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113 The masses are frequently fatalistic and superstitious, believing in evil spirits and supernatural beings, whom they call by such names as Moder-i-All, Shishak, Ghul-i-Byaban. They believe that they generally haunt old neglected places, trees, graveyards, river banks, streams and "Byabans" (wilderness), and have the power to injure human beings. Strange stories are often heard of the mischiefs done by these ghosts and apparitions. Round the necks of the newly-born babes various sorts of talismans and amulets are hung with a view to avert evils. While praising any child for any attribute, especially good health, "Nam-i-Khuda" (God's name) must be said at once to avert the evil eye which open praise will beget. The evil eye is also supposed to be possessed by some persons, and God's name must be spoken to keep off its calamitous effect. Some Afghans also claim to predict future events by studying the scapula of a sheep or by opening the Dewan of Hafiz, the well-known Persian poet, at random. The Afghan standard of morality is pretty high. Drinking wine and other intoxicants, prostitution, and gambling are strictly forbidden throughout the country, and defaulters are severely punished. PASTORAL LIFE: The manner of life of the Afghans is by no means uniform throughout the country. A small portion of the population is still leading a sort of nomadic life. The Kochis (as they are called) have no fixed habitat and chiefly live in tents—Ghizhdi. These tents are made of extended lattice work, covered with black felt manufactured from wool, and can be easily taken down, folded up and carried on the backs of the camels and cows. Life is chiefly dependent on the rearing of herds of camels, horses, cattle, sheep and goats. The flocks and