I shall next notice the mode in which Russu — then little advanced beyond a state of semi-barbarism obtained a footing in this land, and the steps taken by that power to secure her new dominion, and consolidate her power therein 3 a page of history that in romantic interest may vie with the exploits of Cortes in Mexico, or of Pizarro in Peru, although happily unstained by the cruelties that sullied the achievements of the (071 gzzesfaa'orw. Blood was shed freely by the Muscovites few territorial acquisitions are made without doing so but I find no record of unnecessary severity practised on the natives, or of any attempt to coerce them by per secution, or other harsh measures, to adopt the religion of their conquerors. The subject tribes were reduced to a state of servitude, but the yoke of their new masters was comparatively an easy burden, and beyond maintaining order and exacting a heavy tribute, the dominant race interfered little with the people they dispossessed.