years, had been rapidly reduced.  Thus,
    in many of the ostrogs, we are told, that the inhabitants had declined
    from thirty or forty, to eight or ten; and yet the tribute continued
    to be levied on the remainder, according to the preceding census!  This
    was, in reality, the caput mortuum of taxation, and perhaps was
    never equalled, at least never surpassed, in absurdity, by the ways
    and means of any other government.  Had this system continued for any
    length of time, it is probable, that one or two individuals would at
    length have had the supreme felicity of being in reality the
    representatives of a whole nation, and of course of paying for the
    extraordinary honour.  This reminds one of a curious enough occurrence
    said to have happened after a battle in Germany, in which a regiment,
    belonging to the Earl of Tyrconnel, had been engaged.  A general muster
    having taken place, his Lordship’s regiment was of course called for,
    when a soldier, stepping from the ranks, immediately replied, “I am
    Lord Tyrconnel’s regiment!” In fact, the poor fellow was the only
    responsible survivor.—­E.

[82] Krusenstern, who, as we have seen, is far from sparing the laity in
    the distribution of his censures, makes every bit as free with the
    clergy.  “The priest of St Peter and St Paul,” says he, “was a scandal
    to his profession; in the interior, they are said to be no better, and
    to be particularly obnoxious to the Kamtschadales.”  This is a serious
    evil, no doubt, but it may reasonably be expected to cease with the
    complaints of the parishioners, as it is very unlikely that at
    Kamtschatka as elsewhere, there should be found any shepherds without
    flocks.  To be sure, in some other countries, where this occasionally
    happens, there is this important difference, that the pasture at least
    is worth looking after!—­E.

[83] Thirty-six pounds English.

[84] This description, little as it may excite any high opinion of the
    prosperity of the place, is nevertheless nearly a contrast to that
    which Krusenstern has given.  “The first prospect of St Peter and St
    Paul might raise in the mind of a person newly arrived, and ignorant
    of the history of this Russian establishment, the idea of its being a
    colony founded a few years before, but recently abandoned.  Nothing is
    visible here that could at all persuade any one of its being inhabited
    by civilized people; not only Awatska Bay, but the three adjoining
    ones, are entirely forlorn and uninhabited; nor is the beautiful
    harbour of St Peter and St Paul enlivened by a single boat.  Instead of
    this, the shores are strewed with stinking fish, among which a number
    of half-starved dogs are seen wallowing, and contending for