expedition to the Oby Gulf was not likely to be very pleasant, it might not be altogether unattractive, and would at least afford him the advantage of visiting regions little known, and scenery totally different from that of the rest of the world.

As long as objects are contemplated at a distance, imagination is wont to represent them only under a poetical aspect; while reality, from its nature prosaic and stern, follows close behind, dragging its heavy leaden steps in our track, so that the nearer we draw to the enchanted land of our vision, the more rugged and unpleasant does it seem, defacing, disfiguring, and spoiling the whole of the captivating landscape. Such a disenchantment had just fallen on our Frenchman. The cold was piercing, while his clothing was but indifferent; and bad food, hard labour, stings of mosquitoes and coarse company, combined to dissolve the imaginary charms with which his fancy had clothed the Arctic regions. What he now most longed for, was, that his ill-advised voyage should be speedily brought to an end, and what he seemed to prize highest was the thick heavy

fur wrapped round his body, in odd contrast to the slender delicate frame of the wearer. In this unenviable condition and pitiable state of mind, Monsieur Le Brun presented himself to me on his passage through Berezov.

I must leave my poor Frenchman, to speak of the weather, which here suddenly changed from cold to intense heat. On the 7th we were perishing with cold, and fires blazed in the stoves. On the 8th the heat was excessive. We cast off our winter clothing, but the lightest summer dress was not cool enough. basin of water, containing a lump of ice, was placed on the table to refresh our languid frames, quite overcome by the heat. All the doors and windows were thrown open; and the people were enraptured at the return of

summer.

A

The river swarmed with boats of all sizes; and flags of various colours adorning their masts, fluttered in the light air. Here and there on the broad waters the white sails of vessels might be seen, expanded by the breeze, and little elegant boats were towed behind. The sails, bathed in sunshine, beamed with

dazzling whiteness, appearing to skim the water with outspread wings, like graceful swans. The blue waves, streaming with sunbeams, twinkled with myriads of movable lights, which shone for an instant, and then vanished in the deep.

How wonderful is Nature on every spot in the world; how great and enchanting, when casting her maternal smile of love on man! It is impossible for the soul not to overflow with rapture and thankfulness at the sight of her bounty.

I felt my room too narrow in so hot an atmosphere, and could only breathe freely under the clear vault of heaven. Out, therefore, we went, but it was not long before we found that the heat of the sun was insupportable. Luckily the house of our friend, Mrs. S the justice's wife, happened to be close by. There we took shelter, and were able to rest ourselves. Everything in the house indicated the return of summer. The doors were all ajar, the windows open, and the lady of the house was lightly and elegantly attired, as if in celebration of this awaking of Nature. Re

freshments of sweetmeats were brought in, and iced water to drink; and with a little pleasant conversation mingled with complaints of the heat, we wiled away the time, waiting for some abatement of the sultriness, which, however, seemed only to increase.

We remained at the house full two hours, the amiable hostess detaining us with a promise that she would accompany us home. We were just on the point of setting off, when, looking through the open window, I observed a small but peculiarly dark cloud in the sky. Scarcely had I time to direct attention to it, when a violent gust of wind suddenly rushing into the apartments, hurled everything on the floor. Seeing that a tremendous tempest was coming on, we ran to close the windows, but were almost too late. One pair of windowsashes, wrenched by the whirlwind from our hostess's hands, fell in fragments on the ground. Josephine and myself, however, were more successful; for by our joint efforts we contrived to secure the other windows. Almost simultaneously with the whirlwind, came down torrents of rain, amidst thunder and lightning.

We were obliged to remain at our hostess's

till the tempest blew over; and the streams of water that were running down to the river rendered the streets less difficult to cross. Several hours thus elapsed, and we were unable to reach home till sunset. After the shower, the air grew cool, but the thunder was still heard growling at a distance. The paths, saturated with moisture, were soon passable. The air and the earth parched by drought, absorbed the rain so quickly, that in a short time scarcely any traces of it remained visible. The sun, as if after a bath, emerged from beneath the clouds more brightly; and all was again calm and joyful, as if nothing had occurred to disturb the repose of nature.

We were returning home; and, again, what a wonderful sight! Green grass covered the meadows, as if it had grown in the twinkling of an eye. The hollyhock was in full bloom; the buds of the larch-trees were beginning to burst forth, decking those graceful trees with most delicate verdure, and filling the air with a delicious fragrance. In a word, the whole environs of the town presented a totally different appearance from that which it wore in the morning, as if by an enchantment.