astopol was necessary. The dreary
plateau was once more the abode of the weary and suffering soldiers
during the inclement period which terminated the year in the Crimea.
The British soldiers were, however, cheered by increased numbers and
efficiency, and by the care and comfort which the indignant patriotism
of the British people compelled the government to bestow upon its noble
army.

During the inactive of the allied armies before Sebastopol, and in the
neighbourhood of the Tchernaya, certain expeditions were undertaken,
which were important. An expedition was ordered against certain strong
places on the European shores of the Black Sea. The reduction of
Kinburn, a strong naval arsenal and place for ship-building, was
effected; and Ockzakoff, an important place from which the approaches to
Kinburn could be well defended, was totally destroyed.

At Eupatoria the Russians, notwithstanding the continual drain upon
their resources at Sebastopol, harassed the garrison. Cavalry skirmishes
were frequent, and rather sanguinary. The allies maintained their
position, and constantly threatened the enemy's communications.

OPERATIONS IN THE SEA OF AZOFF.

During the autumn and winter the allies conducted extensive and
effective operations in the Sea of Azoff. All around its coasts strong
places were bombarded and stormed. The granaries from which the Russian
armies were fed were consumed. The fishing establishments which were on
a great scale, and by which also the Russian armies received support,
were wasted; and the craft which traversed that sea, as well as the
armed vessels by which they had been protected, were all captured or
swept away.

OPERATIONS IN ASIA MINOR.

On a previous page the arrival of Colonel Williams as her majesty's
commissioner, and his efforts to restore order in the Turkish armies,
and to correct the rapacity and disorder of its chiefs, were noticed.
That skilful and gallant officer, now so well known as Major-general Sir
Fenwick Williams, Bart, of Kars, late M.P. for Calne, and Governor of
Woolwich, and while these pages are going to press, commander-in-chief
of the forces in Canada, put forth almost superhuman efforts to save
Asia Minor from the Russians during the summer and autumn of 1855.
In consequence of the wretched conduct of the Turkish pashas, and the
quarrels of the European officers in the Turkish service, especially
the Poles, Germans, and Hungarians, Colonel, or as we sh