To the demoralised condition of the Christians themselves, then, combined with Turkish misgovernment, resulting from their semi-civilisation, may the existing unsatisfactory state of affairs be attributed, and not to any systematic oppression.  It is the want of this, which renders it difficult for the Porte, now that the central power has been strengthened at the expense of the local, to take any decided steps for improving the position of the Christians; all that it can do is to place all upon a footing of legal equality, to encourage education, and to promote everything which shall have for its object the developement of the natural resources of the country.

[Footnote R:  The 1st Corps d’Armee of the empire.]

CHAPTER XV.

Excursion to Blato—­Radobolya—­Roman Road—­Lichnitza—­Subterraneous Passage—­Duck-shooting—­Roman Tombs—­Coins and Curiosities—­Boona—­Old Bridge—­Mulberry Trees—­Blagai—­Source of Boona River—­Kiosk—­Castle—­Plain of Mostar—­Legends—­Silver Ore—­Mineral Products of Bosnia—­Landslip—­Marbles—­Rapids—­Valley of the Drechnitza.

The week following upon my return to Mostar was devoted to excursions to different spots in the vicinity of the town.  In one instance the pleasure was enhanced by the anticipation of some duck-shooting; for, as the event will show, the expectation was never realised.  Our destination was Blato, a plain about nine miles distant, which all maps represent as a lake, but which does not deserve the name, as it is only flooded during the winter months.  The party consisted of M. Gyurcovich, the Hungarian dragoman of the British consulate; the Russian Consul; his domestic, a serf strongly addicted to the use of ardent drinks, of which he had evidently partaken largely on the occasion in question; a French doctor, who had many stories of the Spanish war, in which he had served; two other individuals, and myself.

About one hour from Mostar, we arrived at the source of the Radobolya, which flows through Mostar and falls into the Narenta near the old bridge.  The road was sufficiently well defined, although needing repair in places.  The walls on either side, as well as its general construction, proclaim its Roman origin.  It was doubtless a part of the great main road from the east to Dalmatia.  It is only at occasional points that it is so easily discernible, but sufficient evidence exists to show that on quitting the Albanian mountains it passed Stolatz, crossed the bridge at Mostar, and continued thence by a somewhat circuitous route to Spalatro.  On emerging from the defile through which we had been marching, the plain of Blato lay extended before us, some nine or ten miles in length and four in breadth.  The land, which must be extremely fertile, is cultivated in the spring, but only those cereals which are of the most rapid growth are produced; such as millet, Indian corn, and broom seed, from which a coarse description of