Page:Notes upon Russia (volume 2, 1851).djvu/72

The principality of Susdal, with the fortress and city of the same name, which is an episcopal see, is situated between Rostov' and Vladimir. At the time that the imperial court was held at Vladimir, this was considered one of the chief principalities, and formed the metropolis of the neighbouring cities. At a later period, when the grand-duke's dominions had increased, and the seat of the court was removed to Moscow, the principality of Susdal became the apanage of the second sons of the princes; but their descendants were at length driven therefrom by Ivan Vasileivich. Two of these, namely, Vasiley Schinski and his brother's son, were still alive at the time I was at Moscow. In the city of Susdal is a famous convent of nuns, in which Solomea was shut up after her repudiation by Vasiley.

Amongst all the principalities and provinces of the Prince of Muscovy, Rezan claims the first place for richness of soil, and abundance of all kinds; next to it in fertility come Jaroslav, Rostov, Pereaslav, Susdal, and Vladimir.

Castromovgorod, which is a city with a fortress, is situated on the banks of the Volga, nearly twenty miles south-east of Jaroslav, and about forty from Lower Novogorod; the river from which the city takes its name, flows into the Volga at that point.

Galitz, another principality with a city and fortress, lies on the road from Moscow eastward in journeying by Castromovgorod.

The province of Viatka lies beyond the river Kama, at a distance of nearly a hundred and fifty miles south-east of Moscow; the shortest road to which is by Castromovgorod and Galitz; but this road is the most difficult, not only on account of the marshes and forests which lie between Galitz