CHAPTER III. 



THE SVIR. 



THE aspect of the shores of the Neva, seen from the 

 river, differs not more from that of the Saima Canal than 

 does the appearance of Lake Ladoga differ from that of 

 the Saima See, the latter studded with islands, or 

 branching out in innumerable lakelets thus one broad 

 expanse of waters like to Lake Ontario, and some of the 

 other lakes of North America, presenting nothing to view 

 within the horizon but water, water, water, generally 

 smooth, but liable like these to be tossed into billows, 

 when lashed by a storm. 



But near the mouth of the Svir wooded islands again 

 appear, and ere the voyager is aware, he has passed from 

 creeks between islands into the continuous flow of the 

 river, which, in consequence of its rapid descent, has a 

 current of considerable force. The surface of the river 

 throughout lengthened stretches present appearances 

 characteristic of rapids now that of the surface of molten 

 lead, now that of a shallower stream passing over a rocky 

 bed, and at times the steamer quivers as it stems the 

 torrent. The banks are covered with trees, but most of 

 them comparatively young. Floating rafts of timber, 

 barges laden with deals, piles of firewood a fathom in 

 height, stretching in some cases as at Vajnee for versts 

 along the shore, tell of what has occasioned this. All the 

 older trees have been felled, and these are the reproduced 

 forests in a condition which may be compared to that of 

 youth and early manhood. 



Four hours or four and a half hours brings the steamer 

 across the lower end of the lake, from Schlusselburg to 



