80 Russian Geographical Operations in 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 qftite 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 add a 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 18 02, 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, Merke, Aoulieta, and Souzak. Aoulieta 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 Semi- 

 palatinsk. It is by this road that the caravans come from the southern 



