88 THE HORSE AND HIS RIDER. 



ground, than of earthy particles raised by the agita- 

 tion of the atmosphere. The slight undulations that 

 occur assume but rarely the character of hills ; but 

 artificial hillocks or tumuli are frequently met with, 

 the origin of which it is impossible to trace through 

 the darkness of bygone ages. The most singular 

 characteristic, however, of the Steppe is, the total 

 absence of trees, on a soil remarkable for its richness, 

 and the luxuriance of its herbage. For hundreds of 

 miles a traveller may proceed in a straight line without 

 encountering even a bush, unless he happens to be 

 acquainted with the few spots known to the Tartar 

 sportsmen, to whom they answer the purpose of game 

 preserves. Countless herds of horned cattle, and wild 

 or half-wild horses, roam over these noble pasture- 

 grounds, on which a calf, born at the foot of the great 

 Chinese wall, might eat his way along until he arrived, 

 a well-fattened ox, on the banks of the Dniestr, pre- 

 pared to figure with advantage at the Odessa market. 

 The poor animals suffer much during the hot and dry 

 summers, when every blade of grass is parched up ; 

 but the careful herdsman who has provided himself 

 with an abundant stock of hay, is able to keep his 

 beasts alive until autumn returns to gladden them with 

 fresh abundance. 



The most pleasing aspect of the Steppe is that 

 presented in spring. In the first week of that season, 

 while as yet the snow has scarcely disappeared from 

 the earth, a luxuriant vegetation springs up, converting 



