144 



THE LIVING RACES OF MANKIND 



people ' Pharaoh's mice,' which during the summer season are found in great abundance on 

 the plains. But they likewise eat flesh of every description horses, camels, and even dogs 

 provided they are fat. They drink mare's milk, which they prepare in such a manner that it 

 has the qualities and flavour of white wine." This is the well-known koumiss. 



The Mongolian is robust, and capable of enduring great hardships. He cau ride a camel for 

 fifteen hours at a stretch with the thermometer down at 15 below zero (Fahrenheit). But he 

 does not like walking, and is nearly always mounted. After 200 years of Chinese government 

 the race has greatly degenerated, even losing to a great extent the personal courage which 

 gave them the power of making rapid conquests over other peoples. Like their ancestors, they 

 are still uomads, and their wealth consists of flocks of sheep, herds of horses (small, but very 

 enduring), cattle, camels, and goats. As a rule they are hospitable, though indifferent to 

 personal comfort, addicted to cattle-stealing and to drink, but when sober good-hearted and 

 friendly. Tents are their only protection against the violent sandstorms of summer, and the 

 yet more terrible snowstorms of winter. Frequent pilgrimages are made to Urga, the religious 

 capital of the country, and to various other Mongolian, and Chinese shrines. They are very 

 dirty people, never washing their bodies, and very seldom their faces and hands. Lamaism, a 

 form of Buddhism, has taken a strong hold upon them, and superstitions are very prevalent. 



liy perrnittrioH of tht Royat Geographical Socit- 



KHAN WANG, A MONGOL OP KULDJA. 



