predominance of naval and military uniforms throughout the grounds.
The scarcity of flowers is remedied to some extent by the profusion
of epaulettes and brass buttons, which the emperor seems to regard as
superior to any thing in nature. No garden that I have yet seen in
Russia is destitute of ornaments of this kind.

Gambling was going on every where--at every tea-table and in every
pavilion. This department of civilization is well represented in Revel
by the Russians. Horse-racing, cards, dominoes, and other amusements
and games of hazard, are their ruling passion. A Russian who will not
bet his head after he has lost all his valuable possessions must be a
very poor representative of his country indeed. I have rarely seen
such a passionate devotion to the gaming-table, even in California,
which is not usually behind the nations of Europe in all that pertains
to the cultivation of the human mind. Revel must be a heaven to a
genuine Russian. All is free and unreserved, and morals are said to be
unknown, save to a few of the old-fashioned citizens and gentry.
Visitors usually leave their own behind them, and depend upon chance
for a fresh supply in case of necessity.

The afternoon was warm, and it occurred to me that a stroll on the
beach would be pleasant. Accompanied by my friend the horse-jockey,
who seemed determined to hold on to me as long as I remained in Revel,
under the conviction, no doubt, that I was secretly engaged in the
horse business, and would come out in my true character before long, I
sauntered down in the direction of some bathing tents, scattered along
the beach a little below the port. My jockey friend was continually
trying to pump out of me upon which of the horses in the approaching
race it was my intention to bet, urging me as a friend not to throw
away my money on the roan or chestnut, although appearances were in
their favor, but to go in heavy on the black mare; and notwithstanding
I assured him it was not my intention to risk any portion of my
capital on this race, he was pertinacious in giving me his advice, and
could not be convinced that I know nothing about the horses, and
never bet on races of any kind. "Sare," said he, "you are a stranger.
These Russians are great rascals. They will cheat you out of your
eyes. I speakee English. I am your friend." I thanked him very
cordially, but assured him there was no danger of my being cheated. He
then went into a dissertation on the relative