aroundworldortra00peebiala-1

184 AROUND THE WORLD.
blending of fact and fable, date back nominally to the reign
of Alexander the Great. Among relics found, while excavating
in some of these islands, are very ancient Chinese
coins.
MALAY FEATURES, DRESS, AND DISPOSITION.
Standing upon the steamer before landing in Singapore,
you see- a motley crowd dressed in every possible costume,
from the simple white hip-rag of the nearly naked Kling,
the silken attire of the well-to-do Malay, and the everlasting
blue of Chinamen, to
the flowing dress of the Mohammedan
Hadjee. Wealthy Chinamen dress, however, in fine style,
having on these islands their carriages, and scores of servants.
The Chinese coolies carry every thing, from pails of water
to cook-shops, on balancing shoulder-sticks ; while the
Klings, from Madras and the Coromandel coast, and the
Malays also, carry their cakes, fruits, and wares in trays upon
their heads.
The Chinese in these islands are not permitted to be
policemen because of their belonging to secret societies
among themselves. These coolies are frequently brought
into the criminal courts ; but a Malay seldom appears as a
culprit. The Malayan costume consists of a haju^ or jacket,
a pair of short trousers, with a sarong, i.e., a piece of silk,
wide at the top as at the bottom, gathered close around the
waist. In addition to the sarong, the women wear a loose,
sash-like
garment thrown over the shoulders, called a kabia,
which, to say the least, is cool and comfortable.
In complexion they are fairer than the men, — a handsome
light olive. In married life they are noted for chastity, and
the love of family. Owing to the comeliness of their features,
their delicate hands, drooping lashes, fair faces, lustrous
eyes, and ruby lips, many Europeans are charmed with
them ; and who, if they do not, ought, by every principle of
justice, to marry them.
Though a degenerate race at present, they are naturally