We have pearls, diamonds, and other precious stones of a very remarkable kind, whose electricities are supposed to have a certain influence over the wearer.  Thus, diamonds in Montalluyah have, it is thought, a tendency to increase the circulation; and when I have been fatigued by excessive study, a chain of peculiar diamonds has been placed near my skin to revive me.

Ladies sometimes wear a small turban with a gold tassel on the crown of the head.  For the open air the head is covered with a turban, in front of which is a small shade, which, by means of a spring, falls down and protects the eyes and face from the sun.

Ladies of superior quality rarely wear turbans, for they seldom go abroad in the heat of the sun, and when they do, they are shaded by a canopy, supported at each corner by a pole, and borne by four men.  When walking in their grounds ladies use long veils, covering them from head to ankle, which they also wear when on horseback, but they never mount in the heat of the sun.

Every unmarried woman, without exception of class, wears a distinctive feature on her dress.  The drapery is fixed with a jewel to the right shoulder, and the right arm is bare.  On the other hand, the married woman’s arms are always covered with falling drapery, though by certain movements she shows the arm.  It is not till after marriage that the lady is allowed to wear very elaborate costumes.

GENTLEMAN’S COSTUME.

By men an elastic linen case or chemise, made of a material which will stretch to any size, and cling to the form, is worn next the skin.  This, reaching just below the knee, is short in the sleeves, and very ornamental about the neck, leaving the throat bare.  It is changed daily by the poor, and twice a day by the rich.  Over it is worn a tunic of rich material, with sleeves differing from each both in form and colour.

The trousers of the men consist of a large mass of drapery of very fine light material finer than cambric, prepared from leaves which have passed through a certain process, and are afterwards woven.  This is wound round and round the leg.  As many folds are required to protect the body from the scorching heat, it will be seen that lightness is an essential quality.  The trouser, otherwise full, is narrow at the ankle, where it is confined by a band of the same material, of gold or of jewels, according to the quality of the wearer.  Gloves are not worn by men, but their trousers being so massive they can place their hands in the ample folds when walking in the sun.

Another important article of male attire is a large piece of drapery, which, fastened in front and on one shoulder with a jewel chain, is carried to the back, and being attached to the opposite arm, falls in graceful folds below one knee, where it may be fastened.  It may also be thrown back and worn as a cloak or covering; in any case it descends in graceful folds.