208 CHARACTER OF THE MEER. 



aggrandisement. In person, Meer Ali Moorad 

 is remarkably handsome, dark complexioned, 

 and about forty years of age ; his mother is said 

 to have been of the Beloochee tribe of Murrees, 

 which may account for his possessing unusual 

 swarthiness. The general bearing of this chief 

 is singularly dignified, courteous, and pre- 

 possessing ; but while distinguished for the 

 accomplishments usual in the East, he is un- 

 fortunately addicted to the wine-cup, and 

 indulges somewhat too freely in the enticing 

 liquors forbidden by the Koran. At present 

 however these habits, although existing, do not 

 appear to affect either the health or character of 

 the Meer, who is in the pride of manhood, with 

 a clear, intelligent mind, which up to the present 

 time has been quite capable of coping with tlie 

 difficulties of his position. And his countenance 

 does not yet betray any of those distressing 

 appearances of undue indulgence in the common 

 stimulants of the East, which never fail to set 

 their stamp upon the features of those who 

 indulge in such means of self-abasement. Meer 

 Ali Moorad has always evinced the greatest 

 jealousy at any interference in his affairs, and 

 has stood aloof from the Beloochee clanship, 



