possession. A dense solid stratum of unreasoning
conservatism thus constitutes the whole basis of Russian society
backed by the most corrupt set of officials to be found in the
whole world. The middle and upper classes are often full of ardent
wishes for the advancement of society and projects for the reform
of the State. These are generally of the wildest and most terrible
description, but their objects are anything but unreasonable. They
desire to share in political power and the government of their
country, as is the privilege of every other nation in Europe, and
they hope to do something for the seething mass of ignorance and
misery around them. The Nihilists have an ideal at least of good,
and the open air of practical politics would probably get rid of
the unhealthy absurdities and wickedness of their creeds. But the
Russian peasant cares neither for liberty nor politics, neither
for education, nor cleanliness, nor civilization of any kind. His
only interest is to squeeze just enough out of his plot of ground
to live upon and get drunk as many days in the year as possible.[1]
With such a base to the pyramid as is constituted by the peasant
proprietors of Russia, aided by the enormous army, recruited almost
to any extent from among their ranks, whose chief religion is a
superstitious reverence for the "great father," the Tsar is safe
in refusing all concessions, all improvements; and the hopeless
nature of Russian reform hitherto, mainly hangs upon the conviction
of the Government that nothing external can possibly act upon this
inert mass. "Great is stupidity, and shall prevail." But surely
not forever!

[Footnote 1: "When God created the world He made different nations
and gave them all sorts of good things--land, corn and fruit. Then
He asked them if they were satisfied, and they all said 'Yes' except
the Russian, who had got as much as the rest, but simpered 'Please
Lord, some _vodki_.'"--_Russian Popular Tale_.]

_FOOD AND DRINK_

_H. SUTHERLAND EDWARDS_

The essential point in the service of the Russian dinner is--as
is now generally known throughout Europe--that the dishes should
be handed round instead of being placed on the table, which is
covered throughout the meal with flowers, fruit, and the whole
of the dessert. One advantage of this plan is, that it makes the
dinner-table look well; another, that it renders the service more
rapid, and saves much trouble to the host. The dishes are brough