ants wish to know what they shall
do with their fruit. Besides, as the Montenegrins very rarely get
drunk, it seems rather an unnecessary movement, and the Prince himself
does not favour it.

Bismarck once said that England's greatness began to diminish when the
"three-bottle man" died out; perhaps Prince Nicolas has like thoughts
of his hardy subjects, who certainly can consume enormous quantities
of alcohol with impunity. Besides, it would destroy a large source of
the revenue, which Montenegro cannot afford to do. In the meantime the
gallant three hundred feel very unhappy.

The few days that we spent in Kolasin were passed pleasantly in daily
excursions into the surrounding country shooting, though with
indifferent results. The Crown Prince Danilo's birthday came one day
during our stay, and Governor, staff, and officials went to church
attired in glorious raiment. They literally sparkle in gold lace
embroidery, orders, and decorations, and for a gorgeous but absolutely
tasteful effect commend me to the gala dress of the Montenegrin high
official. It is the most artistic blending of gold, crimson, blue, and
white.

After the service spirits were served out free on the market-place
(what agonies must the three hundred have suffered!), and a dance was
formed. The national dance--in this instance the "kolo"--is usually
performed by men, though the women do sometimes join in, and it is a
slow and stately measure.

[Illustration: THE KOLASIN MARKET PLACE]

[Illustration: THE KOLO]

The men place their hands on each other's shoulders and form a
ring, which, however, is never completed. New men can join in, but a
space is always left open. One step is taken sideways to the left, and
then three to the right, and the movement is accompanied by singing.
The singers are three or four men on the opposite horns of the circle,
who alternately chant verses in honour of the Prince.

The ring of men slowly danced their way from the Market Square to the
Governor's house, where more spirits were given, and an accordion
player joined the ring.

Loud cries of "Zivio!" followed the cessation of every movement. We
followed and went in to the Governor, to offer our congratulations and
drink His Royal Highness's health. The room was quite full, two or
three men being rough peasants, relations of the Governor. There is
very little class distinction in Montenegro. Often the humblest
peasant can claim relationship with the Voivoda,