52 
LITTLE KABARDA. 
nearly lost as marks of distinction, in the one common name they 
bear, and the gradual adoption of each other’s customs. At pre¬ 
sent, the population of both Kabardas differ nothing in costume 
from their neighbours, the Circassians. They generally speak 
the same language, and are fond of considering themselves 
branches of that stock. But the people of Little Kabarda, I am 
informed, were literally a colony from Great Kabarda; driven 
thence from their natural possessions by the more powerful 
tribes. Circassia might, in former times, have provided itself 
in the same way ; and thus the stream of possession, emigration, 
and population, flows on. There are, also, numerous Tatar 
tribes, which extend themselves southward over the lower hills 
and flat lands, which reach from the foot of the mountains to the 
Kuban ; and then possess the banks of that river, westward, till 
it terminates at the Black Sea. It is from amongst this wild 
people, and the Kabardians, bordering on the Malka and Kou- 
ma rivers, that Russia has formed its corps of Cossacks, known 
by the general name of Cossacks of the Line of Caucasus. Their 
principal duty is that of escorts to travellers, caravans, &c. 
But they are often sent into the interior of the Caucasus, where 
the Emperor has planted military posts: also into Georgia, with 
the same object; for they are the only soldiers who are able to 
attack the savage mountaineer on equal terms, with similar arms, 
and a similar mode of warfare. When thus serving, they are as 
faithful as brave, and defend their charge or their post with the 
most determined resolution. 
On reaching the spot where we were to halt for the night, I 
found every thing there bearing the face of military watchfulness. 
The officer commanding the convoy had taken a good position, 
and already distributed his arms and people for the protection of 
