XVI 
PREFACE. 
that the labours they have encountered have been infinitely overpaid, by 
the pleasing reflections with which they can never cease to dwell upon 
the hearty hospitality and generous support of all classes of Russians. 
Recurring to that distinctive trait of national Moscovite character— 
a will which admits of no obstacle — they are bound to record, that their 
own impatient “ forward ” was ever cheerfully responded to by the 
mdjna of the natives 1 . With this talismanic word the Russian has, 
indeed, raised monuments on the Moskva and the Neva, that rival the 
grandest efforts of ancient and modern times. 
Amidst such a people, no real difficulty could be experienced. If a 
bridge were broken, it seemed rebuilt by magic. Though a river-bed 
was dry, the travellers beheld it converted, as if miraculously, into a 
navigable stream 2 . Was the water too shallow, then did the athletic 
peasants cheerfully lift the boats over rocks, enlivening their progress 
with a merry carol. Wet or dry, hot or cold, no murmur escaped these 
resolute men, and mdjna was their only cry. 
To the illustrious Monarch, then, of the wide realms whose structure 
they attempt to describe, and to all His loyal subjects with whom they 
held communication, the authors beg once more to express their sincere 
attachment and lasting gratitude. 
1 This word mdjna , the literal translation of which is, “ It is possible,” may be rendered into English 
by the colloquial sailors’ phrase, “ Ay, ay, sir.” 
4 See the account of the descent of the Serebrianka river, p. 382. 
London, April, 1845. 
