CAUCASUS, keka-sus (Lat., from Gk. Ka• Kacoc, Kaukasos, Fr. Caucasc, Ger. Kauka.sus, Russ. Karhas). A region occupying the south east corner of Europe, and extending into Asia (Alai): Russia. E 6). It extends from about latitude 38° to 46° 30' N., constituting the isth mus separating the Caspian from the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. Its area is about 180.000 square miles. Russian Armenia is included in the southern part.
Considered ethnologically and physically, the Caucasus is the most interesting part of the Rus sian Empire and one of the most interesting countries. The, surface presents a wide diversity of aspects, since it comprises a low and marshy region in the north, as well as the snow-clad peaks of the Caucasus range. This range crosses the territory from northwest to southeast, and, with its offshoots, occupies the larger part.
The main range divides the country into Northern Caucasia (Ciscaucasia) and Transcau casia. The former is, in the main, a level coun try, having lagoons, marshes, and steppes. Its central elevation lies between the headstre:uns of the Kuma and the Terek, which flow into the Caspian, and those of the Kuban, an affluent of the Black Sea. Transcaucasia, or the region south of the main Caucasus range, forms a strik together with its affluent, the Ants, drains a great part of Transcaucasia, emptying into the Caspian. The much smaller Rion flows into the Black Sea.
The water system of the Caucasus belongs wholly to these two seas. Lakes are found only in Transcaucasia. The chief of them is the Gok•ha, or Sevanga, situated in Erivan. Its altitude is above 60011 feet. its area over 300 square miles. For further physiographieal de tails, see CAUCASUS Mot:NTAD:s.
The varieties of climate effect sharp contrasts in flora and fauna. From the northern pine on the lofty altitudes to the unusually luxuriant growths in the basin of the Rion, where figs, pomegranates, etc., flourish, there is an extraor dinary range of vegetation. The fauna ranges from the leopard, and even the tiger, to the com mon European species of wild animals.
The mineral deposits of the Caucasus are re garded among the richest in Russia, and its oil wells are second only to those of the United States. There are produced annually nearly 10.
000,000 tons of petroleum, over 600,000 tons of manganese ore, nearly 3000 tons of copper, be sides sulphur, cobalt, salt, and iron.
Owing to its mountainous surface, only about 13 per cent. of the area of the Caucasus grows grain, conspicuously wheat. That portion is in the north, and produces nearly one-fifth as much wheat as European Russia proper. It also pro duces a large amount of hay—over one-tenth as much as the product of European Russia proper. The cultivation of the vine claims the chief attention of the soil-tillers in Transcaucasia, where much tobacco is also raised, besides some tea and cotton. The Caucasus is a very favor able region for live-stock growing. This industry is chiefly carried on by nomadic tribes, whose herds are often extensive. The native horses are held in high repute all over Europe for their speed and endurance.
The manufacturing industries of the Caucasus are but poorly developed. The natives make rugs and long woolen cloaks, also harness. VI hieh is usually richly and tastefully trimmed with silver. The rugs, as well as the silver and gold articles and weapons, show no little skill and artistic sense, and are exported to some extent. In manufacture of wine, primitive methods arc mostly used, and the product is hardly known outside of Russia.
The transportation facilities of the Caucasus, although considerably improved slime the comple tion of the Transcaucasian railway, are yet far from adequate. In many parts the pack-horse is still alone used for transporting freight. The northern of the two railways connects the Cas pian port Petrovsk with Novorossiisk, on the Black Sea, and with Taganrog on the Sea of Azov. The southern line connects Baku, on the Cas pian, with Pod, on the Black Sea. The exports of petroleum and grain from the Caucasus to western Europe across the Black Sea have of late become very important. The petroleum flotilla on the Caspian numbers over 300 vessels.