DON COSSACKS. 
entertained of the inhabitants of this country ; 
notions still propagated by the Russians con- 
cerning the Cossack people. Perhaps few in 
England, casting their eyes upon a map of this 
remote corner of Europe, have pictured in their 
imagination a wealthy and enlightened society, 
enjoying not only the refinements, but even the 
luxuries, of the most civilized nations. Their 
conversation had that polished and agreeable 
cast which characterizes well-educated military 
men. Some peculiarities, common to our an- 
cestors, and still retained in the ceremonial 
feasts of antient corporate bodies, might be 
observed. Among these, the practice of drink- 
ing toasts, and of rising to pledge the security 
of the cupbearer, may be adduced as remarkable 
instances. Another very antient custom, still 
more prevalent, is that of bowing to and con- 
gratulating any person who happens to sneeze. 
The Cossacks of the Don always do this. When 
we took leave of the General, he said, if we 
preferred returning by water, for the sake of 
variety, we might use his barge, already pre- 
pared, and waiting to convey us. Being con- 
ducted to it, we found it manned by ten rowers, 
and decorated in a most costly manner. It was 
covered with fine scarlet cloth; and Persian 
carpets were spread beneath a canopy of silk. 
The current being in our favour, we embarked, 
