Across the Roof of tlie World. 



is thus preferable to have one's own sledge, and avoid the 

 inconvenience of turning out at all hours of the day and night 

 to change vehicles, especially in the winter, when movement in 

 the open is anything but pleasant. 



A good sledge can be purchased for from 40 to 60 roubles and 

 re-sold at one's destination, often for as much or more than was 

 paid for it, particularly in the winter when they are in great 

 demand. 



The roads arc maintained by Government, but require little 

 attention in winter as the track runs over the broad steppe on a 

 layer of snow usually several feet in thickness. The stages are 

 at distances varying from 15 to 35 versts, the intervals depending 

 on the nature of the country and the state of the roads to be 

 traversed. 



As I was unable to purchase a satisfactory sledge in Zaisan, 

 I took the post vehicles which necessitated sixty changes en 

 route — in mid-winter very poor fun. These post sledges are 

 marvellously strong, and they need to be to withstand the terrific 

 bumping experienced over rough parts of the road. 



vSledge travelling in Siberia is not expensive, the charges 

 for horses and vehicles being 3 kopecks per horse per verst, 

 and a further tax of 10 kopecks per horse per stage levied by 

 the Government. There is also a charge of 12 kopecks per 

 sledge per stage. Considering the nature of the country and 

 the conditions prevailing, especially in the winter, these charges 

 are by no means excessive. 



A receipt is given at every stage for the hire, and in each 

 post-house is affixed a notice detailing the number of versts 

 to the next station, so that one can calculate the amount to be 

 paid over, and obviate the chances of being swindled. 



The horsing of the sledges is, as a rule, distinctly good, so 

 that in winter, on well-frozen tracks, one can maintain a high 

 rate of speed. 



The traveller, on application to the local authorities and the 

 production of his passport, can obtain a permit entitling him to 



404 



