The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-11-16
MANNERS IN ASIA MINOR.

The interest of our halt was greatly increased
by our observing an almost uninterrupted train
OF cattle and people moving from the valleys to
the cool places Tor the summer season the yeei-
lassies. was much struck by the simplicity
and patriarchal appearance Of the several fami-
lies, which brought forcibly TO mind the descrip-
tions of pastoral life in Bible history.
In advance of the pastoral groups were thestrag-
Cling goats, browsing on the French blossoms
of the wild almond as they passed. In more
steady courses followed the small black cattle,
with their calves, and among them several ass
es, carrying in saddle-bags those calves that
were too young to follow their watchfu mothers
Then came the flocks of sheep and the camels,
each with their young; two or three fine grown
camels, bearing piled loads of ploughs, tent
poles, kettles, pans, presses, and all the utensils
for the dairy and amidst this rustic load was
always seen the rich Turkey carpet and damask
cushions, the pride even Of the tented Turk -
Behind these portions of the train must place,
with more finish, the family-the foreground OF
nv picture An old man, and generally his
wife, head the clan, which consists of several
generations; many OF them must have seen near
tivescore summers on the mountains the old
man, grasping a long stick, leads his children
with firm step. His son, the master of the
hocks, with his wife; she is often seated on a
horse, with child in her arms; and other horses
are led, all clothed with the gay trappings Of a
Turkish steed Asses are allotted to the Younger
children, who are placed amidst the domestic
stores, and never without pet cat in their arms;
long tresses Of hair hang down their necks, and
are kept closely to the head by circet of coins.
BY their side walks the eldest son, with all the
air and alacrty OF yong sportsman, over his
shoulder hangs long -barrclled gun, in his hand
is the cage of decoy partridge, and classic
looking hound follows at his heels number Of
oh pr1- bpyS mi ks brin U
up the rear. The gay costume, the varied
noises of the cattle, and the high gee attend
ing the party on this annual expedition, must be
supplied by the Imagination. | should think
that twenty families passed in succession during
our halt, few Of them having less than one hun
dred head Of stock, and many had more. In
some families, attendants, servants OF farming
laborers, were among the cattle, generally with
their aprons tied around them, in which they
carried two or three young kids they had often
over their shoulders small calf, with all its legs
held together on the breast exactly as seen in
the offerings on the bas-relefs at Xanthus and
elsewhere. The longevity Of the people in this
pastoral country is very remarkable. ! am sure
that we have seen at least twenty peasants with
in the last two days above a hundred years OF
age, and apparently still enjoying health and ac-
tivlty of body: in some instances the mind APP
peared wandering. An old-looking bag, scream
ing violently, seized my servant Mania, and
asked if he was come TO take away her other
child for a soldier; for if he were gone, she
would have none left to take care of her. The
temperate habits of the Turks, as well as some
OF their customs, may in part account for the
prolongation of life in this country. One Gus
tom may mention as tending TO diminish the
cares of age, and TO show the excellence of these
simple people. When sons grow up and mar
ry, the father gives over to them his focks and
property, and trusts to the known and natural
affection Of his children to take care Of him in
his declining years to son his parents are al
ways his first charge.-Feiior's Second E.rcur
sion in Asia Minor