_boorlaks_, were towing
against the sluggish stream vast barges deeply laden with corn; the
voices of the men, modulated by distance, rising in a pleasing chorus.
Others, again, were dragging along immense rafts of timber, cut from far
distant forests, destined to construct navies in widely scattered lands;
while craft of all sorts were steering their course up the stream, laden
with produce for the extensive market then taking place. No sooner had
the carriages stopped than a troop of villagers were seen approaching
along the street, some with garlands, others with banners, those leading
bearing in their hands large dishes. In one dish was a large black
loaf, in another a pile of salt, on a third a jug of water. The men had
flowing beards of patriarchal length and thickness, and were habited in
long sheepskin garments, which gave them a comfortable, substantial
look. They all bowed low as they approached the Count, but he entreated
them in a kind voice to rise and stand upright before him.

"We come, most noble _Goshod_, to offer you the congratulations of our
village on your coming among us for the first time, and we beg to
present you such poor food as we can supply, according to the ancient
custom of our country," said the chief man of the party.

The Count having thanked them in a few kind words, cut some of the brown
bread, which he dipped in the salt, and then drank a draught of the
water, which was of delicious coolness. It was drawn, they told him,
from a well celebrated for its purity, and which, even in the height of
summer, had always ice on the shaft. This ceremony over, the Count and
his friends drove on to his mansion, about a verst farther within the
estate. A long avenue of lime-trees conducted them up to the house,
which was of considerable size, and surrounded by all descriptions of
out-houses, in anything but a flourishing condition. The mansion was
built partly of brick and partly of wood, with verandahs and galleries,
and steps running round outside it, and odd little projections, and bits
of roofs apparently covering nothing, and for no other object than to
serve as ornaments. The land-steward came down the steps, making many
low bows, and followed by a troop of servants in faded blue liveries,
all of them endeavouring to imitate his movements with very ridiculous
ill success. The Count could scarcely restrain his laughter.

"I shall have plenty of work here to get things shipshape," s