The Great Yulduz Valley. 



that day, it was firm and dry. It is rich in grass of an average 

 height of nearly a foot. A river traverses the length of the 

 valley, fed by numerous small streams coming down from the 

 mountains to north and south. 



I had heard there were a number of Kalmuk auls throughout 

 the valley, but as the population is a floating one no precise 

 estimate of the actual numbers could be ascertained. At the 

 time of my visit there were some 360 auls distributed over the 



MV CAMP IN THE GREAT VULDUZ VAELEY. 



Yulduz, the number of cattle and horses running into many 

 thousands, judging from the immense herds I saw during my 

 stay there. 



Far away across the plain in a north-westerly direction I noted 

 some faint specks which, on examination through the glasses, 

 proved to be Kalmuk auls, or felt tents, surrounded by herds of 

 horses and cattle. I accordingly moved in their direction over 



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