In 1996 a spring and early summer was cold and dry, and the steppes of S Transbaikalia (Dahuria) looked lifeless even on 29th June (1996). Here the grass Koeleria cristata (L.) Pers (= Koeleria gracilisPers. nom. illeg.) dominates. 10 days after the steppe was green and flowering.

The isthmus between Lakes Zun-Torei and Barun-Torei (seen on the horrizon) at the hill Teli, S Chita Region, Siberia, Russia. O. Kosterin