natural explanation of the Ehbi is the prevalence of the east wind in winter, which, checked in its progress by the mountains, bursts through the narrow defile into the steppes of Ala-kul.
In the ravine of Altyn Immel (200 miles to the south-west of Ala-kul) a similar wind blows in winter, also called Ehbi, by the Kirghiz. It clears away the snow from the Ili valley, thus rendering it habitable for the nomads in winter.
It only remains to add a few words on the actual inhabitants of the lake shores. These at the end of the last century were Kalmuks (Dzungars). At Chugutsa, near the Urdjar of to-day, the last of their Khans, Amursana, formed his camp.
When the Kalmuks were subjugated in Kienlong's time, the Chinese founded the town of Chuguchak at this spot. But the site proved to be unfavourable, owing to its dampness, and it was soon removed to its present position.
The Chinese, exasperated by their long wars, and determined to rid themselves for ever of so dangerous an enemy, did not spare the Kalmuks. They were slain nearly to a man, only a few saving themselves by flight. In this way the steppes of Ala-kul and the valleys of the neighbouring mountains were entirely depopulated, but not for long, and the Kirghiz coming from the west soon occupied the free lands.
At the present day the Kirghiz of the Middle Horde inhabit the country round the lake. Its
