Convict Days. 



with Giyani and the kit, and then to the house of Khatimski's 

 elder brother. We succeeded with difficulty in rousing the latter 

 who after cordial greetings produced a substantial supper. 



This brother was engaged in the mining industry, of which 

 Ustkhamenogorsk forms the principal centre, all the ore mined 

 in the Altai and surrounding district being brought into the 

 town, which thereby enjoys a considerable reputation. 



Ustkhamenogorsk itself is situated on the Irtish River. The 

 houses are constructed of wood, some two-storied, but the large 



A SIBERIAN VILLAGE IN MID-WINTER. 



majority single. It was a penal settlement in days gone by and 

 old residents told me of the custom prevailing in those days to 

 guard against the burglarious attacks of escaped convicts. With 

 a view to obviating such possible eventualities from those 

 endeavouring to evade the law and leave the horrors of this 

 earthly hell behind them, bread and other provisions were placed 

 upon the window sills of houses, more particularly those on 

 the outskirts of a town ; thus the fugitive might partake of 

 them and not be forced to enter a house for food, a proceeding 



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