part with the decora

see, rather disinclined to

tion, even for a moment.

Still he had so much

confidence in me, that he did not scruple to leave it.

On the first day of Lent, it is customary at Berezov, for every one, without any exception, to call upon their neighbours and ask pardon for the transgressions and offences they may have committed against them. The junior branches of a family especially, whatever is their degree of relationship, are expected to perform this most solemn act towards their seniors. Not being at all aware of this custom, I went to pay a visit to Madame Nizgorodtyeow, whom I found receiving these penitential calls from the numerous members of her family-for a lady like her, both from her age and superior position, and also from having a number of children, grand-children, and other young relations, necessarily had a great number of visitors on this solemn day. Among others were most of the imperial functionaries, with their wives and children, and many of the citizens of Berezov, who were connexions of her wealthy house, and who were dressed in their holiday

garments. All were bowing reverently before the old lady, and soliciting pardon of their offences. Her sons and daughters, sons-in-law, and daughters-in-law, and relatives, near and remote, were falling at her feet, and humbly supplicating her forgiveness. The venerable matron received these marks of homage with becoming dignity, and as not beyond what was her due. When this part of the ceremony was accomplished, the members of the family asked pardon of each other in the same humble manner, in the order of their age and rank.

To me this spectacle presented something deeply affecting-something akin to my ideas of primitive Christianity. With the inhabitants of this remote part of the world, the custom is not a mere empty ceremony, but is really directed by religious feeling, and is accompanied by the most beneficial effects. I was assured that many persons who were known to have entertained a mutual grudge and hostility towards each other, on joining in this devotional act, so intimately connected with religious sentiments, have been led by the example of others, to forget their differences, and become reconciled

friends, and in case of parties showing no such feeling, their friends have interposed, and have hardly ever failed to bring about a reconciliation. Here it may be as well to remark that the quarrels and disagreements which prevail here, differ as much in character from those arising among civilized communities as they do in their origin, and anger and revenge are manifested in a more striking manner. I will adduce but one example. In a quarrel which recently took place, one man bit off his adversary's nose, and the sufferer was obliged to appear in public minus that important feature. Yet such acts are attributed to violent impulses of passion rather than a malevolent disposition. With these people, in fact, revenge is unpremeditated, and the result of the ungovernable fury of the moment.

The savage practice of duelling, which is so much condemned both by religion and reason, but which Europe, the centre of civilisation, will not relinquish, has not yet penetrated to this remote corner of the world. In the event of their passions being aroused to a high pitch, the Berezovians will, indeed, come to blows, and even inflict wounds; but as soon as their

rage subsides, they take a rational view of their quarrel, and are easily prevailed upon to make it up. Moderation and forgiveness of injuries are thus commonly practised, and are commended as the highest virtues.

I will relate one instance of generous forbearance which came under my own knowledge. The day before Lent commenced, one of the most respectable and wealthy citizens of Berezov was assaulted in the street by a young man, a merchant's son, who was tipsy, an occurrence not uncommon during the carnival. In this state he was inclined to pick a quarrel with any one he chanced to meet, and happening to encounter this quiet pater familias, he, without any provocation, fell upon him, and beat him severely. The injured citizen, when calling at my house on the following day, asked me if I had witnessed the assault, as it took place just in front of my window. I replied in the negative, and he then told me everything that had happened, adding: "Had I been inclined to defend myself, I could have repaid him with tenfold severity, as I was perfectly sober, and am much stronger than he, and he was both drunk

and lame. But as the incident happened just in front of your house I was ashamed to retaliate. What would you have thought of me had you seen me outstepping the bounds of forbearance? And what satisfaction could it be to me to have beaten a drunken man, who, besides, was a cripple ?"

And here I must bear witness that the moderation of the injured man was by no means attributable to cowardice, as he was vastly the superior in strength. Still I could not conceal from myself how very strange his conduct appeared, being totally at variance with my ideas on such matters, and, in fact, it grated on my feelings when I heard the story related by the sufferer himself. But whatever may have been my preconceived opinion, I could not help expressing my approval of the course he had pursued.

Lent with the Siberians who belong to the Greek Church is very strictly observed, even fish being excluded from their table; and as the country produces no vegetables, or fruit, their food is for the time necessarily very poor. The national kivas, and dishes made of flour, grutz,