Sketch of the Geology, &c. of Siberia. 25 
scientific, the humane, and the political inquirer. The late expedi- 
tions from Russia and Germany, upon “Icy Sea discoveries,” might 
probably supply these deficiencies, but the accounts are not to be 
obtained in this country. The information which is the basis of the 
following remarks, has been derived principally from the journey of 
the Count De Lesseps (interpreter to La Perouse,) overland, from 
Kamschatka to Paris, and from the narrative of Capt. J. D. Cochrane, 
of the R. B. Navy. 
The four grand divisions of Siberia will be noticed in their order, 
beginning on the west. They are Tobolsk, Irkutsk, Yakutsk, and 
Okotsk, within which, it is subdivided into provinces, governments, 
and commissariats, all subject to Russia. 
TOBOLSK. 
The government of Tobolsk commences on the east side of the 
Uralian chain, which divides Asia from Europe. This magnificent 
range of mountains consists of primitive rocks, and is rich in the 
treasures of the mineral kingdom. ‘The mines of gold appear to be 
inexhaustible, and the minerals and precious metals of this region, 
are said to surpass those of South America in variety and beauty.— 
It extends from the Icy Sea to the steppe north of the Caspian.— 
Primitive marble is found in many parts, and ‘ornamental jasper 
occurs in large rock masses.”* At Catharinebourg, the first town in 
Siberia, at the foot of the mountains, are large iron and copper foun- 
deries. The copper is brought three hundred miles to the city, and 
worked up into ingots. The river Iset, which runs near the city, is 
dammed up to form a sort of lake for washing the gold sands, some 
of which are found in beds six or eight feet deep, but the greater 
part are brought twelve miles from the mines of Berezoffsky, which 
have been penetrated, perpendicularly, one hundred and sixty feet. 
Immense iron establishments are also situated in this vicinity, one of 
which employs six thousand peasants. Proceeding east, but little is 
known, of the mineral, or geological character of the country. It 
frowns in dark and lofty forests, preserving its wild and ancient mag- 
nificence. Occasionally fine districts of cultivation, are seen, with 
immense herds of cattle, luxuriant cornfields, and a civil and hospit- 
* Strangways’ Geology of Russia. 
Vor. XVIT.—No. 1. 4 
