TRANSACTIONS OF SECTION D. DEPT. ANTHROPOLOGY. 403 



remnants of the Shaman faith. Although superficially decidedly more savage 

 than the tribes to the north and north-east, many of the fine qualities of the un- 

 sophisticated primitive life of the Turkish race are retained by them. 



As to their number, it is believed that the figure of 1 ,000,000 is more likely to 

 be increased than diminished by any statistics possible. The Tekehs are now the 

 most numerous, and next to them the combined Yomuts of Khiva and on the 

 Gcirgan. Those of the ancient tribes who from their position first came in contact 

 with the political movement from Turan to Iran, were the first to diminish ; and 

 the Tekehs, heretofore sheltered by Persian anarchy, will now probably share the 

 same fate under the Russian supremacy. They have always been fierce soldiers 

 and dauntless adventurers. 



Nothing can exceed the sterility and nakedness of the Turcoman steppes (Kara 

 Kum, Ust-yust, Kizil-kuni, &c), which serve only as a temporary abode to the 

 Ivazaks, but are often used from necessity as a home by the Turcomans The 

 Yomuts in the south of Khiva have adopted a half settled life, tilling the soil and 

 attending much to irrigation. They would do so still more, if not too severely taxed 

 by the Khans of Khiva. Similar but weightier exactions have prevented the 

 Tekehs and other tribes from settling on the Atreck, and in similar localities suitable 

 for agriculture, and have given rise to devastating inroads by the Persians, repaid 

 by foraging and plundering expeditions called Alaman. 'But as the Kazaks, 

 formerly man-stealers and robbers, now permit unmolested intercourse to a certain 

 extent, there is no reason why the Turcomans, if properly met, should not also 

 abandon their cruel and plundering habits, especially as they still retain a rigid 

 observance of their plighted word. They also show family love, respect femafes, 

 practise hospitality, and have an ineradicable love of independence. 



In considering the question of the difficulty of the roads from the Caspian to 

 Merv, Professor Vambery is of opinion that the Turcomans will not be so easy for 

 the Russians to deal with as the Kazaks and Karchalpaks, though it required more 

 than a century before these were brought under subjection. The Tekehs, whose 

 country is now desired, are not only the most numerous but the most warlike of 

 the tribes ; and unless Russia has made up her mind for a war of extermination, 

 the expenses of the present and any future campaign will be entirely thrown away! 

 A peaceful solution of the question, whereby the Turcomans would have their 

 independence secured as against Russia and Persia, would appear more satisfactory 

 and feasible than the use of force. 



