'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.' [‎557] (648/905)

CHAP. XXI.] OCCUPATIONS OF THE PEOPLE.
557
a state of comfort prevails in their dwellings. The clothing, Dress of the
although homely, is warm and substantial; it consists of coarse peasa,ltry '
shoes, or sandals, a small turban, flat at top with twisted cords
pendant on one side, loose cotton trousers, and a close-fitting
garment, between a cloak and a coat; the latter is made of
thick woollen cloth, with narrow stripes of black and crimson
alternately, without a collar, and partly open above in front;
this, with a sash or belt above it, is almost the universal attire
of the men throughout Syria. That of the women is likewise
simple, being usually of coarse white cotton, and very full.
The Druse females frequently wear a blue jacket and petticoat
with some coins attached to the hair; but their chief ornament
is a singular conical-shaped horn of chased silver, projecting
about 18 inches from the forehead, 1 to which it is attached ;
it is also balanced by a heavy weight behind the head; it is
not removed even at night, and in the day-time the costume is
completed by throwing a piece of white cotton over it, so as to
envelope the whole person.
In addition to household matters, the women assist their
husbands in their agricultural labours; and their principal
amusements consist in frequenting the bath and in forming Amusements
parties for excursions into the country on Fridays, when some
relaxation is permitted. The amusements of the men are also
of a quiet cast, being chiefly confined to smoking, which they
indulge in almost at all hours; frequenting the coffee-houses
and baths, or having at home social meetings, when music,
recitation, story-telling, and draughts, and occasionally an
improvvisatore, are introduced.
The town occupations consist in the exercise of the mecha- and occupa-
nical arts : the men follow several useful trades, as those of people,
smiths, carpenters, and bakers, these last being the most nu
merous : besides the occupations already mentioned, a consi
derable proportion of the population is constantly employed as
mukeros, with their animals, in transporting goods from the
ports, and also between the towns in the interior.
From the estimated numbers of persons liable to the Ferdeh
1 See wood-cut, p. 549.