MOZDOCE. 
49 
causes for nearer observation appear, the horses picqueted be¬ 
neath, are ready at hand for their masters. The soldier on 
guard is always enveloped in his bourka; which, together with 
the rude workmanship of his post, when seen from afar, form 
a no less picturesque than cheering object on that long, desolate, 
and monotonous horizon. I halted for the night at a small 
village, and reached Mozdock, my first step into Asia, about 
noon the next day, Sunday, September 80. (O. S.) 
Mozdock is a flourishing little town, situated on the banks of 
the Terek, and possesses a respectable garrison, commanded by 
a colonel, who is also governor of the place. A convoy (or 
caravan) of merchandise, together with the post, depart from 
the town every Sunday ; but on that day only ; so that travellers 
who arrive on any other day of the week, are obliged to await 
there the appointed time and then cross the river with their 
attendants and equipages before three o’clock, having several 
worsts to go, on the opposite side, ere they can join the general 
rendezvous. But, previous to their setting forth, it is necessary 
to purchase at Mozdock a stout harness for the number of horses 
their carriages may require ; also a full store of provisions for the 
road. The Commandant, who did ample honour to the governor 
of Georgewesk’s kind demands in my behalf, gave me every 
facility for the transport of my vehicle, and all other accommo¬ 
dations for the journey; but he strongly recommended my 
buying a horse for myself of the Tcherkasians. He urged, that 
I should not be able to remain much longer with any comfort in 
my carriage, on account of the steepness of the hills and badness 
of the roads ; and that, besides, if our convoy were attacked, it 
were better, for defence, to be well-mounted. In order to assist 
in this purchase, lie proposed accompanying me to the opposite 
VOL. i. 
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