122 MILITARY COMMI.SSION TO EUROPE. 



carried in a water-proof gnu case, with a separate sling, over the right shonhler, mnzzle up, 

 barrel against the back ; this case opens by a slit under the stock, which is closed by straps and 

 buckles; the butt end is sewed up. Cartridge-box carried as for hussars, but contains 40 rounds. 



The sergeants alone carry pistols. 



Cossacks of the guard. — Sabre and scabbard like those of the dragoons, except that there is no 

 giiard, and no bayonet scabbard. Sabre belt like that of hussars. Musket like that of dragoons, 

 but no bayonet. Cartridge-box like that of dragoons. Lance lOA feet long, witliout pennon ; 

 instead of having a lance bucket attached to the stirrup, a leather strap is fastened to the butt 

 of tlie lance, and the foot run through the loop before placing it in the stirruii. Each man also 

 carries a pistol on his waist belt. 



Cossacks of the line of the Caucasus. — Sabre and scabbard as for the Cossacks of the guard ; 

 sabre belt like that of the dragoons. A long musket slung over the shoulder ; cartridge box as 

 for Cossacks of the guard ; pipes for ten or twelve cartridges sewed on the breast of the coat. 

 Two or more i^istols, on waist belt, and in holsters. A long, broad poniard. No lances. 



Tscherkesses. — Armed as Cossacks of the line of the Caucasus. The ofBcers carry bows and 

 arrows, to enable them to cut off sentinels without creating an alarm. 



Other Cossacks. — Usually armed with lance, sabre, and pistol. About ten men in every 

 squadron carry muskets ; in some cases all the men have muskets. 



Mussulmen of the guard. — Armed in the oriental style. 



All the irregular cavalry carry their arms very close to the body, and so arranged as to make 

 the least possible noise. 



Mounted gendarmes.- — Sabre and belt like those of hussars. Dragoon musket ; bayonet scab- 

 bard on the waist belt ; cartridge box on a shoulder belt. Pistol carried either on the saddle or 

 waist Jjelt. 



Officers wear a sabre similar to that of their men. 



HORSES, AND THE MANNER OF PURCHASING THEM. 



In each regiment of cavalry, and battery of artillery, the horses are all of the same color. 



The Russian cavalry is, probably, the best mounted in Europe, certainly the best on the con- 

 tinent. The English heavy cavalry horses may be somewhat better, but they have nothing for 

 light cavalry to compare with the mass of the Russian animals for that purpose. The heavy 

 cavalry horses are mostly purchased in the provinces of Tamboff and Woronege, at an average 

 price of $90 each. 



The light cavalry horses are obtained from the Ukraine and the Steppes, at an average price 

 of $45. 



The artillery horses are bought in all parts of the empire, at about the same rate as those for 

 the light cavalry. 



There are no slaras (breeding studs) for the general service of the army. There is a commis- 

 sion charged witli the general direction of the purchase, inspection, and distribution of remount 

 horses. 



They, if necessary, establish sub-commissions, in convenient localities. The horses are piir- 

 chased by cavalry officers detailed for the purpose, and are then, if practicable, inspected by the 

 commission, or one of the sub-commissions. Having passed the inspection, they are distributed 

 among the regiments, at the rate, in time of peace, of about 150 per regiment each year. The 

 colonel of the regitaent then distributes them among the squadrons, where they are broken in 



