of the Old World. 409 



wondered at that the inhabitants are willing to dispose 

 of their extra produce, not required for home con- 

 sumption, to the Turks ; who make good husbands, 

 are of the same faith, and much akin in habits and 

 manners. The custom of admitting foreigners and 

 prisoners of war into the tribes, was doubtlessly 

 adopted in order to make up for the loss of men killed 

 in battle, and not from any great partiality towards 

 strangers. During my sojourn in the country to 

 which time my mind often reverts as being the 

 happiest of my life I found that, among these un- 

 sophisticated people, the possession of large hoards of 

 the "yellow metal" does not constitute the value of 

 the man ; and the most beautiful maidens of the world 

 estimate their lovers' worth by the qualities they dis- 

 play not their possessions. There, a bold spirit, a 

 cool head in the time of danger, a good shot, a skilful 

 horseman, and a strong arm that can defend his 

 own, is looked upon as a rich man and a suitable 

 "partie;" if, withal, he possesses a kind heart, 

 nothing more is required to make a home happy in 

 Circassia. But, Heigh Allah ! I must check myself 

 upon such subjects, and put the curb upon my pen, 

 or it will run upon other reminiscences of the past than 

 those connected with " The Hunting Grounds." 



I had passed many happy days in the konac of the 

 Bey and amongst other friendly tribes, when one 

 afternoon, as I was returning from a successful deer- 



