102 FORESTRY IN EASTERN RUSSIA. 



how much charcoal they will require ; how many square 

 decatins of timber they intend to cut down on the estate 

 for fuel, according to a given plan and specification but 

 the quantity hewn, and the locality operated upon, is there- 

 after fixed, just as it happens afterwards to suit their 

 convenience. 



' The Imperial Bank in Ekaterineburg makes to them 

 an advance of working capital upon the basis of that 

 project, in order that the zavods may be kept going to 

 find bread and employment for all people living and 

 depending entirely on these mining operations in the 

 district. 



' There is a mining engineer in the Government service 

 appointed to look after the Imperial interests, to receive 

 and store the iron as it is made, to see that the Govern- 

 ment money is rightly disbursed, and to see to the whole 

 business being properly conducted, well managed, and 

 honestly worked out. The whole scheme seems feasible 

 enough if fairly carried on, and one would think the 

 Imperial Bank ought to receive the 6 per cent, per 

 annum required for the cash so liberally confided to the 

 owner until the amount is reimbursed by the sale of the iron 

 at the next annual fair. But there is invariably a deficit, 

 there being always large items of extraordinary and un- 

 accountable expenses, so that instead of the finances of 

 the zavod improving, a debt goes on accumulating year by 

 year, until it happens, in accordance with the proverb, 

 " The last straw breaks the camel's back." The Govern- 

 ment will advance no more money, so all comes to a dead 

 lock, and this, perhaps, not for the first time. And what 

 is the cause of this deplorable state of things ? How have 

 these debts been made, and why do they increase like a 

 snowball with every turn, even under official control and 

 duly authorised supervision? The answer is ready the 

 reason of all this is very obvious ! The one great parasite 

 eating into the vitals of any and every Russian under- 

 taking is speculation. Then to change the figure the most 

 powerful brake which operates here to prevent the success 



