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CAMBODIA.

Cambodia, or the Kingdom of the Khmer, as it is called by the natives, extends from 101 d g. 30 min. to 104 deg. 30 min. longitude, and from 10 deg. 30 min. to 14 deg. latitude. It was reduced to its pres nt proportions in 1860 by the annexation of its two richest provinces, Angcor and Battambang, to Stam Its area is about 62,000 square miles. It is bounded on the south-west by the Gulf of Sam, on the south-east by French Cochin China, on the north by the Laos, and on the north- west and west by Battam ang and Angcor. The noble river Meikong flows through the kingdom, and after passing through French Cochin China, empties itself, by a number of mouths, into the sea. The Meikong is the great waterway of Cambodia, and, like the Nile in Egypt, lays the greater part of the country under water annually, greatly increasing its fertility. There are some other navigable rivers in the country, but none that compare with this "Great Father of Waters." The soil of Cambodia is rich and productive, and rice, pepper, ind go, cotton, tobacco, sugar, maize, and cardamons are cultivated. Coffee and spices of all sorts could be grown. Among woods, ebony, rose, sapan, pine, Tron, and other valuable sorts exist, no less than eighty different kinds of timber being found in the forests. Iron of good quality has been dis- covered and it is affirmed that there are gold, silver, and lead nines in the mountains. Auimal life is abundant. Among others, the elephant, rhinoceros, tiger buffalo deer of many species, wild boar, and the monkey may be mentioned. Reptiles of every kind are to be found, from the alligator to the lizard. Winged game of all sorts, including suipe, woodcocks, pheasants, pea'owl, teal, partridges, and wild ducks swarin. Hares and rabbits are to be found everywhere. The fisheries of Cambodia are very productive, and salt fish forms one chief article of export.

Cambodia was once a large and powerful stat, and proofs that it possessed a much higher civilisation than now prevails are to be found in the architectural remnants of former grandeur. The noble ruins of the ancient city of Angcor are monu- ments of a people much superior to the feeble race which now inhabits the Kingdom. The Cambodians are closely allied tot e Annames, whom they resemble both in features and customs. Polygamy is practised among them. The prevailing religion is Bud- dhism. The people are apa hetic and indolent, and allow all the trade of the country to fall into the hands of Chinese, of whom there ar about 100,000 in Cambodia. Tie entire population of the Kingdom is a little over 1,000,000.

The Covernment of Cambodia is an absolute monarchy, under French protection. The present King, Somdach Pra Maha Norodom, is forty two years of age and suc- ceed d his father King Ang Duong, who died in 1860. As in Siam, there is a Second King, Maha Oberak, brother to the King, but his title is purly nominal and his power equally so. King Norodom I is intelligent and amiable, but wanting in resolution. He has adopted Eu opean habits and mode of living, and is always ready to lend his countenance to improvements and enterprises calculated to promote the prosperity of the country.

Phuom-penh, the present capital of Cambodia and seat of the Government, is situated on the river Meikong, nearly in the heart of the Kingdom. The King's palace is a large building, and the portion devoted to his use is built and furnished in European style. It contains some fine apartm nts. Attached to the l'alac, and inside the Palace walls, are the Hall of Justice, Audience Roons, Treasury, Armoury, and some steam workshops and magazines. The King possesses three small steamers,

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