Little folks of many lands
78 LITTLE FOLKS OF MANY LANDS
trees in this land . It grows very tall . The leaves and fruit are near the top . Ahmed can climb this tree like a monkey.
The Arabs use every part of the date tree . The trunk is made into posts. They weave the leaves into mats and baskets . The children think the fruit is the best of all .
The tents of the Arabs are not like the tents we have seen . They are low and flat. The cloth of the tent is made of camel's hair .
These Arabs sit on the floor to eat . The men eat first, and then the women and children . They all eat from a large bowl .
The women and girls grind wheat into flour between two stones . This flour is made into thin bread .
Ahmed does something that you cannot do. He eats his plate .
Let us see how he does it . His mother gives him some thin bread . He puts his
meat on it. After he has eaten the meat he eats the plate , too .
The children have great fun with the little colts . They often keep them in the tents .
The boys must learn to throw spears and fire guns , for the Arabs often fight with other tribes .
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80 LITTLE FOLKS OF MANY LANDS
These boys have many games . In one a boy is tied with a long rope to a peg in the ground .
The other boys have small whips . They run near and try to strike him. If he can catch a boy, that one must be tied in his place .
Arab boys like the games with spears best of all. Then their fathers watch them.
The boys choose sides . Each boy throws a spear to the boy in front of him . This one must catch the spear in one hand and at the same time throw his spear back with the other hand .
Arab boys who live in the towns go to school . They take off their shoes at the door, but keep on their hats .
They all sit on the floor and sway their
bodies as they study aloud . The girls do not go to school .
Ahmed's sister helps her mother take care of the tent. She learns to weave cloth . She takes care of the little Arab baby , too. It lies wrapped in a cloth with its tiny arms at its sides .
Our trip is ended . It is time for us to leave our little friends of the desert . They say good -by to us at the door of their low tent .
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