Memories of the Neva. 177 



and novelty of the fete grew. It was a large lake, dotted 

 with small artificial islands, connected by rustic bridges, and 

 covered with trees. Chinese lanterns and variegated glass 

 lamps were suspended from the branches, and in caverns 

 and recesses, most artistically arranged, gigantic shells, as 

 they seemed to be from a distance, were illuminated from 

 behind by coloured fires, each device formed from solid 

 blocks of ice. These were placed so as to terminate a 

 vista. 



The skater, skimming across a space in shadow, suddenly 

 found himself with a powerful limelight streaming upon him, 

 and far in his wake ; or conspicuous in the midst of a blue, 

 red, or green halo. These soft, ever-varying illuminations 

 gave a charming colour and effectiveness. Two or three 

 hundred ladies and gentlemen were on the ice; all "select" 

 citizens, and the majority of the skaters, especially lady 

 skaters, I should say, were American and English ; a good 

 honest Glasga' dialect I undoubtedly heard in one of the 

 fairy grottoes. A Welsh family was there to my knowledge, 

 for I had the pleasure of using the skates of one of the 

 younger members ; French dialogue and Russian compli- 

 ments mingled everywhere. 



A gorgeously-decorated arbour, half hidden amongst 

 trees, was occupied by a band, which played the best music 

 in the best way. It was a sight to be gazed upon, and an 

 exercise to be taken part in for hours without fatigue. 

 Graceful as swans the young girls, arm in arm, or hand in 

 hand, in twos, threes, or fours, flitted through the streams of 

 light to the strains of Verdi ; or, with partners of the other 

 sex, whirled and wheeled to the music of Strauss. All was 

 motion, and the poetry of motion. A slight thaw had set 

 in that morning, but the ice was in perfect order, swept as 

 it was perpetually by an army of liveried attendants. 



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