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

CHAPTER XXXIII.

Site of Xijni-Novgorod. — Predilection of the Emperor for that City. — The Kremlin of Nijni. — Concourse at the Fair. — The Governor. — Bridge of the Oka. — Difficulty in obtaining a Lodging. — The Plague of Persicas. — Pride of the Feldjäger. — The Fair-Ground. — Subterranean City. — Singular Appearance of the River. — The City of Tea. — Of Rags. — Of Wheelwrights' Work. — Of Iron. — Origin of the Fair. — Persian Village. — Salt Fish from the Caspian. — Leather. — Furs. — Lazzaronis of the North. — Badly chosen Site. — Commercial Credit of the Serfs. —Their Mode of i·aleulating. — Bad Faith of the Xobles. — Prices of Merchandise. — Turquoises of the Buchanans. — Kirguis Horses.

—The Fair after Sunset. —The Effects of Music in Russia.

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Financial Phenomenon. — Financial Reform of the Emperor's.

—Means taken by the Governor of Xijni to induce the Mer

chants to obey. — Their nominal Compliance. — Inquiry into

their Motives. — Improvements at Xijni. — The Serf and the

Lord.'— The Governor of Nijni's Explanations of despotic

Administration. — Forbearance of the Authorities. — A Ride

with the Governor. — Value of the Commodities at the Fair

of Xijni. — Portrait of Frenchmen of the Xew School. — An

agreeable Rencontre. — Dinner at the Governor's. — English

Oddities. —Anecdote told by a Polish Lady. — The Utility of

easy Manners. — Visits with the Governor. — The Bureau

cracy. — The Author's Feldjäger. — Flag of Minine. — Bad

Faith of the Government. — Modern Vandalism. — Peter the

Great.—French Character. — The true Glory of Xations.—

The Kremlin of Xijni. — The Governor's Camp. — Song of

the Soldiers. — Church of the Strogonoíïs.—Russian Vau

deville.203