FROM AK-SU TO KASHGAR 657 
stationed in Tarbagatai in Dzungaria, where he had come 
a good deal into contact with the Russians. 
After resting a day, we left Utch-turfan on June iith, r 
escorted by the entire colony of Andijan merchants wearing 
their best khalats (coats). Our gaily-dressed cavalcade 
excited not a little attention in every place we passed 
through. But at Sughetlik (Willow Village), where we 
were again offered tea and refreshments, our friends turned 
back. We went on to Ott-bashi (the Beginning of the 
Pasture-Grounds) and encamped there in a park. 
CROWD .vr THE ENTRANCE OF A BAZAAR 
The next day we reached the kishlak or winter-village of 
Bash-akhma (the River Source), and made our camp in a 
large Kirghiz aul con.sisting of nineteen uy (tents). The 
Kirghiz generally spend their summer there as well, for 
they are half agriculturists, growing wheat, barley, and 
opium, although they continue to live in their kara-uy 
(black tents). A few of them, however, have taken to clay 
cabins. They only sow the ground every other year, 
letting it rest and recover during the intervening years ; 
hence it would be more strictly correct to call them agricul- 
turists every second year. They possess also flocks of 
sheep and goats. The Kirghiz who devote themselves 
1.-42 
