RUSSIAN  CONTRADICTIONS.  l03

They  are  naturally  sober  and  self-denying ;  can  live
long  without  indulging  in  excess ;  are  most  industrious
when  it  is  in  their  power  to  gain  a  little,  and  anxious  to
store  up  something  against  the  evil  day.  Yet,  put  liquor
in  their  way — let  temptation  come  across  their  path — and
that  instant,  farewell  sobriety,  industry,  saving  habits  !
all  are  forgotten,  as  much  as  if  they  had  never  been
known.  They  are  consistent  in  nothing  but  their  con-
tradictions.
The  propensity  last  mentioned  is  the  worst  part  of  the
Russian  character.  Nothing  is  more  common  in  the
quiet  streets  (for  the  sight  is  seldom  witnessed  in  the
more  crowded  parts)  than  to  meet  a  pair  of  blue-coated
gentlemen,  reeling  home  in  most  helpless  intoxication.
