CHAPTER XIX 



SPORT IN THE HIGHLANDS OF DZUNGARIA 

 By J. H. Miller 



The middle of June found us once more among the 

 mountains, revelling in the balmy breezes that ruffled 

 the flower-studded grass of the Barlik-Maili Range. Life 

 was again made enjoyable, and we had a further proof 

 of the complex nature of Central Asia, in that, in two 

 short marches we had risen from the enervating, furnace- 

 like heat of the insect-infested plains, to a restful, green 

 land of bubbling brooks and matchless pasture. Wisps 

 of smoke hanging lazily in the air, and the presence of 

 numerous flocks and herds added to the peacefulness 

 of the surroundings, and proclaimed the presence of 

 large Kirei encampments. The Turki words maili (fat) 

 and barlik (everything) give the best idea of how this 

 region appeals to the nomads, for it is indeed a ** fat " 

 land, possessing everything which the heart of a herds- 

 man could desire. 



The chance of procuring specimens of that rare sheep 

 — Ovis sairensis — lured us to this region, but our quest 

 was tantalizing and unsuccessful. The range of this 

 sheep, which was first discovered by Mr. St. George 

 Littledale in the Sair, or Jair, Mountains at the eastern 

 end of the Tarbagatai, and south-east of Lake Zaisan, 



extends southwards through the Urkashar and other 



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