TO PAULOVSKOY. 
285 
The inhabitants, in their features, resemble chap. 
Cossacks ; and botli these people bear a similitude 1 — — 
to the Poles ; being, doubtless, all derived from 
one common stock. The dress of unmarried 
women is much the same among the Malo- 
Russians and the Don Cossacks. They both wear 
a helt, or petticoat, of one piece of cloth fastened 
round the waist. Sometimes, particularly among 
more aged females, this petticoat consists of two 
pieces, like two aprons; the one fastened in front, 
and the other behind. The necks of the girls 
are laden with large red beads, falling in several 
rows over the breast. The fingers, both of men 
and women, are set off with rings, containing 
glass gems. A simple bandeau, or gilded cap, is 
sometimes seen on female heads ; and from be- 
hind hang rows of antique coins, or false pieces 
sold to them for that purpose, imitating the 
antient coin of their own and of other countries. 
The hair of unmarried women is suffered to fall 
in a long braid down the back, terminated by a 
ribbon with a knot. Their language is pleasing, 
and full of diminutives. But the resemblance 
of this people, in certain circumstances of dress 
and manners, to the Scotch Highlanders, is very 
remarkable. The cloth petticoat, before men- 
tioned, is chequered like the Scotch plaid, and 
answers to the kelt which is still worn in Scotland. 
They have also, among their musical instru- 
