52 



about 1,740 square geographical miles, which amounts to about two- 

 thirds of the whole area of the government. In 1865 the revenue 

 derived directly from the forests amounted to 327,993 roubles,* and 

 by extra fellings 9,607 roubles 90 kopecs; in all 337,540-90 roubles. 

 According to calculation each desatin on an average yielded a revenue 

 of 3*84 roubles. In subsequent years the revenue was considerably 

 diminished in consequence of the saw-mills not working. 



" In so far as forests are concerned, the importance of the govern- 

 ment of Olonetz is seen more in view of the future than in relation 

 to the present. Having several navigable outlets, it may be con- 

 sidered a reserve of forests available not for Eussia only, but for 

 Europe. 



" Looking into the accounts of revenue derived from these forests, 

 we find that almost 45 per cent, of the revenue is the proceeds from 

 the sale of timber taken to the saw-mills. In 1865 there were sold 

 to seven of these 237,783 logs for the sum of 98,359 roubles 59J 

 kopecs, and to the English Onega Company, having its fabrique on the 

 Biver Onega in the government of Archangel but preparing at the 

 present time forest material in the district of Kargopole in the 

 government of Olonetz, logs amounting in value to 52,585 roubles ; 

 in all 150,944 roubles 59^ kopecs. 



" From what has been said it follows that the saw-mills, which are 

 the principal purchasers, are indispensable for the sale of timber ; 

 and that but .for these there would be but a small sale of timber, more 

 particularly in the northern parts of the government. 



"Beading the reports in the Government office of the Imperial 

 Domaines, one is arrested involuntarily at a place which treats of 

 unauthorized fellings carried on without leave or sanction. 



" According to these reports the population of the government 

 consists almost exclusively of those who were Crown serfs and their 

 children, whose requirements of wood for fuel and building are 

 sufficiently met by the allotments made to them annually from the 

 forests ; but these people for a long time back have been possessed 

 with the idea that woods are of no pecuniary value, and they destroy 

 them recklessly. When the annual allotment happens to be less than 

 they think they require for building material for it may be fancy 

 erections which they do not require they frequently go off to the 

 woods and cut what they want without ever applying for permission 

 to do so. And then the question comes up, Is it possible for the 

 people to acquire at the present time any adequate idea of the 



* The standard equivalent of the rouble is 3s. 4d. It is generally, in accordance with 

 the rate of exchange, 2s. 6d. When I was in Russia last year it was 2s., and at one 

 time during the war it was Is. lOd. The rouhle is worth 100 kopecs. J. C. B. 



