8Q 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 Djulek is 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. At a distance of 40 miles higher up, on the left bank, are the 

 remains of the town of Tunkat (rased by Tamerlane). This place is 



