PERSIAN HORSES, &c. 
53 7 
body, that being covered by his clothing, a large nummud, 
from the ears to the tail, and bound firmly round his belly by a 
very long sarcingle. But this apparel is only for cold weather ; 
in the warmer season the night-clothes are of a lighter substance, 
and during the heat of the day the animal is kept entirely under 
shade. At night he is tied out in the court-yard. In this latter 
process, the horses’ heads are attached to the place of security 
by double ropes from their halters ; and the heels of their hinder 
legs are confined by cords of twisted hair, fastened to iron rings 
and pegs driven into the earth. The same custom prevailed in 
the time of Xenophon ; and for the same reason, to secure them 
from being able to attack and maim each other; the whole 
stud generally consisting of stallions. Their keepers, however, 
always sleep on their rugs, amongst them, in case of such acci¬ 
dents ; and sometimes, notwithstanding all this care, they ma¬ 
nage to break loose, and then the combat ensues. A general 
neighing, screaming, kicking and snorting soon rouses the grooms ; 
and the scene, for a while, is terrible. Indeed no one can con¬ 
ceive the sudden uproar of such a moment, who has not been in 
Eastern countries to hear it; and then all who have, must bear 
me witness that the noise is tremendous. They seize, and bite, 
and kick each other with the most determined fury ; and fre¬ 
quently cannot be separated before their heads and haunches 
stream with blood. Even in skirmishes between the natives, 
their horses take part in the fray ; tearing each other with their 
teeth, while their masters are at similar close quarters on their 
backs. 
August 27th. — On taking leave of Sian Kala, and its hos¬ 
pitable khan, this morning at five o’clock, he furnished me with 
a mehmandar, and sufficient escort, to be my guide and pro- 
3 z 
VOL. II. 
