THE PLAINS OF TURKISTAN. 45 



Going down early, we found Dauvergne ready 

 for a start, so, bidding our friends good-bye, we 

 proceeded on our road, following the same nullah 

 as before. As we advanced it opened out, and 

 the hills becoming lower on each side, showed 

 that we were approaching the plains of Turki- 

 stan. Here we had our first experience of the 

 mists of that country, which are frequent during 

 summer. The sun was completely veiled, and 

 for this we were not sorry, as we should other- 

 wise have had a hot march. There was no 

 water, except here and there a stagnant pool, 

 which was so nasty that the ponies even would 

 not touch it, though they had none before start- 

 ing. Turning a corner, we saw what appeared 

 to be a tower looming in the distance ; but on 

 approaching nearer, this proved to be a large 

 poplar - tree, which meant water, and also the 

 end of our day's march, for which we were not 

 sorry, and, distinguishing a grove of poplars and 

 willows with a few huts, like the camel of the 

 desert we quickened our pace, and soon reached 

 the long-wished-for oasis. 



At first the little village appeared to be de- 

 serted, but after poking about we found a native 

 Turki, who told us we were about six miles 



