The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1871-09-20

THz KA1MUcKs AND NOGGT TARrARs-In ira
versing Caucasus from north to south, the traveller,
after leaving the Cossaek country strikes the vast
arid plains called steppes, over which roam those
strange people, the Kalmueks and Nogay Tartars.
The religion of the former is a sort Of alienation
from Buddhism. Their ragged tents, scattered over
that part Of this desoate region which they appro-
pirate to themselves are estimated 10 contain 1900
families. In l77l, unable to endure the vexations Of
Russia thcy, like the children Of Israel in Egypt,
moved of in a solid mass into Asia-2 10000 Of
them-a sufficient answer to those who doubt the
Biblical account Of the number Moses took with
him.
Like flying camps these villages Of tents move
from place to place the impulse seizes the owners
As the traveller comes upon one Of these vast camps
at midday, no signs Of life meet him All is silent
and motionless on the desolate burning plain on
which they arc pitched. The men are away, pillag-
ing from neighbors not Of their own race, while tho
women and children hide themselves In their ragged
tents from the rays Of the sun The interiors ofthsse
tents present an undeseribable medley Of trunks,
valises chests saddles and bridles and old clothes,
piled in a confused heap together-spois which the
men have gathered In their fonys. The areplaes
alone shows that It is the habltatiol OF a iamIiy
Aul1J eoihFo tuf AyADAI PAtFe1e VI lDoh-
ing, and place for the children to sleep In, who
roll themselves up in the warm ashes TO protect
themselves from the cold These, even up to teu
years Of age 60 almost entirely naked in the
time for the heat in these desert plains then in
tense. In the winter, when the cold wind sweeps
unchecked over them, all huddle together In their
ragged tents, which often for days blotted out
by the snow-drifts that cover them.
rrf-H T.. LII
red morocco boots and wooden cap eneireled BY
huge band Of sheepskin with the wool on, the Kali
muck presents a singular appearances. He has de-
based countenanee, high cheek bones and long dis-
heTeed hair Though small in statue, this child Of
the desert is strongly built and tough iron Thet
is regarded the business Of life and Is prae:ieee
with adroitness hardly conceivable. He win take
away simple PEASANTS animal right before his eyes.
Theff he impresses on bis child as religious duty,
and how to succeed in this, bis only proper oecnpa-
tion, is the sole education be giVes him
The Nogays, or Nogais, divide with The Kalmucks
these vast steppes. They are Turkish race, peace
able In their habits, and ters Of the soil In other
respects they resemble the Kalmucks IN their man
ner and mode oflife. Burned By the rays ofths sun
In summer, and swept By the biting winds and long,
frghiful snow-storms In winter they lead misera-
bic suffering existence Between 100 And I7ou more
than 800, 900 Of these nomads emigrated to Turkey
No particular was assigned for this extraor-
dlnary emigration. Whether driven By the vexaions
Of local authorities they hoped to find a spot whers
they would be free from them, or whether drawn
there by their Mohammedan faith, or moved By
some report that reached them Of lard Ike that Of
Canaan flowing with milk and honey. Il lot known;
but village after village struck It's tents and moved
southward, till more than 10000 babe farewell 70
their native steppss [Ssri1ns''a Aonfhlsl