80 Russian Geographical Operations im Asia. [ No. 2, 
windings, from the south-east to the north-west. The Tchou flows 
in the same direction. Conformably with the general disposition of 
the whole mountain system of this region, these great basins are 
much narrowed towards the east, near Issik Koul, where all the above 
mentioned ramifications of the Tian Chan are concentrated. It must 
be observed, that the predominant direction of these chains of moun- 
tains, not only in this country, but in all mountainous parts of Central 
Asia, is always to the north-east. We now have more accurate data 
concerning the course of the Tchou, especially about its various 
sources, also its relation to the Issik Koul, from which it does not 
take its source, but with which it is connected by its affluent, the 
little river of. Koutemalda. 
The central portion of the basin of the Syr-Daria has been explored 
in detail, and with much success, thanks to the expeditions made 
during many years by Admiral Boutakow, who has quite recently 
communicated to us the general results of his enquiries, but especially 
of his late explorations between Fort Perowsky, and the locality called 
Baildir Tougai. 
It is impossible to set forth here all the accumulated data of these 
countries of Central Asia, but seeing the interest that they excite, we 
must adda few more words about their population. It consists 
chiefly of nomadic Kirghises, and a rather restricted number of 
Khokans. Their mode of life and degree of civilization correspond 
with those of the Kirghises who inhabit the country north of the 
Syr-Daria and the river Tchou. 
Their chief wealth consists in cattle, horses and camels. They 
also cultivate their land and sow wheat, barley and tobacco. 
After the military expedition of 1862, a great part of these Kirghise 
wanderers, from beyond the Tchou, passed into our territory. 
To retain these tribes in subjection, the Khokans constructed forts, 
called Kourgans, in great numbers. Tho four chief ones were 
Pichpek, Merké, Aouliéta, and Souzak. Aouliéta on the Talas 
(between the valley of the Tchou, and the chain of mountains which 
trend from Issik Koul towards the west) has an important position, 
for it is situated on the grand commercial road from Tachkend and 
Turkestan, towards the fortifications of Vernoi, Kouldja and Sémi- 
palatinsk. It is by this road that the caravans come from the southern 
