Now, by the abolition of serfdom we have been deprived of our authority; and so our husbandry, where it had been raised to a high level, is bound to sink to the most savage primitive condition.

That's how I see it.

" "But why so? If it's rational, you'll be able to keep up the same system with hired labor," said Sviazhsky.

"We've no power over them.

With whom am I going to work the system, allow me to ask?" "There it is--the labor force--the chief element in agriculture," thought Levin.