Burlaks joined up in an artel (typically from four to six, sometimes ten to forty, and occasionally up 150 people) mainly in winter, despite that at this time clients paid the lowest price, because in winter burlaks were often otherwise unemployed.
In the winter, Burlaks formed groups (typically ranging from four to six members, sometimes more, and occasionally as many as 150) primarily due to the low prices they received from clients, even though it was a time when most burlaks were out of work.