182 HISTORY AND ETHNOLOGY. 



stick, and carry with them steel, flint, and tinder prepared from the 

 wormwood plant. The short-stemmed pipe is placed in the hinder part 

 of the boot. Tobacco smoking has with them become a matter of prime 

 necessity ; they usually swallow the smoke, and often continue the enjoy- 

 ment till they fall down senseless. The summer "yourtes" (habitations) 

 are conically shaped, constructed of long poles, and covered on the outside 

 with birch bark. The w^inter yourtes are quadrilateral. In constructing 

 the latter, three parallel rows of posts are first driven into the ground, the 

 middle row being somewhat higher than the two others. Each row is 

 topped by a beam connecting the several posts ; and at each end the higher 

 middle row is connected by a cross beam with both of the lower rows. 

 This framework is then covered with boards reachinoj from the hiojhest 

 row to the lower ones, the side walls being likewise made of the same 

 materials. The whole, however, is then covered with weeds, earth, and 

 dung. In the centre, over the fire which is kindled upon the bare ground, a 

 kind of chimney is constructed- Broad benches separated by partitions, so as 

 to serve also for beds, are fixed to the walls around the inside of the yourte. 

 The cattle are kept in an adjoining building having its entrance in the 

 yourte. 



The Yakoutes are of medium size, but robust form ; the face is somewhat 

 broad and meagre, and of a light copper color ; the eyes are small, the hair 

 weak in growth and worn short. They are fond of eating, and consume a great 

 deal of food ; but are regardless of its nature, whether the flesh of reindeer, 

 horses, rats, or mice, or whether it is fresh or putrid. They eat blood and fat 

 formed into a pulpy mass, and pour down their throats tea and broth hot 

 enough to scald the lips of a European. The Yakoutes are very hospitable. 

 They are engaged chiefly in rearing cattle. 



The Tungouses, between the Lena and the Yenesei, are of Mongolian ex- 

 traction. They are divided into Forest and Prairie Tungouses. According 

 to their occupations, however, they are further divided into fishermen, reindeer, 

 horse, and dog owners. They are of medium size, have broad faces, small 

 sparkling eyes, and long black hair, which they shave oif, leaving only a long 

 tuft at the crown. The complexion of older persons is yellowish, that of 

 y(mng<er persons whiter. The dress is mostly made of leather or furs. The 

 Tungouses congregate in tribes, some of which are considered of more conse- 

 quence than others. Tha tribes elect their own sovereign, who is confirmed 

 afterwards by the gorernm^nt. Only a few of them are Christians ; the 

 greater portion worship the sjjn and fire. Their disposition is gay and frank, 

 ;and they are very hospitable. Their senses of hearing and sight are exqui- 

 isitely refined. 



The Btirates, denominated Bratski in Russia, are of Mongolian lineage, 

 are weak bodied, and almost always look unhealthy, probably on account 

 of their great -uncleanliness. Their GCCupai:ions are the rearing of cattle, 

 fishmg, idnd hunting. The greater part of them are adherents of Bud- 

 -dhaism. 



The Ostlaks inhabit a large portion of Western Siberia, and the origin 

 of those m ih^ jieighborhood of the Cbi river is the mme as that of the 

 354 



