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THE PEOPLE
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found in that district. But most of them are now in the Myelat, the western borderland of the Southern Shan States, and in the Shan State of Hsa-tung (Thatôn).

Shans. Shans come next with a population of nearly a million. Closely akin to the Siamese, they now mainly occupy the Shan plateau, though traces of their old dominion still exist in Upper Burma, and there are Shan settlements in the plain country. Shans are typically traders rather than agriculturists. Their civilization is somewhat backward but they are making gradual progress. In flapping straw hats and baggy trousers, they pose as picturesque swashbucklers but are not nearly so fierce as they look. They are even more ferociously tattooed than Burmans. An interesting custom in the Shan country, which prevails also further east but not among Burmans, is the holding of a bazaar or market every fifth day. Bazaar day is not unlike market day in an English provincial town, but more brilliant. From far and near in picturesque crowds buyers and sellers flock to the meeting place. One of the most famous of these bazaars is held at Kēngtūng, far to the east across the Salween, where thousands congregate, strange folk from the hills, La and Wa, and people of other uncouth tribes, mingling with the predominant Shan. At Namkham on the border of Bhamo, at Mogôk, and at Maymyo, also, notable bazaars are held.

Intha. A curious tribe in the Shan country is the Intha, lake dwellers, who live in houses built over the Inle lake in Yawnghwe. They are said originally to have come from Tavoy in Lower Burma, brought as captives of war. The custom by which they are best known is that of paddling a boat in a curious way. The paddlers stand in the boat and propel it by their legs twisted round long paddles. A good crew paddling in the usual way will generally outpace an equal number of leg paddlers.

Danu and Kadu. Danu and Kadu, tribes of Shan origin, still linger in Upper Burma, but are dying out.