SHEEP TRACKS 



197 



ground like rows of disjointed fingers, between which 

 lay scattered everywhere rough heaps of porous 

 stones and sharp debris of old lava. There were 

 no more signs of grass or vegetation whatever in 

 this place of dark desolation. In addition to this 

 a heavy mist came on unexpectedly, preventing us 



KEEPING OFF MOSQUITOES (VEKSHINA CAMP). 



from proceeding further. It was not until a whole 

 hour had elapsed that we were able to resume our 

 course over the broken ground, peeping here and 

 there through the small gaps into the deep corries 

 below. We passed along numerous paths of sheep, 

 which to judge by the tracks seemed to frequent these 

 places in preference to the lower pastures, and whose 

 habits, in this regard, resembled those of ibex. 



