DTCHTAU AND KOSCHTAXTAU. 413 



water by the meltings of the beds of snow which still lay 

 in the hollows. Part of our time was occupied by a grand 

 council on our future plans, and especially on the expediency 

 of attempting the ascent of either of the great peaks. 

 Dychtau looked on this side absolutely inaccessible, and the 

 chances of success in any attack on the still loftier EToschtan- 

 tau appeared so slight that we determined to leave him 

 alone also. The base of the mountain was a day's march 

 distant over the glacier, and the difficulties offered by the 

 final peak were such as would require a strong party of step- 

 cutters to overcome, if they were not altogether insuper- 

 able. No help could be expected from any of our native 

 companions, and we did not wish to mar the success of our 

 journey by undertaking an expedition leading to almost 

 certain failure. The second and third summits in the 

 Caucasus and Europe are, therefore, still not only unsealed 

 but unattempted peaks. We strongly advise any moun- 

 taineer who may think of assaulting them, to go first to 

 the Bezeenghe valley and inspect their western flanks, 

 which may possibly prove less formidable than the defences 

 on this side. Having decided that our best plan was to 

 cross the Stuleveesk Pass while the fine weather lasted, 

 we returned rapidly to our camp, where we found Paul 

 and the horsemen getting on very well together. During 

 our absence a hunter had brought a bouquetin, of which 

 Paul had bought a portion, which he was busily preparing 

 for our dinner. His companions had got a lamb from the 

 shepherds, and were also making ready a feast after their 

 ovni fashion. Paul's exertions produced a capital meal, 

 and, cheered by the fineness of the evening, we looked 

 forward with pleasure to the pass to be accomplished next 

 day. 



August ISth. — When the time came for arranging the 

 baggage for a start, a very unexpected difficulty arose with 



