-tree; and as they don't weigh over
half a ton each, they are sometimes braced in the middle to keep them
from breaking. Upon the top of this is a big basket, about the shape
of a bath-tub, in which the load is carried. Sometimes the body is
made of planks tied together with bullock's hide, or no body at all
is used, as convenience may require. The wagon being thus completed,
braced and thorough-braced with old ropes, iron bands, and leather
straps, we come to the horses, which stand generally in front. The
middle horse is favored with a pair of shafts of enormous durability
and strength. He stands between these shafts, and is fastened in them
by means of ropes; but, to prevent him from jumping out overhead, a
wooden arch is out over him, which is the _chef-d'oeuvre_ of
ornamentation. This is called the _duga_, and is the most prominent
object to be seen about every wagon, drosky, and kibitka in Russia. I
am not sure but a species of veneration is attached to it. Often it is
highly decorated with gilding, painted figures, and every vagary of
artistic genius, and must cost nearly as much as the entire wagon.
Some of the _dugas_ even carry saintly images upon them, so that the
devout driver may perform his devotions as he drives through life. To
suppose that a horse could pull a wagon in Russia without this wooden
arch, the utility of which no human eye but that of a Russian can see,
is to suppose an impossibility. Now, the shafts being spread out so as
to give the horse plenty of room at each side, it becomes necessary,
since they are rather loosely hung on at the but-ends, to keep them
from swaying. How do you think this is done? Nothing easier. By
running a rope from the end of each shaft to the projecting end of the
fore axle, outside of the wheels. For this purpose the axle is made to
project a foot beyond the wheels, and the only trouble about it is
that two wagons on a narrow road often find it difficult to pass. It
is very curious to see these primitive-looking objects lumbering about
through the streets of Moscow and St. Petersburg. The horses are most
commonly placed three abreast. In the ordinary kibitka or traveling
wagon the outside horses are merely fastened by ropes, and strike out
in any direction they please, the whip and a small rein serving to
keep them within bounds. It is perfectly astonishing with what
reckless and headlong speed these animals dash over the rough
pavements. Just imagine the luxury of