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to the preliminary figures of the census of 1921, the population of the province is 13,204,760, about a million more than in 1911. The increase is common to all districts except Prome, Magwe, and the Chin Hills.

Burmese. Inclusive of Arakanese and some minor classes, Burmese in 1911 numbered nearly 8,000,000, or about 66 per cent. of the total population. They predominate in the whole province except the Shan States, the Kachin and Chin Hills, and Karenni. Of their character, manners and customs so much has been written that a detailed description would be superfluous. But a sketch must be given.

Among Burmans, there is no caste and there are few class distinctions. There are no privileged orders, except perhaps officials, no landed aristocracy, no hereditary superiors. Social distinctions, based on wealth and dignity, do not exist. The comparative thinness of population and the fertility of the soil in large areas prevent any serious pressure on subsistence. If there are no great fortunes, there is no grinding poverty.

Physically, short in stature but sturdy and muscular, with a strong superficial resemblance to the Gurkha, the Burman in daily life is high-spirited, reckless, of a gay and boisterous humour. Delighting in fine clothes, in pwès (theatrical and other shows), pony races, boat races, and pagoda festivals, he is at heart a gambler and bets on anything. It is told that a Buddhist ecclesiastic came to settle