648 
KARS. 
time to be much wanted ; and in consequence, those who have a 
monopoly of both in that government, sell them to the alarmed 
and distressed people at any exorbitant price. But, to return to 
the town. 
Kars is doubtless the Charsa of Ptolemy; and having been 
long considered one of the strongest places in this part of the 
Turkish dominions, is the selected residence for the Pasha of 
the northern frontier. In consequence of its situation, as the 
very key of Armenia towards the north, it has stood a variety 
of sieges, and endured every change from the varied events of 
war. Amurath III. restored the chief of the fortifications to the 
state in which we now see them ; and a pentagon redoubt was 
added about thirty years ago. Mustapha Pasha, the present 
governor, has the rank of three tails, and is much respected by 
foreigners as well as his people ; for, having been some time a 
prisoner amongst the Russians during the last war, the treatment 
he received wore away much of the prejudice which Turks of 
this rank too generally entertain against Europeans. About 
10,000 families form the population of the city ; and these con¬ 
sist of Mahomedans, Christians and Jews ; being Turks, Courds, 
Armenians, Georgians, Israelites, and a few Persian merchants. 
Of course, there is no lack of business amongst such a variety of 
nations, but the presence of prosperity is no where very visible. 
The place is well supplied with wood for fuel and other pur¬ 
poses, from large forests to the west of the city ; and whence it 
is brought in large carts. The same sylvan scene also furnishes 
Erivan, and other towns in the same direction, by floating its 
produce towards them down the Arpatchia; which river, on 
whose banks this fortress stands, takes a sudden turn westward 
of the city, and then flowing round the northern side of the 
