rd or not.

Odessa, the chief town of the government of Cherson, is, from its
situation on the Black Sea, and at the mouth of the Dniester and
Dnieper, one of the most important places of commerce in South
Russia. It contains 50,000 inhabitants, was founded in 1794, and
declared a free port in 1817. A fine citadel entirely commands the
harbour.

The Duke of Richelieu contributed most to the advancement of Odessa;
for after having made several campaigns against his native country
(France) in an emigrant corps, he went to Russia; and in 1803 was
made governor-general of Cherson. He filled this post until 1814,
during which time he brought the town to its present position. When
he was appointed it contained scarcely 5,000 inhabitants. One of
the finest streets bears the name of the duke, and several squares
are also named in honour of him.

I remained only two days in Odessa. On the third I started by the
steamer for Constantinople. I went through the town and suburbs in
every direction. The finest part lies towards the sea, especially
the boulevard, which is furnished with fine avenues of trees, and
offers a delightful promenade; a life-size statue of the Duke
Richelieu forms a fine ornament to it. Broad flights of stone steps
lead from here down to the sea-shore; and in the background are rows
of handsome palaces and houses. The most remarkable among them are
the Government House, the Hotel St. Petersburgh, and the Palace of
Prince Woronzoff, built in the Italian style, with a tasteful garden
adjoining. At the opposite end of the boulevard is the Exchange,
also built in the Italian style, and surrounded by a garden. Not
far from this is the Academy of Arts, a rather mediocre one-story
building. The Theatre, with a fine portico, promises much outside,
but is nothing great within. Next to the theatre is the Palais
Royal, which consists of a pretty garden, round which are ranged
large handsome shops, filled with costly goods. Many articles are
also hung out, but the arrangement is not near so tasteful as is the
case in Vienna or Hamburgh.

Among the churches the Russian cathedral is the most striking. It
has a lofty arched nave and a fine dome. The nave rests upon strong
columns covered with brilliant white plaster, which looks like
marble. The decorations of the churches with pictures, lamps, and
lustres, etc., is rich but not artistic. This was the first church
in which I found stoves, and really