divided into three classes, viz., the counts, lords,
middle class and low class.

The middle class live mostly in towns and cities. Their occupation is
merchandise; to carry goods to Europe and import goods into Persia.
Others are manufacturing carpets, rugs, etc. Others are iron-smiths,
silver-smiths, carpenters, druggists, butchers, and masons. A great
number are secretaries for lords, counts, and in military service. The
life of this class is very happy indeed. Their homes are quite
comfortable, and kept in good order. Their tables are spread with
enough of the good things to satisfy. This class do none of the work
that custom has assigned to the lower classes. Pride would not allow
it. Custom requires them to have smooth hands--not always white, for
some prefer to dye them red.

The women of the middle class take life easy. They are not often
allowed to go outside without permission of their husbands or
mothers-in-law. In some instances the older ladies spend their time
making rugs, shawls, and carpets--some of which are very beautiful and
costly. The young ladies and brides spend their time in making caps,
purses, head-covering, dresses, etc. Unmarried girls are positively
required and it is the duty of her mother to teach her how to make
rugs, carpets and embroidery work, etc. for her marriage. One of her
first duties is to learn to dress herself handsomely. The face and brow
will be colored with red and white paints. The eyes and eyebrows with
black paint. The hands and feet are dyed with hana a kind of paint
that colors them red.

[Illustration: HAREM COSTUME.]

COSTUMES AT HOME.

The shirt worn at home by woman is an article made of silk or cotton.
It is short, open breast, well embroidered, and is red or white and
reaches to the middle of the thigh. Over the shirt is the cula-ja,
rather loose, with long sleeves fastened with buttons of silver.

The Shalwar is similar to the ordinary skirt only it is very short.
Some wear from three to ten of these skirts. The outer one is very rich
and trimmed with gold lace. The head covering is called Char-Kat and is
made square of a long embroidered article of fine silk or thin cotton
and is fastened under her chin. Sometimes at home they are bareheaded.
Hose are white and long. The hair is generally black, heavy, braided
and spread on her back. In front it is parted in the middle when bangs
are not worn. The hair is usually painted to appear black and smooth.