CHAPTER IX.

URGA TO KIACHTA.

Maimachin in sight--A snow storm--Hasty encampment--Tolla in flood--Delay--Intercourse with Mongols--The night watches--Tellig's family--Rough night--Scene at the Tolla-- Crossing the river--the "Kitat" redivivus--His hospitality--How Mongols clean their cups--Maimachin--The Russian consulate--Russian ambition--Its prospects--The Urga, or camp--Kuren--Fine situation--Buildings-- Horse-shoeing--Hawkers--The lamaseries--An ascetic--The Lama-king--Relations between Chinese emperors and the Lama power--Urga and Kara Korum--Historical associations--Prester John and Genghis Khan--Leave Urga--Slippery paths-- More delays--The pass--A snow storm--Fine scenery--Rich country--Another bugbear--The Boro valley--Cultivation-- Khara-gol--The pass--Lama courier--Shara-gol--Winter quarters--The transmigration--Iro-gol--Forced march-- Kiachta in sight 141