274 TRAVELS OF A NATURALIST 



blessed, the Host elevated, and incense swung at the 

 entrance to the inner temple. Then followed the Creed, 

 I believe, and chanting, and the bread was handed round 

 amongst the people, and a cross held up at the foot of the 

 steps to them to kiss. A plate for alms was also handed 

 round, and most gave something. 



It is needless here to describe the gaudy decorations 

 of the church, the rich robes of the priest covered 

 with gold lace, etc., or the handsome chandeliers and 

 candelabras, as such can be seen in greater perfection in 

 more distinguished towns of Eussia than Ust Zylma. 



Standing near to me was a young peasant who was 

 unusually busy in crossing and bowing. He attracted 

 my attention, and I distinctly saw him place the thumb 

 and third (?) finger together according to the use of the 

 'Old Believers.' Here, then, was an 'Old Believer' 

 worshipping in the Orthodox Greek church. 



Several old Slavonic books have been shown to us 

 with most extraordinary illustrations, some representing 

 the difficulties of reaching heaven, others the torments of 

 hell, etc., etc. As yet we have not succeeded in 

 purchasing, as the owners are unwilling to part with them. 



This is a great day for friends visiting. All ours 

 called to see us in a body, M. Znaminsky, Captain 

 Engel, and Herr Arendt, M. Mironoff (jurist), school- 

 master (introduced), postmaster (a great sportsman), 

 M. Kadakoff (merchant at the store), and the tall Polish 

 Jew — and for the fiftieth time we had to show our curios, 

 etc. 



April 26. 



On Monday, the 26th of April, there was a heavy fall 

 of snow, and everything was coated afresh with pure 

 white, and on Tuesday, the 27th, there was bright sunshine 

 and strong westerly wind, but little thaw accompanying 

 it. 



