CHAP. v. M. ZNAMINSKI. 



47 



the monastery of Onega, on the south shore of the White 

 Sea. 



A peculiarity which we were told marked the Old Believers 

 of Ust-Zylma is a habit which the women have of uttering 

 cries, not loud but frequently repeated. This habit or disease 

 is called " equarter," and is brought on immediately by the 

 smell of tobacco smoke. Whether the cry is voluntary, and 

 is intended as a mark of disapproval, or as an exorcism 

 against evil influences, or whether it be a form of hysteria 

 allied to St. Vitus's dance, we were not able to ascertain. 



The officials at Ust-Zylma received us with the greatest 

 hospitality. In addition to the letters with which the Gover- 

 nor of Archangel had provided us, it so happened that 

 Piottuch was an old friend of M. Znaminski, the Preestaff, 

 or highest military officer. He had made his acquaintance 

 some years ago, in the days of his exile in Mezen, and both 

 being fond of a day's sport, they had fraternised as sportsmen 

 ought to do. M. Sakeroff, the postmaster, was the other 

 "swell chasseur" of Ust-Zylma, and these gentlemen were 

 kind enough to plan several shooting-parties for our benefit. 

 M. Znaminski was a stout handsome man, very dignified in his 

 manners, but active in the field, and we were under very great 

 obligations to him for his uniform kindness and hospitality 

 to us. Another official who, as well as his charming wife, 

 was most hospitable to us was the Public Prosecutor, M. 

 Miranoif, the " Schliidevatel " as Captain Engel always called 

 him. We were also most kindly entertained by the " Mara- 

 voi," who appeared to be a gentleman of considerable educa- 

 tion. Unfortunately none of these gentlemen spoke either 



