■M

38 JOURNEY THROUGH THE SOUTH-WESTERN QUARTER

In the eaftern Valley below Dfhufut-Kale, and imraediatelyunder the fource of the Dfhuruk-fu, we noticed the foundationof a former caftle of pleafure, belonging to the Khan, andtermed Afolama*. Contiguous to this chateau, there had beenan excellent orchard furnifhed with grafted trees; but there isfcarcely a veftige now remaining either of this plantation or ofthe building.

The Jews, inhabiting this town, employ numerous affes,both for the purpofe of riding, and for the conveyance of waterand provifions, which are generally carried by animals ofburthen; becaufe, under the dominion of the Khans, theywere not fuffered to ride on horfeback; and, on the other hand,the Mofaic law forbids the rearing of mules.

lmmediately below, at the diftance of about two verfts fromBakhtfhifarai, is the village of Dofis, fituated on the banks ofthe Dfhuruk-fu, which are in a manner encompafled withcabbage-gardens. Between this rivulet, and the heights rifingtowards the South, are thofe ancient fepulchral vaults of theKhans, called by the Tartars, Eßi Yourt, or, the Old Habita-tion. A drawing of this remarkable fpot, being taken from itsfouthern elevation, and communicated in the third plate, willafford a diftinct view of its fituation. The modern rage fordefolation has alfo extended itfelf to thefe refpectable monu-ments of antiquity; and feveral of them now prefent a mereheap of ruins. The lateft and moft beautiful is vaulted in the

* Afhlama, fignlfies " the grafting of trees" and " fcions"caftle received its name from the adjoining orchard.

hence this pleafure-

form