232 
VALLEY OF BAIDAR, 
ciiap. 
VI. 
' V ’ 
Valley of 
j Baidar, 
Position of the Crimean Mountains — Derykeliy — 
Mahmoud Sultan — Return to Akmetchct — Marriage 
Ceremony of the Greek Church — Jewish Wedding — 
Military Force of the Crimea — Suvokof. 
x'iierk is no part of the Crimea which has 
been more extolled by preceding travellers 
than the Valley of Baidar. It has been de- 
scribed under the pompous titles of the Tauric 
Arcadia, and the Crimean Tempe with much 
warmth of fancy, and, as it might be expected, 
with some fallacy of representation. If any 
attempt be now made to dispel the illusion thus 
excited, it is in the hope that others coming 
after may not meet with disappointment. “ Even 
the vales of Caucasus," says Pallas \ “ far surpass 
this celebrated spot.” It will not admit of a 
comparison with many of the beautiful scenes 
in Switzerland, nor even with those in Norway 
and Sweden. A very extensive cultivated plain, 
surrounded by high mountains, may be con- 
sidered as one of those pleasing prospects which 
call to mind the description given by Johnson 
of his Abyssinian Vale; but, being destitute of 
water as an ornament, it is deficient in a prin- 
cipal object of picturesque scenery. The valley 
(1) See the Travels of Lady Craven , Mrs. Maria Guthrie , &e. 
(2) Travels in the South of Russia , vol. II. p. 135. 
