86 Russian Geographical Operations in Asia. [No. 2, 
embankments. This splendid water-course, navigable to Fort Djulek 
(the extreme eastern fort on the Syr-Daria line of frontier) which would 
be a picturesque feature in any other place, is surrounded by a bleak 
desert, and is now only occasionally enlivened by migrating hordes of 
Kirghizes, whereas the remains of the ancient towns of Otrar (where 
Tamerlane died) and of Tunent (destroyed by Tamerlane) which were 
seen by Admiral Boutakof, and the traces of a once extensive system 
of irrigation surrounding the ruins of these places, and occurring also 
in many other parts, are evidences of a once numerous, industrious, and 
settled population. The shores of the Syr-Daria, above and below Fort 
Djulek, present a striking contrast. Above Djulekis a howling desert ; 
below, and particularly commencing from Fort Perovski, all is life and 
activity along the banks. Corn fields and melon fields occur conti- 
nually, with populous Aouls of well-appointed tents, animated by the 
presence of herds of cattle. The Kirghizes assemble by hundreds to 
dig fresh canals for irrigation. Vast tracts of swamp and reeds, which 
were impassable in 1848, have been protected by embankments 
against the overflowing of the river and converted into corn fields 
which now engage the labour of thousands: and all this is exclusive 
of the localities within 50 or 100 miles of our Forts, especially the 
neighbourhood of Fort No. 1, where, in the excellent gardens surround- 
ing the Cossack settlements, grapes are grown, and cotton has been 
sown not without success. Kirghizes and sometimes Karakalpaks 
constantly migrate from the Khivan territories to the lands under 
Russian protection, so that they at length find themselves cramped 
for space. The Khivan and Khokandian forts which stood on the 
grounds now occupied by the Russians, were the centres of the most 
merciless and barbarous persecution. The Russian forts, on the other 
hand, are now guarantees for security, and serve to promote traffic and 
the general well-being of the natives. 
The advent of the Russians did certainly produce a most beneficial 
crisis in the condition of the Kirghizes of the Syr-Daria. 
Within 8 miles of Baildyr-Tugai, Admiral Boutakof’s highest 
limit of ascent, there are the ruins of a small Khokandian fort, Bair- 
Kurgan, demolished, according to Kirghiz tradition, about 100 years 
ago. Ata distance of 40 miles higher up, on the left bank, are the 
remains of the town of Tunkat (rased by Tamerlane). This place is 
