Page:From Kulja, across the Tian Shan to Lob-Nor (1879).djvu/39

20 copper, and sulphur have been systematically worked, whilst coal is used in the city as fuel. The lead-mines are in Tajik Tagh, about twenty-five miles off the city, and those of copper are at On-bash, on the Muzart river. In the vicinity of the city are hot sulphur springs, which are resorted to by the inhabitants for medicinal purposes. There is also an active volcano, from the base of which are collected alum, sal-ammoniac, and blue vitriol or sulphate of copper. The asbestos mentioned by Marco Polo as an utilized product of this region is not even so known in this country.

The Muzart or Mussart Pass connects this division with Ili or Kulja. The road by this pass crosses an enormous glacier, which is interrupted by vast fissures and massive banks, and unless constantly kept open by gangs of labourers, becomes speedUy impassable.

Kucha is a small state situated at the foot of the mountain, in continuation eastward from Aksu. In ancient times it was an important little principality, and a flourishing seat of Buddhism. On a hill to the north of the city are the ruins of an ancient temple and monastery. They are described as of considerable extent, and very substantially built of stone on the ledges and rocks of a precipitous hill.

Fragments of sculptures are found among the débris, and in some galleries sunk in the rock there are paintings of men and animals on the