Across the Roof of the World. 



North-western Mongolia is mountainous, and included amongst 

 its ranges is the (ireat Altai, one of the principal mountain chains 

 of Asia. It stretches eastward along the northern side of the 

 Gobi Desert and westward into Siberia, (iold is mined to some 

 extent within its limits, and indications of auriferous wealth 

 are much in evidence. 



The climate of Mongolia is noted for its extremes of tempera- 

 ture, ranging from great heat in the summer to intense cold in 

 the winter, and accompanied by terrific storms of wind, rendering 

 life on the steppes one of great hardship. It is, however, dry 

 and invigorating, a fact largely responsible for the hardy race 

 of nomads who constitute the population. No precise estimate 

 of the numbers inhabiting the country is available, but it 

 probably does not exceed one and a half million. 



The Mongols are of average height, with fiat features, high 

 and prominent cheek bones, and almond eyes, while their hair 

 is worn in pigtails similar to the Chinese. 



The women also plait their hair, but with the difference that 

 it is worn in two cords hanging down in front of either shoulder. 

 They also affect ornaments of silver or coral according to the 

 wearer's station in life. 



The Mongol dress comprises a long blue coat of Chinese cloth, 

 closely resembling dungaree, trousers of a like material or leather, 

 and Chinese boots reaching above the ankles. The hat is of a 

 round shape, like an inverted bowl, or else similar to that worn 

 by the Chinese. In winter fur coats and sheepskin trousers are 

 worn, as also a fur cap with ear flaps which can be turned back 

 and fastened over the top. The long coat is secured by a girdle, 

 from which depend pipe, flint and tinder, and a pouch for 

 carrying tobacco. 



Their dwellings are the felt tent or aul, the movable habitation 

 peculiar to the nomad tribes of Central Asia. 



The Mongol is a hue horseman and ne\-er mo\'es anywhere, 

 however short a distance, unless mounted. He sits forward in 

 the saddle and manages his wild rough pony cleverly. The 



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