THE MONGOL-TARTAR FAMILY. 41 



Siberia, Their features partake most of the Kalmouk character, although their 

 language is a Tartar dialect. They have few wants, are dull, indifferent, inoffen- 

 sive and honest. Unlike the neighboring hordes, they were never known to 

 combine for predatory purposes. 



The Kirgmians^ although their language is Tartar, have the strong Mongol 

 features, with a sharp and fierce look, indicative of their real character. They are 

 proverbially fickle, undertaking the rashest and most contradictory measures, one 

 moment revolting, the next returning to obedience. In spite of treaties and 

 largesses, they cannot forego their characteristic love of plunder on every occasion 

 that offers; and after having oppressed all the barbarous nations around them, they 

 have in turn become the tributary vassals of Russia.* 



Beside the Mongul and Tartar hordes already enumerated, there are many 

 others that are so evidently a mixture of both, that they cannot justly be classed 

 with either. Such are the Tchoulmins, between the upper parts of the Ob and 

 Yenisei ; a people, fickle and ambulatory in their habits, yet docile and readily 

 instructed. 



The Yakuts, persecuted by the Burats, fled to the north from the Sayan 

 mountains, and now dwell on the shores of the Lena, in the government of 

 Irkutsk. It is rare to see either short or tall persons among them, and in feature, 

 as in language, they are both Mongols and Tartars. They are slow, kind and 

 honest, and derive their chief subsistence from their herds. The Yakuts have 

 been placed by some writers as a horde of the Polar race. 



To the north of China, in the province of Kin, live the Maudshurs, one of 

 the most brave and politic of the Tartar nations. Although they do not speak 

 the Tartar language, they are in all other respects, in manners, customs and 

 personal appearance, a cognate branch of that people. They invaded China in the 

 17th century, effected a complete conquest and placed on the throne a king of 

 their own nation. They have, however, rather adopted than subverted the 

 Chinese government and institutions, and the two nations appear to be now 

 blended in singular harmony. 



To the north and east the Mongol-Tartars gradually mingle with the tribes 

 of the Polar race, until their characters become blended in the Kamstchatkans, 

 the Tungusians, and the inhabitants of the isle of Jezo. 



We may here add a few words respecting the Huns. These people were 

 genuine Mongol-Tartars, whose original seats were west and north of China ; and 



* TooKE, Russia, II, p. 244, 254. 

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