CHAPTER XXVII.

The Monastery of Russico--Its Courteous Abbot--The Monastery of Xeropotamo--Its History--High Character of its Abbot--Excursion to the Monasteries of St. Nicholas and St. Dionisius--Interesting Relics--Magnificent Shrine--The Library--The Monastery of St. Paul--Respect shown by the Monks--Beautiful MS.--Extraordinary Liberality and Kindness of the Abbot and Monks--A valuable Acquisition at little Cost--The Monastery of Simopetra--Purchase of MS.--The Monk of Xeropotamo--His Ideas about Women--Excursion to Cariez--The Monastery of Coutloumoussi--The Russian Book-Stealer--History of the Monastery--Its reputed Destruction by the Pope of Rome--The Aga of Cariez--Interview in a Kiosk--The She Cat of Mount Athos 413