### Clue: Characteristic of North American 23, being dry around the beginning of October (7,2)
### Answer: NATURAL TO 
 ### Explanation: Definition: Characteristic of
 NA(abbrev. for "North America") + [URAL(river/answer to 29 across, in Russia) *contained in*(…around) TT(abbrev. for teetotal/being dry/without consuming alcohol)] **+** **1st letter of**(the beginning of) "October"].