great elevation, not only above the level of the sea, but also above that of the adjacent plain; the southern range, dividing Lesser from Greater Yulduz, rises in several places above the limit of perpetual snow.[1] Exactly in the centre of Lesser Yulduz, and throughout its entire length, flows the Baga Yulduz-gol, uniting with the Kaidu-gol after the latter has drained Greater Yulduz, and finally emptying into Lake Bagarash.
We forded the Baga Yulduz-gol, but in spring and summer the water is too high to allow of the fords being practicable. Fish are plentiful, both in the Baga Yulduz-gol as well as in its tributaries, but only of two kinds:[2] Dyptichus, a foot or a little over in length, and gudgeon. About half-way down this river, and for some distance on either side, are marshes (sasi) and lakelets. Here we found in the latter half of September numbers of migrating water-fowl;[3] most of the other birds nesting in this country had taken wing for the south, and it was only now and then that we saw a few in the mountains.[4] Non-migratory birds[5] however are common.
- ↑ This range, as well as the northern, has no general name among the inhabitants, who distinguish parts by specific names.
- ↑ At all events, we did not catch any other kind of fish, either in autumn or in spring, on our return journey.
- ↑ Common wild duck, gadwall, teal, red-crested pochard, red-headed pochard, and garrot.
- ↑ Redstart, accentor, mountain finch, and Brandt's finch (Leucosticte Brandtii) the two last-mentioned generally in flocks.
- ↑ Snow vulture, black vulture, wall creeper, rock partridge; and shore-lark (Otocoris albigula) on the steppes.
