KIZZEL IRMAK, ANCIENT HALYS, 
717 
and in parts interrupted by huge masses of* steep black rock, 
standing apart, and rising abruptly from the plain, in nearly 
similar altitudes to that which sustains the town. 
November 21st. — We started this morning at half-past six; 
and after crossing the bridge, kept along the left bank of the 
river in an average course nearly west, for about four hours; 
during which time, after a few miles ride from the town, all cul¬ 
tivation disappeared, and we proceeded, gradually losing the 
more open wilderness, till, at the end of the four hours, we 
entered a rocky ravine. At a quarter before ten o’clock we 
forded the Kizzel Irmak, and in the course of a few minutes 
repassed it again, the stream takes so extraordinary a bend. 
This was rather an inconvenience, from the rapidity of the 
current, which here pours along with such vehemence as to have 
nearly carried our animals off their legs ; it was higher than their 
bellies. There is another, and more regular road from this, 
winding down the steep of a mountain just above our ravine ; 
but Ahmed Aga preferred our present lower path, both on ac¬ 
count of its being nearer, and at this season not so difficult as 
the other. 
The river continued our companion to the right, and at eleven 
o’clock we reached the post of Hadji Humza, called a distance 
of eight hours ; I find it about twenty-five miles. This village 
is situated on the slope of the mountains, prettily embosomed 
in trees; and possesses a little fortified division, sanctified by a 
slender and gilded minaret. The ruins of a bridge of only one 
arch, shew that the breadth of the Halys at this point, is not 
very formidable. Being speedily remounted at Hadji Humza, 
we proceeded up the valley till at the end of three miles both 
vale and river swept off suddenly to the north-east. 
