SCENERY. 195 



upper part. As we advanced, it narrowed to a 

 gorge, and the scenery reminded us of the Dembra. 

 Suddenly it expanded again into a broad valley, 

 walled in by high mountains, at the entrance of 

 which rose a high and pointed rock, crowned by 

 a fortress of middle-age architecture, commanding 

 the pass. At the foot of the rock was a water- 

 mill. An hour's journey onwards we passed 

 a fine cascade, foaming in a ravine on the 

 western side of the valley, and overshadowed 

 by plane-trees and thickets of shrubs. A small 

 bridge, apparently of ancient architecture, 

 crossed the stream, stretching over a deep and 

 dark chasm, in which we could hear the rumbling 

 of a considerable volume of water. This appears 

 to be the chief feeder of the Oolooboonar river. 

 Here and there this fine district was partially 

 cultivated ; but the sides of the hills covered with 

 artificial terraces bore testimony of days past, 

 when it was well peopled, and its fertility turned 

 to good account. Entering a forest of pines, we 

 approached the base of Mount Taktalu, and 

 after crossing a rocky tract we came to another 

 torrent of some size flowing from the upper 

 regions of Solyma. Its course was nearly due 

 east, and by its side we journeyed towards the 



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