CHAPTER IX DAY AND NIGHT IN A TARANTASS.
THE next day, the 19th of July, the Caucasus reached Perm, the last place at which she touched on the Kama.
The government of which Perm is the capital is one of the largest in the Russian Empire, and, extending over the Ural Mountains, encroaches on Siberian territory.

Marble quarries, mines of salt, platina, gold, and coal are worked here on a large scale.

Although Perm, by its situation, has become an important town, it is by no means attractive, being extremely dirty, and without resources.

This want of comfort is of no consequence to those going to Siberia, for they come from the more civilized districts, and are supplied with all necessaries.
At Perm travelers from Siberia resell their vehicles, more or less damaged by the long journey across the plains.

There, too, those passing from Europe to Asia purchase carriages, or sleighs in the winter season.
Michael Strogoff had already sketched out his programme.