SHIPKA PASS.

Inangahua Times, Volume IV, Issue 70, 19 September 1877, Page 2

SHIPKA PASS.

(From the Press.)* Sliipka Pass is the- mountain- w»d from Tirnovii.' It is one- of the roost practicable of the Balkan Passes, a road having been made through in 18&3. Naturally the pass is no', difficult or <teep. and it was considered one which the- Hussions- in their march southward might force most easily. Colonel Uakor crossed the Balkans by the Shipka Pass, nnd describes it as accessible Ironi tbe north by several routes leading up the spurs, so that an army occupying one spur could* easily be turned by any enemy passing up another. " Arrived at the water-shed (about 4000 ft above the sen) ascent begins to tbe south, and continues down a moderately steep incline on pasture and rock for about two miles, along a southern spur. It then comes to the brushwood, and commences a deep descent down a zigzag path for another two miles, until it arrived at Tekke, at the foot of the mountains, and on the verge of the plain. From tbe top ridge there are several paths, which make their way down other spurs, to other parts of the plain. The nature of the soil is that of loose stones mixed with .earth gravel, and it could with ease be formed into a roid passable for artillery."