the name of a very high mountain of Asia, being one of that great ridge which runs between the Black and Caspian seas. Sir John Chardin describes this as the highest mountain, and the most difficult to pass, of any he had seen. It has frightful precipices, and in many places the roads are cut out of the solid rock. At the time he passed it, the mountain was entirely covered with snow; so that, in many places, his guides behoved to clear the way with shovels. The mountain is 36 leagues over, and the summit of it eight leagues in breadth. The top is perpetually covered with snow; and our traveller relates, that the two last days he seemed to be in the clouds, and was not able to see 20 paces before him. Excepting the very top, however, all the parts of Mount Caucasus are extremely fruitful; abounding in honey, corn, fruits, hogs, and large cattle. The vines twine about the trees, and rise so high, that the inhabitants cannot gather the fruit from the uppermost branches. There are many streams of excellent water, and a vast number of villages. The inhabitants are for the most part Christians of the Georgian church. They have fine complexions, and the women are very beautiful.—In the winter they wear snow shoes in the form of rackets, which prevent their sinking in the snow, and enable them to run upon it with great swiftness.