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reindeer, hardly sufficient for their necessities. A Koriak possessing from fifteen hundred to two thousand reindeer is considered to be "pretty well off", the same fortune amongst Tunguzi is seldom met, and is considered as immense wealth.

I have mentioned in my last letter the unwillingness of the Tunguzi to initiate Russians into the secrets of their territory. I do not think them bold enough to try some mischief against our lives, but as we shall need them on more than one occasion a prudent and conciliatory behavior towards them is indispensable. They don't dread or hate us like invaders, but consider us as intruders, who will do much harm to their hunting grounds. This supposition is certainly not without foundation. 

During my last exploring travels I generally had much trouble with my Tunguzian guide, but always succeeded after some assistance and persuasion to obtain all I wanted.

In locating the telegraph route I always tried to have in view, 1. The necessity to avoid mountains and thickly wooded regions, 2. To consider the different character of the country in different seasons. 3. To select points accessible for supplies, materials for construction, and provisions for working parties. 4. To determine the modes for transportation (horses, dogs or

Transcription Notes:
I looked up the names of reindeer herding peoples in Russia on Wikipedia, that is where I found Koriak and Tunguzi.