Note 1 — Chapter XXXVIII · THE SHILKA.

The Russians at that time were engaged in the annexation of the Amur territory, and the Governor, General Korsakoff, willingly lent him aid. He embarked at Atalan, about eight miles below Chita, in a flat-bottomed barge. Here the river is 200 yards wide, and the shores are well timbered and mountainous. The river proved easy to navigate, and Mr. Collins, his provisions, and 18 persons proceeded down the stream at the rate of nearly five miles an hour. The country on the third day became more open, with extensive high-rolling prairies, and the banks of the stream afforded much beautiful scenery. On the 21st May the forests were still leafless, though flowers were making their appearance, and the willows were budding. The rocks of the river are in many parts covered with mosses and a beautiful fern, and in sheltered spots appears in summer the rhubarb plant.