136 SAVAGE SVANETIA. 



game within the little rifle's range would ere 

 long alter their opinions. 



One custom about this primitive court 

 struck Frank and myself as full of a provident 

 care for the wants of frail human nature. 

 Two tall fellows, in rough goatskin garments, 

 with peculiarly prominent tails to them, 

 followed the prince indefatigably wherever he 

 went, and one bore in his hand a bottle of red 

 wine and a tumbler, while the other carried 

 all the material necessary for the making and 

 li o^htin o^ of cigarettes . These two court officers , 

 held no sinecure, ought not to be abolished, 

 and deserved their salary. I feel pretty sure 

 these officers will not be considered unneces- 

 sary during the present prince's lifetime. 



In the intervals of our shooting match the 

 bearers of presents were received and dis- 

 missed ; once or twice people arrived who 

 had causes of complaint against each other, 

 and when this was the case their dispute was 



