Strange Burial Customs. 



The manners and customs of the Kalmuks are in many 

 respects remarkable, more particularly in regard to the disposal 

 of their dead. The corpse is put out on a hill or point in 

 proximity to the camp and there left to be disposed of by dogs 

 and vultures. Should the body not be demolished within the 

 space of a few days, the departed is deemed to have led a 

 wicked and wayward life, a presumption that is visited upon his 

 relatives in the shape of severe chastisement all round. 



Marriage plays an important part in the life of tl.e 

 Kalmuk, betrothals being arranged early in life, and scant 

 regard paid to the wishes of the lady. A wedding is a great 

 event, the bride being usually carried off by force by the 

 suitor, to which arbitrary proceeding the parents make no 

 objection. When interrogated on the subject, one of my Kalmuks 

 afterwards told me should there be several aspirants for the 

 lady's hand she generally manages to fall into the grasp of the 

 swain she regards with the greatest favour. Ordinarily marriages 

 are arranged and the girl handed over after the ceremonies con- 

 nected therewith have been concluded. 



The Kalmuk dwelling is the aul, the same warm and com- 

 fortable habitation so often met with in Central Asia. When 

 moving to fresh pastures, if the distance to be compassed is 

 short, the aul is carried bodily by men and women, but for a 

 longer journey it is dismantled. 



Having sent notice of my arrival in the camp I went in search 

 of the Wazir, or Minister of the Khan, who received me hospitably,, 

 and apologised for the unofficial reception, due to his being: 

 unaware of my visit. I conversed through Rahim, and the^ 

 Wazir arranged transport, also placing a spacious aul at my 

 disposal, where a substantial Kalmuk breakfast was provided 

 for me. 



Unfortunately the Khan himself was away, he having 

 apparently gone on a visit to the Chinese Governor at Urumchi. 

 His mother sent a message to say she was unwell and regretted 

 her inability to receive me. 



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