318 HOSPITALITY. 



contrasted images to the eye. Such are the 

 traits which the hand of Nature has impressed 

 upon the scenery in this fortunate portion of 

 the island ; while that of man, busily engaged 

 in adding to her charms, and in correcting her 

 ruggedness, throws an appearance of life, com- 

 fort, and civilization over the picture. Conve- 

 nient roads wind up the steep ascents, and 

 frequent openings in the cliff, present vistas 

 of fruitful fields, tastefully built mansions sur- 

 rounded by parks and plantations, and snug 

 farm-houses embosomed in their pretty gardens. 

 Every thing bespeaks industry and comfort. 

 The inhabitants are all well-dressed, healthy, 

 and contented. 



Of their hospitality we had the most agree- 

 able evidences. Invited with friendly cordiality 

 into their houses, we were entertained with the 

 best they had, and with the kindest expres- 

 sions of pleasure in welcoming the first Russians 

 who had ever visited their country. 



We were invited to dinner by one of the 

 richest land proprietors of the island, who, al- 

 though considerably more than seventy years 

 old, still retained the animation and vigour of 



