The Persians move with the times, and understand Western modes of showing respect; yet I heard it said by a local light that it was a breach of good taste to salute the Shah by lifting the hat, and that it offended Mohammedan notions of propriety to remove the head-covering in society.
Accordingly, I once saw some European gentlemen wearing their hats in the reception-room of one of the Shah's Ministers; but on observing others who were known to be well acquainted with Persian feeling entering with hat in hand, they, who were under the guidance of a 'dragoman', adopted the European custom.

In Fraser's 'Persia', we are told that when Shah Abbas the Great received Sir Dodmore Cotton, Ambassador from James I., his Majesty, 'being desirous of pleasing his guests, drank to the health of the King of England.

At the name of his Sovereign the Ambassador stood up and took off his hat.

Abbas smiled, and likewise raised his turban in token of respect.' [Illustration: PERSIAN LADY AT HOME.] The farming system which is applied to the Customs in Persia continues to cause considerable loss to the State.

An extension of the same direct control as is exercised in the Telegraph Department would show most favourable results.