Page:Pearl of Asia (Child JT, 1892).pdf/363

332 endeavors to give the current news, but it receives but a meager support, having a very small circulation. The Siamese are great readers, but it is the most trashy stuff, strictly oriental and frequently of the most obscene nature, the native novels abounding in the filthiest stories told in the grossest manner; in fact all oriental literature is of that nature, but highly poetical. This they read and it is in great demand. Thousands of novels of this character are printed in Bangkok which find ready sale at good prices. A collection of Siamese novels, histories and other works would form quite a library, especially their religious works. They are not far enough advanced to appreciate newspapers, caring but little for the news of the outside world.