80 THE TARTAR-XOGAIS. 



The first tribe which we encounter on the shores of the Sea of 

 Azov and the Black Sea is that of the Tartar-Nogais, who formerly 

 lived north-east of the Caspian. " Pressed by the Kalmuks, or 

 Mougolic tribe, the Nogais advanced westward as far as Astrachan. 

 Peter I. transferred them thence to the north of the Caucasian moun- 

 tains, where they still graze their flocks on the shores of the Kuban 

 and the Kuma." Of late years, however, they have begun to settle 

 themselves in permanent habitations, owing to the exertions of a 

 French emigre, Count Maison, who was appointed their governor 

 in 1808. 



They now occupy (according to Madame Hominaire de Hell) all 

 the territory comprised between the Sea of Azov and the river of 

 Malochnia-Vodi. They number about 32,000 souls, spread over 

 seventy villages. Their huts are small, with a roof constructed of 

 beams of timber, covered with reeds, which are afterwards loaded 

 with clay and ashes. They occupy themselves wholly in rearing 

 horses and cattle. The horses of the Kalm ilk-Kirghiz breed are of 

 moderate stature, but nimble and robust. All the year round they 

 roam across the plains, and in winter seek their provender beneath 

 the snow. The horned cattle are small and puny, the cows yield but 

 a poor supply of milk, and are of scarcely any value. 



The aged Nogais shave the hair entirely off; the young people 

 preserve a single tuft on the top of the head. This custom compels 

 them to wear constantly a bonnet of wool or lamb's skin. A short 

 caftan over a shirt of cotton or woollen, bound round the waist by a 

 leather belt ; loose, wide trousers ; in winter a pelisse of sheep's skin 

 and a kind of hood enveloping the head and shoulders, compose the 

 dress of the males. As for the women, they wear above the chemise 

 a caftan of cloth, girded about the form by a large belt ornamented 

 with great metal buckles ; they likewise figure in Turkish trousers 

 and slippers, with a long white veil fastened round the head, and 

 allowed to fall upon the shoulders ; small silver rings adorn the 

 fingers and the nose ; heavy ear-drops hang from their ears, the two 

 being frequently linked together by a chain passing under the chin. 



