Cattle are plentiful; the oxen have humps, and immense horns. Yesterday a scene occurred with the oxen! When the funeral procession came up to the cart, to which oxen were harnessed, the band was playing. The oxen were frightened and ran wild. One tore himself away from the yoke and charged the firing-party following the coffin, with lowered horns. A catastrophe was narrowly averted. They soon succeeded in driving him away. The other struggled for a long while in the yoke, and at last got free. Chosen officers are going from each ship to all the others with congratulations. It is evident that they will return to their ships late, and not quite themselves. They are treated generously, and offence is taken if they drink too little. A torpedo-boat has arrived from Mojanga with telegrams; some are cipher telegrams from Petersburg--they have not yet read them. There is news that the _Oleg_ passed through the Suez Canal on the 31st. If that is so, she may arrive here on the 22nd inst. Am just going round the ships. _January 2nd._--The _Kuban_ has arrived. To-morrow I may go on board her. I have journeyed somewhat to-day. After lunch I went to the _Aurora_, _Nachimoff_, _Jemchug_, _Sissoi_, and _Voronej_. The latter belongs to the volunteer fleet. On board her I procured a thousand cigarettes for ten roubles. I was much pleased with this. In going on board the _Aurora_ I lost the top of my helmet. It acted as a ventilator, and cannot be replaced. I must go about without it. Several of us, I among the number, have prickly heat. It is not very disquieting, but at the same time does not afford any pleasure. In the _Jemchug_, where I have not been since Libau, they did not recognise me. I am so changed in face, owing to my beard. We remain here, and know nothing of when and where we are going. Probably we shall wait for the _Oleg_, _Isumrud_, and torpedo-boats. Persistent rumours are floating about that the fleet will return. Letters have been received from Sevastopol with very bad news. It is said that the sailors there have mutinied and created much trouble. They say there are serious disorders in Petersburg. To-day I should have gone to some ships, but could not, as all the boats were away for the exercise of landing parties. Finished my work, "Notes on Ships of the _Borodino_ Type." Handed them into the office to be typewritten. If it is true that we leave on the 6th or 7th, I shall hardly be able to send them to Petersburg. Can it be that we shall not wait for the _Oleg_ and other ships coming with her? That would be idiotic! To stay quietly and strengthen the fleet does not interfere with the cruisers and torpedo-boats.