Page:McCosh, John - Advice to Officers in India (1856).djvu/219

 the ground, on which they slumber soundly, with nothing but a sheet over them, enveloping the whole body, head, and all; the heat of the breath making up for the warmth of a blanket. Tattooing is not extensively practised by the Hindostanees, though many women have a beauty spot on the forehead, or a ring of spots round the arms or ankles.

Paint is much used by the men; devices of all sorts and forms being painted on the forehead, of red, white, or yellow, to denote their caste. The men are very fond of golden necklaces and rings; and the females actually, load themselves with ornaments; golden rings in the nose, two or three inches in diameter, with a precious stone in the centre; rings all round the ears, necklaces, armlets, anklets, finger rings, and toe rings, beyond counting.

The Burmese practice tattooing to a very great extent, and with great skill; from the waist to the knee the men are covered with all manner of patterns, like a richly embroidered shawl; the owners pique themselves upon their elegance; and the fair sex are as much fascinated by them as by the form and figure of their lovers. The dress of the Burmese ladies is as remarkable as that of the men; consisting of a loose tunic of white cotton, and a rather scanty wrapper of fancy coloured silk overlapping the bosom, and extending to the ground;