TO NICHOLAEF. 
surface of stagnant water ; but whether derived ciiap. 
VIII 
from the Dnieper or not, we could not then , 
learn ; neither could any of our maps inform us. 
The very sight of such a pool was sufficient to 
convince us of the dangerous nature of our 
situation ; and our servant was attacked by a 
violent fever, in consequence of the unwhole- 
some air. We were, perhaps, protected by 
smoking: but even this practice will not always 
act as a preventive. 
Cherson, founded in 1778, was formerly a chcr, m . 
town of much more importance than it is now 2 . 
(2) “ Cherson is gradually sinking into decay, from the unhealthiness 
of its situation, and still more from the preference given to Odessa. Yet 
timber, corn, hemp, and other articles of exportation, are so much cheaper 
and more plentiful here, that many foreign vessels still prefer this port, 
though they are obliged by Government first to perform quarantine, and 
unload their cargoes at Odessa. Corn is cheap and plentiful, but timber 
much dearer than in the north, as the cataracts of the Dnieper generally 
impede its being floated down. There is a noble forest which we saw in 
Podolia, not far from the Bog, a beautiful river, unincumbered by cataracts; 
but as some land-carriage would be necessary, it is as yet almost “ Intacta 
securi." The Arsenal at Cherson is extensive and interesting : it contains 
a monument to Potemkin, its founder. Two frigates and a seventy-four 
were building : on account of the Bar, they arc floated down to the Liman 
on camels, as at Petersburg. Nothing can be more dreary than the pro- 
spect of the river, which forms many streams, flowing through marshy 
islands, where the masts of vessels are seen rising from amid brush-wood 
and tall reeds. In these islands are many wild-boars, which are often 
seen swimming from one to the other. No foreign merchants of any con- 
sequence remain here : those who transact business at this Court, do it by 
clerks and supercargoes. My information respecting Cherson was chiefly 
from 
