THE SAIMA SEE. 25 



above threatening to come down and engulf us ; and 

 there was the rapid below, from which, had it caught us, 

 there was no escape, and the Falls apparently but a little 

 way, though really some two miles, below the ferry. 



Next morning I was up by six o'clock as before, and 

 down to the Falls ; at eleven we started for Willman- 

 strand, distant some forty versts, on our return to the 

 coast by another route. The scenery was lovely ; it was 

 like that of the Trossachs and that of the Cumberland 

 Lakes combined, with hills wooded to the water-edge. 

 Such land may be unproductive to the inhabitants, but to 

 the tourist it is most delightful to see. 



After dinner we started on our return journey to 

 Wyborg, travelling along beautiful roads, through scenery 

 similar to what I have described, crossed the Saima Canal 

 by the way, and arrived at the port at eleven o'clock ; but 

 at the inn we could only get beds for the ladies. One of 

 our number slept on a sofa there as guard of honour, I 

 and another went on board the steamer which had arrived; 

 but every berth was occupied. One slept on a sofa, the 

 other on the dining table. By six o'clock we were stroll- 

 ing about, and by eight we were again under weigh, and 

 by evening we were again in the capital. 



Now, as has been intimated, the facilities for visiting the 

 Falls have been greatly increased. By train, by steamer, 

 and apparently by tramway cars, passengers may proceed 

 from any part of the coast to the spot; and there a 

 spacious and elegant hotel affords every comfort to those 

 who desire them, while small steamers convey passengers 

 on the canal to or from Wyborg and Willmanstrand. 

 Communication between the banks of the rapids is effected 

 by means of a wire rope, 170 feet long, and 3f of an inch 

 in diameter, along which is drawn a basket with room for 

 two passengers. 



On the spot where the water has attained its greatest 

 velocity has been erected a pavilion affording shelter to 

 those who desire to enjoy the sight in comparative com- 



