the inland part of Ruffia without any additional expence
of .carriage. |
A pood fells for from 4 roubles, 80 cop. to 12.
Of the manufactured cotton, that which the Ruffians
call Kitaika, and the Engliffi Nankeen, has the moft
rapid fale. It -is the moft durable, and, in proportion
to its goodnefs, the cheapeft of all the Chinefe fluffs;
it is ftained red, brown, green, and black.
T E A S.
The teas which are brought into Ruffia are ‘ much
fuperior in flavour and quality to thofe which'are fent
to Europe from Canton. The original goodnefs of the
teas is probably the fame in both cafes ; but it is conjectured,
that the tranfport by fea confiderably impairs
the aromatic flavour of the plant. This commodity,
now become fo favourite an object of European luxury,
is efteemed by the Ruffian merchants the moft profitable
article of importation.
At Kiachta a pound of the beft tea * is
eftimated at — — — 2 roubles.
Common ditto at — — 1
Inferior at — — — 4° coPecs>
* A t Peterfburg a pourid o f the beft green tea fetches 3 roubles.
z39
PO R C E LAIN OF A L L SORTS.
For fome years paft the Chinefe have brought to
Kiachta parcels o f porcelain, painted with European
figures, with copies o f feveral favourite prints and images
of the Grecian and Roman deities.
F urniture, particularly Japan cabinets and cafes, lackered
and varnifhed tables and chairs, boxes inlaid with
mother-of-pearl, 8tc.- &c.
Fans, - toys, and other fmall wares.
Artificial flowers-.
Tiger and Panther fkins,
Rubies^®, but neither in large quantities nor of great
Value.
. "White lead, vermilion, and other .colours.
Canes.
Tobacco.
Rice.
Sugar Gandy.
Preferved ginger, and other fweetmeats.
Rhubarb +.
Mulk.
* Rubies are generally procured by fmuggling ; and by the fame
means pearls are occafionally difpofed o f to the Chinefe, at a very dear,
rate. Pearls ar t much fought for by the Chiftefeand! might bb made
a very-profitable article.
t See Appendix II.