26 JOURNEY THROUGH THE SOUTH-WESTERN QUARTER

obliged to fave their lives by fwimming. Not lefs hazardous isthe rivulet Badrak, which we croffed fhortly after the Alma, ata little diftance above its union with the latter; on account bothof the cavities which that rivulet readily forms in its foft bed,and of the extenfive vallies from which it collects its rain-water."We now travelled over rifing heights, terminating in a regulärpiain that extends to Bakhtfhifarai; and thefe, with their fteepfouthern terraces, contribute to form the deep narrow Valley, inwhich that town is concealed. About four verfts from thisplace, there was formerly a country-refidence of the Khan jand, near the road, an excellent fountain encompaffed with free-ftone; but which unfortunately have not efcaped the generaldevaftation.

We had arrived very near Bakhtfhifarai*, which is hidden in

a Valley towards the left; and into which we defcended by a

fteep road, without feeing any part of the town. It occupies a

narrow dale, extending from South South-eaft to North North-

weft, being inclofed on both fides with high rocky terraces,

confifting partly of layers of cretaceous lime-ftone; which,

particularly on the northern fide, form curious configurations

of corroded and projecJting rocks, circular excavations, and

feveral grottos. The fmall brook D/huruk-fu, or Fetid Water,

flows through this Valley into the Katfha, divides the town

longitudinally into two parts, and well deferves that name;

becaufe it carries off the impurities of the ftreets and many

common fewers, into which the aquedu&s are dire£ted for fuch

purpofe. This contrivance greatly contributes to fertilize the

cabbage-fields in the Valley immediately below the town; for the

Baihtßifarai literally fignifies a palace fituated in a garden.

Irrigation