Travels in Turkey, Asia Minor, Syria, and across the desert into Egypt ...

SYRIA, EGYPT, GERMANY, &C. 169
The Zahergis Bashi, or secondary dog-keeper.
Besides these there were many others whom it would be superfluous
to mention, and among them several whose presence in the
camp was not of the least utility. Of this description are the two
personages who stand the last on the list, and whose titles would
not have been enumerated, had it not been for the singularity of their
appointments. Originally, a certain number of dogs were, in a
Turkish army, attached to the troops but this ;
practice having been
lonrr discontinued, nothing now remains except the rank and emo-
luments of the office. That of the Tournahgis Bashi, or bird-keep-
er, who had the charge of the birds
formerly carried with the army
is now become obsolete.
The appointments held by the
generality
of these officers suffici-
ently explain the relative importance of their stations. There are,
however, one or two of them who are entitled to a particular no-
tice.
The Cadi Asker is, in his judicial capacity, invested with an office
of great dignity and responsibility in the Turkish army. He
is the supreme judge ami arbitrator in all disputes and legal questions
which may arise, whether of a civil or military nature. It is, not-
withstanding, to be presumed, that under so despotic
an admini-
stration as that of the Turks, more especially where the military is
concerned, his awards must be subject to a great degree of con-
trol.
The Etchi Bashi, or cook of the corps of janissaries, whatever
his title may appear to import, has a distinguished consideration in
the Turkish army; and, to heighten his importance, carries about
him certain marks and characteristic distinctions, which render
his appearance highly ludicrous. He is cloathed in a large habit of
dark coloured leather, covered over with devices of plated metal,
which render it extremely weighty, insomuch, that on days of cere-
mony, when he is decorated with all the insignia of his office,
what with the pressure of this habit, or tunic, and that of the
odier parts of his dress, which, being also covered with plates of
metal, are equally cumbrous and oppressive, he requires the aid of
two persons to assist him in walking. It is from this officer, who is
both feared and respected by his corps, that the janissaries receive
the punishment of the coup de baton.
In a Turkish army, complexions of every hue, black, coppercolour,
olive, tawnv, yellow, and white, are to be found, as well
as the different casts of features, and varieties of shape and propor-
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