CHAPTER XIII.

The Winter Palace. -- The Hermitage and its Riches. -- An Empress and her Fancies. -- A Royal Retreat. -- Russian Culture. -- Public Library. -- The Summer Garden. -- Temperature of the City. -- Choosing of the Brides. -- Peter's Cottage. -- Champ de Mars. -- Academy of Fine Arts. -- School of Mines. -- Precious Stones. -- The Imperial Home at Peterhoff. -- Curious and Interesting Buildings. -- Catherine's Oak. -- Alexander III. at Parade. -- Description of the Royal Family. -- Horse-Racing. -- The Empress's Companions 241-264