Article August 28, 1902 Issue

A Glimpse of the Siamese

The following excerpts are taken from a review, which appeared in the columns of the Boston Transcript, of a work on "Siam in the Twentieth Century" by I. G. D. Campbell, educational adviser of the Siamese government.

They have an added interest in view of the anticipated visit of the Crown Prince to this country before the close of the year.

The ordinary Siamese, though several inches shorter than the average European, is lithe and well made. He does not take readily to outdoor pursuits, but when he does he usually shows considerable proficiency. His suppleness and agility are displayed in the game of football, which is one of the few outdoor exercises that can lay claim to be considered national. It is played by four or five men who kick a light wicker ball from one to the other, keeping it up with a skill that few of our half-backs could rival, for several minutes at a time. Many of them sit their spirited litle ponies admirably, without saddle or stirrups, and they are nearly all good swimmers. Even the boys of the upper classes take kindly to the games when once they are started, and more than one English public school could testify to their prowess in the gymnasium or the playground.

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