268 Bedouin Tribes of the Euphrates, [cu. xxvm. 



mares at least, of tlie former, are always preferred, 

 ill tlie hopes of a fine progeny. 



" The Arabians have indeed no tables of genealogy 

 to prove the descent of their Kochlani ; yet they 

 are sure of the legitimacy of the progeny ; for a 

 mare of this race is never covered unless in the 

 presence of witnesses, who must be Arabians. This 

 people do not indeed always stickle at perjury ; but 

 in a case of such serious importance, they are careful 

 to deal conscientiously. There is no instance of 

 false testimony given in respect to the descent of a 

 horse. Every Arabian is persuaded that himself 

 and his whole family would be ruined, if he should 

 prevaricate in giving his oath in an affair of such 

 consequence. 



" The Arabians make no scruple of selling their 

 Kochlani stallions like other horses ; but they are 

 unwilling to part with their mares for money. 

 When not in a condition to support them, they dis- 

 pose of them to others, on the terms of having a 

 ushare in the foals, or of being at liberty to recover 

 them after a certain time. 



" These Kochlani are much like the old Arabian 

 nobility, the dignity of whose birth is held in no 

 estimation unless in their own country. These 

 horses are little valued by the Turks. Their country 

 being more fertile, better watered, and less level, 

 swift horses are less necessary to them than to the 

 Arabians. They prefer large liorses, who have a 

 stately appearance when sumptuously harnessed. 



