the Berezovians. Dr. Wakulinski, who, in his capacity as government physician, belonged to the body of public functionaries, was, like the others, invited to be present at the examination. As is the practice on such occasions, the teacher requested the assembled guests to put, on their part, such interrogatories to the pupils as they pleased, on any subject connected with their studies. This, though repeated year after year, had come to be regarded as a mere form, and none of the functionaries would trouble themselves with such a task. All shook their heads, as was their wont, in sign of refusal, with the single exception of Dr. Wakulinski, who, to the surprise of every one, availed himself of the privilege, and asked the pupil a question in fractions.

The honourable assembly, startled from their drowsiness by such an innovation, stared at the Doctor with angry eyes, giving him by their looks to understand how much they condemned this intrusion on mysteries inaccessible but to the initiated. This was all that passed at school, but a storm was brewing which the Doctor was to feel afterwards.

The examinations usually terminate to the satisfaction of all parties. The scholars are released for the space of two months from the necessity of moping over their lessons, and full of joy at their emancipation, hasten to their homes; while the teachers and examiners are in the habit of crowning the ceremony with a substantial repast, abundantly provided for the occasion.

Before Dr. Wakulinski had well left the school, Fame, the hundred-mouthed, spread through Berezov the astounding intelligence that he possessed a knowledge of fractions; and this fact was telegraphed from one person to another as something perfectly incredible.

The Doctor little suspected that he was an object of such lively interest to the Berezovians, and was surprised when, on returning home, he was stopped in the street by a merchant, who said he came purposely to ask him whether it was true that he knew fractions. The Doctor smiled at the questioner, and, of course, answered in the affirmative.

"If it be so," added the merchant, "please to tell me, Sir, whether it is likewise true that

those who know fractions can determine how many pecks are contained in a quarter ?”

Matters did not, however, end here; but a number of other persons whom he met asked him similar simple and silly questions.

The daily fare on the tables of the inhabitants now promised to be more nourishing, and more savoury; the long fast, which had lasted several weeks, being over. This fast is observed also by the Russian population in Poland, and is called by them Piotrowka (St. Peter's Fast). On the afternoon of St. Peter's Day, immediately after dinner, the inhabitants all resort for a promenade to a meadow on the banks of the Waygulka, where the government stores of flour and of salt are situated, which, with the single exception of the government hospital, are decidedly the best edifices in this place. The meadow at this season of the year is usually dry, and forms a glade surrounded with forest, and with a beautiful sheet of water in front, forming altogether a fine pleasure-ground. The whole surface of the country being covered with wood, any plot of clear and open meadow, if only dry, cannot fail to prove attractive.

For my part, as I was never fond of crowded assemblies, but preferred a solitary ramble, I did not join in the general amusement, and thought to pass the whole day alone at home; but it happened otherwise.

A party of Ostiaks, who had arrived in town on some business, happened to put up at the same house where we lived, and having had an opportunity of getting an abundant supply of wodka (brandy), they all got tipsy, and in this state began dancing. The landlady, much annoyed at the disturbance, attempted to drive them out, but this was not easily effected, as the whole party obstinately resisted.

Hearing the uproar in the house, I inquired what was the matter. On learning what it was, I could not view the conduct of the Ostiaks with the same severity as the landlady, and I invited them to dance in my apartment, having long wished to see a performance of this description. They readily accepted my invitation, but disconcerted me by asking me to play for them. Not having any instrument but a guitar, I struck the chords of a Cossack air, beating time with my foot. They were delighted with

the tune, and began to caper about with great briskness.

From what I saw, the Ostiak dances are not unlike a theatrical representation, or a pantomime. They imitated the habitual sports of the chase, and the gambols of wild beasts, but the representations were not always perfect, and it was often not easy to guess, without the aid of an interpreter, what they signified. The dancing consisted mainly of sudden leaps, violent turns, and other similar movements, which put the whole muscular powers of the body to a severe

test.

Only two of the Ostiak party performed the national dance. In coming forward, they skipped and leaped as high as they could, rising high and bending low, and then whirling round as in a waltz. In one instance, they both clenched their fists, and violently stretched out their arms, as if on the point of menacing or attacking some foe. They then threw themselves on the floor, as if totally exhausted, and again on a sudden started up, and all this so rapidly and so violently, that it was shocking to witness.

In this manner they continued dancing