When the journey narrated in the following pages was undertaken, it was not with the intention of publishing either a book of Travels, or any other work. My sole object was, to Sketch the scenery of Siberia — scarcely at all known to Europeans. While thus employed, I passed out of the Emperor of Russia's Asiatic dominions; having been provided with an especial passport by command of His Imperial Majesty, Nicholas the First, which enabled me to cross the frontier, as well as to re-enter the Empire at any other points to which my rambles might lead me.