And now let us leave the people and look at the land. It is fruitful and beautiful, being watered abundantly by fine rivers: but these rivers, flowing among lofty mountains, often overflow, and drown men and cattle. The grass of such a country must be very rich; and there are cows feeding on it; yet there is no milk or butter to be had. Why? Because the people have a foolish idea that it is wrong to milk cows.
In no country are there stronger and larger elephants; so strong and so large that one can carry thirteen persons on his back at once.
The land is full of idols: for Buddha or Fo is worshipped in Cochin-China, as he is in China.
The idols are sometimes kept in high trees, and priests may be seen mounting ladders to present offerings.
But the people are not satisfied with idols in trees; they have pocket idols, which they carry about with them everywhere.
TONQUIN.—CAMBODIA.
These two kingdoms belong to the king of Cochin-China; yet all three, Tonquin, Cambodia, and Cochin-China, pay tribute to China, and therefore they must be considered as conquered countries.