CHAPTER VI.

The Arctic region north of Berezov-Obdorsk fair-

Zirani-Fur-tax-Perfidy of Russian merchants-

Division of the native population of Watahy–Chiefs

of the tribes—The Prince of Obdorsk-Catherine II.

- The Prince's threat to burn Tobolsk — Assault

on him-Curious trial-Integrity of the native

117

races

CHAPTER VII.

Christmas-Masquerades—Visit from a party of masks

--Custom of preserving wedding-clothes--New Year's

Eve-Superstitions-Professor Kalmikow's delusion

-Fiendish pranks—Phantasmagoria

132

CHAPTER VIII.

New Year's Day-Letters from home~Evening party

- Various games and songs — Judge Slobodzki

Expelling the devils—The town in alarm-Arrival of

a Polish physician–Fair at Berezov-Fur trade-

Berezovian foxes-A walk in a severe frost 151

CHAPTER IX.

Matrimonial alliance-Twelfth Night or the Maslanca

féte-Regulations restricting the sale of spirits—Visit

from an exiled Tartar Khan-His dress and orders-

Ceremony in Lent, and its effects-Remarks on duel-

ling-Lenten Díet-Its effects on health—Assimila-

tion of Russian settlers to the Ostiaks

172

CHAPTER X.

Walk on a frosty day—Mode of preserving meat-Im-

providence of the Ostiaks-Distressing case of a

starving family — Cockroaches - Message from the

Kierghes Khan-Going to communion-Easter re-

flections and visits-Cause of blindness among the

Ostiaks - Meteorologic phenomena-Appearance of

a crow-Snow-birds--The 3rd of May

194

CHAPTER XI.

-

Beginning of a thaw Wild fowl - Arrival of the

birds-Shooting excursion-Native sport-Breaking

up of the ice

Violent gale - The waves of the

Soswa

219

CHAPTER XII.

Ungenial spring—The annual supplies of provisions-

Visit to one of the vessels-Visit from a Frenchman

-Characteristics of the Siberians—The Frenchman's

adventures-Sudden heat-River scenery- Prome-

nade A tempest Conservatories of plants

Kozlow's departure for the Oby Gulf .

239

CHAPTER XIII.

An examination at a school-St. Peter's féte Ostiak

dance-Patron Saint's festival-Solemnity of the pro-

cession - Another sporting excursion - Fishing –

Bathing

260

CHAPTER XIV.

Beginning of autumn-Walk on the banks of the Soswa

-New street_Tameness of Berezovian dogs-En-

counter with an Ostiak-Civilised and primitive life

contrasted

284

CHAPTER XV.

The Aurora Borealis

289

CHAPTER XVI.

Lieutenant Pim's proposed journey across Siberia-

Difficulties of its execution, as stated by the Russian

Government — Rebellion of a Samoied chief - His

capture at Obdorsk — Alarm at Berezov — Belief in

witchcraft

294

CHAPTER XVII.

Arrival of a Chinownik — An evening party - Letters

from home-A maid-servant-Special commission-
Official insubordination Search for mammoth bones
- Josephine's marriage - Authoress transferred to
Saratov— Preparations for the journey–Noble con-
duct of the Berezovians-Farewell

308

REVELATIONS OF SIBERIA.

CHAPTER I.

Fabulous account of the bear Degeneracy of the

Russians, and courage of the natives-Bear-huntingSuperstitious veneration of the bear-White bearsCeremonial observance of a husband's death-Winter aspect of Berezov-Ostiak costume-Probability of early communication between Siberia and North America.

From the moment of the rumoured appearance of the terrible Bruin in this vicinity, nobody dared to stir beyond the precincts of the town; and whoever happened to possess a black cow was in extreme trepidation for the safety of his cattle. Still no one was bold enough to make