112 
CHAP. 
III. 
V- ■—V—'. ■ 
FROM THE CIMMERIAN BOSPORUS, 
contains a treasure, guarded by a virgin, who 
here spends her nights in lamentations'. It 
stands upon the most elevated spot in this part 
of the Crimea, and is visible for many miles 
round. One thing concerning this tumulus is 
very remarkable, and may confirm the notion 
entertained of its artificial origin. It is placed 
exactly upon the vallum or inner barrier of the 
Bosporian empire. This work still exists in an 
entire state, having a fosse in front, and passing 
across this part of the peninsula, in a northerly 
direction, from the Altyn Obo to the Sea of Azof . 
Several other similar heaps of astonishing size 
are situate near this tumulus, although it towers 
above them all: the plains below are covered 
with others of smaller dimensions. Another 
circumstance is also worthy of notice : beyond 
the vallum, to the west, there are no tumuli ; 
although they be so numerous upon its eastern 
side, that is to say, within the Bosporian territory : 
neither are they seen again, but very rarely, in 
all the journey towards Caff a ; and before arriving 
at that place, they altogether disappear. After- 
wards, proceeding to the site of Stara Crim, 
(0 See Putins s Travels, vol. II. p. 281. It is worthy of observation, 
that Pallas, being unable to reconcile this surprising tumulus with any 
reference to the real history of the interment of Mithradates, or to hi? 
own notions of probability as an artificial heap, endeavours to account 
7 for it by a natural process. 
