Russians and other white men, even after long practice, never attempt it without a shudder.
The yourt is generally circular or oblong, and its size is proportioned to the family of the owner.

The fire is in the center, and the sleeping apartments are ranged around the walls.

These apartments, called 'polags,' are about six feet square and four or five high, partitioned with light poles and skin curtains.

Owing to the high temperature the natives sleep entirely naked.

Sometimes in the coldest nights their clothing is hung out of doors to rid it of certain parasites not unknown in civilization.