itl y i} 2 Le 7 i Dix A y ) y an Lg] ad Bl A i \ st ENN Ah MON SS Zs | l vi De SDD wy hike cipation of the serfs was the first decree of his reign: a happy thought, but one which it will take years of patient effort to follow up, the poor Russians holding still the position of slaves, though they are legally free men. After some years of peace, Russia has now entered on a new war with the Turks, which will make the reign of Alexander II. a memorable one in the Russian annals. H. A. F. PODOIO Sr ROUND THE ISLE OF WIGHT. HE Isle of Wight is rightly called the ‘Garden of England.’ And a short trip round the island enables the seeker of nature’s beauty to see it with- out trouble and in its best form. We started one beautiful forenoon from Ryde, on board a splendid steamer called the Heather- dell, We then sailed westwards, and passed the Queen’s marine residence at Osborne. ‘Then we went on and saw Cowes on our left. Afterwards came Yarmouth, and then a continuation of cliffs covered i KS 5 SA ee. a [iG 0 &