had destined as the place of her future retreat. Catherine the Second left the nunnery untouched, but added new buildings, and gave it a more practical and benevolent direction, devoting it to the education of girls, both gentle and simple. This institution has been considerably extended by the munificent patronage of Maria Feodorowna. The stately churches were built by Count Rastrelli and Guarenghi. The great church was erected by the former, and in its external architecture, its domes, towers, &c. bears the impressive character of the Asiatic, oriental ecclesiastical edifices; but the interior remains unfinished, or rather in its primitive state, with bare walls: divine service is performed in two other smaller churches. The dwelling-houses of the scholars are built in a very wholesome situation, and the numerous saloons, which serve as hospital, dining and class rooms, are lofty, and decorated in a very pleasing manner. The number of pupils is about eight hundred, of whom two hundred neceive gratuitous instruction and board; the rest pay six hundred roubles, and notwithstanding this high price, the applicants are constantly increasing. The girls receive suitable instruction in all departments of knowledge, and in those accomplishments that are requisite for the daughters of families of the better classes; and care is likewise taken that the daughters of poorer parents shall be instructed in some branch which shall enable them, in case of need, to procure an independent existence. When we consider the low state of mental cultivation that (notwithstanding the comparatively rapid advance perceptible in some parts of the empire) still prevails in Russia, we cannot appreciate too highly the benefits diffused by the education received at Smolnoi; and persons who have been present at the examination of the pupils speak very highly of the results attained by the system of instruction pursued there. This institution enjoys the especial patronage of the Empress, and of the Grand Duchess Helena Paulowna, who watch over its interests with a solicitude truly maternal, and who spare no expense to maintain and extend it.

SCHLOSS BRONNEN.
LOS

THE Swabians have been chosen by their brethren of North Germany as the especial butt of their stereotype jokes, which may rank in value and originality with the productions ascribed to that facetious personage of never-dying fame ycleped Joe Miller. Whether these latter possess in reality the advantages which they arrogate to themselves over their southern brethren, may, perhaps, be doubted; at least

the observant traveller will easily discover a true-hearted simplicity and kindness, which goes far to outweigh the self-satisfied conceit of the puffed-up inhabitant of the Prussian capital. Moreover the poetical element prevails in the south, nurtured, doubtless, by the romantic beauties of this more favoured land; and truly it would be somewhat difficult to quaff poesy from the adjuncts of the flat and sandy Spree.

As the traveller winds his way through the obsolete circle of Swabia, he beholds with pleasure the mountains rich in fruits and vines; a simple yet cheerful people dwell in its villages, and between magnificent beech-forests rises the old tower with its glittering windows. Among its many scenes of natural beauty, less prized because less known, belongs the hunting-castle of Bronnen, whose romantic situation charms the eye as you wander from Tuttlingen along the Danube. Below lies the castle-farm, and, perched high above it on the summit of the rocks, commanding a most delightful prospect, the hunting-castle. It formerly belonged to the Counts of Muehlheim: at present it is the property of the Barons of Enzberg. It stands a proud monument of feudal times, almost immediately above the Danube, and is only connected with the mainland by a drawbridge. The old fortifications, however are now converted into blooming gardens and pleasant walks,

STEPHEN, ARCHDUKE OF AUSTRIA AND
GOVERNOR OF BOHEMIA.

AMONG the numerous progeny of the Emperor Leopold II. the highest place, next to the celebrated commander, must be assigned to the Archduke Joseph, Palatine of Hungary. Appointed to rule over a nation proverbially jealous of its rights, and suspicious of the slightest interference on the part of the house of Austria, he has secured universal esteem, by a just union of mildness with firmness, of unvaried integrity with a dignified humanity. No greater proof of his popularity could be given, than the recent vote of the Magyars, who, highly indignant at the royal decree that militated against their enthusiastic love of their native language, whilst they defended the exclusive use of the Magyaric tongue at the Diet with their usual vehemence, sent a solemn deputation to the Archduke Palatine, (who speaks their language, but with a foreign accent,) informing him that they would make an exception in his favour. Their enthusiasm may be easily conceived, when the Palatine, after thank. ing them for this proof of their favour, declared that he would never make use of the permission allowed him.