1835.] Memoir on Chinese Tartary and Khoten. 657 



Gummi. — Between Ydrkand and Eelchi (in Khoten) is the town 

 of Gummi, the chief of which some time since was Kurban Beg, 

 who was said to be in possession of the stone called " Yedeh Tdsh," 

 (rain-stone,) which, according to popular belief, possesses the extra- 

 ordinary virtue of causing rain to fall, whenever it is placed in sweet 

 water. 



Khoten. — In the country of Khoten are the towns of Karakash, 

 Eelchi, and Kirrea, besides many others of less magnitude. Eelchi 

 was anciently called Khoten, but at present there is no town bearing 

 that name, which is now applied to the whole district, of which 

 Karakash is the capital ; distant about ten or twelve days' journey from 

 Ydrkand. The district is governed by two Chinese Umbauns, or 

 residents, to whom are subordinate two Usbek hdkims ; one in 

 Eelchi, and the other in Kirrea. There is a Chinese regular force 

 of 2000 men stationed in the district ; and the number of subjects 

 paying tribute is estimated at 700,000. The population is chiefly 

 Usbek ; but Kalmuks, or Eleuths, are also settled in large numbers in 

 different parts of the country. The Musalmans are more numerous 

 than the Buddhist idolators. The policy of the Chinese is said to be 

 opposed to the adoption, by any of their nation, of the Muhammedan 

 faith. 



Eelchi. — Eelchi is 12 days' journey from Ydrkand. In this town, 

 and generally in Khoten, there are many Baudh priests and temples. 



Kirrea. — Kirrea is five days' journey on horseback from Eelchi. 

 At this town is a gold mine ; the sand of the river which flows near 

 it is also found to contain that precious metal. Two or three hundred 

 labourers are always employed in the mines, which are said to be 

 very productive. The produce of this mine is monopolized by the 

 Chinese government. 



Revenue and Trade. — The revenues of Khoten are said to exceed 

 those of Ydrkand. A considerable trade is carried on between these 

 places by kafilas, which carry mushroo, satin paper, gold dust, silk, 

 grapes, raisins, and other commodities, to Ydrkand ; whence they 

 bring copper pots, leather, boots, &c. to Khoten. 



Trade of Chinese Tartary. — A very extensive commercial intercourse 

 is also carried on between Ydrkand and the large towns near it, as 

 well as with Kashmir, Badakshan, China, and the Russian territories 

 on the north-western borders of the Chinese empire. 



From Kashmir the natives of that country bring to Ydrkand, 

 shawls, kincdbs, chikun, white piece goods, and leather ; and take 

 back ambd, or pure silver, the wool of the shawl goat, called tibbit, 

 and other articles. 



