872 
Photo by Elizabeth H. Brewer 
PIGEON CONE NEAR URGUB 
seen the desert, yet I fancy this was not 
unlike it, only smaller in extent. Be- 
cause the plain seems to lengthen as one 
goes, it is called by the Turkish word 
“Yuvash, yuvash” (slow, slow). 
Late in the afternoon we left the plain 
and entered a narrow valley, up over 
stony, uneven paths to a high ridge, 
where below us, on the other side, was 
the little village which was to be our first 
stopping place. It was quite dark when 
we entered, so we attracted little atten- 
tion. The father, who was well ac- 
quainted here, had said we should find 
comfortable rooms. Imagine my dis- 
may when we were taken to a room, 
large enough, it is true, but dark and 
gloomy, with little air, and which would 
have to serve the three of us. I viewed 
the room from all points inside, and also 
from the outside; there was no chance 
for privacy and no other place near safe 
enough for me. 
After our tea and calls from various 
people, we looked at other houses and 
found one with a wide porch having 
three arches. This opened on the road, 
but was too high for any one to get in 
or easily see in. The curtain which I 
always carried, and is, by the way, an 
essential in traveling, was hung from 
one pillar to the house and made me a 
little room at the further end, my com- 
panions having the rest of the porch. 
_ glistening. 
THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE 
There was plenty of fresh 
air, the night was comfort- 
able, and I was perfectly 
safe. 
We were to make an early 
start, so I got up in the dark 
hours. One of the men 
made a fire and prepared 
coffee. After that, however, 
we went back to sleep, and 
it was at least two hours 
later before all were ready. 
These people live by the sun, 
and the muleteers could not 
be induced to start until day- 
light was fully upon us. The 
morning was beautiful. Our 
way wound along through 
the fertile Urgub.Valley. It 
is narrow, with a stream 
flowing through it; the hillsides were 
covered with vineyards full of luxuriant 
fruit. Occasionally we bought a water- 
melon or two (small as muskmelons) for 
our refreshment. As we rode along in 
the sweet morning air all nature was 
charming. 
Soon my attention was attracted by a 
strange rock formation. The rock 
seemed to be worn away in places, leav- 
ing a series of cones very white and 
These were on both sides 
of the valley. Sometimes they were en- 
tirely: free. irom the testy ot eaen noe 
and looked like a forest. ‘They varied 
greatly in size, from 10 to 40 or 50 feet 
in height. Many had openings and 
seemed intended for dwellings. My 
curiosity was aroused, but we could not 
now tarry. 
As we entered Urgub toward noon 
we passed a large irregular cone, 100 or 
200 feet high, with many windows. It 
stood by itself and interested us at once. 
I took a photograph and later intended 
to explore it, but was told that now it is 
only a home for pigeons and cannot be 
visited. 
The sun had grown very hot, ae 
glare from the white houses was trying, 
and I appreciated the hospitality of 
friends, While I rested my companions 
went in search of a guide. 
We were disappointed to find that this 
