SPEED MARVELS OF THE GOBI DESERT 21 



sandy, but the Gobi sagebrush and short bunch grass, 

 although sparse and dry, still give a covering of vege- 

 tation, so that in the distance the plain appears like a 

 rolling meadowland. 



When we saw our first northern Mongol I was de- 

 lighted. Every one is a study for an artist. He dresses 

 in a long, loose robe of plum color, one corner of which 

 is usually tucked into a gorgeous sash. On his head is 

 perched an extraordinary hat which looks like a saucer, 

 with upturned edges of black velvet and a narrow cone- 

 shaped crown of brilliant yellow. Two streamers of red 

 ribbon are usually fastened to the rim at the back, or a 

 plume of peacock feathers if he be of higher rank. 



On his feet he wears a pair of enormous leather boots 

 with pointed toes. These are always many sizes too 

 large, for as the weather grows colder he pads them out 

 with heavy socks of wool or fur. It is nearly impossible 

 for him to walk in this ungainly footgear, and he wad- 

 dles along exactly like a duck. He is manifestly uncom- 

 fortable and ill at ease, but put him on a horse and you 

 have a different picture. The high-peaked saddle and 

 the horse itself become a part of his anatomy and he 

 will stay there happily fifteen hours of the dely. 



The Mongols ride with short stirrups and, standing 

 nearly upright, lean far over the horse's neck like our 

 western cowboys. As they tear along at full gallop in 

 their brilliant robes they seem to embody the very spirit 

 of the plains. They are such genial, accommodating 

 fellows, always ready with a pleasant smile, and wiUing 



