It is extremely difficult to make out the facts as
to the progress of the "Black Death" in Russia. The Government, though evidently alarmed, and willing to take the most desperate steps, even to the burning of infected villages, with compensation to the people, is exceedingly averse to let the truth be known. According to the latest accounts, the disease has diminished in Astrachan, perhaps from having done its work ; but it has ap- peared on the other.side of the Volga, and from the precautions taken in Saratov, it is evidently supposed to be making its way up the valley of that great river. The German and Austrian Governments are extremely alarmed, and have prohibited the importation of any article:especially wool and felt, likely to carry the infection. They have, moreover, to the great indignation of the Russian doctors, insisted on sending an international com- mission of inquiry into Russia, in which the United States take part ; while Austria, Germany, America, and even Bel- gium and Holland, are enforcing a strict quarantine, which will ruin the Astrachan wool-market. ' The most sensible proposal appears to be burning the villages, fire having cleared the Plague out of London ; but it is excessively expensive, and in winter may be cruel. The Lancet should get hold of the curious accounts which must exist in the India House of the desperate precautions taken by the Bengal Government against the " Mahamurree "—apparently the same disease—in 1853-66.
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