TO AZOF AND TAGANROG. 
Altars of Cjesar yet nearer to the position of 
these tombs. To one or other of them they will 
probably hereafter be referred. In the mean 
time, until we have better knowledge of the 
country, and of its antiquities, we must leave 
their real history undecided. 
Among the various tribes dwelling near the 
mouths of the Don and in the neighbourhood 
of Rastof, the Tahtars are the most numerous. 
Many absurd reports were in circulation concern- 
ing the danger of venturing among them. At 
Rastof, in particular, we heard some fearful tales 
of robbers, and of the banditti of the steppes ; but 
had every reason to believe that all such stories 
were without foundation. 
The long-expected view of Azof at last pre- Fortress 
sented itself before our eyes, making a conspi- of amj:° 
cuous and considerable appearance, and some- 
what corresponding with the false ideas we had 
entertained of its importance. Its imaginary 
consequence, however, as a fortress, vanished 
the moment we arrived; for nothing can be 
more wretched or insignificant. The figure it 
has made in the wars between Russia and 
Turkey has given it a place in our maps and 
gazetteers ; although the meanest hamlet of 
Kamchatka might dispute with it a title to 
413 
CHAP. 
XIV. 
