ssians drink champagne merely because it is dear.
But the fact is, they have a liking for all effervescing drinks,
and naturally, therefore, for champagne, the best of all. Among
the effervescing drinks peculiar to Russia, we may mention apple
_kvass, kislya shchee_, and _voditsa. Kislya shchee_ is made out of
two sorts of malt, three sorts of flour, and dried apples; in apple
_kvass_ there are more apples and less malt and flour. _Voditsa_
(a diminutive of _voda_, water), is made of syrup, water, and a
little spirit. All these summer-drinks are bottled and kept in
the ice-house.

_CARNIVAL-TIME AND EASTER_

_A. NICOL SIMPSON_

Lent is heralded by carnival, called by Russians "Maslanitza"--the
"_Butter Wochen_" of the Germans. _Maslanitza_ is held during the
eighth week preceding Easter, the fast proper is observed during the
intervening seven weeks. During Maslanitza every article of diet,
flesh excepted, is allowed to be partaken of, but over-indulgence
in other articles, including drinks, is not forbidden.

Carnival commences on Sunday at noon and continues till the close
of the succeeding Sunday. The salutation during the week is
"_Maslanitza_," or "_Sherokie Maslanitza_," "_Sherokie_" meaning,
literally "broad," indicating a full amount of pleasure, and the
facial expression accompanying this salutation shows plainly that
unrestrained enjoyment is the aim and object for the week. Upon
the discharge of the time gun at noon, there emerge from all parts
of the city tiny sleighs driven by peasants, chiefly Finns, who for
the time are allowed to ply for hire by the payment of a nominal
tax imposed by the police or city corporation. Most of these Finns
are unable to speak Russian intelligibly, although living at no
great distance from the capital. It is said that from 5,000 to 10,000
of these jehus come annually to St. Petersburg for _Maslanitza_,
and they add materially to the gaiety of the city as they drive
along the streets. These Finns are mostly patronized by the
working-classes, for the simple reason that their charges are lower
than the ordinary _isvozchick_, or cabby.

During the festivities the great centre of attraction for the working
population is the "Marco Polo," or "Champ de Mars," an immense
plain on the banks of the Neva. Here a huge fair is held, with
the usual assortment of stalls, loaded with sweetmeats and similar
dainties. Actors from the city theatres are upon the ground, with
smalle