04 MEMOIR OF PALLAS. 



to thB Crimea or ancient Taurica, that singular 

 peninsula, which is flat and arid on the side next 

 the continent, and bristled on the opposite side with 

 mountains which enclose many a smiling valley. It 

 was in ancient times occupied by Grecian colonies, 

 then during the middle ages by the Genoese, and 

 afterwards inhabited by the Tartars, who speedily 

 acquired peaceable dispositions, and, finally, it had 

 lately fallen under the power of the Russians. It is 

 matter of history, in what more than regal splendor 

 Potemkin conducted his imperial mistress into this 

 new conquered region, and by what profligacy of 

 expense and despotism this favourite converted, for 

 some days, the sterile desert into the guise of a fertile 

 and flourishing country. It has been said that 

 Pallas partook of the delusion of his sovereign ; or 

 perhaps the contrast between the dreary plains of 

 the north, and those agreeable valleys, with their 

 southern exposure, delightful sea view, and rich 

 vines and flowers, overcame him. He sketched a 

 most enchanting picture of Taurida (^Tableau Phy- 

 siqm^ 8^c, de la Tarida) ; and the proof that his 

 genuine sentiments were therein expressed, is found 

 in his desire to retreat thither himself. 



It is likewise, however, true, that repose, of which 

 he had long been deprived, was now become highly 

 necessary for him. In his latter travels, whilst 

 wishing to examine the banks of a river which was 

 frozen over, the ice gave way, and he was precipi- 

 tated into the water. At a distance from every 

 convenience, he was transported many miles exposed 



