The encouragement given to the trade of the Black Sea in general, but to the port of Odessa in particular, has caused considerable quantities of grain to be shipped to the Mediterranean, since that time, which used to go by the Baltic, but a few years before.

The exportation in the year 1802, from the whole empire, was in value,

After having thus given the details in the principal articles in which the exports of Russia consists, we shall refer the reader to the general table of exports for all the others, which are of much less importance.

CHAP. III.

Of the White Sea and its Ports.-Of Archangel and its Trade; its Amount and Exports, and in what it consists.-The Estimate of Ship Building there.-Prices of Corn for some Time past, &c. &c.

White Sea.

WE begin with the details of the trade of Russia in this division, as being that with which we first had any direct commerce, as has already been stated. Till the foundation of Petersburg was laid, and ever since the flourishing state of that city, the White Sea has enjoyed a share of the

Russia trade, with other parts of Europe; chiefly arising from the facilities afforded by the river Dwina, which runs by Archangel. The other rivers, which fall into this sea, are the Petsshora, Mesen, Yuga, and Sukhona, from which little benefit is derived; the river Onega, falling into an arm of the bay, has chiefly had its trade in wood, and formerly ship building, as well as Archangel.

The trade of this sea to England alone, in the year 1655, amounted to above 600,000 rubles; and, from 1691 to 1700, the average amount of its exports to England were 112,2507. and its imports 58,8817.

The whole trade arising to Russia from this division has been upon the increase, in the years. 1773 to 1777. Upon the average, the imports were 320,889, exports 1,541,482 rubles.

In the Year 1796, the following was the Statement of the Trade of the

As Archangel is the port in which almost all the business is carried on, we shall directly treat of it, as embracing nearly, if not the whole of the external commerce of this sea.

· Archangel

Is situated on the banks of the Dwina, about thirty English miles from its mouth, where it falls into the White Sea.

The trade of this place consists in some iron, a little hemp; considerable in linseed, which is reckoned of a superior quality, when well

cleaned; grain, which is of a small size, but, when dried, bears a long voyage; considerable quantities of tallow, chiefly from Siberia; and, indeed, most other articles, the same as from Petersburg, excepting for tar, the trade for which it almost exclusively enjoys in Russia, and also for pitch. In the year 1730, the monopoly of tar is stated to have been made by the crown, and that 40,000 lasts annually were sent to Holland, Hamburg, and other parts.

The produce is chiefly brought from Viätca, and Wologda, by the various rivers which fall into the Dwina: there is a conveyance by water all the way from Wologda, and from the Pristan, for the Viätca goods; all which are brought down on floats of timber, prams, kayooks, and other rough constructed vessels, covered at the top; the latter, when they bring the goods down from the interior, lay near Sollenbole, from whence they are ordered along side the ships to discharge. Tar and pitch are sent down in old barks of the same kind to the harbour, from the tar strand, three or four English miles distant.

The prams and kayooks are broken up and sold, like those at Petersburg.

They have good accommodations for warehousing their goods, both public and private, but the produce in general is shipped out of the country barks. Their Brack has the same regulations as those at Petersburg and Riga; but it happens, that the generality of produce from Archangel is not in the same estimation, except Siberia soap tallow, and linseed, as that from Petersburg.

Before the prohibition of wood, considerable quantities of deals were shipped from Archangel, likewise Onega, which last are esteemed on account of their excellent quality.

Ships of a large size and handsome figure were formerly built here entirely of fir, for foreign markets; and they have slips and conveniences for building six to eight large ships annually, if sufficient time. is given to prepare the wood. Foreigners may now build ships there, without any restraint; and a bounty is given to the burghers. We have given an estimate of the cost of a vessel of about 500 tons measurement, to be built of fir entirely: when proper wood has been

selected and cut at the season it ought, they have been found useful and lasting vessels, for that description. They cost little more than half what a vessel of the same size, built of similar materials, in England, would amount to.

The harbour is at the Island Sollenbole, about an English mile from Archangel. The bar, at the entrance of the Dwina, has generally about 14 feet water. Ships which draw more water must be loaded out in the Roads by lighters; the anchorage is reckoned secure, though vessels have sometimes touched the ground without any accident happening.

As Archangel is now the port from whence all the produce of the White Sea is shipped for foreign markets. The following is an account of the number of vessels employed to convey the produce for the year 1802, from the different rivers and ports, as coasters, to Archangel:

It must be observed that the navigation here is not open till May, and that it generally closes again in October, and sometimes in September. Contracts are made here for goods the same as at Petersburg.

Notwithstanding the building of Petersburg took a considerable part of the trade away from Archangel at that period, yet it has progressively increased since, as a reference to the table of imports and exports will shew.

There is likewise a table shewing the principal exports from Archangel for the year 1804, and the exports to Great Britain from 1795 till the present year, and to France in 1802.

The weights and measures here are the same as at St. Petersburg, so is their Money.

Being so remote from all places of exchange, the money transactions require some explanation..

The course on London is 100 Days date..

Hamburg 75 ditto.

Amsterdam 75, ditto.

These Bills they send to Mosco or Petersburg to be negociated, when they fix a course to cover all probable fluctuations. Those who have goods shipped from Archangel had better have their money. drawn in at Petersburg and sent to Archangel in Bank Assignations,. the Post Office insuring it for a half per cent.

Sometimes they draw on Mosco and Petersburg at eight days sight, allowing an agio of from 2 to 3 per cent.