'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.' [‎372] (449/905)

372
FOOD, DRESS, ETC.
[CHAP. XVI.
inhabitants enjoy a considerable degree of comfort both with
respect to food and clothing. The former is plentifnl and at
the same time sufficiently good, though, as usual in the East,
much of it consists of vegetables. Kaimak, 1 sometimes with
the addition of a piece of honey-comb, whipped cream, yog-
hourt, 2 and other preparations of lebbeu (milk), rice, burghul
(boiled wheat), bread, cheese, eggs, honey, pekmez, 3 and other
sweet-meats, hot girdle-cakes, and occasionally animal food,
constitute the fare of the villagers, and, it may be added, of
the towns people likewise; but the latter have a greater abun
dance of meat, rice, fruits, and coffee.
Dress, &c, of A heavy full figure, with long moustaches and a high cylin-
the Armenians, ^alpak or cap of black felt, with a long robe and a
shawl of a dark colour, distinguish the Armenian citizen 4 from
the peasant: the latter wears a dress of brown frieze, with a
cap of the same material. The women's faces are partially
covered, and their hair, which is carefully braided, is much
ornamented with gold coins; the rest of their attire is of
cambric muslin, and they show more of the person than is
customary with the Turkish dames. They live, however,
almost as much secluded; and they employ their time in
executing fine work, such as embroidered handkerchiefs, nap
kins, bags, and purses. Agriculture, commerce, and working
in silver or other metals, are the employments of the men,
who, besides, are bankers, and occupy places of trust which
are occasionally given them by the Turks in consequence of
that passive steadiness of character for which they are so
remarkable. 5
Their govern- Throughout the Armenian families and communities the
religion d patriarchal system of government prevails, and under it there
is the most complete harmony. The religion of the Arme-
1 This is a sort of clouted cream, and is made in the following manner:—
A pan of new milk is allowed to simmer till a thick scum is formed, after
which it is left to stand for cream. Next day a coating of the latter is removed
with the scum, to which it adheres,
2 This is almost of the consistency of jelly, and, like the Persian mast, it is
prepared from new milk.—See above, p. 241.
3 Inspissated grape-juice. * See Plate XXII.
5 See above, p. 99.