STEPPES OF ASIA. 63 



single refreshing cloud appears in the heavens; while, on the 

 other hand, the cold in winter is intense, the thermometer 

 being then as many degrees below the freezing point; and 

 this is felt the more because no mountains intervene to keep 

 off the cold air from the east, which comes from the lofty, ice- 

 covered Mongolia in an irresistible stream. 



ESTHER. 



Do many animals inhabit these deserts'? 



MRS. F. 



Wild horses, antelopes, foxes, and wolves are its chief oc- 

 cupants. Serpents and lizards are very common, and so is 

 the locust, which devastates whole provinces. Scorpions are 

 local, but the tarantula, and the still more poisonous scorpion 

 spider, which the Calmucs call the black widow, are every 

 where to be met with, and to be dreaded. 



MARY. 

 Are there steppes in any other part of the world ? 



MRS. F. 



Yes, in all; and if you will remind me, another time, I 

 will give you some account of them. At present, we must 

 direct our attention to the flowers around us; and let us follow 

 Mrs, Clifford into the hot-house. 



