May 28, I860.] RUSSIA. 199 



extensive depression or valley, supposed to have been formed by tlie 

 disjunction of the Black and Caspian Seas on the upheaval of the 

 Caucasian chain, runs along the isthmus betv^reen the Azof and 

 Caspian. Two distinct streams, severally called the Eastern and 

 Western Manych, occur in this valley. Their water-parting is 

 formed by the anticlinal axis of the country, at about 170 miles west 

 of the Caspian, and which rises to an elevation of 107 feet above 

 the Caspian and 23 feet above the Euxine. 



The river Kalans, coming down from the lower range of the 

 Caucasus, disembogues a little to the west of this watershed into the 

 Manych valley, and its waters principally flow off to the Eastern 

 Manych, causing a very rapid current. 



In spring, the Eastern and Western Manych are united at their 

 sources by a shallow lake, called Shara-Hulusun ; but this lake is 

 not even navigable by boats. It is at this spot that Dr. Bergstriisser 

 suggests the construction of an immense reservoir or lock. The 

 Eastern Manych flows on within 47 miles of the Caspian, occasion- 

 ally spreading out in shallow inundations and lakes ; and in spring 

 and autumn its waters find their way to the Caspian, in conjunction 

 with those of the Kuma.* It terminates in a lake which was once 

 apparently connected with the Caspian, for a river-bed, in some 

 parts filled with drifted sand, extends from it towards the sea, and 

 ihe waters of the Caspian still ascend it for a certain distance on 

 the prevalence of south-easterly winds. Dr. Bergstrasser considers 

 that this river-bed might be cleared at a very small expense, and 

 that, by removing the artificial obstructions by which a great por- 

 tion of the Kuma and Manych waters is now deflected towards the 

 pasturages of wandering tribes, and by collecting those waters within 

 a single bed of no very great breadth, a navigable stream will be 

 easily produced, available for steamers and vessels of war. 



Before I quit this subject, let me express the regret with which 

 we have heard of Mr. Lamansky's resignation of office as Secretary of 

 the Imperial Geographical Society of Eussia. The science we pur- 

 sue, owes much to the indefatigable exertions of that gentleman, and 

 is especially indebted to him for much valuable assistance and co- 

 operation. Mr, Theodore Thorner has been elected in his stead, and 

 will doubtless prove a very worthy successor. 



* The -vrestern Manych was navigated in 1859 by a boat-party from its water- 

 parting to the Sea of Azof. An account of this voyage is given in a Memoir by 

 Dr. Bergstrasser, who urges a further scientific survey of the Manych valley. See 

 'Morskoi Sbornik' for October, 1859. 



