v i P R E F A C E ,
anthropology of Turkistan, whilst in historical matters
I have been frequently indebted to the “ History of
the Mongols ” by Mr. Howorth, who, as on a previous
occasion, has given some of my proof-sheets the
benefit of his revision.
I have preferred, however, when possible, to
gather my materials direct from Russian authorities,
and have been able to do so largely, thanks to help
in translation afforded by Messrs. Robert Mich ell
and W. H. Cromie, and by Mesdames Telfer, Bell,
and Romanoff. From one Russian author, Colonel
Kostenko, I have gathered much statistical information,
and with what labour the literature of the
subject has been examined, the preface to my
Bibliography will show. I need only say here that,
when the name of an authority is mentioned, if
the reader wishes for further information, he will be
directed thereto by turning to the alphabetical list
of authors.
The knowledge thus acquired I have arranged
with a view to the requirements of three classes
of readers. The “ general” reader may probably
not care to wade through the notes, nor, indeed, to
read all the chapters. Perhaps, therefore, it may
be of use to point out that the narrative portions
o f the journey, especially in the first volume, will
be found in the chapters with titles indicative of
movement— “ From Such-a-place to Such-a-place” ;
or, as indicated more minutely, in the “ Author’s
Itinerary.”
P R E F A C E . v ii
Readers of the second class have been regarded as
Itudents, who like to know something of the country
traversed, its geography, geology, fauna and flora,
th e characteristics of the people, their govern-
inent, language, and religion. These and similar
topics are touched upon in the notes, and whole
■chapters also are devoted to the political economy of
¡certain provinces, to ethnography, and to historical
Lketches of the Khanates and their conquest by
■Russia.
| There is yet a third class of readers— men of
tcience and specialists — for whom I have en-
Ideavoured to furnish information. I would willingly
¡have seen this department in more competent hands;
Ibut since the greater part of what is known con-
Icerning the fauna and flora of Turkistan is inaccessible
■to the major part of the scientific world, because
■written in Russian, I have added appendices, which
■have been most kindly revised by eminent naturalists,
■both on the Continent and in England. T o the
■former I have expressed my indebtedness further on,
■whilst among the latter my best thanks are due to
■Professor Newton, F.R.S., and Dr. Gunther, F.R.S.,
■for help in treating of vertebrate animals,— Mr.
■Dresser, F.Z.S., also revising the list of birds.
■Entomology has been undertaken by Messrs. Mac-
ILachlan, F .R.S., and W. F. Kirby. In botany I
■have received aid from the Rev. W. W. Tyler; and, in
■matters geological, from Professor Bonney, F.R.S.,
■and Dr. Haughton, F .R .S . My neighbour, Mr.