58 INDOLENT HABITS. 



the wants of his animals. If they are well supplied 

 with food and water, the Monpol is content. His skill 

 and patience in managing them are admirable. The 

 stubborn camel becomes his docile carrier ; the half- 

 tamed steppe-horse his obedient and faithful steed. 

 He loves and cherishes his animals ; nothing will 

 induce him to saddle a camel or a horse under a 

 certain age ; no money will buy his lambs or calves, 

 which he considers it wrong to kill before they are 

 full-grown. Cattle-breeding is the only occupation 

 of this people ; their industrial employment is limited 

 to the preparation of a few articles for domestic use, 

 such as skins, felt, saddles, bridles, and bows ; a 

 little tinder, and a few knives. They buy everything 

 else, including their clothes, of the Chinese, and, in 

 very small quantities, from the Russian merchants 

 at Kiakhta and Urofa. Mining: is unknown to them. 



о о 



The inland trade is entirely one of barter ; and the 

 foreio^n trade is confined to Peking and the nearest 

 towns of China, whither they drive their cattle for 

 sale, and carry salt, hides, and wool to exchange for 

 manufactured eoods. 



The most striking trait in their character is sloth. 

 Their whole lives are passed in holiday making, 

 which harmonizes with their pastoral pursuits. Their 

 cattle are their only care, and even they do not cause 

 them much trouble. The camels and horses graze 

 on the steppe without any watch, only requiring to be 

 watered once a day in summer at the neighbouring 

 well. The women and children tend the flocks and 

 herds. The rich hire shepherds, who are mostly 



