LAKE KARA-KUL 
171 
to exert themselves to the uttermost, and frequently 
stopped to gasp for breath ; and despite our utmost care 
often fell. The pass consisted of two distinct ridges, 
separated by a stretch of almost level ground, which took 
us a good half-hour to ride over. It was covered with 
snow to the depth of 12 to 16 inches. On the summit of 
the pass we rested a short while, although there was a keen 
sou’-wester cutting through it. The temperature there 
was I2°2 Fahr. (-11° C.), and water boiled at i84°3 
Fahr. (84°6 C.). 
The caravan started down the eastern side of the pass. 
KORNEI-TARTI 
Breaking up Camp 
which was at first extremely steep, in a thick mist. But, 
the steep upper slope passed, the country fell away at 
an easy gradient all the way to Kornei-tarti, our next 
camping-ground. In the Ak-baital pass another of our 
overworked horses fell dead. One of the Kirghiz bought 
the skin from Islam Bai, the leader of the caravan, for two 
roubles (4^.). 
Kornei-tarti, meaning “the Trumpet Blast,” is a narrow 
glen, half choked with detritus, partly products of denuda- 
tion, partly large stones and rocks, through which mean- 
dered a little brook; though at the time of my journey this 
last was covered with a hard crust of ice. The bottom of 
the glen was one unbroken expanse of snow ; but on the 
