CHAPTER XXIIL 



CIRC Assi A — CO 71 tin ued. 



On the sale of Circassian females, and extenuating circumstances. 

 — Their character. — An exploring trip premeditated. — The 

 start. — A Russian fort. — Bustard-shooting. — Forest scenery. 

 — Difficulties en route. — Trout-fishing. — Mosquitoes. — A 

 lovely valley. — Wild-cattle hunt. — An awkward predicament. 

 — A bull and cow slain. — Mode of preserving the flesh.— More 

 game afoot. — The ascent of the first range. — Mountain scen- 

 ery. — Mount El-Bruz in the distance. — Difficult travelling. — 

 A bear started. — A long shot. — Strange feelings. — A frightful 

 chasm, and exciting moment. — Journey along the ridge. — 

 The descent. — Wolves. — A Circassian hamlet. — Hospitality. 

 — A noble race. — A Durbar, and the result of our consulta- 

 tion. 



A.MONGST the various localities to which erratic fate 

 has directed my steps, there are few that have so 

 many agreeable souvenirs associated in my recollec- 

 tion as Circassia ; and I wonder that more travellers 

 and sportsmen do not turn their wanderings towards 

 a country which, although pre-eminent throughout 

 the world for magnificence of scenery, is yet a terra 

 incognita. In these days of steam and rail, it were 

 an easy matter for the lover of the picturesque, or 



