daily
attacks.

At Yakutsk, Mr. Dobell fell into the track of the carrying trade over
land, which is pursued to so immense an extent through the Russian
empire. The equipage, consisting of the pack-saddles, mats, girths, &c.,
is the manufacture of the Yakuts themselves, for the most part, and
though exceedingly light, is not so constructed as to enable the horse
to carry his burthen with ease. From this circumstance, great numbers of
horses are lost in their long journeys. The Yakuts, however, are
themselves excellent grooms, and, in general, kind and attentive to
their animals. They seldom beat them, and many instances are exhibited
of strong attachment between them. It is so much so, that a herd of
horses will not proceed without their master, should he stop and leave
them. They are turned out to feed at night, and are always collected in
the morning by hallooing to them. Should any of them get out of
hearing, the Yakut jumps on one of the others, who is sure to find his
companions in a very short time. When the Yakut calls, the first horse
that hears answers by neighing, and immediately the whole herd begin to
neigh and run to the keeper.

Mr. Dobell speaks of the society of Yakutsk as hospitable, kind, and
gay. He was at several balls; found the belles well-mannered, and their
dress, like that of their fair countrywomen farther west, an object of
peculiar study. He describes the ceremonies of a Siberian wedding, which
may amuse the votaries of Hymen, whose matrimonial customs are varied by
half the circumference of the globe.

"In the evening, the Governor waited on me, and invited me to
accompany him to a house, to see a ceremony performed,
previously to a wedding that was to take place the next day. We
repaired to the house, where we found a large party of
gentlemen and ladies assembled. The bride and her attendants
occupied one end of the room, near a large table, on which were
placed fruits, cakes, wines, &c. Tea and coffee were then
served. Afterwards, I was called to look at a procession from
an opposite building or store, called in this country an
_anbar_, where every sort of provisions, effects, &c. are kept.
I saw several low, four-wheeled vehicles, each drawn by a
single ox, loaded with furniture, bedding, clothing, &c. &c.
for the new married couple. Lights were carried before them,
and a number of young girls, assembled near the d