he works are partly situated at the entrance
of the harbour, and partly in the harbour itself; they are executed
in massive stone, and possess a number of towers and outworks which
defend the entrance to the harbour. The harbour itself is almost
entirely surrounded by hills, and is one of the safest and most
excellent in the world. It can hold the largest fleets, and is so
deep that the most gigantic men-of-war can lie at anchor close to
the quays. Sluices, docks and quays have been constructed in
unlimited splendour and magnificence. The whole of the works were
not quite finished, and there was an unparalleled activity apparent.
Thousands of men were busy on all sides. Among the workmen I was
shown many of the captured Polish nobles who had been sent here as a
punishment for their attempt, in 1831, to shake of the Russian yoke.

The works of the fortress and the barracks are so large that they
will hold about 30,000 men.

The town itself is modern, and stands upon a range of barren hills.
The most attractive among the buildings is the Greek church, as it
stands quite alone on a hill, and is built in the style of a Grecian
temple. The library is situated on the highest ground. There is
also an open-columned hall near the club, with stone steps leading
to the sea-shore, which serves as the most convenient passage to the
town for those who land here. A Gothic monument to the memory of
Captain Cozar, who distinguished himself greatly at the battle of
Navarino, and was killed there, does not less excite the curiosity
of the traveller. Like the church, it stands alone upon a hill.

The streets here, as in all the new Russian towns, are broad and
clean.

30th September. Early in the morning we reached Odessa. The town
looks very well from the sea. It stands high; and consequently many
of the large and truly fine buildings can be seen at one glance.
Among these are the Palace of Prince Woronzoff, the Exchange, the
government offices, several large barracks, the quarantine
buildings, and many fine private houses. Although the surrounding
country is flat and barren, the number of gardens and avenues in the
town give it a pleasant appearance. In the harbour was a perfect
forest of masts. By far the greater number of ships do not lie
here, but in the quarantine harbour. Most of the ships come from
the Turkish shore, and are obliged to pass through a quarantine of
fourteen days, whether they have illness on boa