;s the Roof of the World. 



otherwise unable to find sufficient nourishment for their needs. 

 The presence of this fatty appendage imparts a curious aspect 

 to the sheep, more especially when running, since it has a 

 " wobbly " motion preventing rapid movement. 



The habitations of the Kirghiz are the " yurts," or " khirgas," 

 constructed of felt on a circular wooden framework, with an 

 opening at the top to let out smoke from the fire lighted in the 

 centre. The inside is carpeted with rugs and numdahs, and, in 

 the case of the wealthier Kirghiz, is hung with embroidered cloths 

 and coverings, imparting a pleasing and artistic effect. 



A RmiNG YAK. 



The fuel in use on the Pamirs is yak or camel dung, which 

 emits a pungent but not an offensive odour. There is another form 

 of fuel known as " burtsa," a stunted scrub, the roots of which 

 are inflammable and make quite a good substitute for wood. 

 It is found in quantities along the valleys and collected by the 

 Kirghiz for winter use. 



The main articles of diet of the nomads comprise milk and 

 mutton, while their chief beast of burden is the yak, an animal 

 able to live at great elevations and endure intense cold but who 



60 



