P L A T E LX.
A KALMUK.
ri^
1 HE Kalmuks, or diets, are one of the Mongole nations, and inhabit
the country to the west of Astrakui, near the shores of the Caspian Sea.
Some of them also inhabit the city of Astrakan. Tliey are, in general,
of a moderate stature, well made, but thin: their faces are remarkably
flat, particularly their noses; their eyes are small and narrow, with
the corners towards their temples pointing downwards ; their lips are
thick, their hair black, their complexion tawny, and their ears remarkably
large, and standing wide from the head. In most persons of this
country, the senses of feeling and taste are exceedingly dull, w hile those
of hearing, seeing, and smelling are very acute. In consequence of
riding much on horseback, and their mode of sitting cross-legged, the
Kalmuks are generally bow-kneed.
The outer garment of the men is very similar to that of the Poles,
excepting the sleeves, whiuh are narrow and tight on the wrist. Under
this they wear a vest entirely buttoned, called bechmct, round \\-hich
they fiisten a sash. Those among them, ho are opulent, have also a
short shirt, open before, and large pantaloons, made of linen, called
kitdika, .N'hich reach down to the top of their boots; ^^hile the poorer
sort only wear a straight pelisse, fastened with a sash.
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