On some tombs were a crescent and star, the emblem of Constantinople; on a few a cross; but there was no attempt at a letter or other sign of language.

The entire absence of any ruins within the distance of our journeys (and by the report of the natives there were none in the country round about) made the presence of these cemeteries an archaeological problem to which I obtained no clue until some time later, on the surrender of Niksich.

We then discovered that a large part of the town was formed of houses--huts would be more correct--constructed on sledges, huge runners of timber, into which had been driven stakes, forming the frame of the house.

The stakes were filled in with willow branches, and the walls were completed with mud, the whole being roofed with thatch.

The forward end of the runners was perforated for a bar, to which oxen could be attached, and the house was evidently to be drawn from place to place, as the herds and flocks found food.