THE GEEAT RUSSIANS. 



883 



the miiig-led breath, of all the fumil}^, stretched on the stoves and polati, or side 

 tables, soon vitiates the oxygen of the interior. Insect life is developed in the 

 joists and rafters to such an extent that existence becomes at times absolutely 

 intolerable. The only way of abating the nuisance is to leave thé house unoccu- 



Fig. 2U3. — Proportion of Conflagrations in the various Russian Provinces. 

 According- to Wilson. Scale 1 : 27,250,000. 



'^ 





lto3 

 per cent. 



oto 7 

 per cent;. 



pied, and all the doors and windows open, during the coldest winter days — an heroic 

 remedy often adopted by the peasantry. They may then be seen wandering in 

 the neighbouring woods, exposed to the cutting northern blasts, and to the keenest 

 frosts. 



