CKONSTADT. 71 



before us from horizon to horizon. Behind us was 

 another resplendent sunset, with the mighty orb like a 

 globe of molten gold, slowly descending amidst gorgeous 

 colours of amethyst, emerald, and gold, until a single star 

 of light rested for a moment, like a glittering diamond on 

 a cushion of gleeming ruby, and then disappeared, while 

 we held our breath with wonder, and a hundred suns then 

 danced before our eyes. Already were the gilt domes of 

 St. Isaac's Church and of the Admiralty reflecting the 

 last rays of evening above a low fringe of forest. 



In about two hours after leaving Cronstadt, on our 

 taking a sudden turn to the left, we entered the Neva. 



When made fast to the landing-wharf on the shores of 

 the Neva, and before the custom-house, the first thing 

 unquestionably which strikes one as new and quite Rus- 

 sian, that is to say, like what we have heard of Russia 

 from our picture-books, are the droskies they are 

 thoroughly national, and long may they continue so ! 



The drosky is a low four-wheel, with two seats sup- 

 ported by old-fashioned, hanging leather springs that 

 make large semicircles behind. The one seat behind is 

 for the driven, a small one above his knees before for the 

 driver. Two persons of small bulk can cram themselves 

 into the seat, but if one of the occupants happens to be a 

 "portly man i' faith," he or his neighbour must suffer 

 grievously. 



Every driver or Vostick is dressed in exactly the same 

 national costume the large blue dressing-gown, or kaftan, 

 reaching to the boots, and tied round the waist with 



