The most common diseases to which this people are subject, are the itch and malignant fevers, which arise entirely from their gross diet and want of cleanliness; and during the heats of summer these last are sometimes very fatal. The venereal disorder, to which they give the name of the " house disease," as properly belonging anlv to such as dwell in houses, is not uncommon ; but it chiefly prevails in those camps where their princes reside, and is not often found among the lower orders..
The religion of the Calmucks is pagan; and, were we to judge from their sacred pictures, approaches very near to the ancient mythology of Egypt and Greece. According to M. Bergman, the majority of them pro fess the religion of "Tibet. Their priests are treated with great respect, and in all affairs of importance they are guided by their decision, They have two written characters ; one of which is esteemed sacred, and is of the highest antiquity. It is only used in such writings as concern the Calmuck law, and is read from left to right, like the languages of Europe. The other, which is used in the common concerns of life, is read from top to bottom, and the letters are placed in columns. Such of them as possess an idol, place it near the head of their bed, with small consecrated cups full of milk, or other food, set before it ; and in festivals it is decorated with garlands, and perfumes are burnt in its presence.*
The coimnerce of this people consists entirely in the exchange of their horses and cattle for corn, woollen cloths, linens, copper, pewter, kitchen utensils, knives, and spoons; and great numbers of them from the interior annually visit Astracan for this purpose. They are allowed to traffic with China, free of all duty ; but they never deal in slaves, like their neighbours the Mahome tan Tartars, who often go to war with no other intention )tit to procure Inunan beings for the market ; and who spare neither enemies, friends, nor children, when they wish to get rid of them. The prisoners taken in war by the Calmucks are incorporated into the nation, and swell Ole power and revenue of the prince. See Recued de Voyages au Nord, tom. x. p. 253, Sze. Clarke's Travels in Russia, Tartary,and Turkey, p. 236. and 332. Tooke's Account of the Nations which compose the Russian Em pire, vol. iv. P. S. Pallas Reisen (lurch verschiedene Provinzen des Russischen Reichs, in den Jahren 1768 his 1773, vol. i. Bergman Nomadische Streffereien unter den Kalmuken, &c. Grozier Description generale de In Chine, vol. i. Histoire generale de la Chine, tom. xi. p. 550 ; and Edin. Trans. vol. i. p. 178.. See also CHINA, and TA ItTAR 00