They could scarcely have been more simple.

In one corner I found a hearth; in another, an apology for a stove, clumsily fashioned out of clay.

An unsightly hole in the wall, stopped with paper instead of glass, forms the window; the furniture is comprised in a single wooden bench.
Whatever the inhabitant requires in the way of provisions he must bring with him; for this he is allowed by the government to cultivate the land.
Throughout the Russian territory the soldiers at least wear uniform.
Our journey becomes more and more charming.

Frequently the mighty river rushes foaming and roaring past the rocks, which seem scarcely to allow it a passage; at other times it glides serenely onwards.
At every turn we behold new beauties, and scarcely know on which side to turn our eager eyes.

Meanwhile the ship sails swiftly on, gliding majestically through wildly romantic scenery.
At one o'clock in the afternoon we reached Pasiest, where there is nothing to be seen but a large store of coals for the steamers and a few huts.