in lute ages, been much cultivated among the Birmans, as their wooden structures have superseded the solid buildings of brick and mortar ' • and it is a singular circumstance, that though well arches of brick are still to be seen in many of the ancient tem ples, yet native workmen are no longer able to turn them.
The court dress of the nobles is represented as very becoming. It consists of along•Jobe of flower ed satin, or of velvet, reaching to the ankles, with an open collar, and loose sleeves. Over this there is a scarf, or flowing mantle, which hangs from their shoulders ; and on their heads they wear high caps of velvet, either plain, or of silk. embroidered with
flowers of gold, according to the rank of the owner ` Earrings are worn by the men, and some persons of condition use tubes of gold, about three inches long, and as thick as a large quill, which expands at one end like the mouth of a trumpet ; others wear a heavy mass of gold, beaten into a plate, and rolled up. This lump of metal forms a large orifice in the lobe of the ear, and drags it down by its weight to the extent of two inches. Men of rank wear, in common dress, a tight coat, with long'sleeves, made of muslin, or of very fine nankeen, and a silk wrapper that encircles the waist. The working class are usually naked to the middle ; but, in cold weather, they sometimes make use of a mantle or vest of European cloth. When women of quality go abroad, they wear a silk sash like a long shawl, which crosses their bosom, and is cast over the shoulder, so as to flow graceful ly on each side. The lowest class of females often wear only a single garment, in the form of a sheet, which, wrapped round the body, and tucked under the arm, crosses their breasts, which it scarcely con Teals, and descends to their ankles, but in such-a man ner that the legs protrude from under it when they attempt to walk. Women in full dress stain the.. palms of their hands and their nails of a red colour, by means of a vegetable. juice, and strew on their bo soms powder of sandal wood, or of a particular kind of bark, with which some of them rub their faces. Both men and women tinge the edges of their eyelids and their teeth of a black colour.
In their food, the Birmans, compared with the Hindoos, are gross and uncleanly. Although their religion prohibits the slaughter of animals in general, yet they apply the interdiction only to those that are domesticated. All game is eagerly sought.after, and. is publicly sold in the market. Reptiles also, as lizards, guanas, snakes, constitute part of the food of the lower classes, and they are also extremely fond of vegetables. The higher ranks live with greater de. licacy, although their. fare is never sumptuous.
With regard to their various circumstances, cular attention is paid to the rank of the individuals. In their houses, no one dare assume a-mode of struc,. ture to which he is not legally 'entitled, under the penalty of a most severe punishment, which is never remitted. This subordination of racks among the Birmans is maintained, not only with regard their. houses and dress, but even in their domestic instru ments ; the shape of their betel box, which is carried• by an attendant before one of noble birth wherever he goes, his ear-rings, his cup of ceremony, the accou trements of his horse, and even the metal of which. his spitting box and drinking cup are made.