of the Old World. 407 



CHAPTER XXIII. 



CIRCASSIA. continued. 



On the sale of Circassian females, and extenuating circumstances. 

 Their character. An exploring trip premeditated. The 

 start. A Russian fort. Bustard-shooting. Forest scenery. 

 Difficulties en route. Trout-fishing. Mosquitoes. A lovely 

 valley. Wild-cattle hunt. An awkward predicament. A 

 bull and cow slain. Mode of preserving the flesh. More 

 game afoot. The ascent of the first range. Mountain scenery. 

 Mount El-Bruz in the distance. Difficult travelling. A 

 bear started. A long shot. Strange feelings. A frightful 

 chasm, and exciting moment. Journey along the ridge. The 

 descent. Wolves. A Circassian hamlet. Hospitality. A 

 noble race. A Durbar, and the result of our consultation. 



A MONGST the various localities to which erratic 

 -*- fate has directed my steps, there are few that 

 have so many agreeable souvenirs associated in my 

 recollection as Circassia ; and I wonder that more 

 travellers and sportsmen do not turn their wander- 

 ings towards a country which although pre-eminent 

 throughout the world for magnificence of scenery, is 

 yet a terra incognita. In these days of steam and rail, 

 it were an easy matter for the lover of the pictu- 



