CH A P T E R X V I I .
TARANCH1 KULDJA, AND THE VA LLE Y EASTWARDS. ^ I
Taranchi, Chinese, and Sart b a za a r s .-C h a ra c te r of trade, prices,
and coins.— Native re s tau ran ts .-K u ld ja imports and exports.
- Industrial b u ild in g s -V is it to a Kalmuk ten t.-Exploration
of Kalmuk camping-grounds.— Colonel Prejevals y s jou
to Lob Nor.— SevertsofE’ s description of mountain sheep.
Alpheraky’ s journey, and collection of Lepidoptera.— English
butterflies in K u ld ja .-R u s s ian and English explorers of the | J
Ili valley . • •
CH A P T E R X V I I I .
FROM KULDJA TO A L T YN-1MMEL.
Proposed return by w a te r .-A ttem p ted steam navigation of the Ili
and Balkhash.— A visit to Colonel Mayevsky.— Native pre
ference for Russian rule, and w h y .-K u ld ja restored to China.
-Em ig ra tio n of natives into Russian te r r ito r y -O u r departure
from K uldja.— Destruction o f cattle by beasts of prey. Suldu .
8 1 1 1 Classes of Ch inese.-Interview with Chinese Governor-
General. — Refreshments followed by questions. Opium
smoking.— A Chinese artist.— Governor-General s present. ^ I
A messenger awaiting us at Borokhudzir - • • • 25' |
CH A P T E R X IX .
FROM ALTYN-IMMEL TO VIERNY.
Route over Chulak h i l l .^ T h e
mountains.— View from the steppe. — Ala-Tau passes.
Telanash plateau. - Fort Vernoe; its site, climate and
disea se s— Appearance of town and h ou se s .-D iv e r s ity of
population ; « c e s and classes.-Introduction to
— Poor hotel.— Mercantile acquaintances and sale of bcrip
tures.— Market prices and local industries.-Scnptures for
prisons and h o sp ita ls .-T ow n s ch o o ls .-V is it to A rch b ish o p .- .■
Need of Scriptures and tracts in the vernacular . - • I
CH A P T E R X X .
THE RUSSIAN OCCUPATION OF SEMI RE CHI A .
Russians on the Irtish not troubled a t first by K irgh e s e .-K irg h e s e
occupation of Sungaria and submission to Russians. Con
ciliation and trade at Semipolatinsk.— Suppression of Kirghese
robbers and annexation of the steppe.— Pioneers into Central
A s ia -F o u n d a t io n of Sergiopol followed by scientific discovery
-Su bmission of Great Horde and foundation of Kopal.
— Opening up to trade of the Ili valley.— Atkinson’ s travels.—
Russian advance to Trans-Ili region.— Progress of trade and
Russian administration.— Colonization of Semirechia.— Exploration
of the Thian Shan, aided by feuds of the Kirghese.—
Consolidation of Russian administration.— W a r with the
Khokandians . . . . . . . , . . 283
CH A P T E R X X I .
T H E K I R G H E S E .
Resemblance of Kirghese nomads to Hebrew patriarchs.— Primeval
I character of the steppe.— Existence there of Biblical customs :
I whence came they ?— Authorities on the Kirghese.— Etymology
I of name.'— Their sub-divisions, habitat, and numbers.— Origin
■ of Kara-Kirghese and Kirghese Ka za k s .— Appearance of
I Kirghese : their physique, diseases, disposition, and character.
■ — Their conscientiousness concerning an oath..—Their distri-
■ button, ranks, and governing authorities.— Kirghese habitations
■ and tombs.SDresses, ornaments, and weapons . . . 299
CH A P T E R X X I I .
THE KIRGHESE (Continued).
Settled agricultural Kirghese.— Semi-Nomads.— Nomad K irgh e se :
■ their cattle, sheep, and go a ts.— Losses from joott storms, and
■ murrain.— Changing pasture, when and how conducted.—
I Stationary pastoral life.— Polygamy.— Kirghese betrothal.—
B The Kalim and presents, with rules pertainingj§|-Marriage
■ ceremonies.— The bride’ s departure.— Kirghese' marriage, a
I civil contract.— Dissolvable by separation or divorce, with laws
■ concerning each.—-Marriage with deceased brother’s widow.—
■ Laws Concerning inheritance.^-Illustrations of Hebrew pastoral
■ life, and suggested source of Kirghese customs - . . *314
CH A P T E R X X I I I .
THE KIRGHESE (Concluded).
Visit to Kirghese at Suigati.— Their tents.—-A Kirghese memorial.
H —Milk and other beverages, with flour food.— A mutton feast.
■ Kirghese politeness, and right of precedence.— Connubial
■arrangements.— Myself questioning and questioned.— Kirghese
■ poetry and songs.— Their religion: Muhammadan, Pagan, or
■ Manichean?— Kirghese registered as Muhammadans.— New
■Testaments accepted.— Conversation upon the state after
■death. Influence of the m ullahs.— Kirghese election o f judicial
■ officers. Native courts and fines.— Judgment and ju d g e s .—
■Election of a volost chief.— Laws concerning assault.—A fight
■ quelled ,
■ • 333
I VOL. I. z