482. FROM NORTH POLE TO EQUATOR. 



Only the lambs and kids just tied submit quietly to the inevitable. 

 A few kids still try their sprouting horns in playful duels, but they 

 soon tire, and lay themselves peaceably down opposite their quondam 

 rivals. Before the long row is fastened most of the young ones have 

 tucked in their legs and given themselves up to repose. One 

 mother-sheep and goat after another sniffs at the little ones till she 

 has found her own, but returns to the flock when she has satisfied 

 herself that it is impossible to lie down beside her offspring. 



The sun has long since disappeared from the horizon, and twilight 

 jhas given place to darkness. It becomes quieter and quieter in the 

 yurt. Men and animals have sought and found rest; only the dogs 

 begin their rounds under the guidance of a watchful herdsman; but 

 even they only bark when there is a real reason for it, when it is 

 necessary to scare away some prowling wolf or other thief. A cool, 

 but fragrant, dewy summer night descends upon the steppe, and the 

 refreshing slumber of this richest and most beautiful season blots 

 out the hardships of winter from the memory of man and beast 

 alike. 



FAMILY AND SOCIAL LIFE AMONG THE KIRGHIZ. 



To escape the threatening hand of justice, four thieves fled from 

 the homes of honest men, and sought refuge and concealment in the 

 vast steppe. On their flight, they fell in with two beggar-women, 

 •driven out, like themselves, from among their industrious fellows. 

 The beggar-women found favour in the eyes of the thieves, and 

 they married them, two thieves taking one woman. A great many 

 ■children resulted from these alliances, so contrary to the laws of 

 God and man, and the children became the parents of a numerous 

 people who spread over the hitherto uninhabited steppe. But they 

 were faithful to their origin — thieves like their fathers, beggars like 

 their mothers, and like both in being without religion or morals. 

 This people is the Kirghiz, whose name signifles " Robber ". 



Thus a religious Tartar poet pictures the origin, and describes the 

 character of a people closely related to his own, who speak the same 



