320 M. Larrey on the Pliysical Constitution 



proportions of their hands and feet, and the elegance of their 

 attitudes, steps, &c. &c. 



The second group of Arabs does not differ essentially in its 

 physical forms from the first ; and there is, moreover, a perfect 

 analogy of character between the individuals of these two groups. 



The Bedouins, or shepherd Arabs, are generally divided into 

 tribes, which are scattered upon the confines of the fertile lands, 

 at the commencement or upon the margin of the deserts. They 

 live under tents, which they transport from place to place ac- 

 cording as they find removal necessary. They have generally 

 a very strong resemblance to the other Arabians ; whilst it 

 may also be observed, that their eyes are more sparkling, their 

 features are usually less distinct, and their stature is somewhat 

 inferior to that of the civilized Arabs. They are also more 

 agile ; and, though slight built, they are very strong. Their 

 imagination is very lively, and their character is haughty and 

 independent ; they are suspicious, dissembling, and restless, but 

 at the same time brave and intrepid. They most religiously 

 observe the rites of hospitality. They are especially remark- 

 able for their profound address, and for great and remarkable 

 intelligence. They are regarded as excellent horsemen ; and 

 they boast, not without reason, of their skill in the use of the 

 lance and javelin. Besides, they are exceedingly skilful as 

 tradesmen and artisans. 



The manners and customs of all these classes are very nearly 

 the same. They rear sheep, camels, and horses of the rarest 

 breed ; they all speak Arabic, and profess the same religion. 

 They all, moreover, live nearly in the same way. Their nour- 

 ishment consists principally in dairy produce, eggs, and vege- 

 tables ; they eat but seldom, and consume but little meat ; and 

 in general they are very sober and temperate as to drinking ; 

 and they easily support all kinds of privation. They all shave 

 the head, and allow the beard to grow. 



The women allow their hair to grow, and often colour it, as 

 likewise the eyebrows with paint of a more or less deep brown 

 colour, which is in no degree injurious to the hair ; on the 

 contrary, it rather strengthens it, and imparts to it a beautiful 

 black colour. They also dye with a liquor of a golden-yellow 

 colour, procured from the henna-plant, the circumference of the 



