Testament. There are 480 sheets in a Russian ream, and I suppose
that our book will consist of seven parts, each containing about
the same number of sheets as the printed Mandchou Gospel of St.
Matthew. Now that Gospel contains 31 sheets, and 31 multiplied by
7 amounts to 211 [SIC], which multiplied by 2 makes 422 sheets,
leaving only a surplus of 58. Therefore the paper necessary for
1000 copies only would amount to about 450 reams, the price of
which, after allowance had been made for the 50 reams at 75
roubles, would exceed 40,000 roubles. The next day I hired a
calash, and spent the best part of a week in causing myself to be
driven to all the places in the vicinity of Petersburg where paper
is made. Knowing but too well that it is the general opinion of
the people of this country that Englishmen are made of gold, and
that it is only necessary to ask the most extravagant price for any
article in order to obtain it, I told no person, to whom I applied,
who I was, or of what country; and I believe I was supposed to be a
German. In some places I had now the pleasure of hearing that I
could have the paper at 60 roubles per ream. At last I came to a
person whom, after having informed him that I was in need of a very
great quantity, perhaps a thousand reams or more, I beat down from
50 to 40 roubles, from 40 to 35, and it is probable that I may be
able to obtain a large quantity at 30. I must inform you that I
also employed two agents, and we three going various ways have
ascertained that the necessary paper may be procured for between 30
and 40 roubles per ream, paper of as good a quality - nay, better
than that on which the Gospel of St. Matthew was printed, and that
for which 100 roubles were demanded at Peterhof. It is therefore
now time for the Committee to come to a decision respecting the
number of copies to be printed, and I wish it to be borne in mind
that the price of the paper per ream in some degree depends upon