656 Memoir on Chinese Tartary and Khoten. [Dbc. 



Yengi Hissar. — On the road, about half-way between Ydrkand 

 and Kashgar, lies the town of Yengi Hissar, which is famous for its 

 dancing girls and musicians, who are Musalmans, and resemble those 

 of India. 



Auksu. — Auksu is north-east from Ydrkand, and distant about 

 20 days' caravan travelling. This town is represented as a very 

 nourishing place, and a great commercial mart for the products of 

 China and Russian Tartary. It is the residence of a hakim, named 

 Ahmkd, son of Oozak, whose authority is distinct from that of the 

 other chiefs. He is an Usbek, and lower in rank than the Waug 

 of Ydrkand ; and, in like manner, subordinate to the Chinese Urabaun. 

 The number of Chinese troops in Auksu is 2000. The silver coin 

 called Tankeh, the current money of the province, is struck at this 

 place. 



Eela, or Gouldja. — The town of Eela, which is also called Gouldja, 

 is situated north of Auksu, distant 25 or 30 days' journey ; but it 

 may be reached in 20 by quick travelling. From Ydrkand to Eela, 

 the distance is greater, and ordinarily, a journey of 40 days. To 

 this place, as also to Yessik and Kouche, the Emperor of China 

 banishes criminals of magnitude, for three, five, seven years, or for 

 life. Owing to the fertility of the surrounding country, fruit and 

 grain are very cheap at Eela ; and good horses, sheep, and dumbas, 

 may be had at very moderate prices. It is at this place, and the 

 neighbouring country, that great numbers of the Kalmuks, or Eleuth 

 hordes, have been located by the Chinese government. The climate 

 is said generally to prove fatal to foreigners. 



Kouche. — Kouche is situated north-west of Auksu, and south of 

 Eela, at a distance of 40 days' journey from Ydrkand, and about 

 three months' journey from the Russian frontier. The population of 

 Kouche consists chiefly of Kalmuks. The principal people of substance 

 reside in the city, and the poorer classes in tents on the plains. 

 These generally follow pastoral pursuits, and have numerous herds of 



cattle. 



Ooch Turfdn and Koneh Turfdn. — There are two towns called 

 Turfdn : one Ooch Turfdn, which is only two days' journey from 

 Ydrkand and Auksd ; the other Koneh Turfdn, culled also Hami, 

 which is at a distance of two months journey from those places. 

 Koneh Turfdn is a very ancient city ; and remarkable for the fine 

 grapes which are there produced. 



Lopp. — Lopp is situated at a great distance from Ydrkand. The 

 inhabitants are principally Chinese ; but few Usbeks reside there. 

 Lopp is remarkable for a salt-water lake in its vicinity. 



