The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1877-05-12

walking canes from the Crimea, Siberian
furs, English muslins, French nick -nacks,
and other things "too numerous to mention. 7"
OF malaehite--a Russian specialty-there
was very little. The bazaars are confn-
cd, aud not inviting labyrinth, which we
would not care to visit often. But "Prince
Galatians Gallery" though an elaboration
Of the same idea, is bright and attractive.
This is covered with glass, giving somewhat
the effect of an extensive conservatory,
with walk down the centre, and shops
with SNOWY gools on either side. Here,
no matter what the rigors Of the winter,
ladies may enjoy their favorite pursuit of
shopping, and spend money as freely as if
it were the merry month Of May. Here,
if disposed, you may buy Circassian em-
broideries, and Caucasian silks, said to
wash like muslins.
Near the bazaars is great array Of
stalls for the sale of old junkery and yari-
Gus riff.raf Whether they thought our
appearance indicated that we we're in want
OF that sort Of stuff do not know, but
applications to us TO buy were numerous
aud pressing. But as the venders spoke
Russian, and we English or French, and
neither understood word the other said,
the commercial results to the former could
not have been satisfactory.
The Muscovites might have a museum
Of natural history every winter, and a
fresh one each year, if so disposed. Taking
advantage of the severity of the climate,
they do not bring animals intended for
market in the live state; but kill them and
freeze them. This removes the necessity
aud expense of long drives, and cost of
feeding, inasmuch as dead animals do
not eat. So that in the museum, the
Museovites might arrange in rows, oxen
from the steppes of the Crimea; sheep
from the shores of the Caspian; deer from
the banks of the Enisei and Irish fish
from the White Sea; together with swine,
poultry and game from nearer home.
This would make quite a striking and
picturesque display, even though some Of
the stock might have been skinned. The
only drawback would be, that it would
be very transitory, as every housewife who
bought dinner would have piece sawed
off from one of the specimens, till the
museum would be literally devoured
Some housekeepers, with abundant means,
lay in, in the autumn, the frozen stock, to
last till spring. Occasionally there comes
an untimely thaw, bringing great loss to
the dealers, as well as great Inconvenience
to housewives.
After having travelled good deal, |
find that it will not do, because you are
told n place of interest is closed TO the
public, to take it for granted that you
cannot get in. | have heard that a great
many times, but have almost always got
in; sometimes with a silver key, sometimes
without, We had heard of the great
Founding Hospital, had seen its vast di-
mentions in the picturesque view from
Ivau's tower, and desired to visit it. But
on reaching the entrance we were told
on account Of the repairs being made it
was not open to the public. Another
party, whom We saw afterwards, were in
formed in like manner, and did not get in.
We told the custode we were from far-off
America; that we had heard much of this
institution as one of the sights of Moscow,
and would be disappointed if we could not
go through it, He Immediately relented,
sent messenger to somebody, and we
were soon informed that we would be ad-
mitted at one o'clock. Returning at that
hour, we not only found the doors open,
but high official waiting to receive US.
This parsonage was very intelligent; spoke
French as if it were his vernacular /;
was tall, graceful-and in short, an ac-
complished and elegant gentleman-per-
haps the most fascinating man we encoun.
tered in this entire European tour, OF
course he understood everything, and ex-
planned everything in the most agreeable
manner, and his approach at once COM
manded Difference from all. We saw
plenty of babies-a thousand or more.
Happily, they did not all cry at once; in.
deed, there was surprisingly little crying.
One would think that packed up as some of
them were, the most natural thing would be
a wall. Whilst we were in the receiving
room, fresh one was brought in, born at
eleven o'clock the night before. 1t was
laid on the counter, weighed, wrapped up
like small parcel numbered, and handed
to a wet-nurse. Twenty-Five such had
come in within the preceding twenty-four
hours and this, they told US, was some
thing like the daily average. In the
apartments for the healthy, were long lines
Of iron cradles, each with from one to
three occupants, and adjacent a line of
wet-nurses--young peasant women from the
country-some looking like girls scarcely
grown, and all in bright red dresses and
turbans common to their class. After
short sojourn here, the nurses are sent
back to the country, taking the baby along,
and allowed so much for taking care of it,
Some Of the latter, probably like Moses,
being put in the charge of their own
mothers. Many Of the babies were en-
joying the fresh air in long lines of era
dies under the trees in the grounds; near
by which are houses arranged to admit the
breeze but at the same time to afford
protection in case Of rain. The establish
ment is conducted systematically and well;
but inasmuch as infants are received
without asking questions or giving the
name, if SO required, there can be no doubt
that it offers encouragement to immoral
ity.
was much surprised to find the num-
Der of public institutions of various kinds
at Moscow. On the drive out of the city
towards Sparrow Hills, the guide pointed
at the large and handsome buildings of
the University, the fine City Hospital, the
Galatzin Hospital built by the prince of
that name, who also endowed it, and the
Merchants Refuge, and School for children
Of poor merchants; the school containing
700 children, and the Refuge some three
hundred old and poor merchants.
have spoken Of the view of Moscow
from Ivan's Tower, 1t was scarcely less
picturesque and striking from the Sparrow
Hills. The river makes n circuit like
horseshoe through the valley; the low
lands are covered with market farms, amid
which rises little white church: 10 the