(however pleasing the latter may be), and is
rendered still more striking by a practice universal among the females
of the higher and middle classes, and very common among those of the
lower orders, which is that of blackening the edge of the eyelids both
above and below the eye, with a black powder called 'kohl'" (Lane,
_Modern Egyptians_). Both sexes, but especially the women, tattoo
several parts of the person, and the women stain their hands and feet
with the red dye of the henna.

Dress and social life.

The dress of the men of the upper and middle classes who have not
adopted European clothing--a practice increasingly common--consists of
cotton drawers, and a cotton or silk shirt with very wide sleeves.
Above these are generally worn a waistcoat without sleeves, and a long
vest of silk, called kaftan, which has hanging sleeves, and reaches
nearly to the ankles. The kaftan is confined by the girdle, which is a
silk scarf, or cashmere or other woollen shawl. Over all is worn a
long cloth robe, the gibbeh (or jibbeh) somewhat resembling the kaftan
in shape, but having shorter sleeves, and being open in front. The
dress of the lower orders is the shirt and drawers, and waistcoat,
with an outer shirt of blue cotton or brown woollen stuff; some wear a
kaftan. The head-dress is the red cloth fez or tarbush round which a
turban is usually worn. Men who have otherwise adopted European
costume retain the tarbush. Many professions and religions, &c., are
distinguished by the shape and colour of the turban, and various
classes, and particularly servants, are marked by the form and colour
of their shoes; but the poor go usually barefoot. Many ladies of the
upper classes now dress in European style, with certain modifications,
such as the head-veil. Those who retain native costume wear a very
full pair of silk trousers, bright coloured stockings (usually pink),
and a close-fitting vest with hanging sleeves and skirts, open down
the front and at the sides, and long enough to turn up and fasten into
the girdle, which is generally a cashmere shawl; a cloth jacket,
richly embroidered with gold, and having short sleeves, is commonly
worn over the vest. The hair in front is combed down over the forehead
and cut across in a straight line; behind it is divided into very many
small plaits, which hang down the back, and are lengthened by silken
cords, and often