THE AXAI. 
35 
The eye then sweeps along the horizon without interruption 
till it meets the minarets of the old city, and the glittering mean¬ 
ders of the Don, the Axai, and another smaller river, called the 
Koraitch, which intersect the green and luxuriant plain in a 
thousand different directions. Thickets of wood at various dis¬ 
tances, surrounding single spires, mark the stanitzas or humbler 
towns of the Cossacks. The main road from New Tcherkask to 
the ancient city, lies along the foot of the height, on the brow of 
which stands the residence of General Leveshky. The path is 
rendered delightful by groups of trees, giving refreshment as well 
as shade, most of them bearing excellent fruit. In this part of 
the plain, the wealthy of the new city generally erect their villas. 
The Axai flows close to the road ; a beautiful companion ; but il 
has not the advantage of being navigable. A plan is in consult¬ 
ation to increase its waters, by means of canals. Indeed it was 
once projected to unite the Don with this river ; but, on examin¬ 
ation, the level of the Axai was found too high for the intended 
junction. Count Platoff, and those in authority with him, are 
particularly anxious to accomplish some mode of rendering the 
latter river capable of transporting merchandize ; its present 
comparatively useless state being the chief reason why so many 
opulent and industrious families still remain amongst the un¬ 
wholesome damps of the old capital. The Axai once navigable, 
New Tcherkask, flourishing and salubrious, must soon leave its 
ancient name-sake without inhabitant. 
In the morning of September the fifteenth (O. S.), an avant 
courier announced the approach of His Imperial Highness the 
Grand Duke Michael. He was to arrive the next day. The 
whole town was instantly in motion. Nothing was to be seen at 
dawn but men and horses running to and fro, squadrons of artil- 
f 2 
