Now you encounter the carcass of a horse that has fallen by the wayside, and watch the dogs and the steppe eagles fighting over their prey; and if you are murderously inclined you may take a shot with your revolver at these great birds, for they are ignorantly brave, and will sometimes allow you to approach within twenty or thirty yards.

At last you perceive--most pleasant sight of all--a group of haystack-shaped tents in the distance; and you hurry on to enjoy the grateful shade, and quench your thirst with "deep, deep draughts" of refreshing kumyss.
During my journey through the Kirghiz country I was accompanied by a Russian gentleman, who had provided himself with a circular letter from the hereditary chieftain of the Horde, a personage who rejoiced in the imposing name of Genghis Khan,* and claimed to be a descendant of the great Mongol conqueror.

This document assured us a good reception in the aouls through which we passed.

Every Kirghis who saw it treated it with profound respect, and professed to put all his goods and chattels at our service.

But in spite of this powerful recommendation we met with none of the friendly cordiality and communicativeness which I had found among the Bashkirs.