Sketch of the Geology, ^c. of Siberia. 25 



scientific, the humane, and the ' political inquirer. The late expedi- 

 tions from Russia and Germany, upon "Icy Sea discoveries," might 

 probably supply these deficiencies, but the accounts are not to be 

 obtained in this country. The information which is the basis of the 

 foUoAving remarks, has been derived principally from the journey of 

 the Count De Lesseps (interpreter to La Perouse,) overland, from 

 Kamschatka to Paris, and from the narrative of Capt. J. D. Cochrane, 

 df the R. B. Navy. 



The four grand divisions of Siberia will be noticed in their order, 

 beginning on the west. They are Tobolsk, Irkutsk, Yakutsk, and 

 Okotsk, within which, it is subdivided into provinces, governments, 

 and commissariats, all subject to Russia. 



TOBOLSK. 



The government of Tobolsk commences on the east side of the 

 Uralian chain, which divides Asia from Europe. This magnificent 

 range of mountains consists of primitive rocks, and is rich in the 

 treasures of the mineral kingdom. The mines of gold appear to be 

 inexhaustible, and the minerals and precious metals of this region, 

 are said to surpass those of South America in variety and beauty. — 

 It extends from the Icy Sea to the steppe north of the Caspian. — - 

 Primitive marble is found in many parts, and "ornamental jasper 

 occurs in large rock masses."* At Catharinebourg, the first towTi in 

 Siberia, at the foot of the mountains, are large iron and copper foun- 

 deries. The copper is brought three hundred miles to the city, and 

 worked up into ingots. The river Iset, which runs near the city, is 

 dammed up to form a sort of lake for washhig the gold sands, some 

 of which are found in beds six or eight feet deep, but the greater 

 part are brought twelve miles from the mines of BerezofFsky, which 

 have been penetrated, perpendicularly, one hundred and sixty feet. 

 Immense iron establishments are also situated in this vicinity, one of 

 which employs six thousand peasants. Proceeding east, but little is 

 known, of the minferal, or geological character of the country. It 

 frowns in dark and lofty forests, preserving its wild and ancient mag- 

 nificence. Occasionally fine districts of cultivation, are seen, with 

 immense herds of cattle, luxuriant cornfields, and a civil and hospit- 



* Strangways' Geology of Russia. 



Vol. XVII.— No. 1. 4 



