Russia in 1839 -Empire of the Czar: A Journey Through Eternal Russia

CHAPTER XXX.

Roads in the Interior.— Farms and Country Mansions.— Monotony the great Characteristic of the Land. — Pastoral Life of the Peasants. — Beauty of the Women and ol

—Policy attributed to the Poles. — A Night at the Convent

of Troïtza. — Pestalozzì on Personal Cleanliness. — Interior

of the Convent.—Pilgrims. — Saint Sergius.— History of

the Convent. — Its Tombs and Treasures. — Inconveniences

of a Journey in Russia. — Bad Quality of the Water. — Want

of Probity a National Characteristic. - - Page 104

Commercial Importance of Yaroslaf. — A Russian's Opinion of Russian Architecture. — Description of Yaroslaf. — Monotonous Aspect of the Country. — The Boatmen of the Volga.

Coup-d'œil on the Russian Character. — Primitive Dro\vskas. — Antique Costume. — Russian Baths. — Difference between Russian and German Children. — Visit to the Governor. — An agreeable Surprise. — Souvenirs of Versailles. — Influence of French Literature. — Visit to the Convent of the Transfiguration.—Russian Piety. — Byzantine Style in the Arts. — Great Points of Religious Discussion in Russia. — The Zacuska. — The Sterled. — Russian Dinners. Family Soiree. — Moral Superiority of the Female Sex in Russia.—Justification of Providence. —A Lottery. — French Ton changed by Politics.—Want of a beneficent Aristocracy.

The real Governors of Russia.—Bureaucracy. — Children of the Popes. — Propagandism of Napoleon still operates in Russia. — The Task of the Emperor.- - -124

The Banks of the Volga. — Russian Coachmen in Mountain Roads. — Kostroma. — Ferry on the Volga. — Accident in a Forest. — Beauty of the Women. — Civilisation injurious.

Rousseau justified.—Etymology of the Word Sarmatian.

Elegance, Industry, and Humility of the Peasants.— Their Music. — National Music dangerous to Despotism. — The Road to Siberia. — A Picture of Russia. — Exiles on the Road. - - - - - - - - -156