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mentioned. In Shijiga from five to six thousand poles will probably be ready for use before the 1st of May, the work being done under the superintendence of the Ispravnik.  Written agreements have been made between the inhabitants of villages and myself for construction of houses and stores in points selected, the same about boats and canoes as well as about a certain quantity of fish to be caught by them for our workmen next summer (two points excepted where we will have to build ourselves).

I was making these agreements when advancing towards Okhotsk and always with the condition, that these agreements will enter in force only after I will let known to the inhabitants that I have found the route all through practicable for my purposes.  This has been done, and the Ispravnik of Okhotsk who has just returned from an inspection in his district informs me that work is already going on in several places and that he guarantees its execution before next June or July.
To give you an idea of the prices, I will mention that both house and storeage will cost us ready built from 35 to 50 roubles according to localities, large boats, 25 to 30 feet long, will cost 15 roubles, smaller 10-2 canoes from 3 to 5 roubles.  it seems to me that these prices are not exagerated.  I am exceedingly sorry that my financial circumstances prevent