THE SAIMA SEE. 5 



bow of the steamer is all that is to be seen on the starboard 

 bow as she advances up the river. Emerging from the arch 

 of the first bridge, it is found that what has been seen of 

 the English Quay is little more than half of the entire 

 length of that. 



The upper half, not less imposing than that below, 

 terminates in the Senate-House, with its frontage at 

 right angles to the quay; and in continuation -with that 

 frontage, separated only by a lofty arch spanning the 

 Galernoy Street, but forming part of the facade of the 

 building in its entirety, is the House of Assembly of the 

 Holy Synod, with pertaining offices, the frontage of which 

 is the counterpart to that of the Senate-House. 



From these extend through what was formerly known 

 as the St. Isaac's Plain, the Alexandra Gardens, enclosed 

 in which, in the corner nearest to the Senate-House, is 

 the famous equestrian statue of Peter the Great on an 

 immense granite boulder. Beyond this, at right angles to 

 the Senate-House, and that of the Holy Synod, is St. 

 Isaacs Church. 



Parallel to the river is the Admiralty, with a tapering 

 spire covered with gold ; and beyond it, at the commence- 

 ment of what, on the same principle which procured for 

 the English Quay its name, has been named the Russian 

 Quay, is the Winter Palace, and the Hermitage, both of 

 th-jm opposite to the origin of the Little Neva, and looking 

 out upon the stretch of river spoken of as magnificent in 

 its breadth. In passing the wide space between the 

 Admiralty and the Winter Palace, a glimpse may have 

 been obtained of the summit, at least, of a lofty monolith, 

 surmounted by an angel holding a cross, dedicated to the 

 memory of Alexander I. Amongst the palatal mansions 

 beyond the Hermitage are the Marble Palace, the Mansion 

 of one of the Grand Dukes, and the British Embassy. 

 Amongst open spaces are the Champ de Mars, with a. 

 statue of Kutusotf ; and the Summer Gardens, the avenues 

 of which are lined with statuary, and within sight from 

 them is the Nicholai Bridge. 



