CHAPTER Y. 



THE ASIATIC PLAINS. 



N describing the characteristics of the European 

 steppes, we have virtually described those of 

 the Asiatic steppes ; for, in truth, they form 

 but one vast region, interrupted by the Ural 

 range, Imt alike in soil, climate, and physical configuration. 

 In the Asiatic, as in the European plains, the struggle be- 

 tween spring and winter is severe and protracted ; for 



" Winter oft at once resumes the breeze, 

 Chills the pale morn, and bids his driving sleets 

 Deform the day, delightless." 



Yet when softer airs arise, and the waters pour off in tor- 

 rents through the channels which they plough in the soft 

 ground, again the glad earth blooms with verdure. The 

 scorching summer sun, however, is not less rigorous in its 

 consequences than the winter cold. In June the steppes 

 are parched ; no shower falls, nor does the welcome dew 

 quench the thirst of the dry-lipped earth. The sun, at its 

 rise and setting, hangs suspended like a disk of fire, and 

 during the day is shrouded in wreaths of mist. In some 

 seasons the drought is excessive, so that an almost impal- 



