HOW WILD ANIMALS ARE CAUGHT 83 
The customs of the Mongolians are often curious and in- 
teresting. They have no system of burial, but merely throw 
out their dead on the steppes to be preyed upon by vultures, 
crows, and dogs. They are still in the pastoral condition, no 
agriculture being attempted. They are all mounted, and 
carry old-fashioned guns. Both men and women wear trousers 
of blue linen, and high boots, the soles of which are made of 
many layers of linen cloth, reaching a thickness of almost an 
inch. Tobacco is always in great demand among these 
people ; and their rank may be approximately judged by the 
quality of the pipe which they smoke. The tube of the pipe 
is made of wood, and is quite straight, a foot or more in length. 
The mouthpiece is adorned with an agate stone, the size and 
value of which is an index of the wealth and prominence of 
the possessor. 
The district between Kobdo and Kara-Ussu is volcanic in 
origin, and is a plateau covered by short grass, and dotted 
with conical peaks. The valleys are often thickly wooded, 
and give rise to very pleasant scenery. 
The Mongolian is hospitable but not communicative. A 
characteristic of their conversation is the constant repetition of 
the phrases which they use. The following is the sort of con- 
versation we used to carry on with them :— 
Mongolian. “ Mendi” (God be with you). 
Traveller. ‘‘Mendi.” 
Mongolian. “Malzuruk mendi baina?” (Are all your 
household well ?). 
Traveller. ‘‘Mendi baina.” 
Mongolian. “Tana del chabana?” (What are you doing 
here ?). 
Traveller. ‘Manna chuduludu gores” (I have come to 
buy wild animals). 
The tents of the Mongolians are surrounded by very 
fierce jackal-like dogs; but as soon as the owner sees a 
stranger approaching, he drives them off, and makes the 
visitor welcome. The traveller's horse he secures by knee- 
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