CHAPTER X.
THE RIVALRY OF ENGLAND AND RUSSIA.
In the preceding pages we have described in detail the various subjects which assist in defining the relative
positions of England and Russia in Asia; and the policies which either Government has sought to carry out in the independent countries of Central Asia, such as Persia, Afghanistan, and among the nomad population of Kara Kum, have been treated upon. It only remains in conclusion to discuss the grand question of all, the rivalry of England and Russia. It is hoped that the reader comes to the consideration of that question with some clearer knowledge of the subject than he had when he first took up this book — more especially is it to be hoped that he has formed some definite opinions upon the subject, and that he has not reached the last stage of all with doubts upon his mind as to what the main object in Russian policy has been throughout the present century, or as to the necessity there is upon this country for parrying at
