'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.' [‎126] (179/905)

126
SOCIAL STATE OF THE KURDS. [CHAP. VI.
siings of the Xenophon is still used in many parts of the country. The
Kurds - stones selected are rather large, and are thrown to a consider
able distance, from a leather case of suitable size, double, like
a pocket, open at the sides, and having attached to it two
strong cords. Of these three weapons, the javelin continues
most in use ; but even this, like the bow, and the sling, has
given way, except in a few instances, to the use of fire-arms.
The Kurds consider it to be either a mark of disgrace, or
a symptom of extreme poverty, to be seen on foot; and, there
fore, they are not only almost invariably mounted, but accus
tomed to move from place to place in large bands, always
well prepared either for attack or defence. As bodies of them
are seen occasionally in a kind of wadded armour, their
Character of appearance, when coming at full speed, and showing a hostile
the Kurds. fron^ i s but ill calculated to make a party of travellers feel
at their ease, especially at night, and in the dark shade of a
mountain pass. But when the first salutation has taken
place, it is immediately discovered that this formidable array
is rather intended for defence than attack; for the Kurds,
having ascertained that the presumed foes are really peace
able, generally become so themselves, and not only allow the
traveller to proceed unmolested, 1 but appear willing to per
form any acts of kindness when needed.
In fact, the Kurds, like most other Eastern people, the
mountaineers especially, are really hospitable ; they will
readily share their house and its rough fare, such as bread
made of acorns, &c., with those who chance to become their
guests for the night.
Their villages, The villages of Kurdistan, which are, from necessity, gene
rally placed on the sides of hills, are small, but numerous;
was, however, rare. The lamented Lieutenant Murphy, in his Journal, de
scribes a party of Arabs, who were met by him not far from the river, as being
armed with different weapons; their chief having a bow six feet long.—MS.
Journal of Lieutenant Murphy, Royal Engineers.
1 The Kurds are much dreaded by all travellers, and by the Turks especially,
who sacrifice a lamb as a token of gratitude, when they reach the opposite
frontiers in safety; but, beyond the demonstrations alluded to, I met no
annoyance whatever, when passing through the country in 1831 and 1832,
though almost alone.