THE KIEGHIZ STEI'PE REGION. 85 



even the quota of camels is 15 bead to each 100 inhabitants. This is a direct proof of the 

 fact that the Kirghiz steppe region is preeminently a cattle-rearing country and that only its 

 foothills are capable of affording all the conveniences albeit of, a nan-ovv,yet almost the best 

 area for colonization in all Siberia. And this same area of colonization having already done 

 its service to Russia, as only thanks to its development did the Russians become masters of 

 Turkestan, has even to-day an immense importance for Russia, as the most solid and inde- 

 structible connecting link between the genuine Russian possessions in Siberia and Russia's 

 Turkestan region. 



^♦-~ 



