Geographical sketch—Character of the country—Climate—The river Irawadi—The Petroleum Wells—The Saluen, &c.—Forests—Plants—Minerals—Animals—Races of Burmah—Character of the Burmese nation 1 CHAPTER II. The King absolute—Instances of despotism—Titles—Forms of government—Offices—The Law Courts—Their iniquity—Instances—The Book of the Oath epitomized—The oath—Laws—Police—Revenues—Petroleum—Family-tax—Imports and exports—Exactions—Army—Equipments—Cowardice—March—The Invulnerables—Discipline—Military character—White elephants—Description of an early traveller—Its high estimation—Treatment—Funeral 16 CHAPTER III. Cosmography—The Burman hells—Definition of a Nat, by Hesiod—Buddha—Gaudama—His probable history—Buddhism—Priests—Temples—Curious cave near Prome—Monasteries—Ceremonies—Funeral—Concluding remarks 45 CHAPTER IV. Language—Literature—Manuscripts—The Aporazabon—Superstitions—Divination—The Deitton—Astronomy—Division of time 66 CHAPTER V. Currency—Weights—Commerce—Ports—Teak-wood—Houses—Tanks—Dress— Food—Marriages—Childbirth—Funerals—Arts—Slavery—The Drama—Chess—Games—Music—Fireworks 81 CHAPTER VI. Ancient history—Pegu—Character of the Burmese—Concluding reflections 99 BOOK II. BURMAN HISTORY. CHAPTER I. 1687-1760. Alompra, the liberator of Burmah 108 CHAPTER II. 1760-1819. Anaundopra—Zempiuscien—Chenguza—Paongoza—Men-ta-ra-gyee 135 CHAPTER III. 1760-1824. British intercourse with Ava—Alves’s mission—Symes’s mission—Canning—King Nun-Sun—Rise of the Burman war—Its origin in official aggression—Evacuation of Cachar 145 CHAPTER IV. 1824. Bundoola—Retreat of Captain Noton—Defeat at Ramoo—Repulse of the Burmans—Burmese account of the war—Rangoon expedition—Description of Rangoon 156 CHAPTER V. 1824.