SUNSET IN SIBERIA. 23 



the scene an appearance of innumerable lakes studded 

 with islands, as all the mountain-tops looked dark and 

 black. I was so riveted to the spot by the scene before 

 me, that I remained watching the changes until nearly 

 eleven o'clock, when that peculiar twilight seen in these 

 regions stole gently over mountain and forest. The effect 

 I cannot well describe it appeared to partake largely of 

 the spiritual." 1 



The other sketch is by the same accomplished traveller, 

 drawn in a mountain region still more majestically grand 

 than the Oural, the great Altaian chain of Central 

 Asia. 



" In the afternoon I rode to the westward ten or 

 twelve versts, which afforded me a fine view of the 

 beautiful scenery on and beyond the Bouchtaima river. 

 The effect of this scene was magnificent ; as the sun was 

 sinking immediately behind one of the high conical 

 mountains, I beheld the great fiery orb descend nearly 

 over the centre of this mighty cone, presenting a singular 

 appearance. Presently its long deep shadow crept over 

 the lower hills, and soon extended far into the plain, till 

 at length the place on which I stood received its cold 

 gray tone. The mountains to the right and left were 

 still shining in his golden light ; the snowy peaks of the 

 Cholsoum appearing like frosted silver cut out against 

 the clear blue sky. Gradually the shades of evening 

 crept up the mountain-sides ; one bright spot after 

 another vanished, until at length all was in shadowy gray, 



* Atkinson's Siberia, p 57- 



