On the contrary, to the south of Moscow the vast plains or steppes are quite free from wood, in fact only too often consisting of mere sandy deserts, unfit for habitation.
"Due North or Glimpses of Scandinavia and Russia"
Maturin M. Ballou
Sometimes they will defy the commune, forego the advantage of a lawful pass, crowd the ranks of that large body in Russia who are known as the "illegal men," and sometimes, we are assured by Professor Thun, a whole village, every man and every family, will secretly disappear in a body and seek refuge from the tax-collector by settling in the steppes.
"Contemporary Socialism"
John Rae
In Russia, where the mad wolves of the steppes so often inflict fatal bites, the power of the new treatment was soon recognized.
"Makers of Modern Medicine"
James J. Walsh