It was a gigantic social experiment, the results of which none could foresee.

Alexander's predecessors had thought and talked of it, but had not dared to try it.

Now the time was ripe, and the man on the throne had the nerve required for its execution.
The means by which this revolution was effected may be briefly described in a sentence.

The Crown purchased from the proprietors the land--with the peasants attached to it, and then bestowed the land upon the peasants with the condition that for forty-five years they should pay to the Crown six per cent.

interest upon the amount paid by it for the land.