1HMHHM

34 JOURNEY THROUGH THE SOUTH-WESTERN QUARTER

Notwithftanding the uncleanlinefs prevailing in its ftreets,together with the clofe and damp mode of building, the townof Bakhtfhifarai is generally reputed to be a healthy place. Thiscircumftance may probably be owing to the continual currentof air hlowing through the narrow valley, which is not confinedeven at its upper extremity. Being completely fheltered fromthe North winds, its fite is uncommonly warm: hence thepeach, almond, and other fruit trees, as well as the vernal plants,prefent their blofToms at a very early period; and the weatheris generally mild during the winter, while other regions of theCrimea experience fevere frofts. All the provifions and necef-faries of life are amply fupplied from the populous countrieswatered by the Alma and Katfha, as well as from themountainous parts, and are fold at reafonable prices.

The trade of this town is likewife very confiderable, inconfequence of the adjacent villages, and the frequent vifitsmade thither by the neighbouring Murfas, who generally travelon horfeback: thus a comfortable fubfiftence is fecured bothto the merchant and to the manufacturer.

At the diftance of fcarcely three verfts from the upper partof Bakhtfhifarai, in a right line, exactly at the beginning ofthe narrow dale whence the Dfhuruk-fu derives its fource, wedefcried Dß>ufut-Kale, a noted fortrefs of the Jews, which isvifited by all travellers. It is fituated on a lofty calcareouspromontory, extending from the South, and terminating be-tween the valley laft mentioned, and another with which it isconnected in a South-weftern dire&ion. There is a coach-road

leading

■■■■■■■■i