242 
Proceedings of the Royal Society 
brave in battle they will have a white horse to ride upon in the 
next world. Duels are common in battles, and are often resorted 
to in order to regain the favour of the sultan. 
As soon as the army nears the enemy’s country the order of 
marching is slightly altered. A vanguard and a rearguard and right 
and left wings and centre are formed; skirmishers are also sent 
out (Sandanger) in couples to look out for the foe. The attack is 
often delivered from various points in order to throw the enemy 
into confusion. They choose their camps if possible near a river or 
by wells, and seribas are formed for their protection. The people 
encamp in exactly the same positions they occupy when at home, 
so that there is no difficulty in finding a given man when wanted. 
Tires are allowed in camp, unless they are very near the enemy, in 
which case they are forbidden to talk loud or to sing. All sleep on 
the ground, their girdles (mulpa) being spread beneath them. In 
marching they are not obliged to keep step. The arrangements as 
to scouting and the various divisions of the army are made by the 
heads of the villages in consultation with the sub -chiefs. The only 
baggage carried is the food, which is taken by each man in a skin 
bag carried on the back, being hung round the neck by a cord. 
Camp followers are not allowed. The war songs are numerous and 
spirited, and are sung in camp, on the march, and sometimes during 
the fight itself. The particular cry in danger is “ Ku-ru-ru.” 
When in camp, war dances are sometimes performed for the purpose 
of cheering the sultan or chief. They advance in rows, each man 
holding a spear aloft with his right hand and trailing another in his 
left. On approaching the chief they kneel down on one knee sing- 
ing all the time an inspiriting song, and on rising they touch the 
ground with the tips of their spears. They then move off, and are 
followed by successive rows, who go through the same manoeuvre. 
The same thing is done by the dalimars to the heads of the villagers 
and by the villagers to their own headmen. Camp life appears to 
possess great charms for the people, and for the time being they 
appear to be much drawn together, and to avoid quarrelling. 
There used to be about 3000 cavalry, with headquarters at El 
Tascher ; but their number is now much reduced. 
During a war the women are sent to places of security, and do 
not accompany the men. 
