156 FOBESTRY IN EASTERN RUSSIA. 



little too highly coloured perhaps." She borrowed from me 

 the Life of Christ and other books. The idea of nuns copying 

 subjects from Raphael ! The grounds, cemetery, and large 

 cabbage and flower gardens, are all kept in nice prim order 

 by the nuns ; so they had something else to do besides 

 pray. I stopped to service ; but I would rather hear the 

 chanting of the monks at Nevsky monastery than that of 

 the nuns of Ekaterineburg. They do try the contralto, 

 but there are too many squeaking trebles amongst them 

 to make good harmony. There was nothing I disliked 

 about the whole house excepting the obsequious, servile 

 manner in which the principals in each department had to 

 come and kiss her hand on presenting themselves ; but she 

 is highly spoken of as being remarkably kind, patient, and 

 forbearing; and I have no doubt she had plenty of exer- 

 cise for those Christian virtues in such a large community. 

 All had a healthy, happy look about them. The bread, 

 fish, and vegetables were all sweet and good, without stint 

 or measure. Everything they wear is home-made, and 

 excellent bootmakers they are, besides making fancy work 

 of every kind for sale. She is open to receive any orphan, 

 homeless wanderer, or repentant madeleine. She has 

 upwards of 700 souls in her establishment, and she is 

 rapidly extending the institution, in her own way doing a 

 very good work. Never shall I forget the polite and cour- 

 teous kindness of the lady abbess of Ekaterineburg.' 



In Russia we meet with an institution in full vigour, 

 which is gradually disappearing, if it has not entirely dis- 

 appeared, from our own country. I refer to that of fairs. 

 The great fair of Nijni Novgorod is still one of the 

 wonders of the world. 



Amongst others still famous is that of Irbit in the 

 Ural, on the northernmost route by which Siberia is 

 entered from Russia. It is held annually during the 

 whole month of February, commencing on the first day of 

 the month, and being closed by the 1st of March. 



Of this my friend and correspondent, Mr Wilkinson, 

 wrote to me : 



