BAIvTCHESERAI, 
The ascent from the c cemetery to the fortress, 
although short, is so steep, that we were forced 
to alight from our horses, and actually to climb 
to the gateway. Several slaves, however, 
busied in conveying water upon the backs of 
asses, passed us in their way up. The spring 
which supplies them is below, in the defile; and 
a very copious reservoir, cut in the rocks above, 
is prepared for the use of the colony. As we 
passed the gateway, and entered the town, we 
were met by several of the inhabitants. Colonel 
Dunant inquired for a Jew of his acquaintance, 
one of the principal people in the place. We 
were conducted to his house ; and found him, 
at noon, sleeping on his divan. He rose to 
receive us, and presently regaled us with 
various sorts of confectionary: among these 
were conserved leaves of roses, and preserved 
walnuts : we had also eggs, cheese, cold pies, 
and brandy. A messenger was despatched for 
the Rabin, whom he invited to meet us, and who 
soon after made his appearance. This venerable 
man was held in very high consideration by 
them all, and with good reason ; for he was 
exceedingly well-informed, and had passed a 
public examination, with distinguished honour, 
in Petersburg, after being sent for expressly by 
the Empress Catherine. We were highly in- 
terested in their conversation, as well as in the 
