The climate is very dry and hot down here, and in this respect there is a great 

 difference between this arid Soyote Steppe and the more elevated and humid mountain 

 valleys in the north-eastern portions of the land. From the steppes here on the Ulu- 

 kem may frequently in summer be observed heavy thunder-storms and torrents of rain 



Fig. 65. Scenery from the steppes about the Ulu-kem. The 



land is dry and desert-like, with a nearly complete absence 



of vegetation. On the [alluvial plain in the foreground are 



seen some yurts belonging to the natives. 



Fig. 66. Rock-steppe, dry and naked, about the Ulu-kem. 



to the north, apparently following the mountains, without touching the inner dry basin. 

 The summers are very hot, with temperatures regularly rising to + 40° C. in the day- 

 time, while, in winter the temperature sinks to -=- 30 or 35° C, and, as a rare exception. 



95 



