'Military Report on Russian Turkistan or Central Asia' [‎35r] (76/168)

59
grown only for its fruit, is now being cultivated for
wine also, of which about 270,000 gallons are obtained
annually.
The forests of Central Asia are contined almost Forests,
entirely to the slopes of the mountains. The steppes
are, however, in places covered with low bushes, and
plantations are met with in the oases. In times past
the forests were barbarously thinned and wasted, but
the Russian Government is taking measures to prevent
further devastation. Strenuous efforts arc being made
to increase the forest area in Trans-Caspia; several
hundred thousand trees are planted every year and a
forest guard endeavours to prevent useless destruction
of the saxaul trees.
Cattle-breeding is the chief occupation of the nomad Cattle-
Turkomans and Kirghiz, and is extensively carried on breeding,
throughout Turkistan. The numbers of cattle, camels,
horses, &c., in the five provinces, in the year 1900, given
in tabular form on page 61, are taken from a recent
Russian source. The figures concerning Bokhara and
Khiva are estimates only, definite information being
entirely lacking.
With regard to camels, the most important factor in
respect to military transport, it may be noted that their
average term of life is 45 years. They are not fully grown
until they are 1G, and should not be used before they are
five years old at earliest. They are not, as a rule, fit
for hard work beyond the age of 25. Female camels
are only used as beasts of burden to a limited extent, as
they are more valuable for breeding and milking pur
poses. From the above data it is estimated that of any-
given number of animals male camels between the ages
of 5 and 25 Avill constitute 22 per cent. only. Even if a
considerable number of females be employed, it appears
that, after deductions on account of weaklings, animals
temporarily unfit, breeding, &c., the total percentage
suitable and fit for the hard work of a campaign cannot
greatly exceed one-third of the total number of camels
according to census.
Census figures, however, must be received with
reserve; they are said to be probably less than the reality,