lence, which formed his only characteristics.

Professional chess-players are less common than might be supposed; but some of the Moslems play a scientific and good game. I have never found them object to our pieces, notwithstanding the use of any images is forbidden by the precepts of the Koran.* Most good players prefer not looking at the board, and some are sufficient adepts to conduct two games at the same time. Others place a ring on any pawn selected by their antagonist, and give check-mate with the same, supported by only one piece.

The Phillidor of Western India, is a Hindoo called Ramdass, a native of Kattiwar. This man plays his best game, without looking at the board; and, as he sits in a corner of the room, it is curious to hear him muttering over the chances of the game, and reasoning with himself on the consequences of his moves. If a false step is made by his adversary, Ramdass imme* Vide Koran, chap. v.

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diately detects it, and enumerates with ease, and in correct succession, the previous moves of both parties. When arrived at that which he is satisfied he can follow up, with one of his ingenious mates, Ramdass patiently awaits his adversary's move, and then, springing from the ground, instantly fixes on the required piece, and drops it on the effective square, with a smile of triumph, and a monosyllabic "Bus, "

(enough) 'tis hard to bear.

Ramdass told me he played chess at nine years old; his countenance is heavy, and his eyes apparently weighed down by intense thought. With constant practice, and a good memory, a student of chess, previously well-acquainted with its scientific principles, might, he averred, acquire his method of playing without a board, in six months.

Intelligent Mohammedans, are fond of metaphysics, poetry, and astronomy; for ethics, or logic, they have little taste; their knowledge on any subject is very super

ficial, and the little they possess is of an obsolete style. In conversing with one or two tolerably informed Mussulmen, on the capabilities of the Hindoos, I have been amused by the instant depreciation of the poor Pagans, which rolled from the curled lips of the haughty Moslems. How," say they, "can you teach these people any thing?-they worship stones, and their heads and their idols are made from the same blocks."

With all deference for this remark of the turbaned bigots, there is reason to think that the Hindoos possess a far greater capacity for knowledge, and more perseverance in its acquirement, than the Moslems. They are also a more docile race, more kindly in their natures, more grateful, more capable of respect and attachment to their superiors.

The domestic arrangements of Moslem families, tend much to retard improvement, the youths being confined to the harem until an advanced period of life, and instructed to bear themselves with an air of