144 Russian Mission from Orenbourg to Bokhara- [July 



All the tombs are of clay, mixed with chopped straw, except that of 

 Khodja, which is of unburnt bricks. In the interior of these sepulchres 

 there is another, smaller, where the Kirghiz pray. These monuments 

 become more numerous as you approach the Sir, and appear like cities. 

 The rich Kirghiz frequently bring artificers from Bokhara to make their 

 clay tombs ; they are very durable on account of the dryness of the 

 climate. The custom is to construct these buildings on the most ele- 

 vated spots of small hills ; if not built of clay, the friends and relations 

 assist in elevating these rustic sepulchres ; and each must bring a cer- 

 tain quantity of stone or earth. 



The Kirghiz, like all other eastern nations, have a great respect for 

 the dead ; generally all the relations of the deceased attend the funeral, 

 except the women, who remain at home tearing their hair, and uttering 

 loud cries. The relations, after the funeral, condole with the widows, 

 who soon yield to their solicitations, and kill horses and sheep to enter- 

 tain their guests. There never is with the Kirghiz an assembly, 

 festival, or ceremony, which does not end in a great repast. 



One of the greatest festivals with these nomades, is the day the head 

 of a family has died, and particularly the first after it. The sons assem- 

 ble the people of their acquaintance to the number of 3, 4, or even 600 ; 

 and the pleasures of the table are always joined to the ceremonies of 

 religion. 



We soon quitted the banks of Khodja-koul, which were covered with 

 reeds. In autumn, the lake is much reduced in size ; but in spring, 

 when the Kaoundjour overflows, it extends to a great distance. 



We proceeded towards Coul-koudouk (well of the slaves), situated on 

 the edge of the desert of Borzouk, 15 verstes of which we passed. 

 It is entirely of moving sand, presenting the singular aspect of nearly 

 perpendicular banks of sand, close to each other, and 3 or 4 toises in 

 height ; these change their situation with every gale of wind, some 

 thorny bushes, herbs, and a species of robinia, grow here and there. 

 The long roots of these plants resemble serpents ; and when totally 

 uncovered, extend on the sides of these moving hills. 



We had great difficulty in riding through these deep sands ; the more 

 so, as our horses had become weak from bad forage. After our arrival at 

 Coul-koudouk, we burnt 10 of our carriages ; the materials of which fur- 

 nished us for some days with a comfortable fire, free from the smoke of 

 green bushes, which had been for so long our only fuel. 



At Coul-koudouk there are several abundant springs, the water of 

 which, had a mineral taste, and in the dry bed of a pond we collected 



