TULA. 
241 
Tula, in its present condition, is not likely to 
prove of any advantage to the empire ; because 
the inhabitants are unable to raise a sufficient 
quantity of water for the works. The machinery 
is ill-constructed, and it is worse preserved. 
Every thing seemed to be out of order. Work- 
men, with long beards, stood staring at each 
other, not knowing what to do; while their 
intendants and directors were either intoxicated 
or asleep. Notwithstanding all this, they boasted 
of being able to send out of the manufactory, 
in the common course of business, without any 
particular order from Government, thirteen 
hundred muskets in a week. But then the name 
musket is almost all that connects the sham 
appearance with the real weapon. It is won- 
derful how any troops can use them: besides 
being clumsy and heavy, they miss fire five 
times out of six, and are also liable to burst 
whenever they are discharged. 
The streets of Tula are paved : its shops and 
public places cause an appearance of activity 
and of industry, in despite of the neglect shewn 
to the public works. The number of merchants, 
including shopkeepers, is estimated at four 
thousand: and of this number some are very rich. 
Its commerce, independently of the hardware 
manufactory, consists in European merchandize, 
"VOL. I. r 
CIIAP. 
X. 
' * 1 
Present 
State of 
Tula. 
