Cossacks

(kö äks.) [Ru . Kosaks.] A nomadic race of mixed Caucasian and Tartar origin, inhabiting the steppes of the Ru ian countries bordering the Black Sea, Sea of Azoff, the Ukraine, and the Siberian frontier. They form a sort of independent autonomy subject to Ru in, pay no taxes, but perform military service, giving to the empire a splendid force of light cavalry, some 100,000 in number. Their territory in Fig. 214.- coSSACK OF THE UKRAINE. (Amode of riding acro the steppes.) European Ru ia embraces an area of abt. 100,000 sq. m. They are divided into various tribes, as the Co acks of the Don, the Ukraine Co acks (Fig. 214), the Black Sea, Ural, and Azovien Co acks, . They are mostly worshippers of the Greek Church, are hospitable and generous in time of peace; in war fierce, and fonder of plunder than any other soldiery. Their chief is styled helm an, and they form a defensive cordon of the empiro from the Black Sea nearly as far as the Siberian territories. Their chief riches are their horses, which are small, but swift and indefatigable.. [s. 233] IMG:p0262_0.jpg:Gravür