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 Iam 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: 
