Page:From Kulja, across the Tian Shan to Lob-Nor (1879).djvu/40

Rh walls as fresh and bright in colour as if they were new. Precious stones, gems, and trinkets are occasionally found in the rubbish of the crumbled walls, and marvellous tales are told of the lustre and size of some that have been picked up here by wandering shepherds. A large figure is said to exist here, carved on the face of a rock overlooking the road to Korla. It is described as having the tongue lolled out, and right shoulder depressed with extended arm, as in the fashion of the Kalmuk salutation. It acknowledges the salutes of passers by a return wag of the tongue and wink of the eye, and has been often seen to smile, by credulous Kalmuks at least.

In the mountains to the north is a volcano, and from its base a river called Zamcha issues. On its banks are dry alum and a salt of zinc called Zamch, which is used as a mordant with alum in dyeing. The rocks at the foot of the hill are hot to the touch, but the water of the river is cold. Loud rumblings and explosions are constantly heard in the interior of the mountain, which is very high, and whose top is always covered with snow. It is called Khan Khura Tagh, and forms the boundary between Yulduz of the Kalmuk and Junghar of the Kirghiz and Kassak, who are also called Juttah (or Jété) Moghols.

Khan Khura Tagh is the western boundary of the Yulduz territory, and has a live volcano. This Yulduz Valley is celebrated throughout the region