South of Krasnoyarsk are the natives belonging to the somewhat indefinite family known as Tartars.  They came originally from Central Asia, and preserve many Mongol habits added to some created by present circumstances.  Some of them dwell in houses, while others adhere to yourts of the same form and material as those of the Bouriats and Mongols.  They are agriculturists in a small way, but only adopt tilling the soil as a last resort.  Their wealth consists in sheep, cattle, and horses, and when one of them has large possessions he changes his habitation two or three times a year, on account of pasturage.  A gentleman told me that he once found a Tartar, whose flocks and herds were worth more than a million roubles, living in a tent of ordinary dimensions and with very little of what a European would call comfort.  These natives harmonize perfectly with the Russians, of whom they have a respectful fear.

Like their kindred in Central Asia, these Tartars are excellent horsemen, and show themselves literally at home in the saddle.  Dismounted, they step clumsily, and are unable to walk any distance of importance.  On horseback they have an easy and graceful carriage, and are capable of great endurance.  They show intense love for their horses, caressing them constantly and treating their favorite riding animals as household pets.  In all their songs and traditions the horse occupies a prominent place.

One of the most popular Tartar songs, said to be of great antiquity, relates the adventures of “Swan’s Wing,” a beautiful daughter of a native chief.  Her brother had been overpowered by a magician and carried to the spirit laird.  According to the tradition the horse he rode came to Swan’s Wing and told her what had occurred.  The young girl begged him to lead her by the road the magician had taken, and thus guided, she reached the country of the shades.  Assisted by the horse she was able to rescue her brother from the prison where he was confined.  On her return she narrated to her people the incidents of her journey, which are chanted at the present time.  The song tells how one of the supernatural guardians was attracted by her beauty and became her valet de place during her visit.

Near the entrance of the grounds she saw a fat horse in a sandy field, and a lean one in a meadow.  A thin and apparently powerless man was wading against a torrent, while a large and muscular one could not stop a small brook.

“The first horse,” said her guide, “shows that a careful master can keep his herds in good condition with scanty pasturage, and the second shows how easily one may fail to prosper in the midst of plenty.  The man stemming the torrent shows how much one can accomplish by the force of will, even though the body be weak.  The strong man is overpowered by the little stream, because he lacks intelligence and resolution.”