346 Geography. 



the resources, the capacities, and the wants of hi.^ 

 people. Much was done, during his reign, toward 

 the accomplishment of this object; but he left still 

 more to be performed by his successors. His de- 

 sign was prosecuted with great zeal and success, 

 by Catharine II. who, in 1768, sent a number of 

 learned men to different parts of her extensive em- 

 pire, to ascertain its physical, moral, and political 

 condition. They were ordered to pursue their in- 

 quiry upon the different sorts of earths and waters; 

 upon the best methods of cultivating the barren and 

 desert spots ; upon the local disorders incident to 

 man and animals, and the most efficacious means 

 of relieving them ; upon the breeding of cattle, and 

 particularly of sheep; on the rearing of bees and 

 silk worms; on the different places and objects of 

 fishing and hunting; on minerals; on arts and 

 trades; and on forming a Flora Russica, or col- 

 lection of indigenous plants. They were particu- 

 larly instructed to rectify the longitude and latitude 

 of the principal towns; to make astronomical, geo- 

 graphical, and meteorological observations ; to trace 

 the coyirses of the rivers; to make exact maps and 

 charts; to be very distinct and accurate in remark- 

 ing and describing the manners and customs of the 

 different people, their dress, languages, antiquities, 

 traditions, history, and religion ; and, in a word, to 

 gain every information which might tend to illus- 

 trate the real state of the whole empire."" 



In this arduous service, Pallas, Gmelin, Le- 

 PEciiEN, GuLDENSTiEDT, aud othcrs, wcrc, about 

 the same time, employed, and furnished with every 

 accommodation, in the power of their royal patron, 

 which could facilitate their pursuit. It is generally 

 known that they performed the task committed to 



1) Coxe's travels into Russia^ &C. vol. ii. p. 35O, 35 1, &c. For the 

 particular account of the diiferent routes, &c. of these learned travellersj 

 see To ore's Fiszv of Musiia^ Jntroduttory Discourse, 



