2 
KUBAN TAHTARY. 
of Bravery in a Circassian — Circassian Women — Com- 
merce with the Tchernomorski — Skill in Horsemanship 
— State of Travelling in Caucasus. 
* H j^ R I he whole territory from the Sea of Azof to 
v — ' ' the Kuban, and thence following the course of 
that river towards its embouchure, is a con- 
tinued desert, and more desolate than the 
steppes upon the European side of the M/eotis. 
Relays for A few huts, rudely constructed of reeds and 
Horses, . 
narrow flags, stationed at certain distances, 
serve to supply horses for the post. Such 
wretched hovels offer neither accommodation 
nor food : they are often destitute even of any 
thatched covering as a roof; and exhibit merely 
an inclosure, where the horses remain their 
stated time, standing in mud or in dung. The 
persons who have the care of them, make their 
appearance, when the traveller arrives, from a 
hole in the ground; having burrowed, and 
formed a little subterraneous cave, in which 
they live, like the bobacs, moles, and other 
tenants of the wilderness'. 
lliver Ae. We left Margaritovskoy on the fifth of July, 
admiring the fine view that was presented of 
(1) The slight sketch, engraved as a Vignette to this Chapter, may 
serve to afford a correct representation of those relays. 
I 
