While we were at Timgad a gaily coloured little band of mounted men
came trailing across the plain, and finally made their halt close to
us. They were a troop of "Spahis," or native cavalry of the French
army in Algeria.
The men dress in Arab costume, with the white turban on their heads, a
short red jacket, and baggy blue Turkish breeches with boots of red
morocco leather. They also wear a huge red cloak in cold weather.
[Illustration: ASPAHI, OR NATIVE CAVALRYMAN OF THE FRENCH ARMY IN
ALGERIA.]
They are mounted on small grey Arab horses, and sit in a very
high-peaked saddle, and the horses all wear blinkers. Altogether they
make very picturesque soldiers, and at the same time are good riders
and brave fighters.
* * * * *