CHAPTER XXXVI.

_THE PENAL COLONY OF KARA._

Evil reputation of Kara.--Testimony from Siberians and exiles.--My own experience.--The Commandant.--Our evening drive.--Hospitable reception.--Statistics respecting prisoners: their crimes, sentences, and settlement as “exiles.”--The Amurski prison.--Cossack barracks.--The upper prison.--Convicts’ food.--Prisoners’ private laws.--Middle Kara prison.--Mohammedan forçats.--Sunday labour.--Convict clothing.--Guard-house.--A genuine political prisoner.--The church.--Lack of preaching.--House of the Commandant 445