FORESTS OF OLONETZ. 39 



to the most northern town in the Government of Olonetz, 

 where, according to the opinion among the population, is 

 the end of the world. This town is called Povonetz. At 

 about 20 versts, or 14 miles, from Petrozavodsk is the 

 village of Thouya, the first post station on the river of the 

 same name, across which there is a barge ferry. The 

 river Thouya flows into the Onega Lake, and has through- 

 out its course a very rapid current. Where I crossed 

 there was wood being floated down from the Government 

 mining forest estates situated further up, from whence the 

 strength of the current brought them down. 



' The current brought them with such rapidity and force 

 that the barge was in danger, and with difficulty we 

 reached the other shore. 



' The rapid current is not favourable for the flotage of 

 timber, and there has been formed what may be called a 

 dam at the mouth of the river ; but this having been 

 broken, a great quantity of wood has been carried into 

 the Onega Lake, whereby the navigation of it in this part 

 by steamers has been impeded. It is to be desired that 

 some effective measures were taken to prevent this loss, 

 which increases the cost of what forest timber is secured. 



' Looking at the floating timber I was struck with the 

 activity with which the men employed maintained their 

 footing, each standing on a log and holding in his hand a 

 long pole or boat-hook, with which he balanced himself, 

 and with which, in floating down the timber, he cleared the 

 obstacles encountered; and these on this river are very 

 numerous. 



' For this purpose it is generally inhabitants of the dis- 

 trict who are employed, these being very skilful and 

 accustomed to the work. They are here known as 

 " Onejan," or Onega men, and I am under an impression 

 that under this general name such workmen pass in St. 

 Petersburg. 



' Proceeding onward to the north, on both sides of the 

 road there were to be seen forests and forests, and nothing 

 but forests. I can affirm that the person who is acquainted 



