[8] A square in Moscow.—Translator.
[9] A great plain situated on the outskirts of the town. So called because (says tradition) it was here that annually were assembled the young girls who were sent, in addition to the money tribute, to the Khan, during the Tatár period, in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries.—Translator.
[10] Afanásy Afanásievitch Shénshin (1820-1892) always wrote under this name.—Translator.
[11] A verst is two thirds of a mile.—Translator.
[12] The Name-day—that is, the day of the saint after whom a person is named—is observed with feasting and congratulation, instead of the birthday. For ceremonious calls, no matter at what hour of the day, a man who has no official uniform must wear his evening suit, on penalty of being considered ignorant or rude, or (in official circles) of being refused admittance.—Translator.
[13] A pun is intended: isprávno, regularly, in orderly manner; ispravnik, the chief of police in a rural district.—Translator.
[14] Male serfs. The women and children did not figure on the revision lists.—Translator.
[15] Of different grades (civil and military), for the children of the nobility or gentry. They are not charities.—Translator.
[16] In those days there was a great difference in the value of silver and paper money—hence the kind is usually specified.—Translator.
[17] Literally, “dear little mother.”—Translator.