After this the new emperor made what might be called his inaugural address. The khans and their followers gathered once more before his throne while he delivered an oration to them, in which he thanked them for the honor which they had done him in raising him to the supreme power, and announced to them the principles by which he should be guided in the government of his empire. He promised to be just in his dealings with his subjects, and also to be merciful. He would defend them, he said, against all their enemies. He would do every thing in his power to promote their comfort and happiness. He would lead them to honor and glory, and would make their names known throughout the earth. He would deal impartially, too, with all the different tribes and hordes, and would treat the Monguls and the Tartars, the two great classes of his subjects, with equal favor. When the speech was concluded Genghis Khan distributed presents to all the subordinate khans, both great and small. He also made magnificent entertainments, which were continued for several days. After thus spending some time in feasting and rejoicings, the khans one after another took their leave of the emperor, the great encampment was broken up, and the different tribes set out on their return to their several homes. CHAPTER XII. DOMINIONS OF GENGHIS KHAN. 1203 Karakorom.--Insignificance of cities and towns.--Account of Karakorom.--The buildings.--The grand encampments.--Construction of the tents.--Dwellings of the women.--Mountains and wild beasts.--Hunting.--The danger of hunting in those days.--Modern weapons.--Carabines.--Fulminating balls.--Devisme's establishment in Paris.--Specimens.--Great danger.--Wild beasts more formidable than men.--Grand huntsman.--Timid animals.--Stratagems.--Mode of taking deer.--Training of the horses.--Great desert.--Cold.--No forests.--Pasturage.--Burning the grass on the plains.