DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.5542#0139
Chap. xxxviii.J
WILD SCENERY.
129
dian observation, after which we passed close to the village
of Kara Kieui, and immediately descended into a deep and
picturesque ravine, where we quitted the limestone, and
again came upon the underlying trachytic conglomerate
and volcanic sand, where cliffs and rugged rocks rose above
the thickly wooded bank. At one p. m. we again entered
the deep valley, with a large stream flowing at the foot of
precipitous cliffs, the beds of which were much contorted.
As we descended the grandeur of the scenery increased;
on each side the rocks rose to a greater height, and an in-
sulated hill on the left in the middle of the valley, with
the horizontal stratification of its beds, presented the ap-
pearance of the Acropolis and walls of an ancient city.
For some distance our road continued along the right bank
of the valley, the stream flowing far below us in a gloomy
chasm on the left.
A sudden turn in the road at two p. m. opened a splendid
view to the S.S.W. beyond the limit of the valley, and com-
manding the extensive range of level table-lands between
the Hermus and the Aineh Chai. The path became more
precipitous and rocky, and the horses had much difficulty
in keeping their footing, from the sloping nature of the
ground and the loose stones with which it was encumbered;
while black and red igneous and trachytic rocks rose up on
every side, adding much geological interest to the pic-
turesque beauty of the scenery. At half-past two we had
descended to the bed of the river, and halted for some time
under the shade of the plane trees on its bank. A caravan
of caterjis or muleteers was also stopping there, who hospi-
tably supplied us with bread and yaourt. Although very
uncommon in the plains, mules are constantly used in the
mountainous districts and passes as beasts of burthen, the
camel being too heavy and unwieldy for such difficult and
rugged paths.
The descent from the ridge of Demirji to this spot (and
we had crossed it at the lowest point) had been very rapid.
The barometer rose to 28.177 inches, indicating a descent
VOL. II. K
WILD SCENERY.
129
dian observation, after which we passed close to the village
of Kara Kieui, and immediately descended into a deep and
picturesque ravine, where we quitted the limestone, and
again came upon the underlying trachytic conglomerate
and volcanic sand, where cliffs and rugged rocks rose above
the thickly wooded bank. At one p. m. we again entered
the deep valley, with a large stream flowing at the foot of
precipitous cliffs, the beds of which were much contorted.
As we descended the grandeur of the scenery increased;
on each side the rocks rose to a greater height, and an in-
sulated hill on the left in the middle of the valley, with
the horizontal stratification of its beds, presented the ap-
pearance of the Acropolis and walls of an ancient city.
For some distance our road continued along the right bank
of the valley, the stream flowing far below us in a gloomy
chasm on the left.
A sudden turn in the road at two p. m. opened a splendid
view to the S.S.W. beyond the limit of the valley, and com-
manding the extensive range of level table-lands between
the Hermus and the Aineh Chai. The path became more
precipitous and rocky, and the horses had much difficulty
in keeping their footing, from the sloping nature of the
ground and the loose stones with which it was encumbered;
while black and red igneous and trachytic rocks rose up on
every side, adding much geological interest to the pic-
turesque beauty of the scenery. At half-past two we had
descended to the bed of the river, and halted for some time
under the shade of the plane trees on its bank. A caravan
of caterjis or muleteers was also stopping there, who hospi-
tably supplied us with bread and yaourt. Although very
uncommon in the plains, mules are constantly used in the
mountainous districts and passes as beasts of burthen, the
camel being too heavy and unwieldy for such difficult and
rugged paths.
The descent from the ridge of Demirji to this spot (and
we had crossed it at the lowest point) had been very rapid.
The barometer rose to 28.177 inches, indicating a descent
VOL. II. K