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SIAM. 293
case of the Birmans, does not restrain them from
animal food, provided that they are guiltless of having
killed the animal. They are more choice in their
food, however, and less indulgent of their appetites,
than the Chinese inhabitants, who are described as
gourmands.
Indolence is one of the most prominent traits in the
character of the Siamese, and the ease with which they
can procure the necessaries of life, contributes to foster
this habit.* Their chief amusement is gambling, of
which they are immoderately fond; they will even
stake their wives and children. Both priests and
laymen may often be seen squatted on the pavement
of a pagoda, playing at chess or some game of chance,
before the very shrine of the idol. They are also ex-
cessively addicted to smoking. They are very fond of
dramatic representations, founded chiefly on the exploits
of fabulous and mythological personages, and
have the credit of being the best performers among
the Indo-Chinese nations. Bull-races, cock-fights,
and battles of wild beasts, wrestling, rope-dancing,
and fire-works, are also enumerated among the na-
tional amusements. The Siamese are moreover a very
* M. Loubere draws the following portrait of a Siamese life :
' ' When the six months' service to the king is expired, it belongs
to their wife or mother to maintain them. They apply to no
business, as they practice no particular profession. A Siamese
works not but for the prince ; he neither walks nor hunts ; in
short, he does nothing but sit or lie, eating, playing, smoking, and
sleeping.
His wife will wake him at seven in the morning, and
he will fall asleep hereupon, and at
serve him with rice and fish ;
noon he will eat again and will ; sup at the end of the day. Between
these two last meals will be his day : conversation or play
consumes the rest. The women plough, and sell and buy. Not-
withstanding this unequal yoke on the female sex," he adds, " the
Siamese love their wives and children exceedingly, and it appears
that they are greatly beloved by them." P. 50.