PETERHOF 



the Neva ; Kronstadt being built on the adjacent 

 island Retusaari, from plans drawn by Peter 

 himself. 



External security produced internal pros- 

 perity ; and in the year 1700 schools of 

 mathematics and navigation were established 

 at Moscow, three Englishmen being the first 

 teachers. The German pastor Gliick taught 

 another school, theatrical performances began, 

 and newspapers were founded. Peter spent 

 little or nothing on himself, but he sent to Paris, 

 Konon, Zotok, and Lefort, the son of his old 

 favourite ; Louis XIV being dead and exhaustion 

 following the Great Wars, masterpieces could be 

 obtained at prices far below their value. In 1719 

 a statue of Venus, unmutilated and recently 

 excavated, was purchased, also one hundred 

 thousand planks of the best Venetian walnut 

 for the Summer Palace, and the "Adam and 

 Eve," by Bonatsi. The Nevsky Prospect built 

 in stone, the Admiralty, the Bourse, and Post 

 Office were gradually completed, converting 

 Petersburgh into a city. 



Catherine's receptions were held at five o'clock 

 in the gardens of the Summer Palace. She stood 

 264 



