PETROPAVLOVSK 79 



cneation of a hybrid race differing from the tall, 

 well-knit Russian; these hybrids being of shorter 

 stature and darker complexion. The nomads of 

 Siberia have mainaged to retain their racial indi- 

 viduality, their numbers and habits having prevented 

 their absorption by the immigrant raice. The 

 Siberian differs considerably, both in his mental and 

 in his m'oral char'^.'cteristics, from the peasant of 

 European Russia. His moral standard is lower, 

 polygamy is tolerated, aind the benefits of Western 

 civilisation are not usually either understood or 

 appreciated. The Siberian, however, is much the 

 more striking character. Having never known 

 serfdom, he exhibits a fine sense of independence 

 and considei'ably greater individuality of character 

 than his brother of European Russia". If he could 

 be induced to recognise the nobility of labour he 

 would be able to effect wonders with the country. 



Besides the hybrid population mentioned above, 

 there is a small proportion of from 8 per cent, to 

 9 per cent, of exiles, or the descendants of exiles, 

 and a very considerable contingent of immigrants 

 from' Europe, which, in course of time, is bound to 

 outnumber all the others. 



Criminals exiled to Siberia generally take to the 

 roads, escaping in the spring and creeping back 

 into the town prisons in winter. Householders are 

 in the habit of leaving food and drink in the open 

 bathhouses, which are usually situated in one Corner 

 of the yard, for convicts who may be prowling in 

 the neighbourhood. This is not so much an act of 

 charity as of policy, for it often secures the house, 

 and perhaps the whole village, against the danger 

 of being set on fire, the convict tram^ frequently 

 revenging himself for not finding food in the village 

 by setting alight to conveniently situated buildings. 

 He usually journeys by night, sleeping in the forest 



