FROM PETERSBURG 
50 
chap, of four thousand versts in extent, bearing wealth 
. IH ~ j and plenty, is one of the most pleasing reflec- 
tions. It seemed to connect us with the Cas- 
pian, and the remote tribes of those nations, so 
little known, who dwell upon its shores. 
The situation of Tver, upon the lofty banks 
of the Volga, is very grand. It has a number 
of stone buildings; and its shops, as well as 
churches, merit particular regard. The junction 
of the Volga and the Tvertza is near the Street 
of Millions. Pallas speaks of the delicious sterlet 
taken from the Volga, with which travellers are 
regaled in this town, at all seasons of the year. 
The journey from Tver to Moscow in the 
winter, with a khabitka', is performed in fifteen 
hours. The road is broad, and more straight 
than in the former route from Petersburg. But 
in certain seasons, such as those of melting 
snow, it is almost impassable. In the second 
stage from Tver, between the sixth and seventh 
versts from the post-house, on the left hand, 
appeared an entire group of those antient 
Tumuli. Tumuli before mentioned. They are so perfect 
(1) The khabitka is the old Scythian waggon. In some parts of 
Tahtary, the top takes off, and at night becomes a tent. Hence the 
name given by the Russians to the tents of the Calmucks and Naghui- 
Tahtprs ; both of which they call khabitka. 
