r only
1000 copies) of the very paper, I believe, on which the Mandchou Gospel
of St. Matthew was printed, and some of the workmen said that they could
make as much more as should be required. Concerning the price of this
paper, I could obtain no positive information, for the director and first
and second clerks were invariably absent, and the place abandoned to
ignorant understrappers (according to the custom of Russia). And
notwithstanding I found out the director in Petersburg, he himself could
not tell me the price, but informed me that he would inquire, and
speedily send me word; but as I have as yet heard nothing from him, I
write lest it should be supposed in England that I am sleeping on my
station. _I shall write again in a few days on this point_; _in the mean
time you would oblige me by causing the accounts of Dr. Pinkerton's
expenses to be referred to_, for the purpose of ascertaining how much he
paid per ream for this kind of paper. I believe it to be extravagantly
dear, at least five times dearer than good common paper, which can be
procured for fifteen roubles per ream; and if that be the case, common
paper must be used and the book printed in the common fashion, unless the
Society be prepared to disburse thousands instead of hundreds; for if the
work were printed on this Chinese paper, four times more paper would be
required than if it were printed on the other, as five multiplied by four
make twenty, the expense of paper would be twenty times greater.

Thirdly, respecting Mr. Lipoftsoff, with whom I have of late had much
conversation. He has behaved very handsomely. He has made an immense
number of alterations in his translation, all of which are excellent
improvements, and all these are to be at our disposal gratis. He says
that he cannot receive any remuneration for looking over the work, being
bound to do so as Censor. I shall therefore edit it, and have the
supervision of the proof sheets, which he will peruse last of all. He
having examined me in Mandchou did me the honour to say I required no
assistance at all; but should the Committee and yourself be of opinion
that it would be advisable to procure a little, the 'pundit' would be
very happy for an extra six or seven shillings per week to collate with
me when wanted. I have derived great benefit from this man, who though
in many respects a most singular and uncouth being speaks Mandchou
gallantly, with the real pronunciation of _Pekin_, w