Page:Ossendowski - The Shadow of the Gloomy East.djvu/159

Rh dumped for long years the most dangerous revolutionary agitators. It is a country of virgin forests, immense rivers, and unexplored marshes. But there also exist oases of culture. They were founded by the "skoptsy," exiled there during the time of Paul I. They adapted themselves to the climatic conditions, and learned to raise crops of potatoes and grain, having by careful selection cultivated special species of these cereals. In the Yakut country they developed cattle breeding most successfully. And they refuse to return to Russia, although they were amnested long ago, because they find it easier in Siberia to maintain the traditions of the sect, which have there their Mecca, their spiritual centre.