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THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CAUCASUS 39
five-verst map as a complete physical survey. In no respect have
the defects of this map been more prejudicial to the formation among
those who instruct the public of a correct conception of the Caucasus
than in the matter of its glaciation. The majj-makers treated this
physical feature with curious carelessness, not to say contempt. It
may have been difficult for them to delineate or define, with any
approach to accuracy, the limits and extent of the glacier regidii in
the great cham. But there was no reason why, while practically
ignoring the central snow and ice, they should have planted
imaginary snows of considerable extent on some of the lower parallel
ranges — for example, those south of the Rion som-ces.
It is only lately that the completion of many sheets of the one-
veret map has enabled those who have had access to them to realise
how unfounded were the statements current in scientific circles, and
how fully justified we mountain explorers were in our contradiction
of them.
It is now possible to furnish authentic figures as to the total
ai-ea and length of some of the greatest Caucasian glaciers. The
following have been computed for me very carefully by Mr. Reeves,
the Assistant Map Curator of the Royal Geographical Society, from
the new sheets, forwaixled to me by the courtesy of the late General
Shdanov and his successor. The measurements of length are taken
along the centre of the ice-stream from the highest point
neve down to its tongue.
o
Bezingi Glacier
Karagom Glacier
Leksur Glacier....
Dykli.su Glacier
Zaniier Glacier
Tuiber Glacier ....
Irik Glacier ....
.Shikildi Glacier '
. . .
of its
By way of comparison, I supply the measurements of eight
'
In the statement of area I have tested Professor Heim's figures and find they are calculated
on the same principle as yU. Reeves's. The smaller rocks islanded in the ice, and forming part
of a glacier basin, are included in the calculation.