During the day we passed several points where haymaking was in progress.

Cutting was performed with an instrument resembling the short scythe used in America for cutting bushes.

After it was dried, the hay was brought to the river bank on dray-like carts.

An American hay wagon would have accomplished twice as much, with equal labor.
The hay is like New England hay from natural meadows, and is delivered at Nicolayevsk for six or eight dollars a ton.

Cattle and horses thrive upon it, if I may judge by the condition of the stock I saw.
For its transportation two flat-bottomed boats are employed, and held about twelve feet apart by timbers.