14 SIBERIA IN EUROPE. chap. ii. 



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 driviog 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 Russian bath after our 



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



bed. 



-SAMOYEDE KNIVES. 



