the Nachalnik, is director and chief, not only of the city but of the entire mining district of which Barnaool is the center.  The first discoveries of precious metals in the Altai regions were made by one of the Demidoffs who was sent there by Peter the Great.  A monument in the public square at Barnaool records his services, in ever during brass.  I was shown an autograph letter from the Empress Elizabeth giving directions to the Nachalnik who controlled the mines during her reign.  The letter is kept in an ivory box on the table around which the mining board holds its sessions.  The mines of this region are the personal property of the Emperor, and their revenues go directly to the crown.  I was told that the government desires to sell or give these mines into private hands, in the belief that the resources of the country would be more thoroughly developed.  The day before my departure from Barnaool, I learned that my visit had reference to the possible purchase of the mining works by an American company.  I hastened to assure my informant that I had no intention of buying the Altai mountains or any part of them.

The Nachalnik visits all mines and smelting works in his district at least once a year, and is constantly in receipt of detailed reports of operations in progress.  His power is almost despotic, and like the governors of departments throughout all Siberia, he can manage affairs pretty much in his own way.  There are no convict laborers in his district, the workmen at the mines and zavods being peasants subject to the orders of government.  Each man in the district may be called upon to work for the Emperor at fixed wages of money and rations.  I believe the daily pay of a laborer is somewhat less than forty copecks.  A compromise for saints days and other festivals is made by employing the men only two weeks out of three.  Relays are so arranged as to make no stoppage of the works except during the Christmas holidays.

I saw many sheets of the geological map of the Altai region, which has been a long time in preparation, and will require several years to complete.  Every mountain, hill, brook, and valley is laid down by careful surveyors, and when the map is finished it will be one of the finest and best in the world.  One corps is engaged in surveying and mapping while another explores and opens mines.

When the snows are melted in the spring, and the floods have receeded from the streams, the exploring parties are sent into the mountains.  Each officer has a particular valley assigned him, and commands a well equipped body of men.  He is expected to remain in the mountains until he has finished his work, or until compelled to leave by the approach of winter.  The party procures meat from game, of which there is nearly always an abundant supply.