Book Description

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1853 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER I. THE CAUCASUS. The previous pages have furnished some materials whereby to judge of the rapid rise and the present power of the Russian empire, as well as of the character of its nobles, its officials, and its serfs. We shall now pass from the centre to the remote circumference of this vast empire, and behold it in its struggles for extended dominion and increasing power. The region of the Caucasus, which has been celebrated from the remotest times, and rendered interesting by many diversified associations, has received a new source of attraction in recent years as the arena of a struggle in which the Russian Emperor, with all the power of his vast dominion, has been foiled by a hardy race of free mountaineers. In order fully to appreciate the nature of the Circassian wars, and to realize a distinct view of the scene where this modern struggle for liberty is now carried on, it is desirable that we should have some idea of the grand natural features of the country, as well as of the character and attributes of the people by whom the unequal contest is waged. The great mountain range of the Caucasus may be practically designated as one of the most important barriers between Europe and Asia. By this chain of heights the passage between the Euxine and the Caspian Seas is guarded as by a sleepless host of invincible sentries, and its numerous vales and alpine heights form the natural fastnesses for a race of mountaineers, where they may maintain the character for indomitable endurance which has marked the highlander of every age and country. The Caucasian chain runs from the Black Sea in a southeastern direction to the shores of the Caspian Sea; commencing near Anapa, a Russian settlement on the Euxine shore nearly opposite to the...