Page:The Folk-Lore Journal Volume 4 1886.djvu/42

34 the cattle, and the people of Manguis, and lived near Gurbushtên Khan.—(Daba, a Khalka man of Kêbe tushe gun Gachoun.)

In ancient times, before the baptising of the inhabitants of the Altai, the khan ordered all the Kamas (Shamans) to be burnt because he found out that they were all cheats. They collected all the Kamas to the number of 250, and made for them a tent of straw in which they placed 249 of them, and the remaining one in a similar tent separately. This they did because they considered him to be very strong. The tent with the 249 Shamans in it was completely consumed; but the fire was only able just to reach the great Kama (when it went out), he perspired so much. Again they constructed a tent, set fire to it—the same thing happened. A third time they collected and heaped up still more wood and grass in the hope that the Kama would not be able to withstand the heat a third time. As soon as the fire began to reach the Kama he flew from the fire a bird straight to the mountains; his home is still there. One can reach the place on horseback. The place is somewhere near the source of the River Kuiērluiky (in the upper part of the valley of the River Uruoul.)—(Alexis, a Christian Altai man.)

The Diurbuts and the Bulugunsk Uryankhaits (who speak Mongolian) have a blade of grass of the heroes Galtuma and Shuno.—(A Zain Shabēn man.)

Asser Karbustu, to procure fire, to plough fields, to heat iron, &c.—(Same as above.)

In ancient days, before Ginghis Khan, existed Prēntêi Êbugên, who had nine sons, from whom descended ninety-nine grandsons.—(Same as above.)

In ancient days lived the khans Shambolên and Khunker; about the latter, people believe he still lives; his nation eats fish.—(A man of Zain Shabēn.)