CHAPTER XX.

RUSSIAN AND SIBERIAN PEASANTRY.

Siberian and Russian peasantry--The contrast--Freedom and slavery--Origin of Siberian peasants--Their means of advancement--Exiles--Two classes--Their offences and punishments--Privileges after release--Liberality of the government--Its object--Extent of forest--One serf-proprietor in Siberia--Exemptions from conscription-- Rigour of the climate on the Lena and Yenisei--Settlers on Angara exempted from taxes--Improvement of Siberian peasants--A bright future--Amalgamation of classes--Slavery demoralising to masters--The emancipation of the serfs-- Its results 320