These, however,
proved practically useless against the Russians, as the garrison
only fired solid shot, not being provided with shell. The Khan
seemed to have made no use whatever of the many inclosed gardens
in the vicinity of the city during the Russian advance, as, if he
had, and firmly contested each yard of soil, I much doubt whether
the Tsar's troops could have ever entered the city.
It is difficult to estimate the population of an Oriental city
by simply riding round its walls; so many houses are uninhabited,
and others again are densely packed with inhabitants. However, I
should say, as a mere guess, that there are about 25,000 human
beings within the walls of Khiva. The streets are broad and clean,
while the houses belonging to the richer inhabitants are built of
highly polished bricks and coloured tiles, which lend a cheerful
aspect to the otherwise somewhat sombre colour of the surroundings.
There are nine schools: the largest, which contains 130 pupils,
was built by the father of the present Khan.
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