THE COSSACKS. 31 
of the native of the Don, will be found not to fall behind any 
other people in clear perception, and well exercised talents. 
The name Cossack, or Kassack, has been variously derived. 
Some deduce it from a similar word in the Tartar language, 
meaning an armed man. Others go farther eastward for a root, 
and make it a robber. But both senses will suit the Cossack; 
the original mode of warfare with these armed men being that 
of robbery, or plundering their enemies. Indeed, such predatory 
ways and means seem common with all half-civilised nations who 
border on each other ; and even our own country showed similar 
habits not many generations back, as the old ballad ot Chevy 
Chace bears ample testimony. 
The real term of military service, with these hereditary 
warriors of the Don, ceases only with their lives or their capa¬ 
bility, that is, in actual war ; but, in times of peace, four years 
is the regular period of duty with a regiment. These men are 
then relieved bv others, who serve, and are relieved in their 
turn. From the military establishment being on so enlarged a 
scale, this rotation comes much sooner round than it did for¬ 
merly ; and this still throws to a further distance, the formation 
of those dispositions which incline a man to cultivate the quiet 
arts. Twenty-five years is the nominal extent of a Cossack’s 
military service ; but the martial spirit, and custom, make every 
man a soldier, when war either approaches his country, or 
requires his arm to keep it at a distance. A Cossack finds his 
own arms, clothing, and horse. When on service, the Emperor 
allows each man one cavalry ^ration, and double for his horse. 
Should the animal be killed in the field, money is given to 
purchase another. When at home, this man either carries on 
some business, in one or other of the two cities of Tcherkask, 
