THE AKHAL-TEKIN OASES. 
45 
sections; and all of this heavy deposit is therefore best explained by conditions and 
processes like those of to-day during^ persistent depression of the surface. The 
failure to secure a water supply from this deep well is in itself vor>- suggestive of 
the irregular underground structures and of their torrential origin. 
Among the most interesting features of this region are the gently ascending 
tunnels that are driven in search of water into the gravels of the piedmont slope, 
near the mountain base. Streams of sufficient size to use in irrigation are thus led 
forth. The practice is au ancient one, and is in use from Turkestan to India. It 
has lately been introduced, with good results, in the arid parts of southern California, 
where piedmont fans of mountain-waste are extensiveh- developed. We were told 
Fig. 23. — A Village of Turkoman Kibitlcas, near Kizil-Arvat. 
at Askhabad that trouble frequently arises between neighboring villages when the 
excavation of a new tunnel causes a lessening of the water suppl}- from an older 
tunnel. The native \-illages (fig. 25) seemed wretchedly poor at first sight, )-et some 
of the circular tents — kibitka.s — are well furnished on the scale by which the people 
there measure the needs of life; and the carpets and wall-bags are wo\en — one 
should rather say crocheted — with a remarkable degree of taste in design and color, 
and of skill in memorized execution. W'e were entertained one afternoon near 
Askhabad bv the head man of the native village, who had been with us on an 
excursion. Rugs were spread in his little orchard, tea and fruit were ser\-ed, and 
native music was provided. 
