In conclusion, I must not send forth my book
without a word of greeting to those who honoured
me by perusing “ Through Siberia,” whether in English
or in the languages of Germany and Scandinavia.
I shall be gratified if the present volumes recall to
their minds an old aquaintance, who afforded them
amusement, or what is better, imparted instruction.
But I take it to be the greatest and best reward
of an author, when his thoughts and emotions so
enter the soul of a reader as to influence him to
action. It was the perusal of a book, more than
twenty years ago,* that turned the current of my life,
and changed my religion from an educational habit
to something very much deeper,-S-which brought, in
fact, such joy to myself that I was never so happy as
when trying to impart its secret to others.- After
this, none need wonder at my faith in the distribution
of religious literature; and happy shall I be if, in
and beneath this story of travel by land and by
water, one and another shall recognize the work of
a fellow-labourer unto the kingdom of God, and be
encouraged to go and do likewise.-
H. L.
T h e G r o v e , B l a c k h e a t h ,
L o n d o n , S .E .
i 6th March, 1885.
* “ The Anxious Inquirer,” published by the Religious Tract Society.
C O N T E N T S .
PAGE
D e d i c a t i o n ................................................................................ 111
Preface v
In d e x o f T e x t s i l l u s t r a t e d , o r re f e r r e d t o . . x x v
I i s t o f I l l u s t r a t io n s i n V o l u m e J . . . . x x v iii
SiHE A u t h o r ’ s I t i n e r a r y . ....................................................... x x x
Op s e Rv a n d a . ........................................................................................ ...........
CH A P T E R I.
I N T R O D U C T O R Y .
Intention to cross the Steppe frustrated in 1879.— Considered afresh
in 1882.—-Distribution of religious literature desirable. —
Reasons for and against the venture.— The way cleared.— My
I objects chiefly religious.— Help of Bible and Tract Societies.—
Plans in relation thereto.— Additional objects.— Failure anticipated
by some.jfgFears entertained by others.— The start . 1
CH A P T E R II.
FROM LONDON TO THE URALS.
Five routes to Central A s ia .— Departure for Petersburg.— Favour-
[ . able reception.— Official letters and favours.— Scientific ac-
; quaintances and introductions.— Departure for Moscow.—
National Exhibition and St. Saviour’ s Cathedral. —Mr. Alfred
Sevier as interpreter.— Our arrival at Perm.— Purchase of
tarantass and medicines.— Departure for the Urals.— Tract
■ distribution.— Arrested and b rought ba ck to Perm.f#Examined
and released with apologies.— My own fault.— Exaggerated
! reports in newspapers.— A fresh start . . . . 1 0