little spirit. All these summer-drinks are bottled and kept in the ice-house. _CARNIVAL-TIME AND EASTER_ _A. NICOL SIMPSON_ Lent is heralded by carnival, called by Russians "Maslanitza"--the "_Butter Wochen_" of the Germans. _Maslanitza_ is held during the eighth week preceding Easter, the fast proper is observed during the intervening seven weeks. During Maslanitza every article of diet, flesh excepted, is allowed to be partaken of, but over-indulgence in other articles, including drinks, is not forbidden. Carnival commences on Sunday at noon and continues till the close of the succeeding Sunday. The salutation during the week is "_Maslanitza_," or "_Sherokie Maslanitza_," "_Sherokie_" meaning, literally "broad," indicating a full amount of pleasure, and the facial expression accompanying this salutation shows plainly that unrestrained enjoyment is the aim and object for the week. Upon the discharge of the time gun at noon, there emerge from all parts of the city tiny sleighs driven by peasants, chiefly Finns, who for the time are allowed to ply for hire by the payment of a nominal tax imposed by the police or city corporation. Most of these Finns are unable to speak Russian intelligibly, although living at no great distance from the capital. It is said that from 5,000 to 10,000 of these jehus come annually to St. Petersburg for _Maslanitza_, and they add materially to the gaiety of the city as they drive along the streets. These Finns are mostly patronized by the working-classes, for the simple reason that their charges are lower than the ordinary _isvozchick_, or cabby. During the festivities the great centre of attraction for the working population is the "Marco Polo," or "Champ de Mars," an immense plain on the banks of the Neva. Here a huge fair is held, with the usual assortment of stalls, loaded with sweetmeats and similar dainties. Actors from the city theatres are upon the ground, with smaller booths where the stage-struck hero acts the leading part. There are dwarfs, fat women, giants, and the renowned ubiquitous Punch and Judy, merry-go-rounds, card-sharpers, cheap-jacks, and a medley crowd of men and women all catering for the roubles of the crowd. What are termed the "ice-hills" are perhaps the most attractive feature of the gathering. In the city feasting and visiting are the order of the day. There is no limit to the consumption of "_bleenies_," a kind of pancake made of buckwheat flour, and eaten with butter sauce or fresh caviare, according to the circumstances of the families. Morn, noon, and night _bleenies_ are cooked and eaten by the dozen, moistened, of course, with the indispensable _vodka_ or native gin, which is distilled from rye.