Until the 19th century the _Kalewala_ existed only in fragments in the
memories and on the lips of the peasants. A collection of a few of
these scattered songs was published in 1822 by Dr Zacharius Topelius,
but it was not until 1835 that anything like a complete and
systematically arranged collection was given to the world by Dr Elias
Lonnrot. For years Dr Lonnrot wandered from place to place in the most
remote districts, living with the peasantry, and taking down from
their lips all that they knew of their popular songs. Some of the most
valuable were discovered in the governments of Archangel and Olonetz.
After unwearied diligence Lonnrot was successful in collecting 12,000
lines. These he arranged as methodically as he could into thirty-two
runes or cantos, which he published exactly as he heard them sung or
chanted. Continuing his researches, Dr Lonnrot published in 1849 a new
edition of 22,793 verses in fifty runes. A still more complete text
was published by A. V. Forsman in 1887. The importance of this
indigenous epic was at once recognized in Europe, and translations
were made into Swedish, German and French. Several translations into
English exist, the fullest being that by J. M. Crawford in 1888. The
best foreign editions are those of Castren in Swedish (1844), Leouzon
le Duc in French (1845 and 1868), Schiefner in German (1852).
(E. G.)
KALGAN (CHANG-CHIA K'OW), a city of China, in the province of Chih-li,
with a population estimated at from 70,000 to 100,000. It lies in the
line of the Great Wall, 122 m. by rail N.W. of Peking, commanding an
important pass between China and Mongolia. Its position is stated as in
40 deg. 50' N. and 114 deg. 54' E., and its height above the sea as 2810
ft. The valley amid the mountains in which it is situated is under
excellent cultivation, and thickly studded with villages. Kalgan
consists of a walled town or fortress and suburbs 3 m. long. The streets
are wide, and excellent shops are abundant; but the ordinary houses have
an unusual appearance, from the fact that they are mostly roofed with
earth and become covered with green-sward. Large quantities of soda are
manufactured; and the town is the seat of a very extensive transit
trade. In October 1909 it was connected by railway with Peking. In early
autumn long lines of camels come in from all quarters for the conveyance
of the tea-chests from Kalgan to Kiakhta; and each caravan usually makes
three journeys in the winter. Some Russian merchants have permanent
residences and warehouses just outside the gate. On the way to Peking
the road passes over a beautiful bridge of seven arches, ornamented with
marble figures of animals. The name Kalgan is Mongolian, and means a
barrier or "gate-beam."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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