'The Expedition for the survey of the rivers Euphrates and Tigris, carried on by order of the British government, in the years 1835, 1836, and 1837; preceded by geographical and historical notices of the regions situated between the rivers Nile and Indus. In four volumes. With fourteen maps and charts, and embellished with ninety-seven plates, besides numerous wood-cuts. Volume the first.' [‎239] (304/905)

CHAP. XI.'] DRESS OF THE PERSIANS. 239
that of other nations, yet its cost, together with the expenses
of the household, consume nearly the whole of the public
revenue. Had it been otherwise, the extreme parsimony of
the late king would have enabled him to leave a richer trea
sury than that which fell to the lot of Muhammed Shah. 1
The Persian dress differs greatly from that of the Turks : Walking and
the curling hair of the men falls behind a high, pointed, black g
lambskin cap; and, instead of the ample flowing garments of
the Sunnie, the Shi'ah is to be distinguished by a dark caba, or
coat, fitting very close to the shape as far as the waist, with
tight sleeves, left open towards the wrists, a rolled shawl
girdle, containing a short dagger, or, if the wearer be a mirza,
the writing materials. The lower part of the garment, how
ever, is loose as far as the ancles; and this, to a stranger, gives
him a feminine appearance ; 2 especially with the addition of
high-heeled green slippers, or the shoes made of quilted cotton
or leather, which usually form part of the walking dress.
When mounted, boots replace the shoes, and a pair of loose
trowsers (shulwars), which are sufficiently large, not only to
inclose the skirts of the coat, but occasionally to carry some
provision for the journey. On these occasions, an outer caba,
or loose cloak, is added, not unfrequently of sheepskin, with
the fur inside. 3 A garment of the latter kind, or more fre
quently of thick, pliant felt, thrown loosely over the shoulders,
a high, pointed felt cap, with cloth bandages round the legs,
compose the usual winter attire of the shepherd, the mule
teer, and poorer peasant.
Ornamented stockings, drawers loose to the ancles, flat,
small girdles, rather below the waist, with a loose dress either
of rich tissue or simple stuff, and an embroidered muslin
100,000 persons, of whom nearly 60,000 were armed with matchlocks and
1 Ten crores (five millions sterling) were paid by instalments to Russia for
the expense of the war. The cash left in the treasury was variously esti
mated at from one crore Equivalent to ten million, or one hundred lakhs. Used especially in connection with money (rupees). to two and a half crores, beside jewels, which were
valued at two and a half millions sterling.
2 Herodotus describes the Persian dress as being inconveniently long.—
Lib. IX. c. Ixii. _ -i, t n •
3 Outer dresses of skin prevailed in the time of Herodotus.—Lib. I. c. Ixxi.
muskets.