168 HISTORY AND ETHNOLOGY. 



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Mingrelians, Imeritians, Georgians) ; Mongols (Calmucs, Burates, Tunguses, 

 6cc.) ; and finally, the inhabitants of the extreme north. Samoyedes, Ostiaks of 

 Narim, several East- Siberian tribes, as the Kamschatkians, Koriaks, Tchouk- 

 tches, Kuriles, Aleoutes, and Europeans and Asiatics of other stocks scattered 

 in different parts. 



We shall give the characteristics of most of these stocks under this head, 

 although they properly belong to the section relating to the people of Asia. 



The Cossacks {pi. 1, fig. 4, and pi. 10, fig. 15) are a stock of people in 

 Little-Kussia, who probably derive their name from the word kosack, a 

 word which in Turkish signifies ^^robber,^^ but in the Tartar language, 

 "light horse." Apparently, they are of Tartaric origin. The form of their 

 bodies is, in general, handsome. Their language is the Russian, with 

 which, however, they have mingled many Polish, Turkish, and West 

 European words. They live in small houses, fifty or one hundred of which 

 constitute a village {stanitzd). These villages are situated upon rivers, 

 have unpaved streets, one or more churches, and an earthen rampart as a 

 fortification. The occupations of the Cossacks consist, in time of peace, in 

 the rearing of horses, sheep, and bees, in horticulture, and the cultivation 

 of the vine. Their agriculture embraces the ordinary products of the 

 fields, and they manufacture w^hatever is necessary in their households. 

 Tradesmen proper are also found in many places. In time of war they 

 serve as light cavalry. Their principal weapon is the lance ; but they 

 have the sabre and pistols besides, and in case of necessity also bows and 

 arrows. In a regular attack only the fine truly military regiments are 

 employed, especially the Don Cossacks ; the others are formidable on 

 account of the great steadiness of their small horses, and their indefati- 

 gability in oft repeated charges. They are the terror of flying, enemies, 

 and fearful in their attacks upon the baggage. Their assault is irregular, 

 and w^ith a loud hurrah. They are employed chiefly in the advanced posts 

 service and as patroles, being distinguished for the extraordinary acuteness 

 of their senses. The regiments are not all dressed in uniform. The Don 

 Cossacks of the guard have a uniform consisting of a blue jacket, wide blue 

 trowsers, and a fur cap with a light blue or red bag at the top of it, or a 

 blue cloth cap with a red band. The black leather belts are ornamented 

 with silver or tin. Dress, arms, equipments, and horses are provided by 

 them at their own expense. The Cossack sits very high upon his horse, as 

 the saddle forms a soft round cushion very thickly upholstered, under 

 which he moreover keeps his clothes and booty. Their commander-in- 

 chief is only confirmed by the Russian government, being chosen by 

 themselves. According to their different districts, they are divided into 

 regiments or pulks of 500 to 3000 men, commanded by a colonel [ataman., 

 hetman^ pokohiik) ; and companies led by a captain (sotnik), the company 

 always having an ensign (kharunsha). A commander-in-chief {atama7i, 

 woiskowi), holding the rank of general, commands the collective body of all 

 the regiments. The rest of the ofiicers do not hold any military rank ; and 

 it is considered no disgrace among the Cossacks to be at one time an 

 officer and at another a common soldier. The time of service from the 

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