Along a part of this line, from the Caspian to Kam-
stchatka, there is also a chain of tribes, the rightful pos-
sessors of the country, allied together, beginning with
the Kirg6iz, and ending with the pacific population of
Kamstchatka. The Cossacks prevent the Kirgiiiz from
levying a tribute oji the Russian merchants and colonists,
and force the Kamstchatkans to pay their tribute to the
Bussian governmept.
The following is an enumeration fix)m M. Haxthausen's
work of the force which the Cossacks, according to their
constitution, and ordinances, are bound to ftimish, if a levy
of the whole of them were made. In case of urgency,
they would be able to bring into the field at least one-
fourth more of practised warriors, especially if the State
assisted them in their equipment.
At the same time, it must not be forgotten that the



Chap. VIII. THE COSSACKS. 123

Cossacks are occupied in the labours of agriculture, and
the abstraction of so large a proportion of them as took
place of late years in time of peace has been a material
injury to their interests.^ If so large a number were
taken as M. Haxthausen supposes, the tillage of the fields
could hardly be eflfected.
1. The Cossacks of the Don can put on foot 58 regi-
ments of cavalry, of which two belong to the Guard, and
14 batteries of horse artillery. Each regiment is com-
posed of 6 sotni ** or centuries ; total = 348 sotni and
112 guns.
2. The Cossacks of the western side of the Sea of
Azof. These are the best sailors of the south of Eussia.
They possess 30 gun-boats, and in time of peace are
exclusively occupied in blockading the coasts of Circassia.
They belong properly to the navy.
