t work, but with only one horse to each. We continue to pass
through large forests of firs, birch, &c.; the ground being very sandy
and marshy, very poor for cultivation."

The Sabbath enabled us to enjoy the repose we so much required.

_Sunday, April 26th._--We proceeded to Dueneberg, thence to Wilcomir,
where, on our arrival, a deputation from Wilna came to bid us welcome.

_April 29th._--We continued our journey to Wilna. This town may be
described as the most important centre of Hebrew literature in
Russia, and numbers among its inhabitants very many distinguished
Hebrew authors and poets. The works written by them on all subjects
connected with the elucidation of the Sacred Scriptures may be counted
by hundreds. They also excel in works of industry of every
description, and are the principal artisans in the place. In their
commercial transactions they show great ability, and are often, for
their sound judgment, consulted by their non-Israelite neighbours on
subjects which require special consideration.

The Jewish settlement in Wilna dates from long before 1326. According
to a statement given in the _Otsherki Wilenskoi Gubernii_ (Wilna,
1852), they had at that time (in the year 1326) already in their
community a special Chamber of Commerce, which they could only have
established there after a long residence in the country.

Cardinal Commendoni, the Nuncio of the Pope at the Court of King
Sigismund-Auguste in the year 1561, though he reproached the Poles for
having granted too many privileges to the infidels, nevertheless
expressed himself favourably when speaking of the Jews in Lithuania,
of which Wilna is the capital.

The following is the substance of his remarks on the subject, as given
in the book entitled "Rosprawa O Zydach, Czackiego," p. 93:--There are
still a great many Jews in these provinces, including Lithuania, who
are not, as in many other places, regarded with disrespect; they do
not maintain themselves miserably by base profits; they are landed
proprietors, are engaged in commerce, and even devote themselves to
the study of literature, and more especially to medicine and
astrology. They hold almost everywhere the commission of levying the
customs duties; they are classed among the most honest people; they
wear no outward mark to distinguish them from Christians, and are
permitted to carry a sword and walk about with their arms; in a word,
they enjoy the same privileges as other citizens.

Th