It has often been
said that the Russians drink champagne merely because it is dear.
But the fact is, they have a liking for all effervescing drinks,
and naturally, therefore, for champagne, the best of all. Among
the effervescing drinks peculiar to Russia, we may mention apple
_kvass, kislya shchee_, and _voditsa. Kislya shchee_ is made out of
two sorts of malt, three sorts of flour, and dried apples; in apple
_kvass_ there are more apples and less malt and flour. _Voditsa_
(a diminutive of _voda_, water), is made of syrup, water, and a
little spirit. All these summer-drinks are bottled and kept in
the ice-house.
_CARNIVAL-TIME AND EASTER_
_A. NICOL SIMPSON_
Lent is heralded by carnival, called by Russians "Maslanitza"--the
"_Butter Wochen_" of the Germans. _Maslanitza_ is held during the
eighth week preceding Easter, the fast proper is observed during the
intervening seven weeks. During Maslanitza every article of diet,
flesh excepted, is allowed to be partaken of, but over-indulgence
in other articles, including drinks, is not forbidden.
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