14 SIBERIA IN EUROPE. CHAP. n. 



whether the hooded crow breeds in colonies in this country, 

 we were not able to ascertain. We occasionally saw ravens 

 and magpies, the latter becoming more common as we 

 travelled farther north. In the opener country we frequently 

 spied small flocks of yellow-hammers on the roads, and now 

 and then a pair of bullfinches. In driving through the forest 

 we occasionally caught sight of a crossbill, pine grosbeak, 

 marsh tit, jay, or great spotted woodpecker. On one occasion 

 we had an excellent opportunity of watching a small covey 

 of willow grouse, almost as pure white as the snow upon 

 which they were running. In the villages sparrows were 

 common enough. At Vologda, we are under the impression 

 that they were all the house sparrow. In the villages through 

 which we passed after the first day they were certainly all 

 tree sparrows. Upon our arrival at Archangel we were most 

 hospitably entertained by the British Consul, Charles Birse, 

 Esq. We were delighted once more to sit down to a good 

 dinner, to enjoy the luxury of a Kussian bath after our 

 long journey, and have a good night's rest in a comfortable 

 bed. 



SAMOYEDE KNIVES. 



