Page:From Kulja, across the Tian Shan to Lob-Nor (1879).djvu/85

66 his category, and she came from the village of Akhtarma, and was described as presenting a striking anomaly among her black-haired and dark-eyed countrywomen. She may probably have been a memento of the visit of some Russian starovertsi in 1862, of whom we shall say something presently.

As to the language, I can only say that our interpreter, a Taranchi from Kulja, had no difficulty in making himself understood on all parts of the Tarim and Lob-nor. Hence it may be inferred that the distinction between the Taranchi and Sart languages on the one hand, and the dialect spoken by the natives of these parts on the other is sight. Being myself ignorant of any of these forms of speech, I was unable personally to make any observations upon them, and the interpreter was too stupid to assist me.

The religion of all these people is Mohammedan, with a slight admixture of heathenish rites. For instance, they always bury their dead in canoes, and dispose the fishing-nets of the deceased round his grave.

Their dwelling-places are made of reeds which grow in abundance on the marshes and lakes of the Tarim valley. These habitations are constructed in the most primitive fashion. Bound, rough poplar poles are first driven into the ground at the corners and sides; to these are fastened cross-beams and rods to support the