210 CASUALS IN THE CAUCASUS 



down dale, stopping not for brake, staying not for 

 stone. 



The tarantass, christened in smihng sarcasm after 

 the dance, has a trifle more elasticity about it, for 

 several pliant poles run beneath the seat, and [this 

 vehicle accommodates four people at a push, if one 

 sits beside the driver. Sometimes it takes a cover to 

 itself, a hood which comes up from behind, supposedly 

 to give shelter from the dust, which it really attracts 

 like the mouthpiece of a vacuum cleaner. 



The tarantass is more comfortable than the telega, 

 but Russians make nothing of travelling in either, 

 and a case-hardened veteran frequently goes for 

 sixty hours on end, just lying on a little straw placed 

 in the bottom of the six by four " carriage." Everyone 

 looks upon the two hundred and six versts between 

 Tiflis and Vladikavkaz as a mere London to Brighton 

 coaching trip, although a verst equals three-quarters 

 of an English mile. 



The post-carts are supposed to be changed, like the 

 horses, at each fixed stage, a most uncomfortable rule ; 

 for some of the bone-shakers are worse than others, or 

 else it is that we prefer to suffer ills we know of than 

 sample others. With great perseverance, and a firm re- 

 solve to have " Yes " for an answer, it is usually possible 

 for the well-treated foreigner to obtain the concession 

 of a vested interest in a desirable conveyance and 

 continue in the same throughout the journey. A be- 

 sealed document setting forth this boon should be 

 obtained. Posting-house minions are not the most 

 trusting of mortals. 



