PREFACE. Vll 



the Caucasian region may raise a wish to learn 

 more of its inhabitants. 



The Map of the Central Caucasus is reduced from 

 the Five Verst Map, executed by the Eussian Topo- 

 graphical Department at Tiflis, with many corrections 

 suggested by our own experience. The illustrations 

 are derived from various sources ; some liave been 

 engraved from paintings by a Russian artist resident 

 at Tiflis, others are from photographs or pencil-sketches. 

 Two of the smaller plates are borrowed from a privately- 

 printed work of Herr Eadde, our numerous obliga- 

 tions to whom I gladly take this opportunity of 

 acknowledging. 



I owe my best thanks to Mr. Edward Whymper 

 for the skill he has shown in dealing with the rough 

 materials placed at his disposal, a task for which his 

 well-known knowledge of mountain scenery eminently 

 qualified him. I have also to thank Mr. Weller for 

 the care he has taken to make the maps accurate and 

 intellimble. 



o 



I cannot conclude these few words of preface with- 

 out bearing grateftd witness to the constant encourage- 

 ment, and very important aid, which I have received 

 from my companions, Mr. A. W. Moore and Mr. C. C. 

 Tucker, in the preparation of the volume now sub- 

 mitted to the public. 



