to extend to nearly eight versts. The Vogolici and Ugritzschi dwell upon the banks of this river. In ascending the river Oby, it is three months' journey from the fortress of Obea to the river Irtische, where the Sossa falls into it. In these parts are the two fortresses of Jerom and Tumen, governed by the Knesi Juhorski, who are said to be descendants of the Grand Duke of Muscovy. There are many animals there, and a great variety of furs.
From the mouths of the river Irtische to the fortress of Grustina is a journey of two months, and thence to the lake of Kitai by the river Oby, which, as I have said, has its sources in that lake, is more than three months' journey. From this lake come many black men who speak one common language, and who bring with them a variety of merchandize, which they barter with the Grustintzi and Serponiotzi: these latter people derive their name from the fortress of Serponov Lucomoryae, situated in the mountains beyond the river Oby. It is said that a certain marvellous and incredible occurrence, and very like a fable, happens every year to the people of Lucomoryae, namely, that they die on the 27th of November, which among the Russians is dedicated to St. George, and come to life again like the frogs in the following spring, generally on the 24th of April. These people hold a novel and otherwise unusual kind of intercourse with the Grustintzi and Serpovtzi; for when their stated period for dying or sleeping is approaching, they deposit their merchandize in a certain spot, which is taken away in the interim by the Grustintzi and Serpovtzi, who leave their own merchandize in exchange; but when the former come to life again, they require their own property to be given back if they find it has been taken at an unfair valuation, and hence occasion arises for many conflicts and quarrels among them. In descending the river Oby on the left, we come to the Calami nation, who migrated thither from the Obiosa and Pogosa. Below the Oby up to the
