Page:Journal of the Straits Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society (IA journalofstra11121883roya).pdf/331

 also, I believe, confirmed by Munshi in his “Hikayat," but I cannot, at present, refer to the book.

The idea of a Batin being sent on such a mission will make Malays, or those acquainted with their manners and customs, smile; but it is very possible that Batin accompanied the "noblemen" mentioned above.

W. H. R.

 LATAH. I have received several communications from different quarters upon the subject of my recent paper on Latah. On one point, my correspondents seem to be agreed, viz., that the omission of Chinese from the list of residents in the Straits who are afflicted with Latah, is due to my defective observation.

It would shew great presumption were I to say definitely that those who have favoured me with their criticism are wrong in their opinion; but it would be equally false humility on my part to admit its correctness, upon the data which lie before me.

In no case have any reasons been given for the assumption that I am in error; nor are any particularised instances referred to by which such error night be corrected or modified.

And I may add, with candour, but I trust without offence, that many of my recent correspondents have had neither length of time, nor favourable opportunities, in Malaya, sufficient to warrant the formation of their very definitely expressed opinions.

I am told by all who have written to me that numbers of Chinese in the Straits are imitative Lataks. I am indeed told by one writer that such cases are "numberless."

It could hardly have escaped my notice that there are many Chinese in this country who imitate the words and jestures [sic] of others. But this is true of many people in all countries.