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Article TRANSCAUCASIA. ← Page 6 of 11 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Transcaucasia.
teresting : here Tatars , in the so-called Polish dress ; in another part , the sun-burnt Persians , with loose floAving dresses ; Koords , Avith a bold , enterprising look ; Lesghis and Circassians , engaged in their traffic in horses ; lastly , the beautiful Georgian Avomen , Avith long flowing veils and high-heeled slippers : nearly all the population displaying a beauty of varied characterwhich no
, other country can exhibit , heightened by the party-coloured and beautiful costumes . In no place are both the contrasts and the connecting links between Europe and Asia found in the same immediate juxtaposition as in Tiflis . " Large numbers of Germans emigrated from their OAvn country , principally from Wurtemburg , about the year 1818 ,
and formed colonies in Transcaucasia , Avhere they constitute an element in the population which may one clay prove of great importance . The cause of their emigration Avas religious discontent in their own country : they live here , undisturbed in their faith and worship by the Russian government , which is probably aware of their value . The colony at Tiflis is in a flourishing state , and the general supply of the products of
the field and garden is m their hands . The Georgians are too idle to learn industrious habits from them ; but in time such an example of the fruits derived from industry must produce a beneficial effect on the native population . The extensive system of irrigation , which is derived from ancient times , and was doubtless extended considerably by the
Persians , Aidien they had dominion over these provinces , is very remarkable . In all parts of the country are found canals and sluices , every little stream being turned to account . " These are kept up by the villages , several frequently uniting to maintain a small system of canals , which serves them in common . The inhabitants form a corporate body , every one being called
upon to bear a certain part of the burden , according to the extent of his landed property , and sharing proportionately in the advantages of the irrigation , the water being turned on to his fields for so many hours in the day . The corporation is under a Avater-bailiff ( Merue ) , chosen by the inhabitants , Avho regulates the works and the use of the waterdecides all disputes
, , & c . If any one resists the authority of the Merue , the community distrain one of his cattle , kill and eat it . The Merue receives small dues from the garden aud land . " * The remains of canals , dams , and sluices met with in every part of the country , clearly indicate the existence , at some remote period , of a regular and organized system of irrigation ,
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Transcaucasia.
teresting : here Tatars , in the so-called Polish dress ; in another part , the sun-burnt Persians , with loose floAving dresses ; Koords , Avith a bold , enterprising look ; Lesghis and Circassians , engaged in their traffic in horses ; lastly , the beautiful Georgian Avomen , Avith long flowing veils and high-heeled slippers : nearly all the population displaying a beauty of varied characterwhich no
, other country can exhibit , heightened by the party-coloured and beautiful costumes . In no place are both the contrasts and the connecting links between Europe and Asia found in the same immediate juxtaposition as in Tiflis . " Large numbers of Germans emigrated from their OAvn country , principally from Wurtemburg , about the year 1818 ,
and formed colonies in Transcaucasia , Avhere they constitute an element in the population which may one clay prove of great importance . The cause of their emigration Avas religious discontent in their own country : they live here , undisturbed in their faith and worship by the Russian government , which is probably aware of their value . The colony at Tiflis is in a flourishing state , and the general supply of the products of
the field and garden is m their hands . The Georgians are too idle to learn industrious habits from them ; but in time such an example of the fruits derived from industry must produce a beneficial effect on the native population . The extensive system of irrigation , which is derived from ancient times , and was doubtless extended considerably by the
Persians , Aidien they had dominion over these provinces , is very remarkable . In all parts of the country are found canals and sluices , every little stream being turned to account . " These are kept up by the villages , several frequently uniting to maintain a small system of canals , which serves them in common . The inhabitants form a corporate body , every one being called
upon to bear a certain part of the burden , according to the extent of his landed property , and sharing proportionately in the advantages of the irrigation , the water being turned on to his fields for so many hours in the day . The corporation is under a Avater-bailiff ( Merue ) , chosen by the inhabitants , Avho regulates the works and the use of the waterdecides all disputes
, , & c . If any one resists the authority of the Merue , the community distrain one of his cattle , kill and eat it . The Merue receives small dues from the garden aud land . " * The remains of canals , dams , and sluices met with in every part of the country , clearly indicate the existence , at some remote period , of a regular and organized system of irrigation ,