324 TEAVEL, ADVENTURE, AND SPOET. 



Karachai, although the distance is not very great, 

 occupies about a week, in consequence of the im- 

 practicable nature of the road : during the few 

 summer months, however, it is reported to be free 

 from snow. 



A convulsion of nature, more remarkable for its 

 violence than any we had as yet observed, marks the 

 western limit of Abkhasia. At this point the moun- 

 tains come precipitously down to the sea, and are 

 cleft by a gorge so long, and deep, and narrow, that 

 it looks like a sharp cut from some gigantic sword. 

 There are tall poplars growing in this pent-up Valley 

 of Gagra, but the sun rarely glints through their top- 

 most leaves ; and a stream which, issuing from its 

 gloomy recesses, only sparkles for an instant in the 

 light of day as it crosses the narrow beach, and then 

 loses itself in the sea. At this point has been built 

 the massive Fort of Gagra, to guard the only entrance 

 into Circassia which exists in this direction. It is 

 considered the most disagreeable station on the coast 

 by the unfortunate Russian soldiers, who are doomed 

 to a choice of such evils. Completely shut in by the 

 rocks which form the sides of the gorge, not a breath 

 of air ever circulates through their wretched quarters. 

 Unable to venture beyond the walls of the fort, they 

 are limited to a few yards of shingle for exercise. 

 Before them is the endless breaking sea ; behind them 

 the enormous chasm, into which they dare not enter, 

 and into whose black mysteries their curious eyes 



