DON COSSACKS. 
299 
considerably to the height, and gives, with chap. 
the addition of whiskers, a military air to the ' , — > 
most insignificant figure. They wear their hair 
short round the head, but not thin upon the 
crowm : it is generally dark, thick, and quite 
straight. The cap is covered by a very soft and 
shining black wool. Some of them have civil 
and military distinctions of habit ; wearing in 
time of peace, instead of the jacket, a long frock 
without buttons. The sash is sometimes yellow, 
green, or red, although generally black; and 
they wear large military gloves. There is no 
nation in the world more neat with regard to 
dress; and, whether young or old, it appears to 
become them all. A quiet life seems quite un- 
suited to their disposition : they loiter about, 
having then no employment to interest them; 
and being devoted to war, seem distressed by 
the indolence of peace. 
The Ataman, or Chief of the stanitza, approached House of 
, . , the Ala -n 
us with very great respect and complaisance 9 man. 
as soon as we arrived. Notice at the same time 
was given to all the inhabitants, not to quit the 
town without his knowledge, until every thing 
the travellers might require should be ascer- 
tained and provided. He begged to conduct us 
to “ quarters,” as he expressed it ; and brought 
us, for that purpose, to his own house, which he 
