on the impulse of the moment and having no
consideration for consequences. They never forget a kindness shown
them. If a Kurd eat bread given him, he will never try to rob the
giver. This is against their law. They treat travelers very kindly who
may come to their tents or caves, and will offer him food. But it would
not be well for him to show any gold while there as they would follow
and rob him. The most prominent characteristic of the race is thieving.
Most all of the thieves in Persia and Turkey are Kurds. A Kurd was once
arrested in Persia for stealing and a hand was cut off as punishment.
Soon after he was again arrested for the same offence, and the other
hand was cut off. The third time he was found stealing and arrested.
There being no other member of the body left which is used in the art
of stealing except the head, that was cut off. Thus the poor Kurd's
career ended.

HOUSES.

Their houses are made of stone and mud and are usually under projecting
rocks or in the side of a hill. The roof is so low that a man cannot
stand erect. The writer once visited a Kurd's home. The wife brought a
carpet and spread it in the center of the large room on which to be
seated, and then fixed some bread and milk for a luncheon. In one
corner of the house were tied a pair of fine horses; in another stood
several cows quietly chewing their cuds, while a few sheep were lying
on the opposite side of the room. It is needless to say that this
house, like all other Kurdish houses, was a dirty, filthy place. The
men are tall and slender with very black hair and eyes. Living a wild
out-door life they are very healthy and strong. The women are very
beautiful. Sometimes Persian lords marry them. The food of the Kurds
consists of milk, butter, bread, honey, vegetables and but little meat.

RELIGION.

In religion the Kurds are Mohammedans of the Turkish faith. Their chief
priests are called Sheikh and are honored as a god. They kneel before a
chief priest and kiss his hands, clothes and shoes, and ask for his
blessing. To penitent ones he promises that he will ask God to forgive
their sins. He has absolute power over laymen. They believe his words
as inspired truth and obey implicitly. One leader of this type assisted
Turkey in a war against Russia some years ago. He commanded about
100,000 Kurds. He told them not to be afraid of the big cannon that
would be seen when they met the Russians, for, he says, "I have by the
help of Al