Mr St John 07i the Mongols, 265 



One of the peculiarities of a Mongolian landscape is, that 

 almost every considerable eminence is surmounted by an obo 

 or altar, consisting either of a heap of stones, a mound of 

 earth or sand, or a construction of wood, generally of colossal 

 dimensions. These altars are raised under the direction of a 

 Lama, with many solemn ceremonies, and are constantly visited 

 for the purpose of prayer, or the presentation of offering. 

 Every passer by alights from his horse, places himself south of 

 the obo, with his face to the north, makes several prostrations; 

 and, having breathed his humble supplication, and deposited 

 his gift, rides away, satisfied with the performance of his duty. 

 Tufts of horse-hair are the most frequent offerings, the object 

 of which is generally the preservation of the pastoral riches of 

 the Nomades. Similar ceremonies, with a similar object, are 

 performed by the Yakoutes, in the worship of the Spirit of the 

 Woods. 



The climate of Mongolia is generally cold, but in some 

 places, and at certain times, the heat is excessive. Kiakhta 

 itself is 2400 feet above the level of the sea, consequently, 

 higher than all the towns of the Hartz and Swiss Alps ; and 

 there is a continual rise from this place to Urga. 



It is well known, that Mongolia is politically divided into 

 several principalities, each recognizing the sovereignty of the 

 emperor of China. This is not the place to enter into any de- 

 tail on the arrangements by which government is carried on. 

 I can only say, that they ensure the complete subjection of the 

 Mongols ; and that even the Chinese themselves now feel that 

 their Great Wall is superfluous. Previous to the annexation 

 of Mongolia, this stupendous fortification seemed always in a 

 state of siege, so numerous were the soldiers that passed to 

 and fro along it. It now winds its deserted line along the 

 valleys, up the sides and over the crests of the mountains, like 

 a railway started without sufficient capital to keep it open. 



The Lamaic religion is one of the chief instruments for 

 keeping the population in order. Its own natural influence 

 is to render the people who profess it mild and gentle ; but 

 its ministers are, besides, under the complete control of the 

 celestial emperor, who even directs the inspiration of the 

 Kootooktoo, or Pope of Mongolia. 



