64 MEMOIR OF PALLAS. 
to the Crimea or ancient Taurica, that singular 
peninsula, which is flat and arid og the side next 
the continent, and bristled on the opposite side with 
mountains which enclose many a smiling valley. It 
Was in ancient times occupied by Grecian colonies, 
then during the middle ages by the Genoese, and 
afterwards inhabited by the Tartars, who speedily 
acquired peaceable dispositions, and, finally, it had 
lately fallen under the power of the Russians. It is 
matter of history, in what more than regal splendor 
Potemkin conducted his imperial mistress into this 
new conquered region, and by what profligacy of 
expense and despotism this favourite converted, for. 
some days, the sterile desert into the guise of a fertile 
and flourishing country. It has been said that 
Pallas partook of the delusion of his ~-vereign; or 
perhaps the contrast between the dreary plains of 
the north, and those agreeable valleys, with their 
southern exposure, delightful sea view, and rich 
vines and flowers, overcame him. He sketched a 
most enchanting picture of Taurida (Tableau Phy- 
sigue, &c. de la Tarida); and the proof that his 
genuine sentiments were therein expressed, is found 
in his desire to retreat thither himself. 
It is likewise, however, true, that repose, of which 
he had long been deprived, was now become highly 
necessary for him. In his latter travels, whilst 
wishing to examine the banks of a river which was 
frozen over, the ice gave way, and he was precipi- 
tated into the water. At a distance from every 
convenience, he was transported many miles exposed: 
