'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.' [‎669] (768/905)

CHAP. XXV.]
ARMS OF THE ARABS.
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arms. The Arabs seldom shave the head, and the hair is
eit er plaited, or left in a natural state, falling in a profusion
of ringlets which sometimes almost hide the face. They take
more pains with the trappings of their horses, and the orna
ments of their camels, than with their own persons ; and they
pride themselves on the number of trinkets worn by the
females belonging to the family.
Arms may be considered an indispensable part of the dress
of an Arab, for he is seldom, if ever, without them. The
ordinary weapon is a bamboo lance, about 13 feet in length. Lances and
ornamented with two round tufts of black ostrich-feathers cSl 8word8
near the point, which is tipped with iron, usually square, and
about eight inches long. 1 In addition to the lance, he fre
quently has a couple of javelins to hurl at his enemy when he
is unable to reach him with the lance. The bow and arrow
are occasionally, though rarely, seen. A much curved sword
is the common weapon, and the Arab also carries a small round
leather shield, slung at his back. An iron mace, bristling
with pointed spikes at the larger end, is also an ordinary
weapon of the Bedawin; but when this cannot be procured,
he contents himself with a short stick, having a large round
knob at the extremity, which is generally ornamented with
rude carving. In close quarters, this primitive weapon would
deal out a severe blow ; and, in addition, the Arab is gene
rally provided with a common sling for throwing stones, when
game, or his enemy are at a certain distance.
These last are, however, as may be supposed, the weapons
of the very poorest people. Whenever it is possible to obtain
one, the Arab uses a long matchlock-gun, and two powder- Matchlocks,
horns, one filled with fine powder for priming, and the other,
which is much larger, containing ordinary powder for loading.
He also has several leather pouches pendent from his
shoulders, containing different implements for keeping the
matchlock in repair, and carrying wadding, spare match,
tinder, flint, and steel.
But the Arab is equipped in the most approved style, when.
1 See Plate LXXXIII.